Tanachote wrote:
Dear admission consultants
I need objective feedbacks about my profile. My aim is to enter a school such as Chicago Booth. I like Chicago Booth because it is a finance school with a great culture. Also, the intellectual aspect of school seems fit most to my present self.
My main weakness is 2.8 GPA.
I am a native Thai guy (No LGBT) who relied on Thai education system. I entered international program at Chulalongkorn University, one of the top business schools in Thailand. In the first year, I devoted all my time to practice music to join national big band, so I got 2.2 because of extracurricular activities and language barrier. I committed more than 30 hours per week to secure the guitarist position of this band. I got D in statistic and English writing classes because I focused on musical activities. I improved my GPA from 2.2 to 3.3 in the fourth year, in which I studied the most advance class. I got top score in some classes such as marketing and business strategy. Throughout second to fourth year, I committed about 20 hours per week to practice music with my band. My band played in national televised concerts and several concerts in Thai Red Cross events. I led my band to complete my music album. People I encountered (Professional musicians with awards in Thailand) love my songs and encourage me to become a pop singer. My goal is to develop business knowledge, so I don't become a full time musician. I wrote musical theme essay in this year, but failed to convince admission committees.
My GMAT 750 (q50, v41, ir6, away 4.5)
Because of my upward academic performance, I am motivated to get above 700 GMAT. With the right preparation, I scored 750 last year. However, I applied to Kellogg this year and get a ding.(2.5 years work experience at Big 4 accounting firm in my country, with senior associate auditor job title)
My work experience
After the rejection, I plan to work in my firm for another 2 years and get a CPA. I will take a secondment (Audit) in HK or SG office to develop international experience. If it is necessary to improve my profile, I will transfer to TS department.
GOAL
After the MBA program, I want to work for top investment banking in US, Hong Kong or Singapore to develop expertise in finance. Then, I want to transfer back to my firm in deals department to get a fast promotion. (Not many opportunities in investment banking is available in my country though) Then, I plan to establish an investment banking and advisory shop in my country, with the goal to transform the platform with new innovation and expand offices to other Asia Pacific countries.
I want to ask whether I need to develop alternative transcript. Would UCLA extension or HBX core be a better idea than taking MS finance in my country? What is the most effective way to deal with my weakness.
Sorry for some typos.
I want to know how to address all my weaknesses. All suggestions are welcome.
Posted from my mobile device
Hey dude, you have an awesome GMAT there, but M7 schools will be tough always with your profile - A very low GPA (3.6 is the average, and anything below 3.3 is trouble) and your work experience is good but not necessarily top-notch.
An "alternative transcript" is at best a minor help. Actually you have already done the best thing you can - get an a amazingly high GMAT. At this point I would just suggest opening up your school list to Top 20 and writing amazing applications, and I'm sure you will get some results!
Best,