The Application Process

Hi,
I didn't do so well in undergrad (Rutgers University) and only got a 2.98 GPA because I was going through a lot during that time.
Since then, I've held good positions and worked on high profile projects at the last and current company. I am now studying for the GMAT in hopes of getting into Columbia, Sloan, Haas, LBS, INSEAD, or IESE.
What score would I need and what would I need to do to be considered as a strong candidate by these top business schools?
I want to show that I am cut out for their rigorous MBA programs and can be a future leader.

Should I also try writing to the Admissions office for advice?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Grace

Nice to meet you Grace...I'm a fellow Rutgers University Alum! Class of 2004... I had a 2.56 GPA and definitely didn't have your target GMAT score (going to use that as a proxy for now). What year did you graduate? What was your major?

Hi Grace,

Richard (Money9111) is DEFINITELY someone you should talk to considering he's from your alma mater and got himself into a top b-school.

One of my clients with a GPA slightly lower than yours is at Cornell for business school, so there's another happy ending for a <3.0 GPA.

Some tips and guidelines:

1) If the school gives you the option to write an optional essay, TAKE IT and use it to your advantage to explain why your GPA in college was so low, what you learned from the experience, and the reasons why this is not going to happen for you in graduate school. Be as specific as you can in how you plan to use the resources available to you be academically successful in graduate school.

2) You'll want a GMAT in the 700+ score range. 750+ even better.

3) You'll need stellar recommendations that provide specific, detailed examples to back up their glowing praise.

4) If possible, go to as many admissions events of your target schools as you can to establish relationships with admissions officers at your target schools.

5) Write AMAZING essays. (This is one of the most important parts of the application.)

With my clients who have very low GPAs or very low test scores, it's all about getting them to the interview where they can shine. Think of your application process in this way--in stages. Your application's job is to GET YOU THE INTERVIEW and then your job at the interview is to GET THE OFFER of admission. Of course they work together, but sometimes thinking of the application in stages makes it less daunting, especially for people with sore spots in their candidacy.

I hope you found this information helpful!

Warm regards,
Kaneisha

Thanks so much for all the replies and help, I really appreciate it!

Richard, I graduated in 2009 with a BA in economics. I didn't do so well in my major but I want to prove that I have the ability to excel in my dream school.
I am pretty sure I'm not going to reach my target GMAT score... maybe I should try for a 700 instead during the first exam.

Could you please share some tips on how you got into a top business school?

Kaneisha, thanks for sharing the guidelines!
Do you have any advice on how to best prepare for the GMAT? How many hours/months is ideal for the preparation before the exam?
Since round 2 deadlines are approaching for many schools, should I be starting the essays at the same time?