Dear vinviper1,
Yes, the school does matter and is taken into consideration. A 3.0 from an Ivy League is viewed more favorably than a 3.0 from a third tier school. Likewise, the major you had and the coursework undertaken is scrutinized. More quantitative coursework (like engineering or math majors) is viewed as "tougher" than a transcript with little to no quantitative coursework.
Regards,
Lisa
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What GPA/GMAT is needed to get into a top 5 school?
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Stacy
I'm from India & have a low GPA of 2.7-2.8 with break in engineering degree due to some explainaible reasons. I've full time experience of 6 years as an entrepreneur & a good amount of community leadership experience to add to. Further, I feel that early managerial experience & extensive display of leadership skills couldn't hve been better in any other job. I also undertook training in some internationally well known companies.
I also have international business exposure & linked to an American trade organization.
I recently gave my GMAT & scored 740. I'm not targetting top 5 schools but yes top20/top30 schools. I'm willing to major in finance coupled with Health care management or Intl. Business or Strategy mgmt.
Please do comment as to what are my chances & if their is something else I could do at present to offset my weaknesses or further fortify my strengths.
I'm from India & have a low GPA of 2.7-2.8 with break in engineering degree due to some explainaible reasons. I've full time experience of 6 years as an entrepreneur & a good amount of community leadership experience to add to. Further, I feel that early managerial experience & extensive display of leadership skills couldn't hve been better in any other job. I also undertook training in some internationally well known companies.
I also have international business exposure & linked to an American trade organization.
I recently gave my GMAT & scored 740. I'm not targetting top 5 schools but yes top20/top30 schools. I'm willing to major in finance coupled with Health care management or Intl. Business or Strategy mgmt.
Please do comment as to what are my chances & if their is something else I could do at present to offset my weaknesses or further fortify my strengths.
Hi Stacey/Lisa,
I have a 2.9 overall GPA because I bombed my first year. I switched programs and then my GPA in 3rd and 4th year is 3.8. I just did my GMAT today and got a 660. I would like to aim for University of Chicago, any advice on whether I should retake my GMAT?
I know the 660 is not high enough, but I don't know what to do to improve my score. Therefore, I am not confident that I can improve much.
Please help, thanks!!
I have a 2.9 overall GPA because I bombed my first year. I switched programs and then my GPA in 3rd and 4th year is 3.8. I just did my GMAT today and got a 660. I would like to aim for University of Chicago, any advice on whether I should retake my GMAT?
I know the 660 is not high enough, but I don't know what to do to improve my score. Therefore, I am not confident that I can improve much.
Please help, thanks!!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear jatinrai,
I think you will be competitive for top 30 schools, assuming you have strong essays, resume, recommendations and interview. Your GMAT score mitigates your GPA and shows you have the aptitude to do the coursework. Focus on your essays and present a compelling application; those are the best course of action for you.
Dear chmyeung,
A 660 is at the bottom of the range for Chicago, so you must be strong in all other areas of your application. The 2.9 GPA is worrisome as you need to demonstrate your academic aptitude, specifically in quantitative skills, for Chicago to consider you a viable candidate. It is positive your last two years are quite strong. I strongly encourage you to retake the GMAT and try to get your score up at least 20, preferably 40, points. If you do not feel you can increase your GMAT, then you need to ensure your essays, recommendations, and interview will be outstanding. However, I would encourage you to also apply to some safety options as well.
Good luck to both of you,
Lisa
I think you will be competitive for top 30 schools, assuming you have strong essays, resume, recommendations and interview. Your GMAT score mitigates your GPA and shows you have the aptitude to do the coursework. Focus on your essays and present a compelling application; those are the best course of action for you.
Dear chmyeung,
A 660 is at the bottom of the range for Chicago, so you must be strong in all other areas of your application. The 2.9 GPA is worrisome as you need to demonstrate your academic aptitude, specifically in quantitative skills, for Chicago to consider you a viable candidate. It is positive your last two years are quite strong. I strongly encourage you to retake the GMAT and try to get your score up at least 20, preferably 40, points. If you do not feel you can increase your GMAT, then you need to ensure your essays, recommendations, and interview will be outstanding. However, I would encourage you to also apply to some safety options as well.
Good luck to both of you,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you very much for the advice!
I just realized that I forgot to include the breakdown on my score: Q:48 and V:33. More details on my undergrad too - I bombed Computer Science in my first year, so I switched to Mathematics and Business (GPA: 3.4).
