Jose Roman ⋅ Norfolk, VA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 22 years served

Kenny,

You got some great potential. Let's meet some time in the near future, after the holidays and talk about setting up a veterans 'networking on campus' event. I think being able to speak with like minded veterans on campus and faculty veterans that might of had the same challenges can only benefit all of us.

Jose R.
ODU SVA

Cole Creighton ⋅ Wilton, CT IBM ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Kenny,

Two thoughts. First, utilize the essay portion of the application. Second, seek out schools that offer/require admissions interviews. The interview will give you a chance to explain who you as a whole. Hope this helps.

Best of luck.

Ryan Caylor ⋅ Houston, TX ⋅ 2 years experience

Kenny,

Many great points on this thread. Rather than repeat any, agree that GMAT and effectively communicating your story will be imperative. GMAT-wise, nothing mind blowing here...just need to study, study, study. My advice after taking it: take as many computer simulated practice tests as possible...sitting down in front of the computer at the actual exam seemed awkward after taking practice tests out of the book. Take practice exams on the computer with dry erase board, just like the real thing would have helped in my mind.

Story wise, nothing too new from above...you have a great story that will draw Admissions in, just make sure to effectively communicate that in the essay/interview and how the MBA/military combo is essential to you accomplishing that goal. Also, would help if you are already actively taking steps to reach that goal (which you can accomplish bt now and application), i.e., joining/advising local disaster relief or Haitian business development groups state-wide. Knew about a girl in school 99% through her Fulbright Scholar process and didnt get it because she said wanted to eventually be in the CIA...but when asked in the interview what steps she needed to go through to do that, she didnt know and was rejected from the program. Read through for you: already have a plan for accomplishing your post-MBA goal and how military/MBA will get you there...will also produce more color/desire in your essay.

Also, cast a wide net in applying to schools. While Dartmouth/UNC are your top choices, there is a LOT of inconsistency in who gets in where. My brother got denied/waitlisted from all of top 25 he applied to, but then got accepted at Booth. Just my/his two cents.

Lastly, this blog will be helpful as a vet looking to get into a top mba:
http://blog.militarytobusiness.com/

Hope this helps.

Good luck!!

Nathan Schubert ⋅ Boston, MA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 6 years served

Kenny,

Northwestern's MBA program requires an interview, so you will have the opportunity to sell yourself there.

Also, check out Cornell. Reach out via their contact form here:

http://johnson.campusgroups.com/vets/contact/

When I was there, there were several vets with a similar GPA. Make sure to focus on that GMAT, a strong score will go a long way to offsetting a low GPA.

I would get in touch with Vet clubs if you can find them. Networking will help a lot in at least getting you an interview.

Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale, AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Hello Kenny,

Based on your goal, you should check out The Fletcher School's at Tufts University. Not as competitive at a top 10 MBA. Very well know and prestigious internationally (ranked 5th in the world). They have a joint degree program with Tuck, an exchange program w/ Tuck, or a Master of International Business program as a stand alone business degree.

Fletcher: http://fletcher.tufts.edu/
MIB: http://www.fletcher.tufts.edu/MIB
Joint Program w/ Tuck: http://fletcher.tufts.edu/Academic/Joint-Programs
Exchange Program: http://fletcher.tufts.edu/Academic/Exchange-Programs
Rankings: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/01/03/top_ten_international_relations_masters_programs

If you want any additional information, send me a private message. I have a Hatian friend attending there now who I may be able to put you in contact with.

Morgan

Christopher Lutton ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Kenny, thanks for providing some thoughtful color on your background. Sounds like you've made some great strides to get back on track. I can try and share a bit of my own insight on this one given the information given but will probably also need some more color from you.

1) What is your rationale for attending. MBA school is expensive and time consuming and, in some cases, without the vision to know what you want on the way out, can be ineffective period to reach your career goals. I know b-schools are not all created equally (so many variations- each with unique strengths/weaknesses/niches). In some cases, especially where a career change and strong networking are the focus, trying to get into the best full-time program can help. But in those cases, you will have to make the argument to the admissions that your experiences (depending on what you did in the Navy) can add unique perspectives to the class discussion. There will be others that will argue they will have unique insights from their past business experiences and you will use the application essays to show how you can leverage your collaborative and decision-making skills. I know i found the perspectives of military or government classmates largely very refreshing.
2) GMAT can be a biggie. Before talking too much about specific schools (given your concerns around your GDP), i think you will have a lot better insight into the schools within your reach when you get your scores. The GMAT and GPAs are largely supposed to reconcile each other for most kids. But when there's outside forces (as you explained above), having a strong GMAT (can handle the classwork) can assure the admissions committee that the workload will not overwhelm you.
3) Alternatives to MBA. IF you knew, for example, you wanted a specific career in finance, you could look at getting certifications (like Charter Financial Analyst, CFA). Admittedly, some of those types of certifications are not easy to acquire (in the case of the CFA there are three very challenging tests to get through). But employers, depending on your career track, can look very favorably on these metrics that demonstrate your progress as well as intellectual capability. Hope this helps and hope to hear from you as you get your GMAT done. Good luck!

