Hi Eren,
Definitely plan to write an optional essay about your GPA - that's great there's an upward trend but it will still be a concern. A high GMAT will help but you could also take some supplmental coursework (online or local college) to demonstrate you can handle the difficult (especially quantitative) coursework. Your work experience sounds really strong and interesting - I love the startup experience and the international exposure in your current role. Since you're on the less experienced side, make sure you have good leadership examples you can highlight in your application. Also what are your post-MBA goals? Make sure you have a strong story that connects what you've done in the past to what you want to do in the future.
As for schools - top 10 will be tough with your GPA, especially the very top schools (H/S/W). Stern and Tuck are definitely more reasonable, though still quite competitive so depends on all the other elements of your application. The schools you mention in Asia seem reasonable. Do some research on post-MBA career options because I think that should be a big driver in whether you opt for a program in the US or Asia.
If you'd like to chat more about your strategy, feel free to sign up for a free phone consultation with us at the link below. Good luck!
Kate
erenatay wrote:
Hello!
I am Eren. I am 25, from Istanbul/Turkey, white, Muslim male.
I graduated from University of Toronto - Economics-HR/IR in 2013 with a 2.75 GPA. My senior year GPA was 3.76 and my major GPA is 3.45. My GPA had risen each term, starting from low 2.1s, ending with 3.7s. The bad elective choices has decreased my GPA while my major courses were mostly As and Bs.
After graduating, I started my own social media network, specifically for joining Turkish university students in one platform. I successfully established the platform, did various marketing activities and attracted thousands of students from all 172 universities in Turkey. Than I sold the codes of the site at the time I decided to start my professional career and closed the site. At the same time, I started working at the leader cosmetics producer and retailer in Turkey as an International Trade Marketing Specialist. I have been working here for about 1.5 years and now I am responsible in all marketing related activities in 40 countries, including CIS countries, Middle East and East Europe. These countries add up to around 50% of companies total revenue.
My GMAT is 710 (50Q 34V) (planning to retake)
I am also a licensed Muay Thai fighter.
I was wondering if I could have any chances in top 10 MBA programs with my low GPA (maybe by increasing my GMAT)
My goals are Stern and Tuck, are those feasible?
I am also interested in schools in Asia - CEIBS, HKUST or similar. Are those more feasible for me?
Thank you so much for your help
Eren