Hi Lisa,
So, here's my data: 770 GMAT, 2.47 GPA in humanities, 177 LSAT. I opened a small business 6 years ago, which is doing very well. My GPA is very bad, but mostly due to the fact that I spent all of my college years working on my business. I want to go for a JD/MBA. Do I have a chance at top 15 schools? I have some excellent client (obviously, I can't get a supervisor recommendation) and academic LORs.
Thanks!
How to deal with a low GPA
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear bilad,
It is hard to say with the limited information you provided and without seeing the rest of the applicant pool. However, I think your GMAT score will mitigate your GPA quite a bit, as will the fact that you have built a successful business. Using clients for recommendations is a solid idea; be sure to use clients that have worked with you for at least a year and know you well. Finally, use the other parts of the application that you can to your advantage. Be sure you have a great set of essays and an outstanding interview. Finally, you should apply to some top 15, but like all applicants, it is prudent to have a mix of schools on your list to ensure you are admitted to a program. I encourage you to explore programs outside the top 15 as well as many have what you seek and will provide the same quality education without the high level of selectivity.
Good luck,
Lisa
It is hard to say with the limited information you provided and without seeing the rest of the applicant pool. However, I think your GMAT score will mitigate your GPA quite a bit, as will the fact that you have built a successful business. Using clients for recommendations is a solid idea; be sure to use clients that have worked with you for at least a year and know you well. Finally, use the other parts of the application that you can to your advantage. Be sure you have a great set of essays and an outstanding interview. Finally, you should apply to some top 15, but like all applicants, it is prudent to have a mix of schools on your list to ensure you are admitted to a program. I encourage you to explore programs outside the top 15 as well as many have what you seek and will provide the same quality education without the high level of selectivity.
Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa,
i have UG 2.92 and Grad 3.28 with 720 gmat and am IT asian male us citizen. Is there any school in top 10 that I have a chance to get into without them tossing my app out the window after they see the 2.92? I understand it is the "whole package" but what top 10 schools consider gpa as #1 priority so I can steer away without "wasting money"?
I am especially looking at Stanford, Sloan, tuck,stern,wharton. also considering Kellog and Booth...
i have UG 2.92 and Grad 3.28 with 720 gmat and am IT asian male us citizen. Is there any school in top 10 that I have a chance to get into without them tossing my app out the window after they see the 2.92? I understand it is the "whole package" but what top 10 schools consider gpa as #1 priority so I can steer away without "wasting money"?
I am especially looking at Stanford, Sloan, tuck,stern,wharton. also considering Kellog and Booth...
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear shaselai,
No school weights one piece of the application greater than another. Thus your application will not be "tossed out the window" for a 2.92 anywhere. Be sure you have an application package that is otherwise strong and gives them many reasons to want you and believe you will earn much better grades in business school--that is your best strategy for top tier schools with a low GPA.
Good luck,
Lisa
No school weights one piece of the application greater than another. Thus your application will not be "tossed out the window" for a 2.92 anywhere. Be sure you have an application package that is otherwise strong and gives them many reasons to want you and believe you will earn much better grades in business school--that is your best strategy for top tier schools with a low GPA.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I am considering the idea of an alternate transcript and would appreciate getting your advice before I apply for courses:
My details are as follows:
WE: 3.2 years
UGPA: 72% or 3.00 (Accounting)
Quant Courses that were very weak: 1st year Calculus (C)
1st year Financial Accounting Course (C+)
Advanced Financial Accounting (4th year) (C)
Quant Courses that were average: 2nd and 3rd year Financial Accounting courses (usually B- or B)
Quant Courses that were decent: Business Statistics (A-)
Economics (A-)
Management Accounting 2nd, 3rd, 4th year (A- or A)
I completed my CIMA recently, although it seems that most schools only view certifications as development, and not evidence of quantitative strength.
I have not yet taken the GMAT, but will do so by the end of 2010, so if needed, I would take a few quant courses for an alternative transcript after that. I am planning to apply for programs in 2011 or 2012 for a late 2012 start. From viewing my quant listing, do you think that I should build an alternate transcript, and if so, which courses are best? Or is this something I should wait to consider until I know my Quant score of the GMAT (what type of Q score do I need)?
