anthonyleadbetter11 wrote:
Hello Paul,
Please give me some advice on my current profile and where I stand for admissions.
My undergraduate GPA was 3.1 but I had over 20 different leadership positions, most as an executive board member, that took more of my time which is why my GPA was not as high as it could have been. The leadership skills I attained helped get me my job today though.
I am currently 24 years old and will be 25 going into a Fall 2008 MBA program. I graduated from San Diego State University in May of 2006 and since then I have been working at Merrill Lynch Private Banking & Investment Group for a year and a half as a financial analyst. I am applying for MBA programs for the Fall of 2008. I have spoken with a few recruiters for the schools I am applying to and they like the sound of my profile and situation.
On my GMAT I scored a 610 (45Q, 30V) and am considering taking it again to shoot for another 40 or 50 points higher. These are some of the schools I am considering:
Pepperdine
USC
UCI
USD
SDSU
and some other less known MBAs in Southern California simply as backups.
I just received an email back from Pepperdine. I told them I wanted to make their early application deadline of mid-November but wanted to also get a higher GMAT but could unlikely do so in time. I told them my GPA, GMAT, and work experience at Merrill Lynch. They recommended I submit an application as they felt confident about sending it to the committee. They also mentioned if I take the GMAT again after I could apply for a scholarship.
Do you agree with their opinion? Also how does it look for the other schools?
I should give you a little more information before you answer those questions.
My reason for getting my MBA is because I have a future position lined up with a friend's company in Los Angeles. They are a micro-small cap company that requires a financial direction as they really don't have anyone with my knowledge or experience. The job itself will give me experience towards becoming the CFO in just a few years but I require the knowledge for financial operations of a company to do the job. The MBA is virtually a requirement for me. I think this gives me a great reason to get my MBA!
I'm only looking at Southern California schools so please mention all that apply. I'm only looking for Full Time MBA programs too.
Sorry if this went long but after having read previous posts it seemed the most detail would provide the best answer.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Thanks
Anthony
Anthony,
Sorry for the delayed response; the first-round deadlines tied me down. I think you have a solid to good chance at Pepperdine and SDSU. I'm afraid your GMAT may just be too low for UCI, UCSD, or USC to admit you, though it seems to be the only thing holding you back. Luckily you are still young so you have some time to keep improving your profile and study to get that GMAT up above 650. Ideally, you'll aim for high 600s.
Good luck,