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16 Apr 2017, 06:29
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To be honest, I'm currently on the fence about using a consultant. I've read some general reviews on the subject as well as seen mixed results on the forums, etc and want to ensure it's money well spent.
I know my applications will have some shortcomings that need to be filled, poor undergrad GPA/weak degree, but feel I have some strong work experience and a maybe decent story to help close the gap.
Long story short - I was an immature college kid that didn't take college serious but was able to score a flight school slot due to a top 1% flight aptitude test. Left college early, went to flight school, finished as an honor graduate and have had an exceptional military career since.
My concern is being realistic about my school selection given the issues detailed above and if a consultant could make an M7 admit possible. Please know, I don't expect free advice and assume a consultant's time is valuable, just looking for some expectation management as I look to make an investment in a consulting service and on a possible school selection.
A little info about me:
Career:
AH-64D/E Apache Instructor/Stands Pilot - US Army
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
3 x deployments, many military achievements, etc, top 1%/10% evaluations
Age: 32
Career 2: While in the Army, started an online retail business that has grown into a full skydiving/paragliding drop zone and manufacturing business with several employees. Gross sales -250k, currently projected to do 500k in 2017, currently experiencing rapid growth due to a new location and recent product launch.
School:
Undergrad - Oklahoma State University.
Degree - University Studies - Business/Aviation Focus-2.7 GPA.
Notes- left school junior year for flight school, finished school on my second deployment, all course work since leaving for the Army has been a 4.0.
GRE: both scores around 150, taken some time ago with no studying. Been studying last several months, taken several practice test, and estimate next score will be around a 160.
Future career - consulting, defense industry acquisitions, startup
Thanks for taking the time to review.
Regards,
Shawn
I know my applications will have some shortcomings that need to be filled, poor undergrad GPA/weak degree, but feel I have some strong work experience and a maybe decent story to help close the gap.
Long story short - I was an immature college kid that didn't take college serious but was able to score a flight school slot due to a top 1% flight aptitude test. Left college early, went to flight school, finished as an honor graduate and have had an exceptional military career since.
My concern is being realistic about my school selection given the issues detailed above and if a consultant could make an M7 admit possible. Please know, I don't expect free advice and assume a consultant's time is valuable, just looking for some expectation management as I look to make an investment in a consulting service and on a possible school selection.
A little info about me:
Career:
AH-64D/E Apache Instructor/Stands Pilot - US Army
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
3 x deployments, many military achievements, etc, top 1%/10% evaluations
Age: 32
Career 2: While in the Army, started an online retail business that has grown into a full skydiving/paragliding drop zone and manufacturing business with several employees. Gross sales -250k, currently projected to do 500k in 2017, currently experiencing rapid growth due to a new location and recent product launch.
School:
Undergrad - Oklahoma State University.
Degree - University Studies - Business/Aviation Focus-2.7 GPA.
Notes- left school junior year for flight school, finished school on my second deployment, all course work since leaving for the Army has been a 4.0.
GRE: both scores around 150, taken some time ago with no studying. Been studying last several months, taken several practice test, and estimate next score will be around a 160.
Future career - consulting, defense industry acquisitions, startup
Thanks for taking the time to review.
Regards,
Shawn
PersonalMBACoach
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Expert reply
16 Apr 2017, 14:33
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shawnrw
Shawn,
Thank you for your detailed profile post and congrats on the startup. It sounds like a really interesting company. I have worked with a lot of military applicants and even some like you who have started an online retail business. The honest answer if an M7 will be tricky with the current profile. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but you may have to reset expectations a little even with the best support. If you have a 2.7 you really need to crush the GMAT or GRE to have a chance and unfortunately a 320 isn't close enough.
Do you think you can improve further or are you interested in tutoring?
Email to discuss further. [email protected]
Best,
Scott
16 Apr 2017, 16:13
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Hi Shawn,
I agree that the M7 schools will be a stretch, so I would encourage you to broaden the range of schools that you are applying to. Top-tier programs will question your ability to handle the rigor of the curriculum with your weaker GPA; note that the average GRE score for the top schools is closer to 330, so you'll want to at least hit that level. What I really like about your profile though is your leadership and ability to take initiative. If it would be helpful to discuss further through a free consultation, feel free to reach out ([email protected] or https://www.ivygroupe.com).
Best,
Shaifali
I agree that the M7 schools will be a stretch, so I would encourage you to broaden the range of schools that you are applying to. Top-tier programs will question your ability to handle the rigor of the curriculum with your weaker GPA; note that the average GRE score for the top schools is closer to 330, so you'll want to at least hit that level. What I really like about your profile though is your leadership and ability to take initiative. If it would be helpful to discuss further through a free consultation, feel free to reach out ([email protected] or https://www.ivygroupe.com).
Best,
Shaifali
