BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

680 GMAT and 3.0 GPA. Should I justify the weak academics?

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:46 am

680 GMAT and 3.0 GPA. Should I justify the weak academics?

by yogeshchandra » Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:52 am
I scored a 680 on GMAT (34V, 49M) and I have 3.0/4.0 GPA. I'll be applying to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton. In the additional essays that they have, do you think I should justify my low GPA and the 680 score or should I just let it be and not draw too much attention to this?

I know 680 is not a bad score but considering I'm Indian, the bracket I'm placed in tends to score 700+ and I'm not sure if a 680 can cover for the 3.0 GPA.

Do you think I should justify the academic bit in the additional essays or should I just skip the justification bit?
Top
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 510
Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:15 am
Location: London
Thanked: 122 times
Followed by:22 members

by throughmba » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:42 am
Definitely dont go for a revised GMAT.

How did you calculate your GPA? First check that out.

Look great as an application package rather than just a part. Every Superman has his kryptonite.

Definitely take this issue in the optional essay. For that I can give your some do's

1. Show some favorable trend,something. Like dy/dx is positive or even second differential is positive. :)

2. Bring them back to your strengths

3.Be honest if there was some personal reason. Make it a story rather than a factual commentline.

4. You'll need to show that you've done a lot of other significant activities, have a good leadership history, and that you can bring a unique background to the school.

5. Say again and again that you have potential which is more towards the wholesomeness rather than one thing but nevertheless you are looking forward to improve.
ThroughMBA Consulting
The No. 1 B-School Admission Consulting of U.K. is now the most Affordable.

https://throughmba.com
email : [email protected]

Alex Wilkins
Senior Admission Consultant, ThroughMBA.com
Panelist | MBA Admissions Achievers Meet
Interviewer | MIT Sloan | Former
Management Consultant | McKinsey & Company | Former

"Regardless of who you are or what you have been, You can make what you want to be."
Top
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 9:39 pm
Location: India
Thanked: 11 times
Followed by:1 members

by Color Me One » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:48 pm
Nope, your GMAT/GPA are really not THAT low so as to be explained in the optional essay. You are right in saying that the Indian applicants tend to have a higher GMAT but that is something which will need to be compensated by the rest of your profile; mentioning something in your optional essays will have almost no effect.

Good Luck!
Color Me One MBA Admission Consulting

Brand Your MBA Application
www.colormeone.com

Contact us for a free essay evaluation!
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3135
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 am
Location: Everywhere
Thanked: 589 times
Followed by:332 members

by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:48 pm
yogeshchandra wrote:I scored a 680 on GMAT (34V, 49M) and I have 3.0/4.0 GPA. I'll be applying to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton. In the additional essays that they have, do you think I should justify my low GPA and the 680 score or should I just let it be and not draw too much attention to this?

I know 680 is not a bad score but considering I'm Indian, the bracket I'm placed in tends to score 700+ and I'm not sure if a 680 can cover for the 3.0 GPA.

Do you think I should justify the academic bit in the additional essays or should I just skip the justification bit?
Tough question. You are a bit borderline with your GMAT as to whether you want to justify your GPA. I would say if you have a really good reason, then yes. Otherwise, just leave it alone.
"Hands down the best MBA admissions consulting firm of all-time, and boy, what an incredible founder!" -- Raj Patil, Founder of Admissionado

Something for everyone:
https://admissionado.lpages.co/admissio ... nter-2018/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/50-essay ... ked-vol-4/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm

Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.
Top
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 810
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:12 pm
Thanked: 127 times
Followed by:35 members

by MBAPrepAdvantage » Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:26 pm
In addition to what the other posters have stated, given your low numbers, make sure you apply to less competitive schools as well.

Good luck,
Michael Cohan
MBAPrepAdvantage Founder & AIGAC Board Director
305-604-8178
www.mbaprepadvantage.com

Please thank and/or like individual posts.

Follow Michael Cohan on Image Image and BeattheGMAT.
Follow MBAPrepAdvantage on Image Image Image.

For a free assessment email [email protected] your target schools, goals, resume, GPA and GMAT or fill out our Free MBA Admissions Consultation Form.
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1