Dear pi4,
Do not give up hope! There are applicants in any year with strong applications except for a low undergraduate GPA. Usually, these applicants have legitimate circumstances for the low GPA, but sometimes there is no explanation but immaturity. If you do score in the 730+ range on the GMAT, I think you should still apply to some top 30 programs with a strong set of essays and recommendations. If you can make a compelling case for admission and how you will perform better in business school, then you have a shot. Of course, I recommend that any applicant apply to at least one safety school as well for a back up plan. Take your GMAT, see how you do, and then you will have a better idea of where you stand in terms of your school list.
Best of luck,
Lisa
How to deal with a low GPA
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ncmbahopeful
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A little bit of background on me. Top 10 Liberal arts- think Middlebury/Davidson/Pomona, started at one, transferred to another. Bad GPA ~ cumulative 2.5. Political Science major, but 7 econ/finance courses: poor performance in the introductory ones, good in the higher level ones. One particulerly bad year (soph- think 1.6 gpa) because of a documented illness, but some spotty performance elswhere. Competed in college athletics for 1 year- back competing in the sport now.
Working as an analyst at a fund of hedge funds. Passed levels 1 and 2 of the CFA.
Looking to apply in the Fall of 2010 or 2011.
I think i should do well on the GMAT, my work experience will be ok, but not outstanding, have some good extra curriculars and background (speak 3 languages, studying a 4th, lived around the world- worked overseasetc).
Obviously the big hole in aiming for a top 15 programw ill be GPA.
Do I need to prove that I am "quantitatively inclined" consideing I did well in the 3 highest level finance course in undergrad, if I complete my CFA, and with finance work experience? I think the bigger question is if I work in an academic setting?
What is the best way to address that>
Working as an analyst at a fund of hedge funds. Passed levels 1 and 2 of the CFA.
Looking to apply in the Fall of 2010 or 2011.
I think i should do well on the GMAT, my work experience will be ok, but not outstanding, have some good extra curriculars and background (speak 3 languages, studying a 4th, lived around the world- worked overseasetc).
Obviously the big hole in aiming for a top 15 programw ill be GPA.
Do I need to prove that I am "quantitatively inclined" consideing I did well in the 3 highest level finance course in undergrad, if I complete my CFA, and with finance work experience? I think the bigger question is if I work in an academic setting?
What is the best way to address that>
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear ncmbahopeful,
To mitigate a low GPA, you have a few opportunities. One, you want to do well on the GMAT--especially the quant section if that is where you struggled in your coursework. Aim for a 45+ on the raw score to be in the top percentiles for quant, but definitely over 40 to show quant aptitude. Second, you can take a few quant courses to build an alternative transcript. These courses might also be helpful for the GMAT and business school, so they do have a purpose beyond showing academic ability. It is best to go with math courses like finite math, college algebra and calculus when demonstrating quant aptitude. Finally, you want to highlight the quantitative aspects to your career.
Good luck,
Lisa
To mitigate a low GPA, you have a few opportunities. One, you want to do well on the GMAT--especially the quant section if that is where you struggled in your coursework. Aim for a 45+ on the raw score to be in the top percentiles for quant, but definitely over 40 to show quant aptitude. Second, you can take a few quant courses to build an alternative transcript. These courses might also be helpful for the GMAT and business school, so they do have a purpose beyond showing academic ability. It is best to go with math courses like finite math, college algebra and calculus when demonstrating quant aptitude. Finally, you want to highlight the quantitative aspects to your career.
Good luck,
Lisa
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gmatismybane
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Hi Lisa,
I also have a low GPA profile. I had a 2.6 at top engineering school. I did have some extenuating circumstances. However after graduating, I have 5 yrs in Business IT Consulting with a Big 4 firm. I am about to take the GMAT in 2 weeks (realistically looking at a 680 to 720 score). I have a variety of extra curricular activities including community service. I am Indian (I assume this doesn't make my life any easier), but I grew up in the US.
I've noticed that you've advised many people with low GPA profiles to build an alternative transcript. Unfortunately, I did not really have an opportunity to do that since my career has involved traveling 80 to 90 percent of the time. So I am torn on how I want to address my low GPA since I feel that my Undergrad GPA is not indicative of my actual abilities.
