noble89 Lots of good advise from Susan.
There's a lot to like about your profile; it would make a good story so look for schools that have essays well-disposed to you telling it.
It’s not really possible to do a profile evaluation without a GMAT score but if that works out as you hope, I think you could pull this off if you also do the application well (feel free to write me on what that means.)
Keep in mind, though, when your UGPA dips below the 2.7 area, you should apply to as many schools as possible because it’s unpredictable how things will fall for you. (tip: good success record helping low GPA peeps get into Cornell; they are willing to sacrifice GPA for a good GMAT.)
Adcom will be attracted to the diversity you bring (in all forms) but must feel you will succeed, so for that, you must have a very strong quant case. This is your main focus on the GMAT. If it’s borderline, you can demonstrate this through a combination of the following:
• CFA designation
• HBX Core transcript
• MBA Math transcript
• Showing how the work you do requires quant skills
Here are some things that can offset a weak GPA – we already know you have a few of these, but do your best to capitalize on everything you can in the essays, recs, CV, application boxes.
• Work experience that brings diversity to the class
• A well-articulated record of leadership, teamwork and problem solving
• A strong history of contribution to organizations and causes outside of work
• A diverse ethnicity or background showing how you can make a unique contribution inside and outside the classroom
• Interesting hobbies, a general showing of being into different things, being well rounded and not a work robot.
Put this on the calendar even if you are not applying to MIT: 8/8/19 - 6:45PM - MIT Sloan Diversity Panel Livestream
https://applymitsloan.mit.edu/register/DiversityLiveAug2019noble89 wrote:
Hello,
I'm looking for insight on my profile and tips to help strengthen it. Disclaimer: Pardon any errors, submitting on my phone.
Personal: 32 Year old, African American male. First generation college/grad student
Field of Interest: General Management
GMAT: September 2019-Aiming for 720
Undergrad Specs: I did 2 years of community college where I got a 3.5GPA before transferring to an Ivy where I graduated with a 2.67, (3.09 cumulative if you consider both transcripts, but I am not sure how I'd report this). I transferred in as a Mathematics major but switched over to Finance/Accounting. I had a rough first year....made the mistake of taking several extremely difficult classes at once (coming from the CC I def wasn't prepared for the academic vigor), I also worked F/T to support myself and family back home. While in college I was a chess tutor and on the debate team. I also cofound a nonprofit, although we were only able to maintain it for a year.
Work Experience: I have 9 years of work experience....the first 3 were spent in Finance (2 years at a blue chip where I completed a finance rotation program). I then transitioned to Sales (tech) where I spent 2.5 years at another blue chip and completed a sales leadership rotation. I moved to a startup VAR where I was one of the first 5 employees, but left after 8 months due to instability. I spent a few months on my own as an independent consultant before moving to my current role. I've spent the last 3 years of my career at a Fortune 500 tech company where I am a top performer.
I also co-founded a construction company (albeit now defunct), where I managed Sales/Marketing. Despite inconsistent staffing, we still managed to generate about 275K in sales our first year. We decided to let the business go when my co-founder's wife got sick. It was too much to manage on my own with my current job.
Extracurricular: Served as officer/active member of a nationwide nonprofit, multiracial organization that focuses on the enhancement of economic/educational opportunities for African Americans. I've also spent the last 3 years coaching chess at local schools and community centers throughout my city.
Recommendation Letters: Current Manager, Former Business Partner, Former Mentee (Tutored individual throughout CC to help him get into Top 50 UG program), Former Mentor (Instrumental in helping me transition from CC to Ivy)
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01 Jul 2019, 04:32
