RANTO!!!!!!!!! Can I ever get into a ranked MBA ???

Question

I have a complicated situation. Im Canadian and from my research Im discovering MBAs here are not nearly as beneficial as "ranked" MBA programs in the U.S. I have looked at entry requirements for "ranked" programs and I am discouraged that I will not be able to get in based on my low GPA from my first undergrad degree. I have 2 undergrads from different universities. I started in BIO and bombed my 1st year due to personal reasons. I could only be admitted to sociology and disgruntled, I graduated with a C+ GPA, B not including 1st year. I worked for 2.5 years, went back to school and will graduate with a commerce degree with an A GPA in May '08. My questions:
1)Considering my senario and ignoring GMAT are there any US ranked MBA programs I could still get into?
2)FT ranks only 15 US schools above Rotman meaning it would crack the top 20. ( http://rankings.ft.com/global-mba-rankings ) I meet requirements into top CAN MBAs like Rotman do you really recommend against CAN MBAs?

Answer 1

While I would place more than 15 US schools above Rotman, I do think it is comparable to US MBA programs in the top 30. Their finance department is particularly good.

In answer to your other question, if you get a high GMAT score I see no reason why you can't get into a good program in the US. In your essay, you will have the opportunity to address anything that might concern them. If you spin it right, MBA admissions officers will be impressed that you were able to turn things around. GPA is important for the top schools -- but not as important as it is for academic programs.

I actually had a horrible Freshman year. When I applied to graduate schools, I let them know that my other three years were more representative of how I would do in their program. Despite that one bad year, I was admitted into top 20 graduate programs in Math, top ten MBA programs and top five PhD programs in finance.