Even if I score a 720 on the GMAT, how do I convince an admissions committee my 2.6/720 is better than the hundreds of 3.6/720s? Should I write a separate essay addressing my GPA? Should I even delve into the details of my family circumstances? Or should I simply say I messed up but I believe I am changed now? Should the topic be brought up in my other essays?
Also ideally I'd like to apply to some top 20 programs (including Michigan, UCLA, UVA, UPenn, Berkeley, Northwestern). But I don't want to waste the effort if my profile realistically has no shot.
I also have a low GPA profile. I had a 2.6 at top engineering school. I did have some extenuating circumstances. However after graduating, I have 5 yrs in Business IT Consulting with a Big 4 firm. I am about to take the GMAT in 2 weeks (realistically looking at a 680 to 720 score). I have a variety of extra curricular activities including community service. I am Indian (I assume this doesn't make my life any easier), but I grew up in the US.
I've noticed that you've advised many people with low GPA profiles to build an alternative transcript. Unfortunately, I did not really have an opportunity to do that since my career has involved traveling 80 to 90 percent of the time. So I am torn on how I want to address my low GPA since I feel that my Undergrad GPA is not indicative of my actual abilities.
Even if I score a 720 on the GMAT, how do I convince an admissions committee my 2.6/720 is better than the hundreds of 3.6/720s? Should I write a separate essay addressing my GPA? Should I even delve into the details of my family circumstances? Or should I simply say I messed up but I believe I am changed now? Should the topic be brought up in my other essays?
Also ideally I'd like to apply to some top 20 programs (including Michigan, UCLA, UVA, UPenn, Berkeley, Northwestern). But I don't want to waste the effort if my profile realistically has no shot.
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Dear gmatismybane,
Just because your undergraduate GPA is a 2.6 does not automatically result in a rejection from top business programs. Your application is evaluated holistically and you have the opportunity through your essays, recommendations and interviews to make a compelling case for your admission. If you do score over a 700 on the GMAT, that will mitigate your undergraduate performance. Keep in mind that engineering is a tough major and the competitiveness of your undergraduate institution will also factor in to your evaluation.
Finally, it is probably worth writing a short optional essay on your GPA. In the essay, you will want to explicitly address your academic performance in college and give any extenuating circumstances that might have affected your grades, but the majority of the essay should be about how you are in a different place now and will do better in business school. Likewise, you will want to give some supporting evidence from your professional accomplishments to back up your statement.
Best of luck,
Lisa
Just because your undergraduate GPA is a 2.6 does not automatically result in a rejection from top business programs. Your application is evaluated holistically and you have the opportunity through your essays, recommendations and interviews to make a compelling case for your admission. If you do score over a 700 on the GMAT, that will mitigate your undergraduate performance. Keep in mind that engineering is a tough major and the competitiveness of your undergraduate institution will also factor in to your evaluation.
Finally, it is probably worth writing a short optional essay on your GPA. In the essay, you will want to explicitly address your academic performance in college and give any extenuating circumstances that might have affected your grades, but the majority of the essay should be about how you are in a different place now and will do better in business school. Likewise, you will want to give some supporting evidence from your professional accomplishments to back up your statement.
Best of luck,
Lisa
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selvaganesh
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Hi,
I have graduated from anna university chennai with 77% (First class with distinction ) which is a gpa of 2.7. But when represented on the GPA scale it discredits my UG performance which in anna university standards is certainly above average. How should i deal with it? Should i mention that it is a good score for my university standards or this will be considered a low score only. I have a gmat score of 690 (49Q, 33V) . Kindly guide me regarding the same.
I have graduated from anna university chennai with 77% (First class with distinction ) which is a gpa of 2.7. But when represented on the GPA scale it discredits my UG performance which in anna university standards is certainly above average. How should i deal with it? Should i mention that it is a good score for my university standards or this will be considered a low score only. I have a gmat score of 690 (49Q, 33V) . Kindly guide me regarding the same.
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Dear selvaganesh,
If you graduated first class with distinction, it is highly unlikely your converted GPA in the US would be a 2.7. I would suggest either having your GPA converted by a credentialing service or using a conversion guide offered by a school you are applying to. US business schools are familiar with the grading system in India, so I think your academic performance will be noted positively.
