<p>I am thinking about getting a MBA in the future. I am looking at maybe 3-4 years down the line at the very earliest.</p>
<p>Here is my problem.</p>
<p>I was a Biology major as an undergraduate student and I did terribly. I literally graduated with a 2.3 GPA and failed more than several of my classes. This was due to my family going into financial bankruptcy and then becoming homeless the last three years of my undergraduate life.</p>
<p>A few years later, I somehow managed to get myself into grad school at one of the top two University of California Schools (I don't want to reveal which) and graduated with a 3.56 GPA and a Masters. As a graduate student, I did run and became the president of my class and I did receive several honors in both leadership and academic excellence. My achievements were recognized by the Chancellor as well. I have researched and published several papers in addition to my graduate work and may have two more coming. </p>
<p>I have several years of work experience, but majority of it was research at the university medical school. </p>
<p>I have not taken my GMAT and will probably take it sometime next year. </p>
<p>How will I fair if I do decide to apply to the top 10 schools or the top 5? Am I chasing an empty dream?</p>
<p>You don’t seem to be the type of person who let adversity stand in their way. This is evident from overcoming your early struggles. While grad schools generally grade lighter than undergrad it is evident that you excelled in your studies and overcame difficulties in getting them done. Show the same type of leadership in your post-academic life that you showed in college and continue to persevere and I am sure you will receive everything you need.</p>
<p>I’m just an undergraduate thinking about an MBA myself, but from the research I’ve done and people I’ve spoken to, the best way to get into a top program (in addition to academics) is being able to distringuish yourself from the pack. You definitely have an inspiring story and the admissions office hopefully could see your determination and burning desire to succeed in your endeavors.</p>
<p>It well depend on 2 things. The most important is some experience that shows your potential in business. You will need to have business experience with promotions and measurable accomplishment. I also think they will want a high GMAT score.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the encouraging words. I really hope I will have a chance for top MBA schools and programs.</p>
<p>If you guys don’t mind me asking, but which books do you guys preferred or used to study for the GMAT? Although it is a while before I take the test, I want to make sure I prepare for it adequately. </p>
<p>Sorry, I don’t have much advice for you on the MBA track but I am extremely curious on how you managed to get into a UC school for a master’s degree with your undergraduate qualifications. I’m glad to hear it’s possible and would appreciate it if you could elaborate on how you got there.</p>
<p>Prior to applying for a top UC school I worked in research. I landed a position researching for one of the division chiefs. I started as a Research Assistant, but within the span of two years, I was promoted to Research Manager on three major projects. After talking to my PI about wanting to continue schooling and wanting to find a direction to what I wanted to do in life, he recommended me to apply and complete a masters. </p>
<p>I thought about it for another year and than finally decided that I was wasting more time thinking. Rather than remaining stagnant by thinking about it, I took the GRE and scored in the top 99% range. I applied and with some amazing luck was admitted. I had letters of recommendation from my undergraduate professors, my PI and volunteer coordinators who knew me really well. I even had a letter from a manager at one of the shelters that my family stayed at. I will tell you that several professors who knew about my case initially had doubts about my ability to succeed and do well. By graduation, all the professors, deans and even the chancellor was just amazed at how much i have accomplished both academically and professionally. </p>
<p>I was actually offered a spot for the PhD track about one years ago, but I ultimately decided that a PhD was not a path that I wanted to pursue. I felt I can do more with a MBA because it is more inline with my interest.</p>
<p>I never thought I get into a graduate school, but it really does make it worthwhile when someone gives you a fighting chance.</p>