How to deal with a low GPA

Lisa Anderson · Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:11 pm

Dear gmatismybane,

Congratulations on your 700 and the 50 on the quant! A good score, indeed. I can understand your concern on your verbal score, and retaking the GMAT is definitely an option. You have to weigh the reality of the retake versus the time you have to focus on the rest of your applications. If you take the test again, it is possible your total score will go down, even with an increase on the verbal, if your quant goes down. It is possible you will score a 700 again, but with a different breakdown on the quant and verbal. Furthermore, I don't know that increasing your verbal a few points is really going to impact the ultimate decision as much as a strong set of essays, great recommendations and a good interview. You have other opportunities in your essays and interviews to demonstrate English proficiency.

So, I think it is a judgment call you have to make when you consider the time you have available for your applications and job to meet the deadlines you are trying to make.

Best of luck,
Lisa

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kbharadwaj.1987 · Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:47 pm

I have a very low GPA(2.7). I graduated this July. I did my Engineering with a specialization in Mechanical.
I also gave my GMAT(720- q-49,v-38,awa-5.5), GRE(1300- q-780,v-520) and toefl(108). What would be my chances?
I'm planning to apply for Fall-2010 without any work-ex as I just graduated. I'm looking out for JD/MBA or Full-time MBA. Could you provide me a concrete list of colleges which do not require work ex?

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Lisa Anderson · Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:02 pm

Dear kbharadwaj.1987,

Schools have relaxed the work experience requirement to the point that many prefer at least 2 years of work experience, but it is not required. How many applicants they will admit without any work experience, or less than 2 years, will vary from school to school. So, there is no real concrete list. You should simply verify the work experience requirement for the schools you are targeting.

Your GMAT indicates a high level of academic aptitude, but your GPA might raise a concern on your motivation and ability to succeed in the classroom. In order to be competitive without any work experience, you want to have high numbers (GMAT, GPA and TOEFL) and a solid rationale for why you want to go to business school now versus after gaining some experience.

Good luck,
Lisa

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drhockey · Fri Sep 18, 2009 10:19 am

Lisa,

I too am in a similar predicament as some of the others that have posted.

I graduated in 1996 from the University at Buffalo with a B.S. in the life sciences. My GPA is quite low overall (2.45), but is higher within my major itself.

Since graduating, i've spent the past nearly 12 years in an environmental engineering consultant's role with various companies and with various responsibilites. I've also assisted (albeit remotely) my family in running a restaurant franchise over the past 5 years or so.

I'm currently interested in attending a second tier part-time/professional MBA program, since i am aware of my academic liablities and limitations. I'm interested in some of the Big Ten programs (i.e., Wisconsin, Penn State, Ohio State, etc.) and have developed a spreadhseet that contains average GMAT and/or median GMAT score ranges for several professional programs across the country, among other pertinent information.

I have yet to take the GMAT and am currently in the process of studying for the test. I am realistically hoping to score anywhere in the 550-600+ range to give myself somewhat of a chance to get in to one of these programs. Obviously, i'm hoping that my professional experience, references, and compelling essays will help with admissions, and also hope that my time away from school will put less emphasis on my lower GPA.

I realize that scoring well on the GMAT is critical, but i was curious as to what your opinion is of my situation and whether or not i will have an ok shot at getting into a second tier program given my professional background and hopeful score on the GMAT. Will the amount and variation (i.e., some engineering/consulting and some business) of experience help at all with admissions?

I'm not a very good standardized test taker, so i am a bit fearful that admissions will focus on my low GPA and potentially lower GMAT scores and ultimately overlook my ability to compete in the program, which i think i have given my experiences, drive, and desire.

Thanks so much in advance for your evaluation and advice.

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Lisa Anderson · Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:58 pm

Dear drhockey,

Your application will be evaluated in holistic manner, so while your GMAT/GPA combination might be below the average, your essays, resume, and recommendations can mitigate your numbers to make a compelling case for your admission. The main thing the admissions committee will be looking for is evidence you can handle the coursework. So, if you score well enough on the GMAT (in the mid-50% range) and particularly on the quant section, then that can demonstrate your ability to succeed in the program. Likewise, it might be worth writing the optional essay on why you did not do so well in undergrad, but are more prepared and motivated for business school. I also think your work experience will be an asset to you, both your environmental consulting and your work in the family business.