Good luck,
Lisa
If you graduated first class with distinction, it is highly unlikely your converted GPA in the US would be a 2.7. I would suggest either having your GPA converted by a credentialing service or using a conversion guide offered by a school you are applying to. US business schools are familiar with the grading system in India, so I think your academic performance will be noted positively.
Good luck,
Lisa
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esthero101
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Same as many others on this post, I graduated with a low GPA (2.7-3.0) from a good Canadian undergraduate school (Queen's University, Economics major).
Though I repeated one statistics course during undergrad (replaced a failing grade with an A), I received mostly Bs in the quantitative courses I took. I also pursued a self-directed one-year exchange with another top Canadian university (University of Toronto, where my one-year GPA was 2.17) and took some courses through both Ryerson and York as well (some University of Toronto courses did not transfer). I was involved in a number of volunteer and student leadership roles throughout, and have maintained a good relationship with a University of Toronto professor who I plan on asking for a recommendation.
Post-graduation, I have been working at HSBC Bank for the last two years in a financial analysis based role (one promotion and active in number of initiatives, confident that I can secure a good letter of recommendation). I have one year of concurrent PR and Games Organizing Commitee volunteer experience with the Special Olympics, much charity work, and have also worked part-time and full-time since 2003 (5 years) with an accounting firm in a project management role.
I plan on taking the advice echoed throughout this thread, of building an alternative transcript of 3-4 quantitative courses and using that to demonstrate my ability.
Given the above and my ability to score over 700 on the GMAT (strong verbal, weaker math), what do you think my chances are of getting into a top 10/first-tier US program versus a second-tier US program? Any insight on international top tiers?
I'm hoping to get into:
Chicago Booth
Northwestern Kellogg
MIT Sloan
Boston University
Boston College
IMD
SDA Bocconi
Also, I'd love to know how you would position my optional essay to model a better application. As most of the courses that contributed to my low GPA were electives in a wide variety of subjects (Nutrition, Intro to History of Western Music, Intro to Latin), do you think it is worth stating that, although challenging, these courses really broadened my range of knowledge beyond economics?
Thank you for any and all advice!
Though I repeated one statistics course during undergrad (replaced a failing grade with an A), I received mostly Bs in the quantitative courses I took. I also pursued a self-directed one-year exchange with another top Canadian university (University of Toronto, where my one-year GPA was 2.17) and took some courses through both Ryerson and York as well (some University of Toronto courses did not transfer). I was involved in a number of volunteer and student leadership roles throughout, and have maintained a good relationship with a University of Toronto professor who I plan on asking for a recommendation.
Post-graduation, I have been working at HSBC Bank for the last two years in a financial analysis based role (one promotion and active in number of initiatives, confident that I can secure a good letter of recommendation). I have one year of concurrent PR and Games Organizing Commitee volunteer experience with the Special Olympics, much charity work, and have also worked part-time and full-time since 2003 (5 years) with an accounting firm in a project management role.
I plan on taking the advice echoed throughout this thread, of building an alternative transcript of 3-4 quantitative courses and using that to demonstrate my ability.
Given the above and my ability to score over 700 on the GMAT (strong verbal, weaker math), what do you think my chances are of getting into a top 10/first-tier US program versus a second-tier US program? Any insight on international top tiers?
I'm hoping to get into:
Chicago Booth
Northwestern Kellogg
MIT Sloan
Boston University
Boston College
IMD
SDA Bocconi
Also, I'd love to know how you would position my optional essay to model a better application. As most of the courses that contributed to my low GPA were electives in a wide variety of subjects (Nutrition, Intro to History of Western Music, Intro to Latin), do you think it is worth stating that, although challenging, these courses really broadened my range of knowledge beyond economics?
Thank you for any and all advice!
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money9111
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Hi Lisa,
As this thread suggests, I too have a low undergraduate GPA. I graduated from Rutgers University with a major in Economics. My overall gpa was a 2.6 - 2.7 (not exactly sure.) I know for a fact that my major GPA was higher. I entered school as a pre-med student and did poorly in my writing classes prior to declaring my major.
My target school is NYU Stern for 2011 matriculation. I'm 100% confident that I can write a compelling story as to why I should be admitted. In essay four I will explain my undergraduate coursework.
