what are my chances at MIT Sloan? guys feedback please

Magic222 · 10-20-2009, 08:07 AM

I am aiming for MBA at MIT Sloan (or any other top 10 MBA school in US or UK),

I have a BA bachelor Degree concentration in Finance and Marketing from an American University.
My GPA is 2.67 which is low (My concern). Because I spent a while in engineering before switching to business however my business courses are mostly A and B grades.

I have a GMAT 700+. Speak three languages Arabic, English and Japanese.
4-5 Years work experience in one of the top automobile companies in the world. 2 yrs in the Middle East excellent achievements in many areas of the company. 2 years in the mother company in Japan also great achievements. My company highly invests in my training, I completed more than 25 certified and relatively expensive development courses in (Middle East, Japan...) I have worked all my summers during my BA degree working in leading community service companies and was selected to lead, train and direct a costal environmental protection team (was selected by Parliament member and vice president of the environmental group) also have shares in non-profit organizations.

Got promoted very quickly due to performance and is a general manager in 4-5 Years at a top 10 multinational company.

My recommendations are excellent from the top (President of our company) who is a board member in the school as well. Oh and I am an international student therefore inclined to pay full fees… which according to what I have heard helps…

What do you think my chances are this is my top goal and highest priority at this point I am dying to get accepted, I am also trying other top 10 schools in UK and US.... thanks guys!!

Japher · 10-20-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

My recommendations are excellent from the top (President of our company) who is a board member in the school as well.

He's a board member of Sloan? Than you probably aren't going to be admitted based on qualifications so I wouldn't sweat the low GPA.

Magic222 · 10-20-2009, 10:49 AM

I doubt a top ten school would look past your relatively low GPA just because your recommendation is from a board member and CEO of your company.. but then again i'm not sure.... any idea anybody? plus my experience in Japan could bring added value to the program... what about international students paying full tuisions?... would that help getting admtted??

jcmc2112 · 10-20-2009, 11:15 AM

The GPA will kill your chances. Like badly.

mba2010 · 10-20-2009, 12:31 PM

Isn't that a conflict of interest, though, having a board member write your recommendation? I don't think the low GPA will necessarily kill your chances, though it certainly won't be looked upon favorably. You will need to make up for it in other areas. If you get a high GMAT, it may help convince the admissions committee that you can handle the academic rigor at Sloan, since Sloan is a quant-intensive school.

Dawgie · 10-20-2009, 01:54 PM

GPA will kill chances, but it's not impossible.

Magic222 · 10-20-2009, 05:07 PM

i really appreciate your feedback... but what about all my other qualifications and work experience.... i mean it cant simply be up to GPA, its business school not medicine.. is it true that its easier for international students or is it just a rumor... does it help if you are a shareholder at a corporation?? or is it yet another rumor

storch · 10-21-2009, 02:53 AM

you'll have a shot, even with the horrendous gpa, sounds like everything else is quite good

storch · 10-21-2009, 02:55 AM

mba2010;

Idk where you got the idea that Sloan was a "quant-intensive school" but that is far from the truth, there is no such thing as far as MBAs go

mba2010 · 10-21-2009, 12:26 PM

It's my understanding that schools like Wharton, Sloan, and Booth are known for their quants.

storch · 10-21-2009, 07:55 PM

not really, no.

they are more quantitative than perhaps harvard or tuck, but that is a bit like saying saudi arabia has better hockey players than yemen

Magic222 · 10-26-2009, 01:54 AM

Thanks guys for the feedback. to be perfectly honest im a fresh graduate and this is a hypothetical example... just wanna know how tough it is generally to get into these schools to plan accordingly... therefore do great in the next couple of years.

tomslawsky · 11-02-2009, 10:38 AM

My opinion- you say a 700+ GMAT. If it is 710, get it up to 750, making shre you hit a 50 on your quant. If it is a 740+ now, I think you can be OK. I don't care what anyone says, a 700 GMAT is NOT the same as a 750, especially when you need to use it to compensate for low GPA's. This effect is amplified if you are not a minority or female.

Finally, CALL the school, don't tell themwho you are and ask them. Why rely on us when you can ask them directly.

Dawgie · 11-02-2009, 12:04 PM

Definitely higher the better is gonna help.