The Application Process

I have seen quite a few posts from MBA hopefuls concerned about their low undergraduate GPAs. Most advice from all types responders (experts included) involves pursuing additional pre-MBA coursework in order to compensate for low GPAs and bolster overall applications. However, I think most future applicants (myself included) remain unsure about how to go about this. I, for example, certainly don't want to waste time or money trying to strengthen my application in ways which may prove to be ineffective. So, I propose the following questions:

Should a future applicant look into full programs (MS, Graduate Certificates, Professional Certificates), or just relevant coursework (individual classes)?

If full programs are recommended, is there anything specific an applicant should be looking for prior to entering the program? Perhaps an applicant should verify the credibility of the program, but how?

If individual classes are sufficient, should an applicant aim to make up for subject matter which appears lacking in their undergraduate transcript (IE, try to make up for a C in Accounting by taking a graduate accounting course)?

Where should courses be taken? Are there any institutions which should be avoided, such as online or for-profit universities?

Thanks to all in advance, sorry for the long post.

The amount of views vs. the amount of replies to this post just reinforces my suspicion that no one really knows the answers to these questions.

I have an answer for you (and all the silent lurkers)...

You DO NOT need to do a full certificate course. Keep your money and just take individual coursework.

I had a low GMAT (620) and no formal background in the private sector. HBS had me take the following coursework and make a B+ or better in each:

Accounting
Corporate Finance

Of my own volition, I also took Calculus (unnecessary!), Statistics (good choice), and Microeconomics (also a good choice).

You also do not need to fear for-profit universities or online programs. Once I was admitted, HBS recommended I take BYU's courses (it was one of many different places they recommended), and I really enjoyed the self-paced studying. The courses are $444 each and you have access to a real professor who will literally walk you through whatever you're confused about on the phone. I loved it!

So that's my two cents on this issue. It's the advice I give all my clients--and all of you just got it for free!

Good luck!

Kaneisha

Kaneisha:

This is exactly the sort of reply I was hoping for. Your advice and insight are greatly appreciated. You've renewed my faith in BTG, and perhaps gained a future client

Thanks a ton!!

I'm really glad it was helpful! You may want to watch the entire webinar I did recently that covers these topics. It's free but the other ones listed are for members only. https://bschoolodds.com/free-webinar/

NYCMBA0210 I also took a Statistics class @ NYU and I see that you're in NYC as well. The School of Continuing Professional Studies.

https://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X ... nagement-i

I also think Fordham has some classes, as well as Pace.

Hey Money911! If there isn't one already, you should start a thread that reviews all the supplementary coursework options out there. That way, people aren't wandering in the dark!

Kaneisha,

When you say HBS had you take those courses (Accounting and Corporate Finance), do you mean that they told you to take them and get a B+ or better as a condition of acceptance after applying, or what was the situation? On your own volition did you take those other classes prior to applying... and how long did it take you to complete those classes? What was your overall GPA in undergrad?

HBS had me take them as a condition for acceptance. I received an acceptance letter and then got an email telling me I had to do the coursework as well. I took Calc of my own volition. It took me about 6 weeks to take Finance through BYU (self-paced) and I took an entire semester-long Accounting course.

My undergrad GPA was 3.6 from a competitive liberal arts college (Pomona College).

The Chicago Booth School of Business has a summer scholars program -- great credentials, but a higher commitment needed than most can give. Of course there is our one day program as well .

In general, the quantitative parts usually can use some brush up -- accounting/stats -- plus some intro to finance. Ask some folks on what they would have liked to have known/done prior to b-school -- you'll get a variety of opinion from nothing to a lot -- suspect you will fall somewhere in the middle.

Best of luck,
Aveek Guha, President, www.mbadaycamp.com