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robes129
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Reality Check for Target Schools 01 Aug 2013, 06:17
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I just need a reality check as I proceed with the process of business school, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently studying for the GMATs via Veritas and OG, and my practice tests are ranging from 680-730. I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a GPA of 2.4/4.0 from a US school. I have about 9 years of experience in my industry. Currently I am the director of my group, and I do hold a P.E. registration.

My undergraduate GPA is my challenge. Of course I can't do anything about it now, but since graduation I think I have proven my abilities. Now, I am not looking to do a full-time program, but rather looking at EMBA's at UVA, Wharton, or Columbia. I may also consider a part-time program at Georgetown or Smith (UMD) if my EMBA schools may be out of my reach.

Any thoughts? Advice?

Thanks in advance.
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Reality Check for Target Schools 02 Aug 2013, 16:12
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robes129
I just need a reality check as I proceed with the process of business school, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently studying for the GMATs via Veritas and OG, and my practice tests are ranging from 680-730. I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a GPA of 2.4/4.0 from a US school. I have about 9 years of experience in my industry. Currently I am the director of my group, and I do hold a P.E. registration.

My undergraduate GPA is my challenge. Of course I can't do anything about it now, but since graduation I think I have proven my abilities. Now, I am not looking to do a full-time program, but rather looking at EMBA's at UVA, Wharton, or Columbia. I may also consider a part-time program at Georgetown or Smith (UMD) if my EMBA schools may be out of my reach.

Any thoughts? Advice?

Thanks in advance.
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Were there extenuating circumstances that you were dealing with in college or was it simply immaturity?

Linda
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robes129
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Reality Check for Target Schools 03 Aug 2013, 06:38
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My low GPA was a result of both actually. To begin, I picked electrical engineering as my major without really giving it much thought. It turned out that my true strengths were more in mechanical/fire protection engineering. My GPA trend shows this.

In addition to this, my family also went through a really rough time from my second semester freshmen year till about end of junior year. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. To make the matters even worse, we had health insurance via her employer but due to the treatments and various procedures she had to leave her job and in turn losing her insurance. My dad being self employed, had to get insurance outside of a group at a very high premium. This forced me to take a 35 hours a week job just to help my parents financially as much as I could.
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Reality Check for Target Schools 06 Aug 2013, 22:53
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My low GPA was a result of both actually. To begin, I picked electrical engineering as my major without really giving it much thought. It turned out that my true strengths were more in mechanical/fire protection engineering. My GPA trend shows this.

In addition to this, my family also went through a really rough time from my second semester freshmen year till about end of junior year. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. To make the matters even worse, we had health insurance via her employer but due to the treatments and various procedures she had to leave her job and in turn losing her insurance. My dad being self employed, had to get insurance outside of a group at a very high premium. This forced me to take a 35 hours a week job just to help my parents financially as much as I could.
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Robes,

You need to provide context for your GPA. Explain to the admissions committee readers what was going on when you applied. Point to your PE as evidence you know how to study and to your responsibilities at work as evidence you have matured a lot.

Wharton and CBS' EMBA programs are stretch programs. But UVA is in reach, as are the PT programs at Maryland and Georgetown.

Best,
Linda