Just have a couple more questions after reading your advice.
1) For my second option, will Queen's University/University of Toronto (Rotman)/York (Schulich) be good, or am I still below?
2) How would my application look if I get 660 on my GMAT again?
Good thing is that I am not planning to apply until next year (I won't be ready to go back to school until 2010), I still have some time to think about it.
Thanks so much Lisa! =)
Thank you very much for the advice!
I just realized that I forgot to include the breakdown on my score: Q:48 and V:33. More details on my undergrad too - I bombed Computer Science in my first year, so I switched to Mathematics and Business (GPA: 3.4).
Just have a couple more questions after reading your advice.
1) For my second option, will Queen's University/University of Toronto (Rotman)/York (Schulich) be good, or am I still below?
2) How would my application look if I get 660 on my GMAT again?
Good thing is that I am not planning to apply until next year (I won't be ready to go back to school until 2010), I still have some time to think about it.
Thanks so much Lisa! =)
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear chmyeung,
I think those schools are good options for you. It will not look bad to score the same on your second attempt. You can always wait to send the scores after you receive the score instead of at the time of your exam if you are concerned.
Good luck,
Lisa
I think those schools are good options for you. It will not look bad to score the same on your second attempt. You can always wait to send the scores after you receive the score instead of at the time of your exam if you are concerned.
Good luck,
Lisa
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Scott2010
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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Lisa,
I had a 2.5 GPA from Lehigh in Electrical Engineering, class of 2000. I now work for Lockheed Martin as an engineer. Next May I will finish a part-time M.S. in Systems Engineering (part quantitative/part engineering management) from George Washington University. I expect to have a 3.7 or 3.8 when I graduate.
I plan to apply for fall 2010 or latest 2012 top b-schools. I am busting my butt at work and am advancing within my company. I will be a Sr. level shortly. I am also contemplating applying for the Advanced Technology Leadership Program next year.
I did not have good study habits in college, and was also on the track team. Now I have much more focus, and want to fulfill my dream of a top tier MBA. What GMAT score should I hit to mitigate my undergrad GPA? How much weight would my Master's GPA have over my undergrad? What else could I be doing?
Kindly,
Scott
I had a 2.5 GPA from Lehigh in Electrical Engineering, class of 2000. I now work for Lockheed Martin as an engineer. Next May I will finish a part-time M.S. in Systems Engineering (part quantitative/part engineering management) from George Washington University. I expect to have a 3.7 or 3.8 when I graduate.
I plan to apply for fall 2010 or latest 2012 top b-schools. I am busting my butt at work and am advancing within my company. I will be a Sr. level shortly. I am also contemplating applying for the Advanced Technology Leadership Program next year.
I did not have good study habits in college, and was also on the track team. Now I have much more focus, and want to fulfill my dream of a top tier MBA. What GMAT score should I hit to mitigate my undergrad GPA? How much weight would my Master's GPA have over my undergrad? What else could I be doing?
Kindly,
Scott
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Scott,
With the amount of time elapsed between college and applying to business school, your GPA is important but is not seen as indicative of your performance as if you had graduated within 2-3 years of applying to business school. While your master's degree GPA does not count in the GPA measure that's published, it will mitigate your GPA from undergraduate studies as it demonstrates your ability to succeed in the classroom at a graduate level.
Ideally, you still want to aim for at or above the average of your target schools. GMAT scores starting with a 7 will put you in the best position.
Good luck,
Lisa
With the amount of time elapsed between college and applying to business school, your GPA is important but is not seen as indicative of your performance as if you had graduated within 2-3 years of applying to business school. While your master's degree GPA does not count in the GPA measure that's published, it will mitigate your GPA from undergraduate studies as it demonstrates your ability to succeed in the classroom at a graduate level.
Ideally, you still want to aim for at or above the average of your target schools. GMAT scores starting with a 7 will put you in the best position.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hello,
Please recommend suitable MUST apply schools. My brief profile is as under -
1. B.Tech (chemical) - IITB ( top 3 in India) - GPA 6.9/10 == 2.8/4 (2004)
2. Extra curr - school & college - debate, singing, dramatics, essay, direction, script writing - recieved several awards/ prizes including - Organization citation & Cultural citation from IITB hostel.