Good luck,
Lisa

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prasath · Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:55 am

Hi Lisa,

I have a low GPA of 2.6 and an equally low GMAT score of 620 (Q40, V35).
My undergrad major was in Biomedical Engineering from an Indian University and I have 4 years of work exp with GE Healthcare.
I have worked in India, Srilanka and few months in China as well(this was a part of training program).
Ex-curricular wise I teach students as a community service which my mother started, is a member of Lions Club and invloved in other community improvement projects.
I had applied for Duke Fuqua's EA round and didn't get an interview invitation. So I've been thinkin of retaking the GMAT and hoping to apply to Texas Austin, Boston Uni and Haas. My essays and recos are evry strong. I have a impressive vision to help re-build my country's healthcare system. I was hoping that this will work as the biggest selling point.
Should I apply with a 620 or retake it.
Thanks in advance.

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jewbagel · Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:35 am

I have a bs in mechanical engineering from UCSB. My Gpa is pretty low at 2.85. I just took the gmat and got 700 44 v 42 q. I am probibly going to take it again becuase i think i can do better on the Q. I wanted to apply to a top 15 school and have about 2 years of work exp at the moment at an aerospace engineering firm as a manufacturing engineer.

What are my chances of getting into a program and what can i do to better my chances?

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Lisa Anderson · Mon Oct 26, 2009 11:10 am

Dear prasath,

You should retake your GMAT to try and improve your score at least 50 points to be competitive for UT-Austin, Boston University and Haas. While I do think your biomedical engineering and experience at GE Healthcare will help distinguish you from the other Indian engineers, the different industry sector is not enough to overcome below average GMAT and GPA. I would also encourage you to identify some other programs that match your career goals and whose GMAT averages are closer to your GMAT score.

Good luck,
Lisa

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Dear jewbagel,

While I do not have enough information on your profile or the schools you are considering, I do think you have the foundation for a competitive application. Your GMAT score does help to mitigate your GPA. It will also be important to convey the quality of the work experience you have gained and a solid rationale for getting your MBA. You should also identify 1-3 schools outside of the top 15 as alternative options.

Good luck,
Lisa

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jewbagel · Mon Oct 26, 2009 11:32 am

Thanks for your response Lisa. The two schools i am looking at are ucla (top 15) and usc. I understand they look at much more then just a gmat or gpa. My main questions are,

Do you think its worth my time to retake the test... i think a 720-740 is within my ability?

Also, do you think i should take accounting/economics classes at a csu in order to boost my gpa?

Thanks for your help

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prasath · Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:56 pm

Thanks for your reply Lisa.
I won't be falling under the Indian applicant pool. I'm a Srilankan. I was hoping my biomedical background combined with the fact that I come from a different culture will distinguish me from other applicants.
The problem is this is my 2nd attempt at GMAT. The first time I scored a 560 (a very bad day). Would taking the gmat for the 3rd time affect the apps? Im not a good standardized test taker. My mock scores were in the 690-750 range. But somehow on the test day it all goes wrong. Contemplating on retaking it again.
Also do you think I can probably build an alternate transcript taking economics/statistics classes. We do not have community colleges here in Srilanka. So I will either have to enrol for an online course or distance learning program. but then I might have to postpone my apps. If you can shed some light on this it would help a lot.
I'm going to take your advice and look into other programs whose GMAT avg are closer to mine.

Thanks for your help and looking fwd to your reply again.

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Lisa Anderson · Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:15 pm

Dear jewbagel,

If you think you can increase your GMAT score at least 20 points, then it might be worth a retake. A higher score never hurts. As for some courses, these will not boost your GPA as your GPA from college is done. Taking the courses can go to show your commitment to doing well in class and prepare your for business school though.

Regards,
Lisa

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Dear prasath,

Taking the GMAT 3 times does not negatively affect your applications and can go to show perseverance and commitment. If you feel you can increase your score, then it is worth a retake. An alternative transcript of quantitative coursework can also strengthen your application. Distance learning is acceptable and often these courses can be completed at a fast pace. I think you are at a crossroads and need to decide which is more important to you: attending a top 30 program or being in business school next fall. If it is the former, then you might consider waiting a year to have time to take some courses and prepare for a GMAT retake. If you want to be in business school next year, then I would suggest identifying some of the solid MBA programs that are a better match to your profile.

Regards,
Lisa

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prasath · Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:39 pm

Im indeed at the crossroads! I think if I buckle up and work harder I can get a much better score.
Will try for round 2 of the top 30 if once i tackle the gmat.
Thanks for you reply and words of advice Lisa. Helped a lot.

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