Profile Review for Low GPA Candidate
Hi all,
I want to get into a top 15 MBA with financial scholarship. My goal of a MBA is IB to get deal experience, plan B is to look into fintech/chief of staff roles, goal is to recruit into west coast. Moving/pivoting for personal and professional means, still not 100% sure I want to do a MBA but definitely don't want to go in for sticker unless it's a H/S.
Domestic, 1st gen, ORM GPA: 2.42 (last 2 years of undergrad were 3.2, my first 2 years were horrible) GRE: 328 Work experience: 4 years in front office role (private credit), 2 years on corporate strategy (current role, by the time I enter) - all of which were in NYC for a BB bank. Progressed a bit faster than peers (senior associate in 3 years, on track for VP)
Recommenders: 1 is a Wharton MBA grad (manager of 4 years), other one is a close mentor of mine (4 years) both are MDs at my firm and I've known them each for 4.5+ years.
EC: lots of volunteering, DE&I, mentorship both in the firm and in the NYC community (but never held board seats). Have been doing mentorship/tutoring since undergrad. Went to competitive Canadian undergrad.
Schools I'm targeting: GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, Haas, Tuck, Darden, Fuqua, Ross, Anderson Any recs on schools I should add? I value culture and fit a lot so I know not all of these schools are the best at IB, but I want to go for the community too. Didn't like my Stern and Columbia visits.
I think I have a strong application but I am really concerned about my GPA, I don't have much time to commit to doing an alternate transcript (HBS core, Berkeley Extension), can probably do MBA math.
I've done my first 2 levels of the CFA, will probably finish it before I start B School. I don't feel like I need a MBA right now and I think IB/MBB or bust is a risky strategy considering the great place I'm in right now. What do you think are my chances of getting into a top program and also getting financial aid/scholarships?