Profile Evaluation Request

Hi vk911911,
In terms of GPA conversion, check out the calculators provided by WES. WES is what most schools use to convert international GPAs.

In terms of your candidacy, the fact that you have dropped out of two other programs, including an MBA, is definitely going to be a red flag to the adcom. Are there external factors such as medical issues or a family financial crisis that you can cite there as the reason? If not, that will be a challenge in terms of your applications. One drop out is bad, but two is really going to make them question your commitment & your clarity about what you plan to do with your career.

You're also coming from the toughest demographic out there when it comes to b-school apps, and it's one that tends to have very high GMAT scores, typically around 30 points above the GMAT average for a particular school. Given the drop outs & your low GPA, I'd aim for schools where you are at least 50-60 points above the GMAT average. If there's any chance you can improve your score that would help for sure & will open up more options to you.

The fact that you've had 5 jobs in the past 3 years will be a challenge as well, especially when combined with the school drop outs. The adcom is going to want to see evidence that you can stick with things. When you've moved so often it's typically difficult to have really driven meaningful results. Although working at start ups gives you opportunity to have more responsibility than you would at a larger company, it can also be challenging since the adcom will not have heard of these start ups & they won't carry the credibility of an established firm. You'll also want to be ready to explain how your current start up will run without you for two years, since you'll be too busy with b-school to work on it at the same time.

I don't mean to be discouraging, but there are definitely challenges that you'll face. One option might be to pursue a part time MBA or an online MBA. With a part time MBA you could use the current start up experience to your advantage, since you'd be able to bring issues you're facing there to class discussion & would also be able to apply what you're learning real time. Part time MBAs are also easier to get into than their full time counterparts. Online MBAs are even easier to get into & would allow you to learn all the business skills you need to succeed in your start up.