Profile Evaluation Request

Hi, MankiratS, thanks for writing in. Wow, a college junior! You are focusing on all this really early. I'm not sure on whether you are writing in because you want to lay strong groundwork now for a later normal-timeline application (most top MBA programs will seek applicants who will have around 4-6 years plus of work experience at time of enrollment, so the year before you'd have that is when most apply)....or whether you are looking at the deferred programs but the number one suggestion I have for you is not to do all this other activity but to focus on your current program and being successful in it, namely - work to raise your GPA.

This makes sense for several reasons:
1) You can always retake tests later when you apply or add volunteer work/etc., but the biggest regret I talk to people about later when they apply to b-schools is the undergraduate GPA because once it's cooked, they cannot do anything about it. You are still in the midst of your classes, and can raise it. A 3.3 is below most top school averages, so I really would advise bringing it up. While it's understandable that as a first gen candidate, you might have struggled at first, they will want to see an upward trajectory of grades. Try to make that happen and you've got a better shot!
2) GPA can become even more important if something happens to tests. As we saw with the pandemic, tests were sometimes not available or there was an opportunity to seek a waiver. However, the people who were in the best position if they either didn't want to or couldn't test were the folks with stronger GPAs. Also, in other programs - notably undergraduate programs (SAT/ACTs phased out/not considered at top schools like the UCs) and even today law schools with an announcement by the American Bar Association discouraging LSATs - skepticism about tests and pressure for equity could cause a later de-emphasis on standardized tests in favor of other factors. The biggest other signal you will likely have for academic preparation is your GPA.
3) If you are trying to show your desire and energy for a graduate business program, the best argument you will have that you will succeed in their program or even need further business education is that you have given full attention to your current one (esp since it's Kelley) and done well.

Beyond that, I would focus on developing leadership on campus or elsewhere (but ideally on campus since you are right there): business schools want to admit leaders who make an impact on their organizations and communities. Don't just join something as a member, step up and do something to make that org better!

Incidentally, if you are looking at deferred program (or applying later on as well), I might point you to the mbaMission YouTube channel, where we just uploaded a new video on deferred admissions. You can also check out our mbaMission.com website for some super helpful articles on deferred/regular MBA admissions and a guide for these programs in the "guides" section.

Good luck!
Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission