Ms. Against All Odds

Hi Ms. Against All Odds,
Thanks for posting your profile. This is Debbie Choy, Senior Consultant at mbaMission. I like that you have a strong work track record – introducing e-commerce initiatives and leading digitalization projects. You are also very active in community organizations for women in tech. Your GPA is below the average at Haas, although your strong GMAT does alleviate potential concerns. If there were circumstances that affected your GPA, consider explaining them in the optional essay, so that the Admissions Committee better understands the reasons for your GPA. As for your career goals, I suggest connecting the dots for AdCom and adding more specificity if possible. For example, what type of companies do you aspire to work for long-term? What area of tech (it’s a big industry) are you interested in and WHY? If you can articulate this compellingly in your essays, that would be the key to your application success. I’m happy to discuss other specific questions about your profile in a 1:1 consult. Wishing you the best in your MBA journey!

Hi, it’s Jennifer Jackson from Stratus Admissions. You have a great profile with the lower GPA being what stands out. The solid GMAT will help on that front. I might also suggest you include in an optional essay any extenuating circumstances during college that may have led to lower grades. Some people go through health challenges, have to care for family members, or have other struggles. Sometimes people bite off more than they can chew outside the classroom and have issues managing their time. These aren’t excuses, but explanations. If you started weaker and finished stronger, I would point that out (i.e. My GPA the last two years was X), which would show a nice upward progression. I like your work in diversity and inclusion and the schools will as well, particularly if you can show how you will take that interest to business school by getting involved in X or Y. Your goals make sense and I think you have a real shot at Cornell, Ross and Foster if you can craft a compelling narrative. Haas is super competitive so your chances there are lower but not nothing! Good luck!