Mr. Low GPA Finance

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. While your GPA may be on the lower side, your great GMAT score will help offset it (and, even more so if there was an upward trend in your college grades over time). Academics aside, you’ve had excellent career progression in banking & finance and have a lot going for you outside of work with the investment properties and your track record of community involvement.

SInce the building blocks of a strong profile are there, I think the key for you will be application execution. In particular, you’ll want to make it clear in your applications why you want to move to equity research – what observations and experiences have motivated the switch? What is the type of impact you aspire to make in this role and in your future entrepreneurial endeavors? Schools always want to know the WHY behind your goals, so make this crystal clear and make a strong case for why each program you’re targeting will help you achieve these aspirations based on their culture and resources within and outside of the classroom. Additionally, particularly for GSB and HBS, you’ll want to make it clear in your essays what your values are, and what shaped them – and your passions – into what they are today. Doing so will help the admissions committee get to know you closely.

In addition to the programs you’ve listed, I’d strongly consider Berkeley Haas given its strengths in entrepreneurship and finance. Stern, as a somewhat safer option, is also a strong match with your goals.

I hope that helps – best of luck, and do reach out if you would like to discuss your candidacy in more detail.