Profile Evaluation Request

[kushalpaliwal]

Hi,

I would like to know if I have a shot at getting into Tier 1 schools in R3. The biggest stumbling block for me is my low GPA.
Which schools do I have a realistic shot at getting into if I apply in R3 this year versus R1 in the next? Also, how difficult is it to get financial aid in R3? Profile reads as such

M 24

GMAT Score 720 Q49 V40
Completed Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Mumbai in 2008
Undergrad average score : 55/100
Passed Level 1 CFA

Don't have recommendations yet but should have the recommendation of the CEO, maybe the MD too. (Its a small firm of around 100 employees but the business volume is relatively considerate with funds totaling $260 million being managed and the concerned people have good backgrounds).

Work Experience of 2.5 years
Worked as a Quant Trader in the Commodity and Fixed Income segments for 1.5 years
Currently leading the Trading systems development team. Automated trading for the entire trading floor. Involved both in strategy formulation and code development. Atleast two strategies have gone live and currently functional. That said its not a huge trading floor, with around 40 traders.

Post MBA Plans : Hopefully work in the financial industry, and with good management schooling behind me, eventually have a setup of my own.

Thanks for your help!

[mbamission]

Hi Kushal,

Thanks for writing in. From what you've presented, I would recommend waiting until R1 next season. Your GMAT is strong, but as you point out your academics are going to be an issue and I don't see any strong differentiating factors from the information you shared, which becomes even more important in R3 in my opinion.

Financial aid can also be an issue for later applicants. The admission rate in R3 for Tier I schools is traditionally tough, and with 2.5 years of work experience it's hard to argue the harm of gaining another year of experience. Whenever you do choose to apply, I highly recommend focusing on what makes your candidacy unique, as there will likely be many applicants in the pool with similar profiles.

Good luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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