Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Amy,

I'm currently studying for the GMAT to apply to the UT Austin Part Time MBA program. According to Business week, their GMAT acceptance ranges from 610 to 710 with an average of 659.

Here is my background: I graduated high school in 1995. I worked as a restaurant manager and had a job in sales after school. I come from a poor background, so there was no money set aside for college and I was responsible to pay for any continuing education. So, I went to junior college for my associates degree, and then South West Texas State University in 2000 to 2001. I was not able to maintain my schooling because of financial issues. Due to my work load, my GPA was a low 2. After I got my feet back under me, I went to Northern Illinois University to get my degree in Finance. I survived a very difficult program while working 40 hours a week to pay the bills. However my graduating GPA was 2.85.

Since graduation, I have been working for a Utility company as a financial analyst for the past four years. I have elevated my self to a different status from my up bringing, but now I want to take it to the next level. Sorry to be so long winded but I want you to know what I will be writing about in my essay, as well as my undergrad GPA to better help you answer my questions. So here is my question, finally!

1. If my experience at South West Texas is not on my NIU transcript do I really need to include it in my application? Even if they request transcripts from all schools attended?
2. Have you seen people with my sort of background, excepted to MBA programs such as UT? If so what do you think I need to score on the GMAT to make up for my underperformance in undergrad?

Your advice is greatly appreciated and again I apologize for the length of this email.

Hi Amy,

I am also looking to go to the UT part time program in Houston. I have a 3.1 GPA and really sucking bad at the GMAT practice stuff. Plus, I am a Sergeant with the Houston Police with very little management and no finace stuff. So I am interested in what the Stacey person would say. Good luck!

Benny

talk about thread hijacking... :roll:

Hi iandavis,

I know it's frustrating to have a low undergrad GPA, but there are definitely ways to show that you are ready to perform well now. I would take a look at the sticky thread on low GPA, where I essentially say that a high GMAT score can help (for UT you would want to aim for the very top of that range) and another option is an "alternative transcript" where you take classes now and get As to show that you can.

You do need to submit every transcript. It's the honest thing to do, you will have a hard time explaining what you did during those "missing years" and there is an extensive background check once you are admitted.

Good luck!

Amy

Hi Benny,

I'm not sure what your question is?

MBA programs have students with a range of backgrounds, so I do not think your background in the police is an issue at all.

Good luck!

Amy