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01 Sep 2015, 01:29
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I've had a bit of a strange path and I'm trying to figure out what kind of schools I should be realistically looking at and what kind of chances I'd have. I originally went to Brandeis on a full scholarship and left after 2 years when I realized I didn't want to be pre-med and I couldn't figure out what to do instead. I was incredibly depressed and had something like a 2.8 when I left. I then worked in sales (cars, retail) and became an assistant sales manager (got promoted once to a larger department) over the course of 6 years working full time. Last year I went back to school. I was able to get into LMU (Loyola Marymount) at the last minute and packed my schedule to finish quickly. I'll be graduating in December with my BBA and around a 3.9 GPA. I'm 27, almost 28 and female.
Took the GMAT this past week and got 720 (V 41 Q 47 I 8 AW 6). Some other stuff I've done: had my own consignment business, acquired/flipped/managed/sold some properties with/for a friend, volunteer at a food pantry, and work 20-30 hours selling since I went back to school. Metrics as a salesperson and as a sales manager are very strong. I've been looking at lots of sales jobs that require an MBA, which is what I'm most likely interested in at the moment. Eventually my goal is to have my own business.
Some specific questions:
Will schools look at my earlier GPA or just the one from my graduating school (my transcript only lists my GPA from LMU)? How much will it hurt me that my undergrad isn't a very highly-ranked school? Is it worth trying to get a higher GMAT score--I only studied for a few weeks and between work and summer classes I didn't have much time to study and I think I could increase my quantitative score if I spent more time on it. Will a fall internship make any difference in applications--I can continue my retail sales job making about $28/hour vs. an internship of making $12-15/hour. The income does matter since I fully support myself without any help from my parents, but I can find a way to make it work if it's going to result in better future opportunities. And does going back to school after working negate that work experience I've had?
I greatly appreciate any feedback or suggestions!
Took the GMAT this past week and got 720 (V 41 Q 47 I 8 AW 6). Some other stuff I've done: had my own consignment business, acquired/flipped/managed/sold some properties with/for a friend, volunteer at a food pantry, and work 20-30 hours selling since I went back to school. Metrics as a salesperson and as a sales manager are very strong. I've been looking at lots of sales jobs that require an MBA, which is what I'm most likely interested in at the moment. Eventually my goal is to have my own business.
Some specific questions:
Will schools look at my earlier GPA or just the one from my graduating school (my transcript only lists my GPA from LMU)? How much will it hurt me that my undergrad isn't a very highly-ranked school? Is it worth trying to get a higher GMAT score--I only studied for a few weeks and between work and summer classes I didn't have much time to study and I think I could increase my quantitative score if I spent more time on it. Will a fall internship make any difference in applications--I can continue my retail sales job making about $28/hour vs. an internship of making $12-15/hour. The income does matter since I fully support myself without any help from my parents, but I can find a way to make it work if it's going to result in better future opportunities. And does going back to school after working negate that work experience I've had?
I greatly appreciate any feedback or suggestions!
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Expert reply
01 Sep 2015, 05:37
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Schools will look at your earlier grades as well as your most recent grades.
Your undergrad ranking is factored into the academic evaluation, though the high GPA the second time around will help to some extent.
Yes, it's worth trying to retake the GMAT because you want to overcome a poor GPA as well as a gap in education.
If you can do something different besides retail sales, it would help your application, but it depends what it is.
All work experience is evaluated and will be a factor.
Have you considered part-time MBA programs? I would recommend you looking at those and can suggest some specific ones if you send me a note. [email protected]
Good luck!
Your undergrad ranking is factored into the academic evaluation, though the high GPA the second time around will help to some extent.
Yes, it's worth trying to retake the GMAT because you want to overcome a poor GPA as well as a gap in education.
If you can do something different besides retail sales, it would help your application, but it depends what it is.
All work experience is evaluated and will be a factor.
Have you considered part-time MBA programs? I would recommend you looking at those and can suggest some specific ones if you send me a note. [email protected]
Good luck!
01 Sep 2015, 07:14
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Thanks for sharing your profile. Really interesting path thus far in your career. I agree with the comments above your GPA will certainly factor in. Would be curious so I'm sure the schools will look at a blend as well as noting the upward trajectory that validates your explanation of your low GPA at Brandeis.
One thing I would offer up is have you considered gaining some additional work experience prior to applying. You have done a nice job of bringing your academic profile around but your work experience could still be better. I'm sure you probably want to just get the MBA out of the way at this point but just throwing it out there.
Hope this helps!
One thing I would offer up is have you considered gaining some additional work experience prior to applying. You have done a nice job of bringing your academic profile around but your work experience could still be better. I'm sure you probably want to just get the MBA out of the way at this point but just throwing it out there.
Hope this helps!
