From a 2.9 GPA to acceptance at INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge, IE and IESE

Question

I was sitting in my desk – the same desk I have been in for the last four years. I stared at the Excel sheets on my desktop and pondered “Is this really what I want to do in my life?” That’s when I typed the keyword MBA and hit the search button.

I started researching about top business schools and how to get accepted. After making a list of Top 30 Business Schools, I narrowed my school selection to 5 business schools in Europe based on location, ranking, networks and other criteria that make sense for what I want to do post-MBA. Then, I reached out to current students in these schools to find out more about the culture.

I made a list of my strengths and weaknesses. It looked like this:

Strength:
Leadership
International work experience
Unique background

Weakness:
Undergraduate GPA

Alas, I had a 2.9 GPA in my undergrad. Average GPA for top US schools is 3.5 and above, how could I compete? So, I devised a plan.

Lucky for everyone, business school admissions team looks at applications holistically. They want to know that you are a well-rounded person. You might have weaknesses in some areas, but you shine in others. That’s how I focused my application.

As a woman from an emerging country who is passionate about education, my profile is unique and I want to leverage that. I used the three elements below as a theme to my application:

1. Know what you want

It is important to know what you want to do after the MBA (or as a purpose-driven career). You don’t need to plan the specific details, but don’t be overly generic. Knowing which industry, role and (possibly) location where you want to work after the MBA sets you apart from other applicants. Building an EdTech startup for the emerging markets is my goal.

2. Know how to get there

Along with knowing your goal, you should have a plan on how to get there. I have never started a business before, so I intended to use the time, knowledge and resources provided in the MBA program to help me get there. Citing some classes or programs offered by the schools that complement your goal will show that you have done your homework.

3. Build a personal story

Lastly, tell a personal story that goes well with your goal. I have experienced how education served as a stepping stone towards achieving your goal. In my country, higher education is still a luxury to 70% of the population, and I want to change that.

After having done these steps in my MBA applications, I got accepted at INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge, IE and IESE with scholarships. I felt incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity and I want to help more people from emerging markets go to top business schools, hence, I started MBA Mentor. Through MBA Mentor, I would like to connect applicants from emerging markets with current students or alumni with similar background. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to get connected to MBA students at LBS, INSEAD, Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT and other schools.

Best regards,
Joice Gumala
Founder of MBA Mentor l https://www.mbamentor.org
[email protected]

Princ · Answer

MBAMentorMM

Thanks for sharing your story.

sunjiawenjp · Answer

Thank you Joice, that’s inspiring

Posted from my mobile device

Narenn · Answer

Thanks for posting this, Joice. We would love to hear more about yourself: - which industry you were in prior to MBA, GMAT/WE, why LBS etc. I am also curious to know about your long-term plans. Will you be exploring new opportunities in other areas such as Consulting while running the MBA Mentor?

From a 2.9 GPA to acceptance at INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge, IE and IESE

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