Mr. Big Pharma

You have an excellent background for your target schools along with solid career goals that make it clear why you want and can use an MBA degree. Because you are applying without a GMAT or GRE to schools that waive standardized tests, it’s always a bit difficult to assess a candidate’s chances, especially when a person’s undergraduate GPA is under the class average. That said, your field of study was rigorous and achieved at a quality university. You also landed a job with considerable responsibility at a top firm and already won a promotion. That’s why I am high on your chances at your number one school, McCombs, but also confident of your ability to get an invite from UVA Darden or UNC Kenan-Flagler. The business of health is a major growth opportunity for MBA Grads and schools recognize this potential. Your background along with your desire to enter consulting for biotech and big pharma companies should resonate with admission officials. It’s important to put emphasis on how you have worked and collaborated with others, led a project with strong results, and show yourself to have the kind of leadership potential that is essential to a strong application. Do that and I can’t imagine that you would lose out at all of these schools. I would think that at least two of the three would accept you.