Mrs. Business Teacher

Hey Mrs. Business Teacher. Thanks for posting. Krista Nannery from mbaMission here.
It can be really hard to evaluate a profile without a GMAT score, especially when the GPA is below 3.2. (The 80th percentile range for GPAs at top programs is generally 3.2 to 3.8.)
Here’s what I think though — you are going to stand out in this process. They don’t see any candidates like you. However, the big question…why an MBA? To say that you’re getting an MBA to go back to teaching might not be the right approach. That’s a very non-traditional path, and at the end of the day, b-schools want to help you get a job they can offer you.
So two main recommendations for you…
Take a practice GMAT and see where you land. That will give you a sense of the possibilities.
Download the employment reports for Stern and CBS and see who is hiring. See if any companies on the list get you excited and if there’s a natural connection between your background and these firms. (EdTech might be an interesting option to consider.) That will help you make the case for your MBA.
I hope that helps!
Krista

Hi Mrs. Business Education, Melisa here from Stratus Admissions. First, thanks for your dedication to education. In all that is changing daily in our lives, I am sure you are doing great things to enlighten your students in new ways through technology – all learned over the last 2 months. And it sounds like you have a renewed passion for business. Without a GMAT/GRE score, it is tough to assess your chances at NYU and Columbia, so here are some things to consider. While I think NYU and Columbia will be interested in your non-traditional background, you will need to show you can handle the academic rigor of the program. The fact that you got a 4.0 in your Masters will help overcome your low undergrad GPA, however I would need to know more about the level of math classes you have taken. If you do not have a strong math background, a high quant score on the GMAT/GRE will help – or you may want to consider a business math course – check out Berkeley Extension Business for Math. Also, you will need to narrow in on your goal post-MBA and how the MBA will help you achieve that goal. I agree an MBA will benefit you in many ways, but you will need to spend some time thinking about what you want to do long term and specifically how an MBA will help. NYU and Columbia will look to how you hope to be a leader in your field of choice – and if they can help you get there. Without narrowing in your goal, it will be difficult for them to assess how they can help you achieve your goals. Best of luck!