Hi, and thanks for writing! Great GMAT, and I think that along with the CPA will help offset your lower GPA (but you'll want to address the GPA and the changes in school in the applications' optional essay). Regarding your work experience - while I don't have enough info to fully assess this, the admissions committee will evaluate it based on the progression you've made in the course of your career (in the form of promotions, increases in responsibility, and increases in compensation) and the impact you've made in the roles you've held, on the firm and its clients (and along with that, how well your recommenders are able to attest to your performance, potential, and growth, particularly vs. peers). I like that you have a track record of extracurricular leadership - be sure to highlight it fully on your resume and as appropriate, essays.
I think that consulting as a short-term goal makes sense - entrepreneurship is nearly always best framed as a long-term goal since that's most feasible. In your applications, be sure to explain the motivations behind your desire to start your own business in the arts/ecommerce space someday, and how consulting post-MBA will prepare you for that.
Regarding the programs you've listed, McCombs and Rice are quite attainable - the others are more competitive and will depend on the quality of your work experience (per the criteria I listed above) and application execution. To your list I recommend that you consider adding UVA Darden for its strengths in consulting and entrepreneurship, along with Duke Fuqua.
Hope that helps!
gradschoolbound wrote:
Hi there,
Thanks in advance for the evaluation.
Bio: 26, F, American (South Asian-American)
GPA: 3.2 from a UC, BA in Econ/Acctg (went to three different schools in 4 years so I can explain why this is low)
GMAT: 750 (Q47, V45)
Work Experience: 5 years: 2 years in Audit at a mid-tier firm (BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, etc.), 2 years Finance/Accounting at a 100 person e-commerce startup, Currently a Sr Fin Analyst at Music Streaming company
Extras:
-Licensed CPA
-Board Member of an arts Non-profit
-Mentor for past 1 year in a Big Brother/Big Sister type program
-Steering Committee member at work for Women's group and Diversity Group
Recommenders: Previous 2 Managers (haven't been at current company long enough to ask my current manager)
Post MBA Goals: Entrepreneurship, Consulting (eventually would like to start my own company in the Arts space or e-commerce)
Target Schools: Kellogg, Columbia, HBS, Wharton, Ross, McCombs, Jones - any others?