Chances at Chicago GSB/ TUCK/ MIT SLOAN/ YALE

[pavan79]

Hi,

Would you please be able to provide some insight on my admissions chances?

I had a 2.8 undergrad GPA in Computer Science from a State school.

I am currently Pursuing Master of Arts in Management/Finance from Harvard Extension School with a current GPA of 3.6,

I have completed CFA Level 1, and plan on taking the Level 2 Exam next June

I have been consistently scoring between 715- 750 on GMAT practice exams

I currently have 2.5 years of relative work experience as an Business consultant in industries like Secondary Mortgage( Fannie Mae) and Insurance. Presently I lead a team of 4 Business Analysts.

I've been part of a few volunteer groups focusing on India, I lead a community Program where we teach kids and help them academically and socially.
I also manage an Investment Club where i run a model portfolio to teach young kids the importance of managing money and at the same time we use some of the information from this portfolio to manage our funds as well.

Will have great recommendations.

I plan to apply next year for Fall 2009, Since I already have consulting experience, after my MBA I plan to take the next step and join as an Associate in a top Management and Strategy Consulting Firm or join Investment banks as an Associate.

Although I am of Indian Origin and hold a CS degree all my Work Experience is in Business Development area.

What are my ballpark chances at schools such as Chicago GSB / TUCK/ MIT SLOAN / YALE and would you recommend any other schools.


TUCK being my first choice.

Thanks,
Pavan

[GMATbong]

Its an uphill battle for you since 1) you are indian and 2) your GPA is so low.

Did you retake calculus and econ to address your UG GPA? Your WE is ok but which firm are your working for? Additionally, your degree program at havard extension is a No-No since if you are already in finance after that degree, then why you need a MBA? If you can't get to finance after that program, you are in a pool where MBA is your best option and ppl get into MBA when they don't need it.

Its ok to take classes at harvard extension and for that matter, any state school to compensate your low UG GPA but a degree program....

[pavan79]

Thanks for th reply.

So how would you advice to target the situation, at Harvard I have only taken 3 course and all of them are Accounting related, so I can only take classes necessary for addressing the UG GPA and not complete the Degree.

No I have not taken any Calculus classes as my Calc GPA is B+ Avg, and from what i know CFA is regarded highly for its quant depth. As for Experience my previous client was Fannie Mae and now its Travelers Insuranc both are Fortune 500 companies.

[GMATbong]

CFA is not a substitute for your UG GPA and much less your performance in calculus class. You need to retake Calc to get an A to alleviate Adcom concern of your grade. Your lowish GPA is a deal breaker unless you are in a special situation or special minority group which I don't think you are in either. special minority includes native american indian etc... special situation includes someone in your family have cancer and causes your grade to plummet.

Also, it's not about who is your client but your current company. If its a no-name consultant vs. Bain to fortune 100, all of the M7 MBA will take the later guy or gal since there are no shortage of M/B/B + second tier(say accenture) analyst applying for M7 MBA school.

You don't need accounting classes if you plan on getting your MBA. If, however, you don't think you need a MBA, then by all means, finish your current degree and classes.