Thanks for reading such a long question, your advice is much appreciated.
I am considering the idea of an alternate transcript and would appreciate getting your advice before I apply for courses:
My details are as follows:
WE: 3.2 years
UGPA: 72% or 3.00 (Accounting)
Quant Courses that were very weak: 1st year Calculus (C)
1st year Financial Accounting Course (C+)
Advanced Financial Accounting (4th year) (C)
Quant Courses that were average: 2nd and 3rd year Financial Accounting courses (usually B- or B)
Quant Courses that were decent: Business Statistics (A-)
Economics (A-)
Management Accounting 2nd, 3rd, 4th year (A- or A)
I completed my CIMA recently, although it seems that most schools only view certifications as development, and not evidence of quantitative strength.
I have not yet taken the GMAT, but will do so by the end of 2010, so if needed, I would take a few quant courses for an alternative transcript after that. I am planning to apply for programs in 2011 or 2012 for a late 2012 start. From viewing my quant listing, do you think that I should build an alternate transcript, and if so, which courses are best? Or is this something I should wait to consider until I know my Quant score of the GMAT (what type of Q score do I need)?
Thanks for reading such a long question, your advice is much appreciated.
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear bravia10,
A tough question as a really strong quant score on the GMAT (48+) might be enough to mitigate any concerns from your transcript. Your performance in your coursework is really not that bad, and more A-B range, so I'm not sure an alternative transcript will add much value. If you decide to go ahead and take a course or two, I would suggest taking college algebra and calculus. Having a strong grasp on the math is helpful in the business courses and what most finance professors suggest students take prior to business school.
Good luck,
Lisa
A tough question as a really strong quant score on the GMAT (48+) might be enough to mitigate any concerns from your transcript. Your performance in your coursework is really not that bad, and more A-B range, so I'm not sure an alternative transcript will add much value. If you decide to go ahead and take a course or two, I would suggest taking college algebra and calculus. Having a strong grasp on the math is helpful in the business courses and what most finance professors suggest students take prior to business school.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi,My brief profile is like this and I am from East Europe
UGpa-2.38 Mechanical Engineering
Gpa- 4.00 Master in Management
GMAT 780 TOEFL 116
3 WE as market researcher and procurement manager
I believe that I can make good applications and my goals are Kellogg,Columbia and Stanford.What do you think about my chances at first glance?
Thanks in advance Stacy
UGpa-2.38 Mechanical Engineering
Gpa- 4.00 Master in Management
GMAT 780 TOEFL 116
3 WE as market researcher and procurement manager
I believe that I can make good applications and my goals are Kellogg,Columbia and Stanford.What do you think about my chances at first glance?
Thanks in advance Stacy
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear lowgpaguy,
Based on the limited information in your post, I would say you have a competitive GMAT and TOEFL score for any MBA program. You also appear to have enough work experience, but I don't know enough about the quality of your work experience to comment further there. Depending on how strong a writer you are, how great your recommendations will be, how realistic your career goals are, and how well you present yourself in an interview, you might have a shot at a top 10 MBA program.
Good luck,
Lisa
Based on the limited information in your post, I would say you have a competitive GMAT and TOEFL score for any MBA program. You also appear to have enough work experience, but I don't know enough about the quality of your work experience to comment further there. Depending on how strong a writer you are, how great your recommendations will be, how realistic your career goals are, and how well you present yourself in an interview, you might have a shot at a top 10 MBA program.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi, Lisa.
I've been a big fan of your helpful posts on Beatthegmat.com. I've never asked you a question but am now at a point where I could use your opinion. I live near Marymount University in VA and need to build an alternate transcript.
