Quick Assessment Please

[emad.radwan]

Hi there,

Looking for a quick assessment as I'm currently studying for the GMAT and projecting to take the exam in 3 months. Currently, I have 7 years post-undergrad experience in business development (entrepreneurial opportunity with real estate development firm and successful launch of company division), financial analysis, project management (small firm) and consulting. Current role is with Big 4 firm.

The only negativity to my application is a 3.0 undergrad GPA with a 3.3 major GPA in Finance from Cal State. I wasn't really motivated when I was younger, but a lot has changed since I entered the workforce.

I have logged a lot of volunteer hours. In addition to smaller events in my local area, majority of the time I was working as a mentor in an effort to assist low-income individuals find careers and was recently promoted to a leadership-type role.
I have also lived abroad and moved to the US at age 18 when my English was extremely weak (can spin that to my advantage in my essays)

Letter of recommendations are solid from partner at my firm and local leaders at my non-prof.

Target schools. Looking to apply Round 1 (in order): Stanford, HBS, Kellog [Specifically looking for management/entrepreneurship designation]

Targeting 710-730 (even quant/verbal score) which should demonstrate ability to handle rigors of b-school. Any feedback would be great with this potential look.

White / Not Caucasian (Middle East)

Thanks!

Eddie

[mbamission]

Hi Eddie,

Thanks for writing in. Your profile definitely has some solid elements -- the community service leadership and a diverse working background could help differentiate you. Although when it comes to the work experience, make sure you can explain your various jobs in a logical progression -- why did you go from real estate to consulting to Big 4? Just make sure the linkage is clear.

With 7 years experience and a 720 (let's say), I think you can work to overcome your college GPA by simply stating what you posted below -- that you've matured since entering the workforce and have the evidence to prove it through your job performance. A strong GMAT will also help bolster that argument.

I thnk you can be in the competitive mix at the schools you listed. Of course you only listed top-tier schools, so you may want to add an additional 2-3 choices from the top-20 to help diversify your chances for acceptance.

Best of luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[emad.radwan]

Thanks for the prompt follow-up, Daniel!

Excellent points on the career transition and my plan was to delve into this further in my essays.

I am contemplating to take a few courses at a nearby college in advance Econ / Finance to demonstrate my academic capability in an effort to improve my chances. Thoughts?

I am not looking at any programs outside top-10, although I have added Haas to the list.

[mbamission]

Hi again,

I think taking that extra coursework is a great way to address any academic concern. It shows you can fill the gap in your skills, and that you're motivated enough to take on the work before business schools begins.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles)

Visit the mbaMission Blog

Follow mbaMission on Twitter