Would I be considered good enough?

[davegist]

Hello,

I graduated 8 years ago with a degree in Industrial Chemistry with a very low GPA (2.2) and it’s been incredibly difficult to get ahead career-wise, but against all odds I've been able to train myself in IT & Business. Currently, I am contracting mostly for Telecoms & Financial services firms. I started on this path mainly because I wanted to learn how to provide services to blue chip companies and also be able to make enough money to do an Executive MBA which I believe will help me as I plan to go back to Africa to build a business. Now, it seems the combination of my academic and work experience does not fit with the typical MBA applicant (3.7 GPA, Investment banker & 740 GMAT) and I'm really struggling to get admitted to a very good school. I've turned down admission for lower ranking schools because I'll like to do my MBA at a top 10 B-School (otherwise its not worth it for me). In fact a top 30 B-School offered me a conditional place if I scored 600+ in GMAT but I'm not sure if I want to take the offer.

This is primarily because I'm not doing an MBA for the immediate salary I can get (currently I'm earning about $200,000/annum) but because of my future aspirations. This is very important to me because I plan to go back to Africa to run a business and contribute to socio-economic development. It’s only the top schools that have got the programme depth and incredibly valuable networks that will help me achieve this. How do I present my story to convince admission boards that I deserve a place on their MBA and I will do well on the programme as I believe I have so much to offer and my career goals are very clear to me.

I have also decided to take the GMAT - which is actually in 2 weeks time! been preparing for about 6 weeks now.

Thanks.

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I am a bit confused as to whether you want an EMBA or an MBA. If you are seeking an EMBA, then your grades will be less of an issue, especially if you do well on your GMAT in two weeks. Generally, at the MBA level, your GPA will not be the most important indicator either, but the schools will be concerned by your low grades as this will affect their GPA averages, which they report to those who rank them. In the short term, you could take some additional courses and again focus on the GMAT.

I think that you are an unlikely candidate for a top-10 school, especially during such a competitive year, but its possible that you could leverage your national background and goals to find a way in. I would definitely focus on these aspects and be very clear as to why your goals are realistic and achievable.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
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Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Hello,

I graduated 8 years ago with a degree in Industrial Chemistry with a very low GPA (2.2) and it’s been incredibly difficult to get ahead career-wise, but against all odds I've been able to train myself in IT & Business. Currently, I am contracting mostly for Telecoms & Financial services firms. I started on this path mainly because I wanted to learn how to provide services to blue chip companies and also be able to make enough money to do an Executive MBA which I believe will help me as I plan to go back to Africa to build a business. Now, it seems the combination of my academic and work experience does not fit with the typical MBA applicant (3.7 GPA, Investment banker & 740 GMAT) and I'm really struggling to get admitted to a very good school. I've turned down admission for lower ranking schools because I'll like to do my MBA at a top 10 B-School (otherwise its not worth it for me). In fact a top 30 B-School offered me a conditional place if I scored 600+ in GMAT but I'm not sure if I want to take the offer.

This is primarily because I'm not doing an MBA for the immediate salary I can get (currently I'm earning about $200,000/annum) but because of my future aspirations. This is very important to me because I plan to go back to Africa to run a business and contribute to socio-economic development. It’s only the top schools that have got the programme depth and incredibly valuable networks that will help me achieve this. How do I present my story to convince admission boards that I deserve a place on their MBA and I will do well on the programme as I believe I have so much to offer and my career goals are very clear to me.

I have also decided to take the GMAT - which is actually in 2 weeks time! been preparing for about 6 weeks now.

Thanks.

[Guest]

Thanks Jeremy for your response.

Yes I actually meant doing an EMBA.

Pls can you clarify what you meant by being "very clear as to why your goals are realistic and achievable". Are you referring to attending a top-10 B-school or my business/career goals. Can you also suggest additional courses that can help boost my chances.

Thanks.

Dave.