Unfortunately, you are in a tough situation. A degree from UOP is not the best credential out there, however, UOP is an accredited school providing accredited degree programs – you could have done much worse, falling into the online degree mill trap. Here are some ways in which you can prove you deserve a good shot at MBA admissions to top programs, including Thunderbird’s:

1- Pursue a non-online M.S. degree. Find a Master’s in finance program or another one-year Master’s program in something you like, offered by a university in your area. Enroll and complete it, make sure to achieve the best possible grades. This will provide some prove that you can perform well in a tougher academic environment.
2- Take the GMAT and do very well at it. Take it 3-4 times if needed. Shoot for at least 650. MBA programs consider this a good measure of student’s readiness and ability to perform in their programs (although we might not be in agreement with them…)
3- Ensure that the rest of the application components are very strong. You can only have few weaknesses (if any at all), when seeking admission to top MBA programs. Make sure your professional history is solid, with 3-4 accrued years of valuable experience in your field of work, learn how to write effective essays, develop an outstanding resume, and manage every aspect of the application that you can control with great professionalism.

Follow these steps and I am certain you will be one step closer to your goals. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at info AT eduplan.us.

Best regards,
Claudine Vainrub

I have just completed my undergraduate degree in Global Business Management from, dare I say, University of Phoenix (UOP). Unfortunately, I did not do much research before enrolling in their degree program. The school appealed to me because it’s online and offers 5-week classes. I was in a hurry to earn my degree and now that I have it, I’ve been hearing nothing but negative comments about the school. I’m not sure how much is true but I’m curious if earning my degree from UOP will decrease my chances of getting into an MBA program.

Also, a bit of news you should know, my GPA is well, awful. 3.03. I know I can do much better than that. Would it be best if I just started over with a new BA at a better school?

I realize I have a lot of work to do before I start pursuing an MBA, such as applying for a different job where I can utilize my degree and gain the work experience necessary in a management position. I guess I’m just looking for some guidance as to what I should do next to gear up for an MBA program at a well-recognized school. Would Thunderbird be competeley out of the question?

I’d appreciate any suggestions you may have to offer. Thank you for providing us this platform to discuss our concerns.

Respectfully,

Audi

Virginia College has campuses in the following states:
• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas

You have an outstanding profile, and I am sure you would bring a lot of added value to any MBA class. Your chances are better than those of the average applicant, although remember that the average GMAT score at Wharton/Chicago/Kellogg is higher. Your GPA is also lower than the average. What this means is that the rest of your application needs to be extremely solid to enhance your chances. Consider retaking the GMAT (although I know it is an ordeal), taking it twice proves your commitment to the process and to becoming an outstanding student. If your GMAT score goes up to 700, schools will have no doubt that you will be able to perform well in their programs, and your chances to gain admission will increase.

Good luck!
Claudine Vainrub
Principal
EduPlan

* VP Operations in Fortune 500 Corporation managing 1000 employee division and $75M in annual sales

* 11 Years experience with 8 years in managerial role

* Great International experience having worked in these countries over the last 10 years- India, China, US, & Mexico

* 33 years old

* Have MBA from Thunderbird and applying for EMBA in 2010. MBA GPA 3.3

* GMAT 650

Given my work experience, International exposure, & GMAT, what are my chances of being accepted into Wharton, Chicago, Kellogs EMBA program?

Regards,

Jay

Congrats on having already achieved an MBA. Having an MBA makes you a stronger candidate for an EMBA as long as you are able to justify why you would be pursuing an EMBA, what is the added value you find in this degree, since it could be similar to the one you already have.

The admissions process should be one of full disclosure, which means – do not hide anything from your past that might be important for admissions. If you do and they find out on their own, schools will automatically disqualify you on the grounds of dishonesty. It is very easy presently for schools to find information about you, especially with the internet. Even if a piece of information could turn out to be harmful for you, going with the truth gives you the chance to open doors by explaining what happened and how you learned from the experience. In your case, your experience is positive, although it could raise the question of your motives to pursue the degree. What you pointed out as the explanation is interesting, but you need to dig in deeper and point out how your life will be different after pursuing the degree. Make sure this is clear, not only for admissions purposes, but also, to support your career growth. It would be a shame to do all the work, pay all the money this education costs and then find out it did not serve the purpose you originally thought it would.

Good luck and let me know if I can help you in any other way!

Claudine Vainrub
Principal of EduPlan

Thoughts:-

Option 1: I do not disclose that I have an MBA. Can the EMBA school find out if I got an MBA?

Option 2: I got MIM (Masters in International Management) from Thunderbird and later the school offered to convert MIM to MBA which I accepted. Should I explain to EMBA school that the MBA degree that I hold was not truly a MBA by design but focused more on International Management. Will that help?

Please advise.

Regards,
JK

Please take a look at our new postings on the dates for this year at
http://eduplanweb.com/act-dates-2009-2010/
http://eduplanweb.com/sat-dates-2009-2010/

Here are the new SAT Dates 2009-2010 and the ACT Dates 2009-2010…

SAT Dates 2009 – 2010
SAT and Subject Tests

Test Dates Test Regular Registration Deadline(postmark/submit by) U.S. Late Registration Periods (late fee applies)
October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009 September 10, 2009
November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009 October 2, 2009
December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 30, 2009 October 31, 2009
January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009 December 16, 2009
March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010 February 5, 2010
May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010 March 26, 2010
June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010 April 30, 2010

ACT Dates 2009 – 2010
ACT
TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 12, 2009* August 7, 2009
October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009
December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009
February 6, 2010** January 5, 2010
April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010
June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010

* The September 2009 test date is offered only within the 50 United States and D.C.
** No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.

Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Claudine Vainrub
Principal of EduPlan