Mr. Low GPA, Great Experience

Hello, this is Michael from mbaMission.
You have very strong work experience, and I do think that should help compensate for a below average GPA. The key is to have all other aspects of your profile be really solid. The fact that you were in IB for 5+ years is definitely a plus, as that shows your analytical and quantitative skills, as well as other transferable skills. I also like your current start-up experience, which connects well to your short and long-term goals. So from a work experience perspective, I do think you have a competitive profile. You did not mention any extracurricular activities, but hopefully you can show that you are well-rounded and have engaged in some volunteer work, or are at least engaged in non-work activities. That is another important part of your profile.
Lastly, all MBA programs will certainly look at your stats, which includes your GPA. In an optional essay, definitely address your GPA. Ideally you can point out that you improved your grades as college went on. Don’t make excuses as for your poor grades, but instead show that you have learned from that experience. Ideally you will have a strong GMAT/GRE score to also compensate for the GPA. If not, you will still want to illustrate to the schools that you have the academic ability to succeed in the classroom. You could showcase your quant ability in your resume, your recommenders could do the same in their recommendations, or you could even take a supplemental course such as stats or calculus (if you have time).
The schools you are targeting, especially Harvard, are very competitive, but with your solid work experience I think your chances sit at about that program’s acceptance rate of around 10%-15%. Good luck!

Mr. Low GPA, Great Experience – Thanks for posting your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus. With a 2.77 UG, you really must bring it in EVERY other aspect of your application to be competitive at HBS. While your work experience is impressive, I’m not seeing other evidence I am looking for.

To make up for poor UG performance, you must outperform on the GMAT or GRE – solidly above the average. HBS is looking for a habit of leadership – I don’t see anything in what you have shared. Similarly, they want engaged community citizens. Again, you didn’t mention anything that leads me to believe that being part of something bigger than yourself is valued.

I do think your background would be valued at McCombs or Rice Jones. If you nail the GMAT (750+) you could get some consideration from CBS. Check out Booth’s resources around energy (EPIC). Again, your test score would need to make up for UG. If you perform well on the GMAT, you might take a look at Kellogg which is always looking for more finance folks and even created a fellowship to atttact them.

Wishing you all the best!