Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Chances of MBA admissions with low grad gpa; Rd1 or Rd2

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:31 pm
by smock » Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:06 pm
Hi,

I plan on applying to various MBA programs this year. I am yet to take the GMAT and I plan on taking the GMAT in early September.

1) I have 2 years of work experience and an undergraduate GPA of about 3.65. However, I am currently in engineering graduate school at UCLA. I am a little worried about my chances of getting admitted into a top B-school. I was working full-time while going to school and had other personal issues; as a result, I got a C in one class. Unfortunately, my GPA for my first year is below below a 3.0. I've been given another opportunity to bring it up in my second year and I know that I will bring it up. How does my low graduate gpa affect my admissions chances? I've asked various people and no one seems to know.

If I get a mid to high 700 in my GMAT. Will that help? I'm really worried. I have various extracurricular activities, 2 years of work experience, a 3.6 undergrad gpa...


2) I am now thinking of applying in round 2 instead of round 1 as I had originally planned. I'm hoping to do well in the fall quarter..that way, I can show that I have improved my gpa and I am learning from failure. Do you think it is advisable to apply in round 2. I'm afraid that I may not get in if I wait too long. Is it bad to apply in round 2 as opposed to round 1?

I am sorry for the lengthy post. The first part was posted before and received several responses already; however, additional responses are welcome.

Thanks you very much.
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — The Application Process |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 1048
Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:59 pmFollowed by: 113 members
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 50 times

by Stacy Blackman » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:38 pm
Hi smock,

A high GMAT score will help off-set a low graduate record. An admissions team is also going to want to know why you are interested in business school after pursuing a graduate engineering degree, so you should be prepared to have a strong answer.

I would not be concerned about applying to Round 2. You should apply when your application is strongest. The only exception is that you should avoid applying to the last round.

Hope this was of help.

Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com

Read the SBC blog.

Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.

Learn more about me
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 288
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:23 amFollowed by: 11 members
Location: Los Angeles/NY
Thanked: 58 times

by PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal » Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:23 pm
Smock,

Round 1 versus 2 is probably not the real issue here, as both rounds are real and you apply when you are ready. You only have 2 years of work experience, which puts you in a lower applicant pool. Though I don't know how old you are, you may want to consider holding off and getting more experiences and promotions before you apply. This additional work experience along with your very solid GPA could counteract some recent weaker academic performance (which can be explained and overcome) and also give you time to improve it.

I would have to know other aspects of your profile to give a more confident response, but now might not be your time. If you do indeed want to apply, I don't necessarily see the masters gpa as a fatal blow.
Alex Leventhal
Harvard MBA, 1998
Prep MBA Admissions Consulting
www.prepmba.com
[email protected]
(323)424.3178
Top
Join the discussion