Selecting the best approach to MBA applications.

Question

Hello, gang.

This fall I will jump a little ahead of my schedule and apply to some programs. While I don't believe my overall profile will be at its strongest, I figured it won't hurt to get that initial experience ahead of time. It's worth noting that I intend on applying to only in-state programs this year: McCombs, Jones, and Jindal.

A little about myself:
27, Asian- American Male
51 months of WE
 18 Months at a large Equities Trading firm (currently day trading independently and managing my own long-term portfolio)
 33 Months at Apple (corporate) with almost 2 yrs of Management experience
EC: National President of Fraternity, Basketball Coach (seasonal), currently looking at the Chairman position of a Texas Exes Alumni group so that would add an extra year leadership.
UG GPA of 2.64 (downward slope).
GMAT: shooting for 700+ (currently hitting mid 600s, rescheduled so I can work on it for an additional 11-13 weeks)
Cuurent Career: contributing to Apple's brand in several of its international markets (Australia, New Zealand) by developing its service procedures, setting the standards for the way sales is done, and managing a 13 member team responsible for service and support.
Post-Grad Goals: equity research, investment management

Question: during a feedback session, I was told that my post-MBA goals and GPA were the two biggest holes in my profile. During my UG, I experienced a loss and didn't react in the most productive way. I worked HARD and have plenty of examples of why this issue isn't indicative of my academic ability or discipline. I recognize this will be a drawback although I'm posting this to help me craft the best possible application. The question is mainly in my post graduate goals. I honestly have a deep passion for the equity markets and will seek to transition my career that route. The problem is, and I'm fully aware, it seems that I will be better off lying here and speak more about my goals of leading within upper management instead. This seems to be a far more compelling story and would tie in my profile better. What do you guys think?

Is it important that I work on creating a compelling story out of what I really want (career transition) or is it better to go with the story that will make more sense (career advancement)?

Thanks for reading this mistakenly long post. Yikes.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Hi jxatrillion! You've laid out a lot of information so let's take this step by step.

1) Are you actually interested in going to McCombs, Jones, or Jindal? MBA applications really aren't something you practice at so if you're not truly excited about attending these schools then do not apply now. Besides, putting together a successful application to these schools this year does not necessarily translate into successful applications for other schools (possibly top 10 programs) for next year. MBA admissions aren't one of those propositions that if you can get into one school that means you'll get into another. In my opinion just getting your feet wet in the application process is a waste of time. If you're not ready to jump in then your time is better spent getting yourself ready.

2) What did you do at the large equities trading firm. Your post MBA goals don't seem to align with your career trajectory to date. If you're interested in equity research and IM, why leave finance? It's difficult to tell you if your true post MBA goals will fly without understanding how you got where you are now.

3) If you're just planning to get experience in applying this year, where do you really want to go? It's going to be hard for you to overcome a 2.64 GPA to get into top 10 schools, especially as an Asian male (highly competitive pool). You can do it, but it's going to take a multipronged approach (high GMAT score, alternate transcript, optional essay, recommendations). How many of these approaches you will need to employ will depend on how high you're shooting.

If you can answer these questions it would be a bit easier to give some advice. Thanks!

Two64 · Answer

Hi Cheetarah. Thanks for the quick feedback. I'll answer some of your questions in just a sec. My main issue was pretty much your second bullet. Ive received similar criticism. The truth is I started as an Equities Trader which was performance based. It was extremely volatile for me in terms of pay and at 23 I simply needed a stable income to cover my debts at that time. Furthermore, I had a great opportunity at Apple to receive leadership training; that ultimately led me to leave the firm. Since then, I've independently traded my own money so I feel good about my competency in the field but of course I want to expand in that into a full-time position.

Regarding my interest, I am absolutely in love with McCombs, where I graduated 3 years ago. Jones and Jindal are wonderful programs and offer everything in a program that I'm looking for. There are top 30 schools I would prefer to apply to but was planning to wait another year. Also, the out of state thing was something that I'm still battling. If I were to get into any of those programs listed, I wouldn't think twice nor feel any regrets.

I know the UG will be a problem and I'm currently preparing more examples to lessen its potential to hurt me. Assuming I get an interview and of course write the optional essays, I feel pretty good about communicating why it's not an accurate reflection of my potential and of course how I've demonstrated my abilities since then.

The main question in the post though pertains to your comments regarding my post grad goals. Would you recommend me to craft my application with "goals" that align more closely to what I'm doing? The advantage with that is of course its more believable and within my range. All of my leadership ECs will also complement that more fully. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Hoping to get others' inputs as well.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I think you can go with your true goals and make it work. The story is there it's just not as linear. It's ok to try something different then decide to go back to the original. Your reasoning for going to Apple is solid, plus it's a blue chip company. You've also maintained your interest in equities trading on the side. But the most important reason why you should communicate your true goals in your essays is because it's the truth. You will write a more compelling essay about what you really want to do rather than what you think an admissions committee wants to read. That's just my opinion. I know others may disagree.

Two64 · Answer

Sorry for late response, but thank you so much for the reply! After thinking about it for awhile, I'm with you on this. I'm going to go with the true story and get help from others on how to articulate it best. I'm also just going to wait until 1st round of 2013 applications to apply when my profile is at its strongest.

One more thing: I was wondering about your opinion on hiring a consultant. I'm thinking about hiring a firm (one that's reviewed on GC) to help me bring out the strengths in my application and to help me prepare for the entire process.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I thinkconsultants can be very helpful in crafting a compelling application. The only consulting services I used was an essay critique from Essay Snark (brutal, but excellent). While I definitely did not do my applications all on my own, I employed a lot of free resources. If you have friends or family who are attending or are recent alums of top schools they can often be just as helpful (and much less costly) as a consultant. Between GMAT Club, the free advice many consultants already give on their websites (Precision Essay has a great site w/ tons of info), Essay Snark, and my friends I was able to overcome a low GPA w/ a downward trend and go 3/4 on my applications. I would evaluate the resources you already have at your disposal and if you find that they are already robust hire a consultant as needed as a supplement. If you're on your own, then def hire someone for one school. Based on how that goes either employ them further, take what you learned and run with it on your own for your remaining schools, or find a different consultant altogether. What I do not recommendis going it alone (which it sounds like you won't). No matter how strong a candidate is, a 2nd set of eyes and some objective feedback are always a plus.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

AVByT · Answer

Hey jxatrillion - I second cheetarah's suggestion about going with your true story but I'd like to add that schools look at what you are aiming for and if you have done everything or will do everything to get you to your goal. They are looking for ambition. There are tones of stories of applicants on this very website with poor GPA and GMAT getting into top schools, so you may have a weakness but it is not a show stoppers and the Adcom wants to hear you accept that the MBA is just that stepping stone or push to get your there.

Also, it's important you align yourself with what that school is asking or looking for in their prospective students...For example some schools wants international experience or leadership abilities and I think a consultant - not an essay editing company - will help you reach there. To add to that, discussions with an expert bring will help you bring out your best attributes to help equalize the weakness of the GPA through the additional essay. So, i'd say def find your best consultant match and get on and show your ambitions.

Hope it helps...

Two64 · Answer

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is sure expensive and so I'll have to save up the rest of the year just to have the funds ready should I decide to go with a consulting firm. Luckily, I've decided to apply when my profile is at its strongest so will wait it out until 1st round late next year to apply. This will give me ample time to address certain holes in my profile and to really reflect what I want out of my future education.

Is there any that you have worked with personally?

Is there any that you have worked with personally?

Selecting the best approach to MBA applications.

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