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04 Mar 2011, 13:31
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I'm an african american male, age 26. My official GMAT score is a 680, M:46 V:38. I know I could have done better as I was scoring in the 720-730 range during practice, but its been over 8 months since I took the exam so I'm not sure if it is practical to retake it. The weakest point of my application is my 2.45 GPA, BS. Electrical Engineering. I have 3.5yrs of previous experience as an engineer and product marketing manager for a major tech company. I'm now starting a new job as a product manager for a major newspaper.
My post MBA Goals: Short Term: I want a career change into management consulting. I would like to work for a firm that has an international component or focus. Potentially a development focus such as Chemonics International, but I'd like to stay in the private sector at least for a little while more. Long Term: I'd like to be more of an entrepreneur and engage in technology business ventures in East Africa.
I have very strong extracurricular leadership experience, and have won some awards at my previous job.
Schools that I am interested in: Top Business program, but also has either a social enterprise component/focus or dual degree programs in international development.
Top 3:
1.Northwestern (SEEK program is compelling and they are more open to dual degree programs with other schools)
2.Duke (Social Enterprise focus throughout the business school and students)
3.Harvard (they have a great dual degree opportunity with the MPA-International Development program)
I've been told those schools are pretty much a reach because of my gpa. Previous advice I've received was take 2 classes and retake the gmat, all advice welcomed.
My post MBA Goals: Short Term: I want a career change into management consulting. I would like to work for a firm that has an international component or focus. Potentially a development focus such as Chemonics International, but I'd like to stay in the private sector at least for a little while more. Long Term: I'd like to be more of an entrepreneur and engage in technology business ventures in East Africa.
I have very strong extracurricular leadership experience, and have won some awards at my previous job.
Schools that I am interested in: Top Business program, but also has either a social enterprise component/focus or dual degree programs in international development.
Top 3:
1.Northwestern (SEEK program is compelling and they are more open to dual degree programs with other schools)
2.Duke (Social Enterprise focus throughout the business school and students)
3.Harvard (they have a great dual degree opportunity with the MPA-International Development program)
I've been told those schools are pretty much a reach because of my gpa. Previous advice I've received was take 2 classes and retake the gmat, all advice welcomed.
11 Mar 2011, 13:17
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Thanks for reaching out.
I do think HBS is probably out, just because the average GPA is so high there. I think you could take a run at the others, especially with your international focus and strong leadership traits/experiences.
Taking a few classes is helpful because as long as you get As, it will show increased maturity, discipline, and focus. That is what is implicated by your low GPA - not intellect. Your GMAT score (which, sure, could be a bit higher and if you can score better, you should retake - but its in the range it needs to be to get you a read) is what speaks to intellectual horsepower.
That low GPA is going to work against you on two levels:
1. As a raw number, it just makes things tough, because a school has to absorb it into their averages, which of course impacts rankings. The thing to do here is apply to a few more schools, give yourself some safety in numbers. Also, focus on bigger schools (it is easier for them to absorb your #s) and even schools that don't put as much of a premium on GPA. Ross, for instance, is pretty big and notoriously lower than most elite programs on avg GPA.
2. Thematically, it makes them wonder about your focus. So what you have to do - even more than take a class - is articulate that focus, maturity, and discipline in your applications. There are many ways to do it, and it will make the biggest difference of all.
Make no mistake, 2.45 is going to make this an uphill battle. But we've had clients do it. I had a friend get into Yale with a 2.2. I would recommend adding Ross, Columbia (they care more about career goals than grades), Cornell, and then a 6th school, and taking off Harvard.
Hope this helps!
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
I do think HBS is probably out, just because the average GPA is so high there. I think you could take a run at the others, especially with your international focus and strong leadership traits/experiences.
Taking a few classes is helpful because as long as you get As, it will show increased maturity, discipline, and focus. That is what is implicated by your low GPA - not intellect. Your GMAT score (which, sure, could be a bit higher and if you can score better, you should retake - but its in the range it needs to be to get you a read) is what speaks to intellectual horsepower.
That low GPA is going to work against you on two levels:
1. As a raw number, it just makes things tough, because a school has to absorb it into their averages, which of course impacts rankings. The thing to do here is apply to a few more schools, give yourself some safety in numbers. Also, focus on bigger schools (it is easier for them to absorb your #s) and even schools that don't put as much of a premium on GPA. Ross, for instance, is pretty big and notoriously lower than most elite programs on avg GPA.
2. Thematically, it makes them wonder about your focus. So what you have to do - even more than take a class - is articulate that focus, maturity, and discipline in your applications. There are many ways to do it, and it will make the biggest difference of all.
Make no mistake, 2.45 is going to make this an uphill battle. But we've had clients do it. I had a friend get into Yale with a 2.2. I would recommend adding Ross, Columbia (they care more about career goals than grades), Cornell, and then a 6th school, and taking off Harvard.
Hope this helps!
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
