Ask Stacy Blackman

I received a BA in 2007 from a reputable (but non-ivy league) college in New England. My GPA was 2.9 with a double-major in Economics and Philosophy (on a side note, the economics department has an anti-inflation policy and grades on a bell curve with a class average of 80%, or 2.5 - I may be able to get a letter from a professor or dean regarding that issue). I was also a varsity athlete and involved in a handful of campus organizations. With 18 months of experience in banking (still employed) and two quality internships under my belt, what are my chances of getting into a top MBA program?

What kind of GMAT would help my case? I think I can score a 700+/-30. Will that get me over the hump?

Most of the schools I have been researching post average accepted applicants with GPAs > 3.4 and 4+ years of work experience. Will a solid GMAT realistically be enough to overcome a weak GPA and below-average work experience? How big of a difference will another year of work experience make? How about if I enroll in a handful of night-courses beginning in January?

I know that is a lot to address, but would appreciate your advice.

Thanks in advance,
M

I have a very low undergrad GPA of 2.5 (graduated in 1998).Did not realize the importance of education back then.I have done my MS from 98-2000 and came out with a 3.82 GPA(2000 graduate).I have been working in the IT industry since then and had many promotions in my work experience of 8 yrs.I gave my GMAT and received a score of 650 just two days ago.I do not have any extra curricular activities.

Can you provide some guidance on what schools in New England would work best for me?Also is there even a remote chance of getting into a top B school?

Hi

I am Srinivas from India. I want to get into one of the top 20 bschools in the U.S.

I have written the GMAT twice. First time I got 600 and AWA 5.0. Second time I got 700 and same AWA.

Now my problem is I am a fresher. I have absolutely no work experience. And I have a percentage of 62.5%. Almost all the top universities say that would translate into a GPA of 2.8 to 3.0.

But I believe that my application essays are good. Also me and a couple of friends started a small web designing firm while we were still studying. (It has gone off to a slow start). I want to get in next year ie 2009.

How many universities should i apply to? I was planning to apply to only 2 or 3 because ppl keep telling me the odds stink.
Do I have a chance of getting into any of the top universities? Because I need to know if a chance exists. I will take that chance.

Hi,

First of all, great site here with a lot of informative posts and resources. Thanks very much.

I'm another student stuck with a low GPA. I'll be graduating (undergrad, BComm - Accounting) this year. I will be working for a government agency in Ottawa (tax audit) and intend to pursue a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. I should be done that in about 3 years from now. I also have 1 year of full time coop experience, and 1 year of part-time experience in the accounting field.

I intend to write the GMAT in late 2009. I have no idea what I'll score, but one of my professors told me to ensure I hit 700, so let's assume I can get that.

Now to the horrible GPA. I've currently got a B average, but it will be closer to a B+ once the year is over. I've failed one Accounting course twice, and got a D- in another one. I have since retaken both, getting a B- each time.

I should note that my marks are not due to a lack of aptitude, but moreso due to my inability to study properly for whatever reason. I screwed up, and I fully accept responsibility for that.

I would like to get into either of Ivey or Rotman in Ontario or a Top 20 in the States. I'm hesitant of expanding the list of schools simply because I don't know how well schools outside of the Top 20 range are regarded in Canada. Also, after speaking to a professor, he's convinced me that I would be better off working and progressing in my career rather than going to a school that isn't ranked too high.

In light of my situation, do I have a shot? If not, how can I increase my chances? For whoever reads this, I thank you in advance.

EDIT: Is public sector experience weighted less than private sector? I know it wouldn't really be an advantage (lazy gov't employees!), but would it put me at any disadvantage?

Thanks for the reply, Lisa. Working in a unionized environment will definitely mean little to no change in job duties for 3 years. That's just the way it works in that place, so I might have to look for something else.

Hi

I am a mechanical engineering graduate from a reputed engineering school in India. My college doesnt have a GPA system but I think it would fall in the 2.5 to 2.8 range which is low by any standards. I took the GMAT and scored 670(Q 47 V 36). After college I started a business hotel of my own with a capital of $ 1 million in an Indian town and the hotel is doing fine. Now I want to pursue an MBA to enhance my skills. Im also an executive committee member of the hotelier's guild operating in my state. Im involved in community service as well.

My undergraduate score card is my greatest worry. I wasnt awarded the degree as soon as I had completed my course since I had backlogs. So I took a few years off to start my enterprise and once the business got established I cleared the backlogs and earned my degree.

What are my chances of getting into a B school in the top 25 list. The schools am considering are McCombs, Smith, Krannet, Kenan Flager and Illinois.

Dear Lisa
Thanks for posting your judicious comment. But dont u think its too late to retake the GMAT? Can you suggest some of the good schools ranked between 30 and 50? Do adcoms compare candidates applying from the same country? I ask you this bcoz the median GMAT scores for the schools I had mentioned is in the 665 to 675 range but I have heard that applicants from India tend to score higher in the GMAt.

And thanks once again

Cherish

Hi

I am an accountant from South America and I am studying for the GMAT .

Now I am also taking some courses at a Community College here in USA. I am taking this classes to improve myself rather than to get a grade. However since this courses are graded and my GPA from my undergrad studies in South America is below 3.00, I would like to know if the GPA of the courses that I am taking now will affect my overall GPA and therefore my chances to be accepted at a top school.

Thank you very much for your answer.

Andrea