Chances at top Canadian programs

Question

I'm looking to apply to some of the top Canadian programs and was wondering if anyone could assess my chances. I'm particularly interested in Schulich and McGill but will be applying to Queen's, UofT, Ivey and UBC as well.

Now for some information about myself:

760 GMAT 49Q 47V 6.0 AWA
2.5 years work experience in Economic Development (small business lending/marketing) 
Undergraduate GPA 3.33 BCOMM (3.5 final two years)
Average references, nothing exceptional in that regard

The big "?" on my profile is my venture into and failure at law school. Under intense pressure from family I applied to and attended law school from 2007-2009 and absolutely despised it. Needless to say I performed poorly (failed 1L) and withdrew in the second semester of the retake of 1L simply because I didn't see the point in wasting any more effort in something I didn't enjoy, and because I wanted to begin focusing on GMAT preparation.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could guess at my chances for acceptance at any of the top Canadian MBA programs. Obviously I know that my undergraduate GPA, and my GMAT score are more appropriate measures of my ability to succeed but I worry about my ability to explain away the poor performance in law school. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

krussell · Answer

With a GMAT and a BComm, you'll have no problem getting into Schulich, UofT, Ivey, or UBC. I don't know enough about Queen's to let you know of their admission process. McGill shouldn't be an issue either. The only thing I know the three "Toronto" schools like is good extra-curricular activities - what are those like for you?

FergTron · Answer

I've got a little hole in my extra curriculars while I was in law school but before and after that they are fairly strong. I co-chaired a Business Ethics Case Competition in undergrad where I was in charge of the finances and logistics (12 schools, $60,000 budget) and I do a fair amount of volunteer work i.e: several hours a week at LA Animal Shelter, balance books for a local church etc.

So I'd say I'm pretty average in that regard as well. I think my work with the Case Competition is a huge plus but the rest of the extracurriculars are fairly plain

So I'd say I'm pretty average in that regard as well. I think my work with the Case Competition is a huge plus but the rest of the extracurriculars are fairly plain

krussell · Answer

Don't underestimate the volunteer hours. That's probably more "interesting" to schools like Schulich and UBC than the case competition stuff. I mean, don't underestimate that stuff either, but the animal shelter hours are a great way to show you have ethical interests.

The only problem you'll have in the application process is choosing which school's offer to take.

The only problem you'll have in the application process is choosing which school's offer to take.

FergTron · Answer

Thanks for the responses KRussell. I appreciate your insight

JZino · Answer

Hi Fergtron,

We have oddly similar quantitative profiles (same GPA and GMAT). I'm currently only applying to Rotman. I'm interested in why you chose other schools as your top choices?

Jiang · Answer

i think with these numbers + WE + extra curricular, you should apply for top American MBAs.

FergTron · Answer

JZino:

Its not that I don't consider Rotman one of my top choices, I am just particularly interested in McGill at this point (international rep/brand recognition, best school in Mtl, very strong academic reputation). In terms of in-depth cross-program analysis I'll admit I haven't done much yet. As a Canadian who would prefer to remain in Canada I thought it would be prudent to toss applications out to all of the top-5/6 programs now and then perform more detailed research as I await responses. But my "top" choice right now is HEC - Paris, but at this point its a reach school for me.

Best of luck with your cycle, perhaps we'll meet at Rotman in the fall.

Jiang:

I considered applying to US MBAs but I'm not confident I could gain admission to the programs widely considered in the top 8-10 and if I can't get into one of those programs I think the better move for me would be to attend one of the top Canadian programs even if the quality of the education and employment opportunities are inferior. I'd preferably like to remain/return to Canada upon graduation but if I were able to get into a top US/Global MBA I would consider waiting 5-8 years to return (or decide against it altogether) in order to ensure my education is paid for.

The reason for the lack of confidence in the competitiveness of my application at top programs outside of my country has a lot to do with my WE. I will have only 2.5 years of work experience by September 2011 intake and within that 2.5 years is a gap where I made the mistake of attending law school. So essentially I feel that my WE lacks the career progression or leadership quality that many applicants will undoubtedly have and I will be at a disadvantage in that regard.

But with that said I have been putting a lot more thought recently into applying to some American MBA programs. Which programs do you suppose I should focus on? I would prefer traditional programs (16-20 months) with internship options to accelerated 1-year programs simply because I think the internship opportunity would really benefit my job search/networking etc. Thanks in advance.

sdas · Answer

Hi, I am going through the same dilemma. My interest is in finance, though I have 10 years of operational management experience in hospitality. Since US schools seem a far cry, wts it like between Richard Ivey, York, Mcgill and Rottman.....I wish to stay back in Canada if not US. Hw stringent r their admission process....

Chances at top Canadian programs

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