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smanney
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Joined: 12 Jan 2018
Last visit: 07 May 2018
Posts: 8
Given Kudos: 3
GMAT 1: 700 Q47 V38
GMAT 1: 700 Q47 V38
Posts: 8
Kudos: 0
Profile Evaluation Request - Marshall or Back to work 16 Apr 2018, 14:58
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Hi there! I’m faced with a big decision and not a lot of time to make it! My decision is: relax and go to Marshall in the fall OR work in a new industry and focus on improving my application and try again for the class of 2021.

I’m currently debating whether to accept an MBA offer or go back to work in Financial Services at Ameriprise. Based on my non-traditional work experience (below) I feel that this could help me to beef up my application if I re-applied in October. However, I would really only have 5 more months to work between now and then.

I hope to work in a marketing capacity within media/entertainment/sports. Here is my shortlist. Of the 5, Marshall was my 5th choice. I would prefer to work on the east coast, but am willing to head west for the best opportunity.

Ross - Rejected R2
CBS - Didn’t apply, probably was a mistake
Stern - Rejected R2
Anderson - Rejected R2
Marshall - Accepted, negotiating scholarship

I realize that Ross is the odd man out, but recognize that you can do so much through its program/network. It’s also right down the street from where I grew up, and my mom, dad and sister all went to Michigan in some capacity. This is admittedly petty, but getting in would mean a lot to me, even if I didn’t attend.

Profile:

Current Location: Metro Detroit
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Majors: Communications (B.A.), Psychology (B.S.)
Minors/Concentration: Bioethics/Pre-Med (wound up changing my mind)
GPA: 3.7
GMAT: 700, V38, Q47, AWA 5.5, IR 7
(can try to improve)

WE: Just over 4 years as an on-air television sports reporter in Fargo, ND and then Burlington, VT. I was acting as the sports department head for the last year before finally being offered the official, on paper promotion. When that promotion came with a pay cut, I decided not to re-sign at the end of September and refocus towards a new goal of becoming an MBA. I picked up some part-time work in the meantime helping out at other TV stations behind the scenes. However, that work feels like a demotion on a resume.

Extracurriculars: Not much post-graduation, I was involved in CrossFit and spent what little free time I had at the gym. TV news was very close to a 24/7/365 gig. In undergrad I founded a student-run television program/club, worked in a research lab studying spina bifida, and was a founding father of a fraternity chapter.

Updates since R2 applications: I’ve just about finished Wharton’s Business Foundations online Coursera course (Intro Marketing, Accounting, Social/Human Capital, Corporate Finance, Operations, and a capstone). Other than this, I really have no prior business experience. I’ve also begun volunteering at Class Community Social Services in Detroit.

So Marshall or Ameriprise? Thanks in advance for any ideas/tips!
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StratusDonna
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Joined: 31 May 2016
Last visit: 15 Sep 2025
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Location: United States
Concentration: Marketing, Organizational Behavior
Schools: Kellogg
GPA: 3.67
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Profile Evaluation Request - Marshall or Back to work 18 Apr 2018, 13:04
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smanney
Hi there! I’m faced with a big decision and not a lot of time to make it! My decision is: relax and go to Marshall in the fall OR work in a new industry and focus on improving my application and try again for the class of 2021.
hi @smanney-- I realized I wanted to follow up on your comment-- and I can't find original but I see you here so let me say-- if you really want to roll the dice and see if you CAN do better in R1-- then I advise Early Decision CBS and R1 Stern and UCLA R1 and then also apply USC again as they may still take you. I just hate for you to lose the bird in the hand.... but if you do want coaching-- which can help at these competitive schools-- I'd love to help as I love your background and think you can be that fresh perspective and (wow factor) that many schools will like to see-- to reach out for a free consult please go to this link https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com ... b-visitor/ or PM me and I can help make that happen. Glad to see you said no to Ameriprise--- I would stick with the freelance work til you launch to MBA unless you can do something within media/sports/entertainment that makes sense.
I’m currently debating whether to accept an MBA offer or go back to work in Financial Services at Ameriprise. Based on my non-traditional work experience (below) I feel that this could help me to beef up my application if I re-applied in October. However, I would really only have 5 more months to work between now and then.

I hope to work in a marketing capacity within media/entertainment/sports. Here is my shortlist. Of the 5, Marshall was my 5th choice. I would prefer to work on the east coast, but am willing to head west for the best opportunity.

Ross - Rejected R2
CBS - Didn’t apply, probably was a mistake
Stern - Rejected R2
Anderson - Rejected R2
Marshall - Accepted, negotiating scholarship

I realize that Ross is the odd man out, but recognize that you can do so much through its program/network. It’s also right down the street from where I grew up, and my mom, dad and sister all went to Michigan in some capacity. This is admittedly petty, but getting in would mean a lot to me, even if I didn’t attend.

Profile:

Current Location: Metro Detroit
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Majors: Communications (B.A.), Psychology (B.S.)
Minors/Concentration: Bioethics/Pre-Med (wound up changing my mind)
GPA: 3.7
GMAT: 700, V38, Q47, AWA 5.5, IR 7
(can try to improve)

WE: Just over 4 years as an on-air television sports reporter in Fargo, ND and then Burlington, VT. I was acting as the sports department head for the last year before finally being offered the official, on paper promotion. When that promotion came with a pay cut, I decided not to re-sign at the end of September and refocus towards a new goal of becoming an MBA. I picked up some part-time work in the meantime helping out at other TV stations behind the scenes. However, that work feels like a demotion on a resume.

Extracurriculars: Not much post-graduation, I was involved in CrossFit and spent what little free time I had at the gym. TV news was very close to a 24/7/365 gig. In undergrad I founded a student-run television program/club, worked in a research lab studying spina bifida, and was a founding father of a fraternity chapter.

Updates since R2 applications: I’ve just about finished Wharton’s Business Foundations online Coursera course (Intro Marketing, Accounting, Social/Human Capital, Corporate Finance, Operations, and a capstone). Other than this, I really have no prior business experience. I’ve also begun volunteering at Class Community Social Services in Detroit.

So Marshall or Ameriprise? Thanks in advance for any ideas/tips!
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