Mr. Space Launch

While you basic stats (3.0 GPA and 710 GMAT score) are below Chicago Booth’s latest class averages (3.60 and 730), I have a good feeling about you. Sure, your odds would go up considerably if you were right on those Booth numbers or above them (and if you don’t get your desired outcome this year, you could always retake the GMAT and reapply next year).. But, let’s face it: you graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy which is highly selective. I very much doubt there is a lot of grade inflation at the academy so while your 3.0 isn’t all that flattering it may not be as weak as it appears. You are in an intriguing part of the military that is rare for MBA applicants. After all, how many candidates can say they have worked on a space launch? You have demonstrated leadership chops, given your earlier command of 500 personnel and your current role as satellite launch program manager. If you executed your MBA application well and impress in an interview, I think you can beat the basic acceptance rate odds at Chicago Booth of 22.5%. Good luck and thank you for your service to our country!

Hello Mr. Space Launch! Krista Nannery here from mbaMission. (And a Chicago Booth grad.)
So…b-schools LOVE military applicants and you have one of the best networks available to you. Please reach out to all the Vet clubs and start collecting data and intel about how many military applicants they get, conversion rates, etc. They will know these things! Seriously, your network is very valuable. The most valuable there is, IMHO.
Then, given that you possibly have the luxury of time and a few months before R1 deadlines, please take the GMAT again. Given your lower GPA, I want you to give yourself the best possible shot at this. Even a 720 will help you more than a 710 here. (Or consider switching to the GRE.) Your GPA puts you in the lowest 10% of admitted applicants so you really need to prove to AdComs that you can handle the rigor of a top MBA program. (80th percentile range is 3.2 to 3.8.)
Booth can sometimes be stats snobs which is where I have some worries for you. So do your networking and invest in getting to know them in the hopes that pushes you over the line.
School-wise, I want you to look at Darden, Ross, and Cornell. These schools REALLY seem to love military applicants. They will also ALL get you to banking. (I’ve actually had clients choose Ross over (perceived) better programs because it can be easier to get into banking from Ross. Less competition.
In short, one-school strategies are never my favorite…do your research, add a few schools good for banking, and I’m sure you will do great.
Krista

Hi Mr. Space Launch, this is Donna Bauman, Senior Admissions Counselor with Stratus Admissions, weighing in on your profile. Your US Air Force education and experience are impressive—and those may help you overcome weaker stats relative to the pool at Booth. To give Booth the best shot, be sure you understand how the resources at Booth can help you. With just one required course—you need to have a plan for making the most of your Booth experience. One great resource for you to look into at Booth is the opportunity to do a pre MBA internship in PE/VC—although you do have to get in first to have that option! I agree with other experts who say to also look to other programs with strong military connections that can also help you transition to investment banking and ultimately VC. I would add UNC Kenan-Flagler and Owen Vanderbilt to the other suggestions of Johnson, Ross and Darden. Use the time you have now to have the examples of where you have had big impact clearly articulated on resume and be ready to share some of these in the essays at the right time. If you are up for retaking the GMAT—it won’t hurt to try to inch that up a bit. I would also use the time to think about why you gravitate to finance in post military roles as programs want to understand what motivates you. Best wishes and thank you for your service