Profile evaluation

Question

Demographics: 
27, American white male

Education: 
BS in Economics from Central Michigan University
GPA: 3.00

I transferred between two schools, but finished my last four semester with a gpa in the ballpark of 3.5.

Experience 
My experience is quite different than many mba applicants. I began working for a quick service restaurant franchise immediately out of college with the intention of learning if I truly liked the concept. I worked my way to district manager and then left the organization to become a franchisee myself less than 2 years later. I took over a failing franchise and have a decent turn-around story to tell. The business is now quite profitable and nearly self-sustaining. 

I do not have any great extracurricular experience to speak of.
GMAT: 
700 48q 38v 6 awa

Target Schools: 
Cornell, Michigan, and Virginia have caught my attention but I am still researching schools.

Goals: 
I have an interest in Healthcare administration, but it has been a while since I have sat down to evaluate my career. I am not sure that I would like to step into the traditional career ladder-climbing business world. This will obviously be my final step to deciding on whether to pursue an mba. 

I have just begun to consider an MBA as an option. I am still contemplating whether it will make sense for me. Much of my interest in an MBA comes from simply looking to enhance my abilities and knowledge. The other interest would be to open doors into new possibilities in areas of business that I do not currently have access.

I am more curious as to whether you think that my ‘untraditional’ background would be more of an asset or hindrance.

scottshrum · Answer

Don't be too paranoid about your non-traditional background. If you've run a business (and have done it successfully), then that's still a strong story. What intrigues me the most as I read your profile is: Why health care? My guess would have been that you'd like to get your MBA so that you can continue on the path of growing/starting small businesses. You may have a very real passion for health care, but the "why" wasn't obvious to me. 

Those are good fits for what you're looking to do. Also look at Kellogg, which has a strong healthcare program. And take a look at Fuqua (Duke).

Scott

dghazer · Answer

Scott

I appreciate the help. I am still in the begining stages of considering a MBA and healthcare was something that has always held my interest since a great undergrad course in econ. 

Perhaps, for the application sake, I should just stick to the story of increasing my current business and perhaps speak of my interest in management consulting? If healthcare is where I decide to go, those alterations could be made later on. What do you think?

I have also received mixed opinions as to what level of schools I am qualified for. Do you believe that those schools I am looking at as well as those you mentioned would be a stretch?

scottshrum · Answer

Yes, I do think those schools are stretches for you, especially given your lack of meaningful extracurricular experience. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply to them -- remember that those schools are a stretch for 90% of the applicant pool! -- but that you should also apply to some safer schools if you're certain you're ready to enter an MBA program.

Re: your career goals, above all else, you should be honest. If healthcare interests you, then say so, but be clear on why this is.

Scott

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