getting into grad school help+Q
 

I am a graduated business student from SFU looking to apply for MBA/grad programs at ubc, sfu, etc.


Here is the info:

GMAT score 580
UGPA 2.95
CGPA 2.84
I have 2 years professional experience in the field of finance (I am a FA at an investment firm)

registered to write the CFA level 1 June 2009

What are my chances of getting in guys? should i even make the effort to hand in my application?

thanks!

low

well.. low for sauder and segal... but what about for University of calgary etc.

Your GMAT and undergrad grades are on the lower range but those are just one aspect you will be evaluated on. What you need to do is spend time on your resume, essays, and interview skills. You really need to be able to demonstrate the value you would bring to the program. I'm currently in the MBA program at Richard Ivey School of Business so I've been through the whole MBA application process. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Just wondering, do MBA programs provide practicums / coop type things for their students? My friends sister finished a MBA program a while ago in Ivey and got hooked up with a job at RBC Global or something and is making MAD cash.. I'm just wondering how she managed to get hooked up with a job like that right after grad (not sure if she did a coop or not)

His GPA is not even in the minimum requirements range.

However, different schools evaluate different blocks of credits, so it will depend on which school he applies for.

I am certain though that whatever set of credits they will be evaulating, he will need a 3.0/4.0....unless he applies to royal roads, and university of phoenix.

That's a shit assed GMAT score and a GPA.

A low GPA can be offset with experience (2 years is not enough to offset it).

A low GPA can also be offset with a higher GMAT (study harder, it's high school math). I haven't looked at the 80% range for UBC or SFU's GMAT scores, but with a GPA like that, you will want it to be at the higher end.

The low GPA can be addressed in optional essays.

Having said all that, you aren't close to being competitive for even UBC and SFU. Get more work experience and do gooder on your gmat.

Ivey is a one year program so that's not likely. Having said that, Ivey's brand name is very good and the alum network is strong thus the mad hookup. That and the career center there has something like what.. 8 people working for them full time? The recruiting there is pretty badass.

His marks are not in the publicized minimum requirements range but that isn't necessarily going to prevent him from getting into a MBA program at a tier 1 school (btw UBC and SFU are tier 2 MBA schools). I personally know for a fact that there are individuals in my cohort that have GPA's similar to the OP. In the end, it was their experience, their essay, and their ability to sell themselves in the interview that got them there. Their GMATs were a bit better than the OP's but not by much.

As for Ivey, they do have one of the strongest alumni networks out there. Our alumni are passionate about Ivey and are eager to give back. BTW, something like 2/5 alumni hold director level and above positions. This is a major plus for Ivey's program. Ivey switched from a 2 year 16-month program to a 1 year 12 month program, 3 years ago. Other schools like Queens and Insead also have a similar condensed MBA program.

why in Canada and not the US?

No matter how good UBC is, if you are in finance, you want to go to the US, trust me.

There are just not enough finance/business-oriented opportunities in Canada.

GMAT is on the lower end, but u can still re-take it and to get it pass 600 at least. 2 year experience is not so bad, especially they are related to what you are going to apply.

So, better get some very good recommendation, write a good essay and really, think about what you want to learn and get into with your career.

Dont let low GPA got into your way. I had low GPAs as well.. ^^

PS. CFA level 1 candidate means nothing. So, I wouldnt really put it on there.

I am planning to retake my GMAT to get at least above 600.
I know getting into one of the top 10 MBA schools are tough.. but I have researched schools such as University of Manitoba that just look at GMAT scores.

If someone gets a MBA from lower recognized schools, it is still considered a MBA, will you really be that far off from someone from U of T?

When i first applied for undergrad everyone says either SFU or UBC but now that I graduated, i really don't see myself being any different from a Uvic Business Grad.

Who the fuck wants an MBA from the university of Manitoba? An MBA is not an MBA is not an MBA.

You go for an MBA for the network, not the education. Want proof? Look at the recruiting stats out of Ivey vs Manitoba vs the university of phoenix. You're wasting your time by getting some third-tier piece of crap degree that isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

The "brand" of the school where you get your MBA is of utmost importance. Every school basically offers a MBA program because it's a cash cow for them. Employers know this and they're not going to weigh a MBA from Ivey/Queen's/Rotman the same as a MBA from Manitoba/Dalhousie/McGill.

I'm planning on doing a MBA couple years after I graduate.

my first and second year(first sem) is crap(66% in apsc) as all I did was drink, party, and have sex in my dorm. i'm current in second year, going into second sem

one of my TA said only the GPA of last 2 years are considered at most places is that true? or do I really need to step up my game to up my average?

btw, saunder said they recommend GPA of 76% and GMAT of 630.

This man speaks the truth.

Take a look at FT.com's ranking
http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoo...l-mba-rankings

Yes take it w/ grain of salt, not everyone comes out with $200k consulting / ibanking gig, but still - I don't see University of Athabasca/Phoenix on that list.

Even UBC's baaaarely hanging on , UCalgary's only there cuz of Oil/Gas oil sands last little while.

Re-take the GMAT, try Rotman (UT), York (Schulich), Ivey (UWO). Good luck - you'll need around 640+ for most of these and/or outstanding work.

re: work experience 2 years as FA - in bank or just a glorified boiler room broker? MAKES a huge difference what you accomplished - IPO'd $50 million worth of CPC's and QT's... or just pushed some penny stocks. Admission officers might be dumb at SFU/UBC - but out east they smell small time broker from 10 feet.

Hi tecra,

Because the finance industry is saturated with MBAs, its up to the candidates to utilize the school's career resources to secure a job. Thus, schools with good alumni networks, employment after graduation rates, etc are all factors you should consider before choosing your school.

Looking at your academic scores, they are on the low side. And I am assuming that since you are willing to leave your FA position after two years, your work experience is nothing spectacular (why else leave your book?).

Retake your GMAT and start volunteering. Applications are through the roof right now, do something to distinguish yourself.

what about grad school for arts

what about it?