Candidate:

Ms. Afropreneur

About Me:

I graduated from TCU, worked in IT Strategy in Africa for a year and 8 months and then got a job in Technology consulting in London. I’m orphaned, lived in the slums, got adopted and had a great opportunity to move to the US for undergrad studies. I’m passionate about giving back and supporting others like me.

Schools:

Target School: Harvard

Considering: Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, Tuck

See More Profiles For: Harvard

Application Status: Open

Details:

Undergrad School: Texas Christian University

Undergrad Major: Computer and Information Systems Management

GPA: 3.16

GRE: 332

Age: 22, Ethnicity: Black or African American

Extracurriculars: Created a scholarship fund for university students in Sub-Saharan Africa, Held skills/Entrepreneurship workshops across East Africa.

Work History:

Title: Technology Consultant

Industry: Accounting

Company: Top Firm

Length of Employment: 8 mos

Title: Technology Strategy

Industry: Construction Management

Company: Start-Up

Length of Employment: 1 yr, 8 mos

Big Life Wins:

I founded a scholarship fund that is putting 4 students through University in Africa. I also started a new role last year and I’m on track to receive promotion later this year that normally shouldn’t be due for another year. I was also voted life and soul of the division although I joined barely 8 months ago.

Post MBA Goal:

I would like to join MBB in Sub-Saharan Africa in the short-term and then start an Innovation Consultancy in the region in the long-term.

Odds:

Join in! Click here to assess the odds of Ms. Afropreneur

The Experts Rate The Odds At: 23%

See what the industry experts have to say:

John A. Byrne, P&Q Founder & Editor-In-Chief | Odds Assessment: 25%

First off, you have a highly compelling narrative story that is at the center of your MBA application. While your GPA is under HBS’ average, it is also in a difficult subject (and a STEM subject which is a major factor in 2+2 admissions) and your above-average GRE (332 vs. Harvard’s 326) should allay any concerns about your ability to do the work. The Africa and U.K. work experience is surely a plus and so is the fact that you put together a scholarship fund to help put students through the University of Africa. I’m very much liking what you bring to the table. So the big drawback is your young age and lack of work work experience. Newly enrolled students at HBS average 4.7 …

First off, you have a highly compelling narrative story that is at the center of your MBA application. While your GPA is under HBS’ average, it is also in a difficult subject (and a STEM subject which is a major factor in 2+2 admissions) and your above-average GRE (332 vs. Harvard’s 326) should allay any concerns about your ability to do the work. The Africa and U.K. work experience is surely a plus and so is the fact that you put together a scholarship fund to help put students through the University of Africa. I’m very much liking what you bring to the table. So the big drawback is your young age and lack of work work experience. Newly enrolled students at HBS average 4.7 years of full-time work experience and average 27 years of age. You’re five years younger and about two and one-half years short on work experience. I am assuming that you will apply in the next admissions cycle so by the time you matriculate you would have another year’s worth of experience and that would be helpful. But HBS may want to see you in another year with a promotion under your belt.

5 years ago Read the full review
mbaMission Odds Assessment: 25%

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. You have such a compelling background – it sounds like you’re off to a running start with your strategy/consulting career, and it’s amazing that you started the scholarship fund for students in sub-Saharan Africa, along with the workshops you’ve run in the region as well. Your strong GRE will help offset the weaker GPA, and I think that your career goals make a lot of sense with your background and motivations as well. However, especially for HBS and Tuck, my only concern is that you’re quite early in your career – the average for those schools is about 5 years of experience – and you’ve been in your current job for only 8 months. If you keep progressing in …

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. You have such a compelling background – it sounds like you’re off to a running start with your strategy/consulting career, and it’s amazing that you started the scholarship fund for students in sub-Saharan Africa, along with the workshops you’ve run in the region as well. Your strong GRE will help offset the weaker GPA, and I think that your career goals make a lot of sense with your background and motivations as well. However, especially for HBS and Tuck, my only concern is that you’re quite early in your career – the average for those schools is about 5 years of experience – and you’ve been in your current job for only 8 months. If you keep progressing in your company and build very strong relationships with your recommenders (preferably one from your current job you can include) I think you’ll be an even stronger candidate next year. Hope that helps!

5 years ago Read the full review
Stratus Admissions Counseling Odds Assessment: 20%

Ms. Afropreneur – Thanks for sharing your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus.

With the limited information I have, it seems like you will have a great story to tell about overcoming the odds and making an impact through your work. Love it!

Where you stand with respect to work and applying is a bit unclear. You indicate that you are on track to receive a promotion so I presume that you have been out of TCU for at least a year and are not applying for deferred entrance. If that is in fact the case, I would suggest that you take another year or two to build up your skills. Look for ways to get others involved in the scholarship fund that you established so you …

Ms. Afropreneur – Thanks for sharing your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus.

With the limited information I have, it seems like you will have a great story to tell about overcoming the odds and making an impact through your work. Love it!

Where you stand with respect to work and applying is a bit unclear. You indicate that you are on track to receive a promotion so I presume that you have been out of TCU for at least a year and are not applying for deferred entrance. If that is in fact the case, I would suggest that you take another year or two to build up your skills. Look for ways to get others involved in the scholarship fund that you established so you can demonstrate a broader impact.

Consider taking a look at Stanford since they have scholarship for African citizens (though unclear if you fit this bill).

With your softer undergrad GPA you might be well served to take a formal math class for which you would get a transcript so you can show that you are an A student now.

Feel free to reach out if you would like a deeper dive with me or one of the Stratus counselors – Temi was an entrepreneur in Africa! Wishing you all the best on your MBA application journey.

5 years ago Read the full review