I've worked in the digital media industry for about 4 years and has lead me to my current position as a search engine marketing analyst for Bloomingdales.com. As a result of my industry and my willingness to keep abreast with the changing times, I plan on completing my Professional Certficate classes at NYU in the January. I don't think that a professional certificate really adds any substance to an application. My reason for taking these classes is to potentially aid in a promotion at work, which I desperately need on my resume.
There is the background - here is the question: You've mentioned taking additional quant classes to show that one has the aptitude. Should these classes be taken at an institution? How does one report their grade if it's not a whole MS program? Do you simply state the grade you received? Do you think it would be best to take a basic class at one of the institutions here in NYC to compensate for my low gpa?
Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
Richard
As this thread suggests, I too have a low undergraduate GPA. I graduated from Rutgers University with a major in Economics. My overall gpa was a 2.6 - 2.7 (not exactly sure.) I know for a fact that my major GPA was higher. I entered school as a pre-med student and did poorly in my writing classes prior to declaring my major.
My target school is NYU Stern for 2011 matriculation. I'm 100% confident that I can write a compelling story as to why I should be admitted. In essay four I will explain my undergraduate coursework.
I've worked in the digital media industry for about 4 years and has lead me to my current position as a search engine marketing analyst for Bloomingdales.com. As a result of my industry and my willingness to keep abreast with the changing times, I plan on completing my Professional Certficate classes at NYU in the January. I don't think that a professional certificate really adds any substance to an application. My reason for taking these classes is to potentially aid in a promotion at work, which I desperately need on my resume.
There is the background - here is the question: You've mentioned taking additional quant classes to show that one has the aptitude. Should these classes be taken at an institution? How does one report their grade if it's not a whole MS program? Do you simply state the grade you received? Do you think it would be best to take a basic class at one of the institutions here in NYC to compensate for my low gpa?
Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
Richard
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear esthero101,
If you score 700+ on the GMAT and have a good alternative transcript with high marks in quantitative classes, then I think you have a shot at a top program. The ultimate decision will depend on how well your application is in entirety, so it is important to have a great set of essays, good recommendations and strong interviews. Your school list is appropriate with a good mix of schools. The top international programs look for many of the same qualities in their applicants, so the only difference there would be any prerequisites or requirements they might have (i.e. fluency in a language besides English, international work experience, etc.).
If you decide to write the optional essay on your GPA, I think it is best to give any mitigating circumstances for why you did not perform better and then spend the bulk of the essay on how you will do better in business school. I'm not sure it will help your case to state how you benefited from electives that you performed poorly in, so try to stick to how you will be a better student now.
Good luck,
Lisa
-----------------------------------------------------
Dear Richard,
Your alternative transcript does not have to be graduate level courses nor from a 4-yr university. You can take courses at a community college, 4-yr university or online, and they should probably be at the undergraduate level if it is math courses. You do not have to be a degree-seeking student to take a class for a grade. If you take a class for a grade, then you should be able to get a transcript from the school to send directly to the business schools you apply to as evidence. You definitely have lots of schools in the NY area, so I think you will find at least one that offers a course that works with your schedule. You could also ask the Stern admissions folks if they have a preference on classroom based vs. online courses and/or community college vs. 4-yr school.
Good luck,
Lisa
If you score 700+ on the GMAT and have a good alternative transcript with high marks in quantitative classes, then I think you have a shot at a top program. The ultimate decision will depend on how well your application is in entirety, so it is important to have a great set of essays, good recommendations and strong interviews. Your school list is appropriate with a good mix of schools. The top international programs look for many of the same qualities in their applicants, so the only difference there would be any prerequisites or requirements they might have (i.e. fluency in a language besides English, international work experience, etc.).
If you decide to write the optional essay on your GPA, I think it is best to give any mitigating circumstances for why you did not perform better and then spend the bulk of the essay on how you will do better in business school. I'm not sure it will help your case to state how you benefited from electives that you performed poorly in, so try to stick to how you will be a better student now.
