Hi anon12312,
Thanks for reaching out. I see a lot of strengths in the profile info you shared. Your role is a bit more unique for MBA applicants, so that will help you stand out, especially if you can demonstrate the progression you've had in your responsibilities and impact too. Sounds like you've got a great track record of community involvement too. Agree about tightening the post MBA goal, would love to see a clearer connection between what you do now and what you want to do in the future. Needs to be a more natural build, rather than a complete change.
The low GPA will be a challenge, but hopefully not one that is too hard to overcome. Looks like you've picked a good range of schools where your GRE score will put you in a good position, and even slightly above average at some schools. The online extension courses will help here too, so be sure to mention those and provide supplemental transcripts if you have them. I agree with writing the optional essay about your GPA, but proceed with caution. You don' t need to disclose health issues, and sadly there are still stigmas around that, so just keep that in mind that you need to navigate that carefully. You do want to emphasize growth and maturity since that experience.
As I mentioned, you have a good range of schools. What about Duke too? I know they have a joint program.
Glad you are part of the Forte program!
Best of luck,
Kate
anon12312 wrote:
Background
-Work experience: 3 years in Digital Strategy/Corporate Communications at major International Development organization (think IMF/WB/UN/etc.), will be 4 at matriculation. Had one promotion, and a couple of raises. Will be able to talk about the multiple projects I have been able to take on with extra responsibility. Focused on creating metrics driven approach to social media strategy across all of our 100+ social media channels.
-Extra curriculars: In college, I was in a leadership position on a committee to facilitate workshops and events to promote mental/physical health for college students. I was selected through an undergrad fellowship to intern at a very competitive non-profit, and worked for 2 years during college part-time at various nonprofits (paid). After graduation, I was on the board of a young professional's committee for 2 years that promotes youth in international development, we regularly interfaced with top executives in our company and externally. I volunteered at a number of local non profits during college, mostly focused on women's issues. I currently conduct research for a local domestic abuse shelter.
-Undergrad school/major: B.S. Political Science from a ~100 ranked private University
-Other education/coursework: Took online extension courses in Stats, Econ, Business Math, Non-profit management with all A's.
-Race/nationality: Indian (American Born)
-Sex: F
Stats
-GRE Score: 330 GRE (167V / 163Q) --> Converts to ~720 GMAT
-Undergrad GPA: ~2.8 (Planning to write a short optional essay about this to mention anxiety/depression I battled during undergrad and how I've improved in these aspects).
Selected to participate in Forte Foundation MBA Launch Program
MBA Info
-Goal of MBA: Long term I'd love to be in impact investing or non-profit arm of a major tech company (Google Org/Salesforce Foundation, etc.). My essays will focus on the switch from "back-office" roles in ID to actual front-line impact roles- taking what I've learned doing impact evaluation for communications and applying that to an issue area I care about (tech for good, gender, etc).
-Target schools:[/b]
-Target: Ross MBA + Ford MPP, Georgetown MBA + MPP, UCLA MBA + MPP, Haas MBA, Stern MBA
-Reach: HKS MPP
Thanks in advance! Would love to know where I stand, especially given the low GPA problem I face. Still need to put some thought into tightening my post-MBA goal, especially at programs that don't offer the MBA/MPP, but any advice would be appreciated as well as other schools I should consider.
_________________
Kate Richardson
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
Chicago Booth Alum, over 80 5-star reviews on GMAT Club
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