Mr. Technology & Community

Hi, it’s Nisha with mbaMission. I’m so impressed by your path – helping raise your family out of poverty, progressing in your banking career while gaining international experience, starting your own longstanding venture in the data analytics space, and making a meaningful difference in your community through nonprofit leadership. I think that MBA schools will be moved by your story and the impact you’ve made as well.

To maximize your chances at the programs you’re targeting, here’s what I’d recommend: 1.) Your academics are on the softer side (but it’s great to see that you’re getting an additional degree, as strong grades there will help offset your college GPA). For the GMAT, I’d aim for a 700+, with a good balance between Quant and Verbal. 2.) Explain the motivations behind your goals – why are you drawn to equity research post-MBA based on your professional experiences to date? Regarding your long-term goals – while you don’t have to fully flesh them out, what are you envisioning for how data analytics can positively shape public policy in the regions that you had mentioned? 3.) On your resume and application, communicate fully the impact you’ve made both within and outside of work, and secure recommendations that attest to your exceptional performance, potential, and growth. 4.) Make a strong case for how each program will help you achieve your goals based on its specific resources within and outside of the classroom as well as its culture.

Hope that helps – best of luck! 🙂

Hi Mr. Technology and Community, This is Donna Bauman with Stratus Admissions and I congratulate you on living a most interesting life! I am so impressed with your career and your success in helping your family as well. What a great experience you have had to go to London and then also to add to your education while there as well. In terms of your undergrad GPA, that will not be a super strength but you have the chance in your second computer science degree to have excellent grades so I hope you are making great progress there. If you are able to hit or slightly exceed your practice GMAT score that will also help you. Keep in mind that if you test better on the GRE that can be an option as well. I think Tepper could be a great fit for you as your computer science background will be a plus in Tepper’s environment. Depending on your test score results, I think you could also be compelling at any of the other schools you are considering as well. I would love to hear more about what you love about equity research so please feel free to reach out if you want to discuss your profile further.