Profile Eval- 4.5 yrs work, 3.2 gpa, caucasian m, 700 gmat,

Question

Hi all,

I'm applying to elite NYC schools (Columbia + NYU) that may be a stretch for my quantitative/educational background and being a caucasian male in his late 20's. However, I also think that I have a very unique story to tell based on my work and extracurricular experiences.

Stats:
3.2 UnderGraduate GPA, Major in Policy, International Relations and Economics
700 GMAT, high verbal (99th) lowish quant (60th)
Not a lot of quant/business course background but I have completed a summer class in Finance Mathematics
4.5+ years of experience in technology, energy and NGOs. Have led business development roles, exceeded sales targets, launched initiatives, managed projects around the world, led cutting edge renewable energy projects in multiple countries. Currently hold multiple jobs (+ full-time role in internet tech) and extracurricular work with accelerator/incubator programs.

My grades aren't great. I think my GMAT quant should be higher but I'm not sure if I can improve my score past 700. I haven't worked for Fortune 500 or big banks.

What do you think? I know its ambitious to shoot for NY's top schools, but I know I have a great story to tell. I also have clear goals for post graduation and have already established myself as a great networker.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there,
Well my big question is: what do you actually DO?

Your GMAT is very good. Your grades are not stellar, but not awful either. But your profile has a lot of potential to be different. The only thing is, I don't really know what you did, who you worked for, etc etc. So honestly, it's a bit hard to evaluate. Although in a best-case scenario by your application both NYU and Columbia should be possible if your work experience is strong.

Maybe you can fill in the missing info?

Best,
Jon

helpmeobiwan · Answer

Jon,
Thanks so much for the reply. 
For the last few years, I've worked in startup business development (sales and client facing roles) for several software and energy companies. I've also worked at some well-known NGO's and led sustainability projects abroad. My sales track record is very good any I've managed 'cutting-edge' renewable energy projects, but I worry that my grades and low quant GMAT score may hold me back. I have just completed a summer finance math course through NYU.

What do you think?

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there,
Does that mean you have been freelancing as an independent? Or have you been moving from job to job? And what achievements? What initiatives? What leadership? Now it's clear to me what you did, but not yet how WELL you have done. And this is gonna be a MAJOR thing when you apply. The schools have a good nose for who is doing great and who is doing less, although a lot of course depends on how you present your narrative in the essays. I think that at least for NYU both your grades and GMAT are fine (for Columbia you are a bit of a long shot), and I think you have reasonable chances there. Although I have to say that applying to two schools only with a GMAT a bit under the average, is a bit of a risky business. So you might want to think about your alternatives (is it NYC or bust? Is it only these two schools? Are there other options? etc.)

Hope this helps,
JF

politricks · Answer

You're in the 700 club, which gets you in the running, but I think you are well below the means for each school. In addition, your GMAT is skewed away from quant. However, your performance in the summer class coupled with your business experience (business development, energy, management, etc.) might help you out. GPA and ethnicity make you a "dime a dozen" candidate. I think your narrative would truly have to be exceptional for either of these schools to consider you especially because the schools have a reputation for leaning on the quant side. Would definitely recommend you consider other schools as well. Duke might be a better fit. Don't be discouraged though; if you feel like you have an awesome background, go for it. Just don't put all your eggs in one basket and not prepare for any other options.

Profile Eval- 4.5 yrs work, 3.2 gpa, caucasian m, 700 gmat,

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