Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear Nick,

A solid GMAT score will mitigate your GPA as well as a successful track record in your career. Business schools will mainly want to see evidence of quantitative aptitude so that the admissions committee will be confident you can handle the rigor the analytical and quantitative nature of the curriculum. Most schools offer an optional essay for you to explain any extenuating circumstances, so you might consider writing it on your situation during college in that you financed yoru education by working full-time while carrying a full-time number of credits. Additionally, the schools will be looking for a solid rationale from you on why you need an MBA in relation to your past experience and future career goals. So, the best things you can be doing right now are preparing for the GMAT, doing well in your job, and learning about business school/MBA careers so that you will put together a top-notch application.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear mak95,

Since business school admissions decisions are based on more than GMAT and GPA, it is hard to comment on how competitive you will be based on your post. With a 700+ GMAT, you will certainly be in a competitive range on that measure. Your GPA is probably a little below average for a top tier MBA program in the US, but that does not negate your chances if you have an otherwise strong application.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Lattefah84,

For the most accurate conversion, you can have your transcript evaluated by a credentialing service like World Evaluation Services or Global Credential Evaluators. These services do charge a fee, but their assessment is accepted by most schools so you would only have to have it done one time. They also offer translation services if your transcript is not in English.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear JY,

I do think you are competitive at a top 40 school, and probably a top 20, depending on what the rest of your application looks like and your rationale for business school. Your GMAT score is exceptional--congratulations!--and does mitigate your undergraduate GPA along with your master's GPA. I do think you should write the optional essay on your undergraduate academic record noting that your worked through school and your performance on the GMAT and in your master's program are more indicative of your true abilities.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Dear Seyda,

I would suggest contacting the admissions office at Pace University to discuss your profile. While they will not give you a definitive answer over the phone, you should get some insight into how they will evaluate your application and whether or not your GPA will be viewed as "too low" for the program.

Good luck,
Lisa
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Dear osirus0830,

Yes, the alternate transcript really matters and here is why: it demonstrates your ability to handle the coursework. You do not build an alternate transcript to boost a GPA because, as you point out, it simply cannot as it does not factor into the GPA calculation. You build an alternate transcript to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are serious about returning to school, motivated to do well in class, and can handle the coursework. If the admissions committee sees that you can earn an "A" in a quantitative class like calculus while you are also working full-time, then that is an indication of your commitment to learn and master the material while effectively managing your time---all important skills to have in an MBA program. A high GMAT score and amazing resume will also mitigate a low GPA, but they don't show your ability to succeed in the classroom they way actual success in the classroom does.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear hopefullyMBAbound,

MBA admissions folks are used to seeing different grading systems, including the pass/fail variety. Since you did attend a school that had a traditional GPA system, then you are right that you will report that as a GPA. How the school will evaluate you and view your "GPA" for their evaluative purposes is unclear. I would suggest talking directly to the school about how all of your academic history will be considered as it will be considered in its entirety. A solid GMAT score will go a long way to demonstrating academic aptitude as well, so that is another way you can show your ability to excel in the classroom. Finally, you will also want to use the optional essay or additional information section to explain your current university grading system, any mitigating circumstances from your previous school, and how you are motivated/committed to doing well in an MBA program now.

Good luck,
Lisa