<p>So I'm applying to tough schools like NYU Stern ED2, CMU Tepper, etc. my GPA is low - around a 3.3UW with a heavy upward trend (4.0 as a senior UW). SATs are in line and fall in middle 50% for Stern.</p>
<p>I have one major EC: I opened a business after 8th grade and amidst my family going through severe depression, my mother having two surgeries and various health problems after my fathers sudden death ten hours after healthy release from an ER.</p>
<p>Anyway, My business is successful, five figure, no debt. I own it and am CEO.</p>
<p>How would I portray this exactly - I did a lot in my essay as this is a topic but I want to really emphasize it. It's my only chance.</p>
<p>My responsibilities are mainly fiscal, legal. I manage all accounts payable and receivable, corporate taxes, merchant accounts, legalities, etc. I don't use an accountant.</p>
<p>We own two patents and our projected growth for 2012 is 5000% 2011. I also balance my schoolwork and work and have a business partner who is my age and does programming. We are looking to do Initial Public Offering (Stock) by 2016.</p>
<p>How would I list this without lookong like I'm applying for a financial job. Seems to complicated for a resume. Would it be in the EC essay?</p>
<p>Have you spoken to your guidance counsellor or college counsellor both as to how to present this, and as to what schools to apply to.</p>
<p>The problem with a board like this, is that you’re unique. None of us here really has experience with someone like you, so it’s hard to offer any meaningful advice.</p>
<p>I have, I go to a public school where the GCs are very nice but not too knowledgable with how tos of my scenario. It will be mentioned in the GC Rec.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was hoping there would be someone else who had a similar type of EC, even like a club they opened and how they portrayed it if it was their major hook.</p>
<p>It’s not really a ‘hook’ as this term is generally used.</p>
<p>However, it’s something that will make you stand out (which may have the same effect).</p>
<p>Ok – here’s my thought, and please recognize that I have nothing to do with admissions. First – you say that your business is in the 5-digit range. That can be anything from $10,000 to $99,000, which is a pretty big range (though even $10k is impresive). (btw, I’m not asking – just saying that it’s a bit hard to analyze).</p>
<p>If all of a sudden they made me an Admissions Officer, (and didn’t make me first take a course so I’d know what I’m doing) I’d probably say – it’s entirely possible that someone like this will be very very successful someday. If it’s anywhere near a close call, it’s worth taking a shot – admit the guy.</p>
<p>Stern – why ED2, not ED1?</p>
<p>So, I think it can be very helpful. I just don’t know how much it can overcome your GPA.</p>
<p>The only thing I can suggest – APPLY.</p>
<p>I would think that your business IS your essay. Also, take any chance for an interview that you are offered. In most cases, I don’t think they make a whole lot of difference either way, but where an interviewer can say “The transcript doesn’t tell the whole story because …” and can fill in that blank, it can make a difference.</p>
<p>They won’t see it clearly in ED1. These are UW GPA.</p>
<p>My income is 15-20K this year, and I own 55%, my partner who is my age owns 30% and we have a set 15% company owned stock that isn’t owned by a person, therefore 15% of all assets and revenue each year is kept in the business. So the company is midrange.</p>
<p>FWIW – I’m not sure if I’m understanding you, but if 85 shares are issued and you own 55, you have a 64.71 % ownership interest in the company. Treasury shares don’t dillute your ownership pct. </p>
<p>I’m surprised NYU doesn’t have alumni interviews. I didn’t know that.</p>
<p>As I said before, your case is one of those that really doesn’t fit any pattern. So I think you have to apply and hope. Sorry I don’t have better advice.</p>
<p>Our incomes are based on share ownership percentages to ensure we are putting in enough in our company.</p>
<p>For official purposes I do own more, but this isn’t reflected with my salary.</p>
<p>So I “own” 55% of shares and the company to ensure that the excess percentage “income” goes back into the company for development. This is a core structure for now do we grow at a good rate as we are now.</p>
<p>I think that you should re-post this in the Parents Forum. Use a title along the lines of “Started my own business. How do I portray this for admissions?” so that you catch the eye of people who can help you. Rewrite the text of your initial post a bit as well to focus clearly on the question that you want help with. Don’t be afraid to post in Parents. I expect that you will get lots of useful suggestions if you do.</p>