Where should I apply? Low GPA, High GMAT, Good/Great WE

Question

White, 30 year old male

GPA: 2.5 in Finance from US News Top 50. Had multiple F's and D's and only minor extenuating circumstances. I transferred after I lost my full-ride freshman year due to poor grades.

GMAT: 750 (49 Q, 42 V)

Work Experience: 
1 year in equity research at boutique investment bank (sell side)
2 years in equity research at bulge bracket investment bank (GS, MS, JPM)
4 years as buy side equity analyst at large, prestigious mutual fund company (current)

EC: CFA charterholder, mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Story: I was completely apathetic about academics in college and rarely even attended classes. But I kept a strong interest in finance and actively posted original equity research on SeekingAlpha. My work on a particular stock impressed an equity analyst enough to give me a job despite my poor grades. After a year working for this analyst at a boutique bank, he was offered a job at a prestigious bulge bracket bank and brought me with him. After two more years of working for this analyst, he recommended me to a portfolio manager at a large, well known mutual fund manager. I have now worked as a generalist equity analyst for this portfolio manager for 3 years and his fund ($10B+ AUM) is rated 5 stars by Morningstar.

While I make a very good salary ($250k all in), my firm has made it clear that I have no potential to be promoted to portfolio manager without an MBA. Also, my firm does not support an Exec MBA and my job is too demanding to pursue that route anyways. Since my goal is to become a portfolio manager, I think that pursuing a full time MBA is correct even though I will have to sacrifice a couple years of high earnings.

My low GPA and demo (white male in finance) certainly work against me but my question is, are they insurmountable to gaining admission to a top 5-10 MBA program? I think that the rest of my application (I will have strong recs) and especially work experience is very good. Most MBA applicants from my firm/position go to top 5 schools. I would appreciate any advice.

sarahrs · Answer

Sounds like you have a good story. Your CFA and high GMAT score should minimise the impact of a low GPA. Would focus on schools that want more than brilliant acamemdics. But as a finance person you would still want to look at Wharton and Chiago. Taking time to build relationship and show interest might make all the difference. 
If your worried about time out, try some EU schools that do 12/18 month programmes. Not sure which ones have a strong finance focus so be worthwhile to do a bit of research. 
The end if the day apply the schools you would love to attend,but be realistic in your chances.

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GeneralEducation · Answer

Hi phillydan11,

You have a decent profile. Your GMAT Score and academics are really good. Agree with the above comment, your GMAT Score and CFA would certainly offset your GPA. There are few finance focused B-Schools in Europe and US you can target like- Wharton, Columbia and Chicago Booth etc.

You may also gauge your chances of getting admission to top business school by trying this amazing tool  https://bit.ly/1C9o2Md

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there - so the short answer is...not necessarily. Ok, so maybe it isn't a short answer but I gave it a shot. If you're targeting R1 deadlines, you need to finish reading this post, and then get to work. Your GMAT is fantastic and your work experience (and the story that goes with it) is both telling and impactful.

But your GPA stinks. Really, really badly. And you have no good reason. So what do you need to do right now? Become proactive. Hyper-proactive, rather. Take 2 - 4 extension courses (difficult ones) and knock them out of the park. Crush them. We're talking A / A+ here. The more, the better. That'll be the crutch your GPA can rest on. And without it, you're going to be in for a rough ride. Then, in the apps themselves, embrace it head on. Don't make excuses. No wallowing in pity. Nope - take it on the chin and show what you've learned and how you've overcome.

Hope that helps - let me know if you have any questions or want to chat about it. The great thing is you're asking this question when there is still plenty of time to do something about it. That's golden!

Bhavik

ARINGO · Answer

Hi Phillydan,

I’m Zooey from Aringo. You have a very interesting profile (which is a good thing: schools value unique backgrounds) and though your GPA is not impressive, we specialize in helping applicants emphasize aspects of their applications that reflect positively on them as prospective students. While a GPA is never fully disregarded, its importance can often be outweighed by a great GMAT score (check), significant work experience (check) and any skills you may possess that differentiate you from other candidates. At Aringo, we’ve seen many clients with poor GPAs go on to study at their choice business schools and if you shape your application correctly, you have a good chance of doing the same.

I welcome you to try our “Admissions Chances Calculator” (https://www.aringo.com/MBA_admission_cha ... ulator.htm), browse our website for tips, and email Chrissy, our CEO, at Chrissym@aringo.com, to set up a free assessment (with no attached commitments) and to begin creating an attractive and individualized profile that stresses your strengths.

Best of luck,
Zooey

Where should I apply? Low GPA, High GMAT, Good/Great WE

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