Low GPA but unusual background !! should I still aim high for MBA (M7)? Brutal honesty welcome

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for candid feedback on my profile and whether I’m being realistic about aiming for top MBA programs (M7). Please don’t sugarcoat, I want the honest read.

Background:

• 28 years old
• Uyghur, born in Xinjiang, China
• Came to Japan as an international student after high school
• Undergrad: Economics in Japan
• GPA: ~2.8
• Currently a licensed CPA working as a Senior Accounting professional in the U.S.
• Target GMAT: 722 (prepping seriously)
• Fluent in Japanese, Chinese, Uyghur, Turkish, and English

Context on the GPA:
I know the GPA is my weak point. Studying economics fully in Japanese (my third language at the time) was extremely challenging. During university I was also working part-time to support tuition due to my family’s financial limitations.

Despite that, I:

• Graduated successfully
• Passed the CPA
• Built my career in accounting/finance in the U.S.
• Continued developing multilingual professional capability

Career goals (still refining):
Long term I’m aiming toward high-level finance leadership (Controller/CFO track) , which is why I’m considering a top MBA.

My honest questions:

• With a ~2.8 GPA from Japan, how realistic is M7 if I hit ~722 GMAT and continue strong career progression?
• How much does CPA + global banking/accounting experience help offset GPA concerns?
• Am I underestimating how hard M7 will be from my starting point?
• What would you focus on most in the next 2–3 years if you were in my shoes?

I fully understand my GPA is below average. I’m trying to figure out whether strong execution from here can realistically move the needle.

Appreciate any brutally honest feedback.

Thanks.