NosyNocturnal wrote:
Name: Sayantani Nath
Age: 27, Female
Ethnicity: Indian
Undergrad: B.Sc. Microbiology (68%)
My undergrad GPA is low but there are 2 reasons for it. My university (Calcutta University) is notorious for low scores, its tough to even score above 75%. Plus, I had to deal with a terrible personal crisis all throughout my college years (Caregiver for my mother with severe psychotic issues, personal depression). How do I convey this to the schools?
Work Experience: 5+ Years
Worked as a Developmental Journalist for 2 years. Total experience in journalism sector - 3.5 years. Have experience in exclusive grassroots reporting in 3 Indian states. Participated in regular newsroom debates, panel discussions and such.
Managed a team of 8 news correspondents at a past organization.
Helped turn an early-stage crowdfunding platform into a top recognized website in India.
Currently working as a Content Manager with a Logistics & Supply Chain company in India.
Started two personal ventures - 1 cloud kitchen, 1 web magazine (Both didn’t work out due to COVID and lockdown)
Target GMAT Score: 720 (Currently scoring around 690-700 in mocks)
ECs: U-25 Journalism Mentor for 200+ aspirants
Certificate in Screenwriting
Student Volunteer for National Service Scheme (3 Years)
Active Listener at Mental health support forum 7 Cups (2 Years)
Organizer for annual cloth donation drives among homeless children in Kolkata (2 Years)
Actively associated with animal welfare
I wish to pursue full-time MBA (preferably Marketing Major) in US or Europe. Will be eligible for need-based scholarship at some schools.
Which would be the best schools for me to target with realistic chances of acceptance?
Do I have any chance at T-25?
Hey NosyNocturnal,
Academics is just 1/4th of your application, and a lot of your admission chances depend on your essays, SOPs, LORs, work ex, extracurricular, and achievements, etc. So, don't worry about your undergraduate GPA; we can work with it. Mention the tough grading system of Calcutta University and share your personal journey as a caregiver for your mother with severe psychotic issues while battling your own depression, demonstrating your resilience and determination.
Highlight your impressive work experience in developmental journalism, managing a team of news correspondents, and contributing to turning a crowdfunding platform into a recognized website. Emphasize the impact of your exclusive grassroots reporting, showcasing your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Even though your personal ventures didn't go as planned due to COVID-19, highlight the valuable skills you developed as an entrepreneur, such as adaptability and resilience. Share the lessons learned from these experiences to showcase your willingness to take risks and learn.
Keep working towards your target GMAT score of 720, and consider additional resources like GMAT tutors or online courses for an extra boost.
Your dedication to mentoring aspiring journalists, volunteering for mental health support, and organizing donation drives is commendable. Showcase your roles and meaningful contributions, highlighting your compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact.
When selecting schools, find a balance between T-25 range and beyond, considering programs that resonate with your career goals and offer support for diverse backgrounds. Explore schools with need-based scholarships to alleviate financial burdens.
Craft a compelling narrative showcasing your strengths, growth, and potential. Let your personality shine through in your essays. Highlight examples of your leadership and impact at work, such as managing a team of news correspondents, transforming a crowdfunding platform, implementing content strategies, and the impact of your grassroots reporting. Quantify achievements where possible, showing tangible outcomes.
By incorporating these examples, you can strengthen your profile and make a compelling case for admission to your desired MBA programs.
If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km