3. Held several key posts in school & college hostel admin body
4. Good grades in final yr project, course seminar, electives, 3 mnths scholarship + internship at Max Plank Germany ( summer 2003)
5.Aug 04 - March 05 - manager trainee (De Nora India Ltd) - technical aspects of pdt
6. Apr 05 - Mar 06 - Manager tech ser - handling service engineers across India, tech support to customers/ engineers/ distributors
7. Apr 06 - Mar 07 - Mgr tech ser - tech serv + marketing + business development, exensive traveling, recruting new engineers, distributors, meeting customers, particiapating in tenders in public sector. Co size - 40+, Sales - 9 mill USD, my div sales - 1 million USD
8. June 07 - till date - Honeywell, India - Engineer - Sales - S&M, project selling, proposals, traveling, internal sales process of Honeywell, identify new business etc. Co size - 2500 +, Sales - 200 m USD, my div sales - 10 m USD
9. Extra curr after college - mainly passive - novels, blogs, photography, singing, movies, organized a small reunion of schoolmates
10. GAMT on 5th Oct, Age - 28, Married, Indian
My list - Insead, Kellogs, HEC. I want to add 2-3 more b schools from US. Please advice if Rotman/ Cambridge/ Oxford are good choice or rather opt for somethng else in US !!
rgds
nitin
Please recommend suitable MUST apply schools. My brief profile is as under -
1. B.Tech (chemical) - IITB ( top 3 in India) - GPA 6.9/10 == 2.8/4 (2004)
2. Extra curr - school & college - debate, singing, dramatics, essay, direction, script writing - recieved several awards/ prizes including - Organization citation & Cultural citation from IITB hostel.
3. Held several key posts in school & college hostel admin body
4. Good grades in final yr project, course seminar, electives, 3 mnths scholarship + internship at Max Plank Germany ( summer 2003)
5.Aug 04 - March 05 - manager trainee (De Nora India Ltd) - technical aspects of pdt
6. Apr 05 - Mar 06 - Manager tech ser - handling service engineers across India, tech support to customers/ engineers/ distributors
7. Apr 06 - Mar 07 - Mgr tech ser - tech serv + marketing + business development, exensive traveling, recruting new engineers, distributors, meeting customers, particiapating in tenders in public sector. Co size - 40+, Sales - 9 mill USD, my div sales - 1 million USD
8. June 07 - till date - Honeywell, India - Engineer - Sales - S&M, project selling, proposals, traveling, internal sales process of Honeywell, identify new business etc. Co size - 2500 +, Sales - 200 m USD, my div sales - 10 m USD
9. Extra curr after college - mainly passive - novels, blogs, photography, singing, movies, organized a small reunion of schoolmates
10. GAMT on 5th Oct, Age - 28, Married, Indian
My list - Insead, Kellogs, HEC. I want to add 2-3 more b schools from US. Please advice if Rotman/ Cambridge/ Oxford are good choice or rather opt for somethng else in US !!
rgds
nitin
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Nitin,
When evaluating your chances for any program, you want to look at where you fall in relation to the average GPA, GMAT and work experience. Generally speaking, if you are at or above the GPA/GMAT averages, then you are a more competitive candidate. Likewise, you want to be in the mid-80% range of work experience; having less work experience will mean you need to present a compelling case for why you are ready for b-school now and having more work experience will mean you need to present a compelling case for full-time versus an executive program.
Of course, what you have done in your professional experience, how you present yourself in your applications, and how well you do in your interviews also greatly factors into the decision. So it is not enough to have an above average GPA and GMAT; you must also present an overall strong application package.
Finally, I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for helpful tips and suggestions. By the way, Rotman, Cambridge and Oxford are in the UK not the US.
Good luck,
Lisa
When evaluating your chances for any program, you want to look at where you fall in relation to the average GPA, GMAT and work experience. Generally speaking, if you are at or above the GPA/GMAT averages, then you are a more competitive candidate. Likewise, you want to be in the mid-80% range of work experience; having less work experience will mean you need to present a compelling case for why you are ready for b-school now and having more work experience will mean you need to present a compelling case for full-time versus an executive program.
Of course, what you have done in your professional experience, how you present yourself in your applications, and how well you do in your interviews also greatly factors into the decision. So it is not enough to have an above average GPA and GMAT; you must also present an overall strong application package.
Finally, I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for helpful tips and suggestions. By the way, Rotman, Cambridge and Oxford are in the UK not the US.
Good luck,
Lisa
Thanks Lisa...