Perry Newman ⋅ Brooklyn, NY Perry Newman CPC/CSMS ⋅ 20 years experience

Kenny:

Grad school is nice, but with your background I would suggest getting a few years of hands-on experience under your bely before you go down that road and try to find an employer that will support your ambition.

Kenny PH ⋅ Boston, MA U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 4 years served

Michael, Cameron, Ryan,

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the wisdom that you all shared. It is very uplifting to hear your stories as well. I am working on the GMAT currently and I have completed the first drafts of my essays. I will keep you guys posted and hope to get more feedback from you.

Happy new year to all of you.

Regards,
Kenny

Cameron Koczon ⋅ Brooklyn, NY Fictive Kin ⋅ 10 years experience

I just want to add to the conversation with a few things:

1. You can absolutely get in to a top MBA program with a low GPA. I got in to Stanford with a low GPA.

2. If your GPA is low, your GMAT is going to be a much bigger deal.

3. Particularly in the case of an MBA, your story (Why do you want to get an MBA? Why right now? What will you do with it? Where have you come from? Where are you headed?) is where you can make the biggest difference. Tell your story in an honest and clear way that admissions officers can connect with and you'll be in a great spot. Your goal of returning to Haiti to make a big impact there is wonderful and should play a big part in your application.

4. This all loops back to Christoper Lutton's earlier point about knowing exactly why you want to get an MBA both in terms of spending money smartly and being able to explain clearly to admissions folks why they should accept you.

Good luck!

Cameron

Michael Mumford ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 21 years served

Kenny,

From my personal experience reputable reference letters helped me get into graduate school At IU. One of the program deans informed me of that fact.

If possible make a personal visit to the school you are pursuing. Schedule an appointment with key decision makers in the. Thus, they will be able to see firsthand your commitment to reaching your goals.

I find your goal to return to Haiti as a business leader very admirable.

May you continue to pursue that dream.

Mike

Kenny PH ⋅ Boston, MA U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 4 years served

Patrick,

I really appreciate the great inputs. I can definitely show an upward trend in my grades, I've made a lot progress. My professors are even surprise when I tell them that I struggled my first few years. Thanks for the story on the med school friend, very inspiring. I have been making a lot of contacts in the financial services and consulting fields while putting together my applications for b-schools and I'm definitely open to working for a year or two if it can improve my chances at the top programs.

Morgan,

Thanks for the great info on Tufts. Very interesting since Tuck 2 year MBA is one of my target programs. I will definitely do more research on the MBA/MALD program, as it would contribute greatly to my long term goals. I would also enjoy the exchange programs with the francophone schools.

Jose,

Thanks bro! Let me know if you will be on campus tomorrow, I can stop by your office.

Nathan,

Thanks for informing me about this two highly respected programs. I will shoot you a private message.

Thank you all.

Regards,
Kenny

Kenny PH ⋅ Boston, MA U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 4 years served

Hi Cristopher,

Really appreciate your detailed inputs. My goal is to go back to Haiti (native country) in 5 years time to lead an expansion and modernization of the manufacturing industry in order to help cut down the unemployment rates. This is my rationale for attending a top MBA program where I could learn the business skills to support this goal and also build a network that may help me secure much needed investments in the future. A top MBA will also help me sharpened the leadership skills and soft skills I learned in the military.

While in the Navy, I worked as a Boatswain's Mate and Plane Captain (PC). These jobs were very demanding physically and mentally and often attracted people with very difficult personalities. As young PC, I was in charge of people lives and high value equipments daily. I also had to train new guys/girls for the job, this was especially challenging because whenever I signed my name and recommended them my reputation was on the line. These experiences would allow me to bring a very unique perspective into the classroom.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Kenny PH ⋅ Boston, MA U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 4 years served

Cole,

Thanks for the great insight. I have found two programs so far that offer/require interview (Tuck, Kenan-Flagler). I will definitely take advantage of these opportunities.