DukeCityMBA wrote:
I would much appreciate your assistance and opinion. I’m going to try for great schools, but am worried about my chances. I want to work internationally after school, so all of my targets are international.
Here's my profile:
American Latino Male
700 GMAT (41 Q/ 45 V)
3.06 GPA
30 years old
Education:
I received my BBA from 2nd tier state university. During my undergrad I founded a campus political organization and was very active in a campus parish (everything from leading retreats to hosting guest speakers). In addition, I was an active campaigner and volunteer for congressional campaigns. Took an internship my senior year with the US Senate in DC researching proposed trade legislation. Extra-curriculars probably contributed to lower GPA, along with an administrative snafu where an incomplete class that I replaced being counted against my GPA.
Work Experience:
Shortly out of school I left my job at a local bank to be an entrepreneur and start my own business, which was successful for 3 years until the economy went south and I had to close shop. At its peak, the business employed 8, and had monthly sales volume of over $1mil.
From there went to work for my family's small business where I had the title of Marketing Director. Designed and executed promotional campaigns, and oversaw firm's community involvement efforts.
Currently working at Fortune 20 healthcare firm as government analyst. Applying for internal leadership rotational program.
I left the entrepreneurship path because I really wanted to work on a larger scale in strategy with international possibilities. I didn't see that happening if I stayed an entrepreneur.
Post-BBA Activities
Hospice Volunteer
Captain of Flag Football Team
Short term goal:
To work internationally as a strategy consultant or in industry specializing in healthcare.
Dream Schools:
INSEAD (Consulting job opportunities and global perspective, perfect!) Will be applying R1 for Winter 2014 intake
London Business School- R3 of 4 - Really worried this is too late!
More realistic schools:
IE- Rolling admissions, but will be applying mid Jan.
IESE- R3 of 6
Was thinking of Fuqua or Darden, but really want international opportunities.
Among my worries:
1. GMAT Score- My score is very unbalanced, I scored in the 56th percentile in quant, but saved myself with a 97% in verbal. Should I retake?
2. My GPA- Its not like I slacked, but I tried to do too much in school (working, activities, double concentration), and my GPA suffered.
3. Round- LBS will be round 3 (of 4) and IE, while they claim to have rolling admissions, may be filling seats as I write.
4. Finally, what might kill my chances at Insead, if my unbalanced GMAT score didnt already, is my lack of international exposure. (I have none).
Thanks for your thoughts!
DukeCityMBA,
Thanks for your post. To answer your questions.
1. If you want to have a serious chance at INSEAD and LBS, you should prepare again and
retake the GMAT, obviously focusing your attention on the quant. Were your practice scores higher?
2. It's an issue. You should try to show in an optional question that you have learned to manage your time. Please see
Dealing with a Low GPA.
3. Again, that's a valid issue, but you are better off applying with a higher GMAT and great application, than rushing to submit something that's real easy to reject. Your other option is to wait until R1 for the next intake. Depending on how long your GMAT prep takes, that could be an excellent option.
4. Can you talk about multi-cultural exposure or perspective as an American Latino ? Have you done any traveling outside the U.S.? If you haven't, then I think this again is a concern, especially for INSEAD. However, realize that both INSEAD and LBS like diversity and the fact that you are a Latino American applying to European schools is in your favor.
Best,
Linda
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Linda Abraham
Accepted ~ The Premier Admissions Consultancy
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