Columbia - 04-24-2025 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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April 24, 2025 2:08pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton, UVA / Darden

Pre-MBA Career: Pharmaceuticals (specifically in clinical operations)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Pharmaceutical Companies: BCG , Deloitte , Ernst & Young , Other , Amgen , Johnson & Johnson , Merck , Roche , Other

GPA: 3.5

Location: Northeast

Notes:

3.5 GPA with a B.S. in Molecular Biology from a small, private, non-target school. Graduating in 2025 but I'm looking to apply to a top MBA program in the next 3-5 years. I currently have a role lined up with a top 5 pharmaceutical company in clinical operations but my end goal would be to pivot into strategy or business development at a pharma company or consulting for life sciences. I have already taken GMAT FE (605 score) but I don't count this as I plan to retake and study (ideal score would be 675+, this will hopefully be achievable). If you have any additional advice I can implement in the next 3-5 years it would be greatly appreciated.

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Show Comments (1) Last: April 24, 2025

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1839 It’s really good that you’re planning ahead like this! Yes, plan at least one retake of the GMAT, target 675+, obviously the higher the score, the better. Leave yourself enough time to retake again if necessary, so you can aim to apply in the first rounds.

In terms of work, showing impact and growth along the way will be very important. Seek out opportunities, and mentors. Outside of work, become involved with something about which you’re truly passionate, and can make an impact. That can really help round out your overall profile.

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