Just to summarize
- I have 50 months of Industrial S&M experience as on date and almost 40 months of it in managerial position wherein I can and I have influenced decisions/ policies/ strategies of the co./ division
- So by next Aug I will complete 5 yrs of exp which is avg in b schools
- If I manage a 720 in GMAT, considering inputs provided above which B Schools in USA according to u should be must apply, where I stand a good chance
Thanks & Best Regards,
Nitin
Just to summarize
- I have 50 months of Industrial S&M experience as on date and almost 40 months of it in managerial position wherein I can and I have influenced decisions/ policies/ strategies of the co./ division
- So by next Aug I will complete 5 yrs of exp which is avg in b schools
- If I manage a 720 in GMAT, considering inputs provided above which B Schools in USA according to u should be must apply, where I stand a good chance
Thanks & Best Regards,
Nitin
-
rabab
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Dear Lisa
I am a 2008 graduate from North South University, Bangladesh. I did Bachelors of Business Admin with a major in Finance & Accounting with overall CGPA of 3.47 and 3.30 in major area. However during my Bachelors years I didn't like the accounting courses much. But Finance was always fun for me. Now I'll be seating for GMAT in November and targeting atleast 650. I want to get admitted to MS in Finance program in US/ Canadian universities.
I have 3 months of internship experience.
Could you pls. tell me which are the universities should be of my target? Where can I get the education that would be good value for money?
Thanks.
I am a 2008 graduate from North South University, Bangladesh. I did Bachelors of Business Admin with a major in Finance & Accounting with overall CGPA of 3.47 and 3.30 in major area. However during my Bachelors years I didn't like the accounting courses much. But Finance was always fun for me. Now I'll be seating for GMAT in November and targeting atleast 650. I want to get admitted to MS in Finance program in US/ Canadian universities.
I have 3 months of internship experience.
Could you pls. tell me which are the universities should be of my target? Where can I get the education that would be good value for money?
Thanks.
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear rabab,
I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips and suggestions.
Good luck,
Lisa
I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips and suggestions.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi Stacy,
I need your opinion on how to proceed....
I took the GMAT back in the beginning of December and got a 650. While I scored in the 95th percentile for verbal, I got some test anxiety during the Quant portion and got a much lower score than I had been getting on my practice exams. So I decided to retake it today. Although I was much more prepared, I think the pressure of having everything finalized for my applications which were due this week, just prevented me from being able to get any sleep the night before, and I ran into the same anxiety problem during quant, and just cancelled my score. (trust me, I knew it wouldn't be better). It's really frustrating because I know the material very well and typicallly I do not get test anxiety. Ugh.
I have a 3.9 from Notre Dame, and 4 years of sales experience (and promotions) at a well known consumer packaged goods company, so I am confident in my GPA and work experience. I also am confident in my interviewing skills. But am concerned my GMAT will be an issue. My goal was to apply to 2nd round to Kellogg and Darden. Now that I did not improve my GMAT, I am wondering if I should reevaluate. Should I apply 3rd round? My fear is they are so selective then, my chances will be hurt. Should I proceed with a 650 and just explain my Quant should be higher? Is there any chance they would accept my applications for 2nd round and then consider my GMAT score if I took it later? Thoughts? Thanks!
I need your opinion on how to proceed....
I took the GMAT back in the beginning of December and got a 650. While I scored in the 95th percentile for verbal, I got some test anxiety during the Quant portion and got a much lower score than I had been getting on my practice exams. So I decided to retake it today. Although I was much more prepared, I think the pressure of having everything finalized for my applications which were due this week, just prevented me from being able to get any sleep the night before, and I ran into the same anxiety problem during quant, and just cancelled my score. (trust me, I knew it wouldn't be better). It's really frustrating because I know the material very well and typicallly I do not get test anxiety. Ugh.
I have a 3.9 from Notre Dame, and 4 years of sales experience (and promotions) at a well known consumer packaged goods company, so I am confident in my GPA and work experience. I also am confident in my interviewing skills. But am concerned my GMAT will be an issue. My goal was to apply to 2nd round to Kellogg and Darden. Now that I did not improve my GMAT, I am wondering if I should reevaluate. Should I apply 3rd round? My fear is they are so selective then, my chances will be hurt. Should I proceed with a 650 and just explain my Quant should be higher? Is there any chance they would accept my applications for 2nd round and then consider my GMAT score if I took it later? Thoughts? Thanks!
