jhinx8 wrote:
Hi Jon. I would greatly appreciate if you look at my profile below.
Male. Asian. 27 years old. NYC.
Bachelors (finance): CUNY Baruch 3.2 GPA
Experience: 1 year Investment banking analyst at a small boutique m&a firm on wall street.
GMAT score: 660 (48Q, 33V, 8IR, 4AWA).
Probably one of the worst profile you can come across. I read through your other evaluations and your most recent post about how to explain (give excuse) for low GPA. I came to the realization that I have (almost?) no chance of getting into Columbia or NYU. My other target school (based on my score/grades/experience) are Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper), and CUNY Baruch(cheap/NYC).
I am currently looking for other jobs in the investment banking or finance field.
Should I work for a couple of years, retake GMAT, and then apply for a better school? Or should I apply to the 'other target school' and network to find a good job? Afterall my final goal is to get a good job. Let me know what you think.
Thank you.
Definitely one of the worst ever
I'm kidding dude. Don't get do down on yourself. A 3.2 aint snazzy, it's true. But I've seen 2.3s, so you're not in that bad shape.
Actually a 3.2 and a CUNY (even if it is Baruch) can make Columbia a challenge, but if you kick ass on the GMAT, you can be back in the game. It also depends on what happens at work in the next years - will you advance? will you make a strong impact? get good leadership?
So, don't despair dude, you're not out of the game yet. But yes, step 1 = study real hard and get 80 points more on the GMAT. In case you doubt your abilities, keep in mind that studies show that there is a direct correlation between time you take to study and test score. So you CAN do it.
Other than that, let me throw down a few further thoughts about stuff you can keep up on over the next years as you prepare yourself for an MBA:
- Definitely do at least one if not real real volunteer works while you are working. The BEST possible volunteer work is anything that has to do with leadership or fundraising, so if you see those opportunities, jump on them!
- Make sure you do the best possible at work, taking any opportunities to lead, to get involved in social events, to advance at work, and remain at the top.
- Likewise try and keep up your life! What I mean is that schools LOVE candidates who have a broad range of activities and interests. So sports, culture, whatever. As always, if it is leadership roles you are taking on they are better than non-leadership roles.
- If you have any interest in entrepreneurship as a side project, it can be good to have that in your profile.
- If you have any interest in politics as a side project, it can be good to have that in your profile.
There are probably more things that I am not yet thinking about, but this is a very good place to start!
While you are at it, I would also suggest trying to visit the target schools, to attend events, and to learn about them as much as possible. This long-term work will pay off greatly when it comes time for you to apply.
Best