High GPA, Mediocre GMAT?

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:27 am
Location: Bay Area

High GPA, Mediocre GMAT?

by wavesandwaves » Fri Oct 31, 2008 10:33 am
Hi Stacy,

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Illinois's business program (Business Administration/Entrepreneurship was my major and concentration). They're ranked 18th for Undergraduate Business programs at BusinessWeek.com.

I'm not planning on getting my MBA until I've had 3-5 years of work experience, but I'm looking to get into Marketing.

I'm taking my GMAT for the 1st time on Monday after ~2 months of studying. My most recent practice scores have been between 610-660, 660 being my latest score, from an initial score of 560. This is pretty good for me, considering I'm an awful standardized test-taker. It's usually around a 39-41 Verbal, 37-39 Quant.

My undergraduate GPA was a 3.75 and I was an Honors student and on the Dean's list. I was super involved and had two "prestigious" internships.

Based on GPA and GMAT alone, do you think the GMAT score will be high enough if I end up getting a 620-630? Assuming I get 3-4 years of excellent work experience.

I'm looking to apply to Kellogg after I get the work experience. Is it easier or harder to get in if a company is paying for the MBA?

I'm a American female.
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:26 pm
Dear wavesandwaves,

Whether or not you have sponsored by a company has no bearing on your admissions decision. If that is a possibility for you in the future, that would be a great opportunity for you. While you have a strong GPA, you will still need a strong GMAT to be competitive at Kellogg. Similarly, you will also need good leadership experiences both professional and personal. Since you are not planning to apply for another 3 years, I would suggest planning on taking the GMAT at least twice maybe three times. You will want to be over a 650 to have a shot at Kellogg and over 680 to be competitive.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me