Mr. IB Technology

Hi Mr. IB Technology, this is Julie-Anne Heafey from mbaMission. Look, I’m rooting for you, but your odds are pretty tough. The 2.4 is below the average at NYU Stern — their 100% range bottoms out at a 2.84 – and while a super tough school, a tough course, and personal circumstances can help to mitigate your results, it’s still a score well below that of the usual pool and in particular other applicants with your profile. Sometimes you can balance out a low GPA with a high GMAT, but 700 is also below the Stern average. The CFA Level 1 will help, but I still think that your competition will be tough. My suggestions are to retake your test for a higher score, and use the optional essay to explain any context around your undergraduate GPA. I also recommend you expand your list to include schools where your stats are a little closer to the mark (not Columbia, but schools with lower stats).

One more tip –IB hiring folks are cut-to-the-chase people, usually, so I think you need to drive home a clearer goal. “Break(ing) through the verticals of leadership” and “entering the world of investment banking in technology” are quite vague and risk alienating your hiring managers (and the ad coms) so I recommend that you do some research, and find the actual role/type of IB/potential firms you want to target. Then, clearly explain your path there and what your awesome in-depth experience in audit/consulting will allow you to bring to the table. Do you have an industry or instrument expertise? Picking a specialty that will leverage that strength might build your credibility. Good luck!!