Good luck,
Lisa
-----------------------------------------------------
Dear Richard,
Your alternative transcript does not have to be graduate level courses nor from a 4-yr university. You can take courses at a community college, 4-yr university or online, and they should probably be at the undergraduate level if it is math courses. You do not have to be a degree-seeking student to take a class for a grade. If you take a class for a grade, then you should be able to get a transcript from the school to send directly to the business schools you apply to as evidence. You definitely have lots of schools in the NY area, so I think you will find at least one that offers a course that works with your schedule. You could also ask the Stern admissions folks if they have a preference on classroom based vs. online courses and/or community college vs. 4-yr school.
Good luck,
Lisa
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money9111
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Thank you very much for the advice Lisa! My learning style is more conducive to in class learning rather than online. So I will look into my different options here!
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money9111
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Thank you Lisa for that advice! Since then I've been researching classes at some schools around here. What type of class should I be looking to take? Should it be a Statistics caliber class or an Algebra class?
Hi Lisa,
First off, I just wanted to thank you for all the information you have provided on this thread - it has been extremely helpful.
I am looking to apply to (and hopefully attend) a top 10 MBA program in the next few years. I graduated with a 2.0 from a top 50 school (University of Rochester) due to the lack of focus and poor study habits I had when I was younger. Let's just say I was a horrible student,with a poor lifestyle, and I barely made the grade to graduate.
I was not able to obtain the jobs I wanted after graduation since I did not take part in any internships and since I had a horrible GPA. I have essentially been working in Investment Banking/Hedge Fund Operations for the past few years.
In order to try to make up for my horrible GPA, I have studied for, and passed all three levels of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and have yet to receive the charter due to not having a full 4 years of work experience. I am now studying to take the GMAT and I am consistently scoring over 700 on the practice tests. I believe that I will be able to submit strong personal statements for my graduate school applications.
I read somewhere that top MBA programs will not even look at your personal statements, extracurricular activities, or work experience if you do not posses a certain GMAT score and GPA. Is this true?
Do you think my passing all three levels of the CFA are enough to show a top ten MBA program that I can and will study? Or will they blow off my application and not even look further at what I've done to turn myself around after undergrad?
Your help is GREATLY appreciated as this is something that has been weighing on my heart and mind greatly for the past few years and I am starting to worry that the mistakes that I made in college that have set me back will never be able to be turned around.
Kind Regards,
Alan
First off, I just wanted to thank you for all the information you have provided on this thread - it has been extremely helpful.
I am looking to apply to (and hopefully attend) a top 10 MBA program in the next few years. I graduated with a 2.0 from a top 50 school (University of Rochester) due to the lack of focus and poor study habits I had when I was younger. Let's just say I was a horrible student,with a poor lifestyle, and I barely made the grade to graduate.
I was not able to obtain the jobs I wanted after graduation since I did not take part in any internships and since I had a horrible GPA. I have essentially been working in Investment Banking/Hedge Fund Operations for the past few years.
In order to try to make up for my horrible GPA, I have studied for, and passed all three levels of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and have yet to receive the charter due to not having a full 4 years of work experience. I am now studying to take the GMAT and I am consistently scoring over 700 on the practice tests. I believe that I will be able to submit strong personal statements for my graduate school applications.
I read somewhere that top MBA programs will not even look at your personal statements, extracurricular activities, or work experience if you do not posses a certain GMAT score and GPA. Is this true?
Do you think my passing all three levels of the CFA are enough to show a top ten MBA program that I can and will study? Or will they blow off my application and not even look further at what I've done to turn myself around after undergrad?
Your help is GREATLY appreciated as this is something that has been weighing on my heart and mind greatly for the past few years and I am starting to worry that the mistakes that I made in college that have set me back will never be able to be turned around.
Kind Regards,
Alan
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Richard,
Statistics or algebra are good choices. If you have not taken a math class in a long time, that might be a better choice as you will be expected to have brushed up on your algebra and calculus knowledge in your core finance courses.
Regards,
Lisa
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Alan,
Your GPA will not automatically exclude you from getting into business school. There are many applicants every year that start their MBA programs at great schools despite a GPA in the 2.0-2.5 range. I think you should still apply and aspire to top 10 programs, but think it would also be prudent to expand your target list to the top 30. Many schools outside the top 10 are strong programs whose graduates get the same jobs as the top 10. To answer your questions directly:
I read somewhere that top MBA programs will not even look at your personal statements, extracurricular activities, or work experience if you do not posses a certain GMAT score and GPA. Is this true?
