Hello all,

Thank you in advance for any help or advice you give. Please help me to assess chances and what I can do to increase chances of acceptance for desired school.

GPA: 2.58 University of Illinois Technical Systems Management

GMAT:740 49Q 42V

Work experience: 4 years upon matriculation w/ 2 promotions currently consultative sales account manager for software company in automotive industry

EC: Coached junior high baseball team when in high school and I volunteer now every weekend at the local animal shelter

Desired schools: Kellogg, Booth, Ross

Low GPA in college due to the fact that i was working 6 days around 35 hours a week at restaurant to pay my way through school. Father was laid off my freshman year in '09 when the market crashed so I had to support myself. While working at restaurant I was promoted twice eventually to assistant manager and earned employee of the year while enrolled full time in school my senior year. Hope that will help to compensate for low GPA.

What are your goals? Why these schools?

Generically speaking, I think that your higher-than-average GMAT gives you some buffer against your low GPA, but explaining your story and your reasons for the low GPA - use optional essays, etc. - will be important. As will clearly articulating your goals as well as how these schools will help you meet them.