Abnormal undergrad profile. Can I get opinions/chances for MBA?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

Hi guys,

So I attended undergraduate at Brown University. My first year started off well enough (3.7 GPA), but during my second year I began having a number of health issues (at the same time, I don’t use them as an excuse for my poor scholastic performance.)

Rather than take time off, I continued with school, and at the end of sophomore year my GPA dropped to a 3.2.

Here is where things get interesting- I decided (I don’t know what I was thinking at the time. Again, I was not in a good place mentally) to just take every course from Junior to the end of senior year Pass/Fail (this is a unique feature of Brown’s curriculum and is uncommon or so I believe).

So now, I have a 3.2 GPA in English with only grades from the first two years (everything else is just a pass). For many years after graduating, I assumed this meant my transcript was radioactive, is that correct?

I haven’t taken the GMAT yet, but scored a 660M/720V SAT score so I predict scoring in the same range for the GMAT.

I’ve worked a steady progression of jobs so far-nothing super prestigious like banking or consulting-just average writing gigs (copywriting, speechwriting, etc).

Given my background/writing skills, I’m confident I could conjure up a compelling essay and decent recs, but doubt that will make any difference with my transcript.

I’m considering studying for the GMAT, but would really like to hear opinions on whether it’s worth it or not given my profile.

Also, I was interested in transitioning to finance, but understand that may be only possible through a top 20 MBA program so hypothetically that is where I’d apply.

Any thoughts? Thanks for taking the time to read!

2

Take an undergrad class or two now - for a grade - preferably something quantitative as a non-matriculating student at any decent local college. I recommend statistics, if you didn’t take it in college. Strong grades in quant classes now will help you show readiness and ability to do the necessary work.

When I worked for admissions at an Ivy B-school, we sometimes recommended that students do that in order to move off the waiting list.

3

What are you doing now? Top MBA programs expect you to have at least 2 years of professional work experience after receiving your bachelor’s degree.

4

D had a BM degree in Vocal Performance when she applied for her MBA. She was advised to take Accounting 1 and statistics to prove she could handle quantitative classes before she applied. She will be graduating from NYU Stern with her full-time MBA in May.

5

@EbisuMae : Your post suggests that you need to refine your reason for wanting to attend an MBA program. While hundreds of MBA programs will accept you, the top programs look for work related accomplishments combined with a well reasoned career objective that would be facilitated by earning an MBA.

6

and Calc. But take at a 4-year school that will accept non-matriculating students, or perhaps thru their extension program. A juco won’t cut it.

7

D took accounting at a NYC CC and was accepted at NYU with a full tuition scholarship.