No. If an applicant does not have a GMAT and GPA that indicates the applicant can succeed in the classroom, then the review of his/her application will probably not be as thorough. Academic ability is the first hurdle an applicant must cross; the applicant might be the most fabulous person in the world, but if he/she can't do the work, then it is a disservice to admit the applicant to the program. A high GMAT (700+) will go a long way to mitigate a below average GPA. Likewise, professional experience will also be considered, especially with regards to quantitative aptitude.
Do you think my passing all three levels of the CFA are enough to show a top ten MBA program that I can and will study? Or will they blow off my application and not even look further at what I've done to turn myself around after undergrad?
I do think the CFA will help to demonstrate you are more mature and motivated now then in college. It also will demonstrate your quantitative aptitude. Nevertheless, I do think you should plan to write the optional essay on your 2.0 GPA; however, be careful to focus on how you are different now versus make excuses for your grades. Your recommendations will also be key to confirm your work ethic, intelligence, and motivation in this regard.
Best of luck,
Lisa
Statistics or algebra are good choices. If you have not taken a math class in a long time, that might be a better choice as you will be expected to have brushed up on your algebra and calculus knowledge in your core finance courses.
Regards,
Lisa
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Alan,
Your GPA will not automatically exclude you from getting into business school. There are many applicants every year that start their MBA programs at great schools despite a GPA in the 2.0-2.5 range. I think you should still apply and aspire to top 10 programs, but think it would also be prudent to expand your target list to the top 30. Many schools outside the top 10 are strong programs whose graduates get the same jobs as the top 10. To answer your questions directly:
I read somewhere that top MBA programs will not even look at your personal statements, extracurricular activities, or work experience if you do not posses a certain GMAT score and GPA. Is this true?
No. If an applicant does not have a GMAT and GPA that indicates the applicant can succeed in the classroom, then the review of his/her application will probably not be as thorough. Academic ability is the first hurdle an applicant must cross; the applicant might be the most fabulous person in the world, but if he/she can't do the work, then it is a disservice to admit the applicant to the program. A high GMAT (700+) will go a long way to mitigate a below average GPA. Likewise, professional experience will also be considered, especially with regards to quantitative aptitude.
Do you think my passing all three levels of the CFA are enough to show a top ten MBA program that I can and will study? Or will they blow off my application and not even look further at what I've done to turn myself around after undergrad?
I do think the CFA will help to demonstrate you are more mature and motivated now then in college. It also will demonstrate your quantitative aptitude. Nevertheless, I do think you should plan to write the optional essay on your 2.0 GPA; however, be careful to focus on how you are different now versus make excuses for your grades. Your recommendations will also be key to confirm your work ethic, intelligence, and motivation in this regard.
Best of luck,
Lisa
-
gmatismybane
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Hi Lisa,
I just took my GMAT. Not too thrilled with the results, but my score was 700 (Q:50 V:34). I am debating taking the GMAT again since my Verbal was routinely around 39-40 in the practice exams.
So based on that score along with my low GPA as stated above in my profile (2.6 at a top engineering school and 4 yrs work exp in business consulting at a Big 4 Consulting firm)... do you think it is a good idea to retake the GMAT? I am not sure what else I would be able to do to make up for on an application to top 20 schools. I understand I would have to write great essays, but I wanted to see your guidance on whether I should try for a better score on the GMAT and whether it would amount to anything especially considering I am Indian.
Again thanks for any guidance.
I just took my GMAT. Not too thrilled with the results, but my score was 700 (Q:50 V:34). I am debating taking the GMAT again since my Verbal was routinely around 39-40 in the practice exams.
So based on that score along with my low GPA as stated above in my profile (2.6 at a top engineering school and 4 yrs work exp in business consulting at a Big 4 Consulting firm)... do you think it is a good idea to retake the GMAT? I am not sure what else I would be able to do to make up for on an application to top 20 schools. I understand I would have to write great essays, but I wanted to see your guidance on whether I should try for a better score on the GMAT and whether it would amount to anything especially considering I am Indian.
Again thanks for any guidance.