I have the option to take undergrad classes:
MicroEcon
Statistics
Calculus
Or I could take a few classes from the MBA program:
Accounting for Managers
Corporate Finance
Managerial Economics
Macroeconomics
Quantitative Methods for Mgmt
I only want to take three classes over the next few semesters and the cost of the undergrad and graduate classes are the same. I am more interested in the graduate classes but what to follow the path that will give me the most competitive edge. Do you have any thoughts on which set of classes would be best for overcoming a low GPA, while demonstrating a strong quant background?
Thanks in advance,
Sean
I've been a big fan of your helpful posts on Beatthegmat.com. I've never asked you a question but am now at a point where I could use your opinion. I live near Marymount University in VA and need to build an alternate transcript.
I have the option to take undergrad classes:
MicroEcon
Statistics
Calculus
Or I could take a few classes from the MBA program:
Accounting for Managers
Corporate Finance
Managerial Economics
Macroeconomics
Quantitative Methods for Mgmt
I only want to take three classes over the next few semesters and the cost of the undergrad and graduate classes are the same. I am more interested in the graduate classes but what to follow the path that will give me the most competitive edge. Do you have any thoughts on which set of classes would be best for overcoming a low GPA, while demonstrating a strong quant background?
Thanks in advance,
Sean
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear Sean,
Thanks for your kind words. Most finance professors and other business school folks will tell you having a strong command of math is critical for success in the MBA program. They would suggest taking courses like college algebra, calculus, and statistics rather than a business class as you are expected to be up to speed on mathematical concepts and theories. With that in mind, I would tell you to take the undergraduate courses. The undergraduate coursework will have a larger focus on the basics and how to do things versus the graduate coursework which will assume you know the basics and how-to's (or will learn it on your own) and focus on how to use the information or interpret the information for decision-making purposes. At a minimum, I would suggest the calculus and statistics as these will be the best demonstration of quantitative aptitude. For your third class, I think you could probably pick from any of the remaining classes and probably be fine if one of the graduate classes really appeals to you.
Good luck,
Lisa
Thanks for your kind words. Most finance professors and other business school folks will tell you having a strong command of math is critical for success in the MBA program. They would suggest taking courses like college algebra, calculus, and statistics rather than a business class as you are expected to be up to speed on mathematical concepts and theories. With that in mind, I would tell you to take the undergraduate courses. The undergraduate coursework will have a larger focus on the basics and how to do things versus the graduate coursework which will assume you know the basics and how-to's (or will learn it on your own) and focus on how to use the information or interpret the information for decision-making purposes. At a minimum, I would suggest the calculus and statistics as these will be the best demonstration of quantitative aptitude. For your third class, I think you could probably pick from any of the remaining classes and probably be fine if one of the graduate classes really appeals to you.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi,
Curious to know what you think my chances of admission are at Dartmouth and Duke (EA or R1).
-2.65 GPA , BA History from Top 10 University (US News)
-760 GMAT
-Taken 4 quantitative courses through UCLA extension, received A's
-Will have 4 years as an army officer at time of matriculation, several leadership positions, deployment to Iraq
Thank you!
Curious to know what you think my chances of admission are at Dartmouth and Duke (EA or R1).
-2.65 GPA , BA History from Top 10 University (US News)
-760 GMAT
-Taken 4 quantitative courses through UCLA extension, received A's
-Will have 4 years as an army officer at time of matriculation, several leadership positions, deployment to Iraq
Thank you!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear jsparrow7,
Thank you for your service; it is greatly appreciated! Admissions decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of your entire application package, including your essays, recommendations and interview. I think you have the foundation for a competitive application based on the information you posted, but the ultimate decision will hinge on how well you present yourself in your essays and interview (not to mention how strong your recommendations are). I think your GMAT score and alternative transcript will go a long way to mitigating your undergraduate GPA. Think about the rest of your profile and why you want to go to business school; be sure to present a solid rationale for getting an MBA and make a compelling case for your admission to each of these programs.
Best of luck,
Lisa
Thank you for your service; it is greatly appreciated! Admissions decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of your entire application package, including your essays, recommendations and interview. I think you have the foundation for a competitive application based on the information you posted, but the ultimate decision will hinge on how well you present yourself in your essays and interview (not to mention how strong your recommendations are). I think your GMAT score and alternative transcript will go a long way to mitigating your undergraduate GPA. Think about the rest of your profile and why you want to go to business school; be sure to present a solid rationale for getting an MBA and make a compelling case for your admission to each of these programs.
Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa,
Thanks for your reply on the Alternative Transcript. I have searched high and low and it appears my only options are:
1. Take classes in-person at a school where I've already taken a class several years ago. This option would result in a tainted transcript (new grades + one bad grade from 2 years ago)
OR
2. Take classes online at the UCLA extension program or some other online program and produce an untainted transcript.
My question is, will having a tainted transcript be outweighed by the fact that I'm taking classes in-person, or would I be better off to have a clean transcript and just take the classes online?
Thanks!!
Thanks for your reply on the Alternative Transcript. I have searched high and low and it appears my only options are:
1. Take classes in-person at a school where I've already taken a class several years ago. This option would result in a tainted transcript (new grades + one bad grade from 2 years ago)
OR
2. Take classes online at the UCLA extension program or some other online program and produce an untainted transcript.
My question is, will having a tainted transcript be outweighed by the fact that I'm taking classes in-person, or would I be better off to have a clean transcript and just take the classes online?
Thanks!!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear Sean,
I think you can still do the option that works best for you and your schedule. One course is probably not going to "taint" a transcript much; I guess I don't know all the details, but with alternative transcripts it is about how you do in specific courses more than a GPA. Additionally, you will probably be disclosing this course to your schools anyway in the spirit of full disclosure as most schools ask for you to note all schools attended and submit transcripts for each institution. So, if you took the courses at the same place (option 1), then it might save you on the transcript fees (in theory). On a related note, if the course was related to a degree program (meaning it counted towards a degree you have been awarded), then the school will see the course anyway. Which brings us back to the first sentence--do the option that seems to work best for you and where you feel you will do well in the courses.
Good luck,
Lisa
I think you can still do the option that works best for you and your schedule. One course is probably not going to "taint" a transcript much; I guess I don't know all the details, but with alternative transcripts it is about how you do in specific courses more than a GPA. Additionally, you will probably be disclosing this course to your schools anyway in the spirit of full disclosure as most schools ask for you to note all schools attended and submit transcripts for each institution. So, if you took the courses at the same place (option 1), then it might save you on the transcript fees (in theory). On a related note, if the course was related to a degree program (meaning it counted towards a degree you have been awarded), then the school will see the course anyway. Which brings us back to the first sentence--do the option that seems to work best for you and where you feel you will do well in the courses.
Good luck,
Lisa
Dear Lisa Anderson,
I am graduated from a Turkish University. My undergraduate degree is Mechatronics Engineering and I had 2.75/4 GPA.
I took GMAT Exam one year ago and got 640 because of medical issues. I took the test again and got 730 this month. Last year I took GRE exam too and got 100% in quantitative part. After graduation I started to do my MBA in my university with scholarship. My GPA is 3.2, however my average grade in finance classes are expected to be around 3.8. I worked as a teaching assistant in my University and I will receive good reference from my Dean and Finance Professor (who is graduated from Princeton.)
I received offers from several banks and Deutsche Bank in Turkey, which I turned down.
I don't have work experience, only internship in the one of the biggest groups in my country.
I am considering to apply for Princeton Finance Graduate Program.
What are my chances?
Thank you for your assistance,
PS: I will publish an academic papers in Financial Derivatives this term.
Mehmet
I am graduated from a Turkish University. My undergraduate degree is Mechatronics Engineering and I had 2.75/4 GPA.
I took GMAT Exam one year ago and got 640 because of medical issues. I took the test again and got 730 this month. Last year I took GRE exam too and got 100% in quantitative part. After graduation I started to do my MBA in my university with scholarship. My GPA is 3.2, however my average grade in finance classes are expected to be around 3.8. I worked as a teaching assistant in my University and I will receive good reference from my Dean and Finance Professor (who is graduated from Princeton.)
I received offers from several banks and Deutsche Bank in Turkey, which I turned down.
I don't have work experience, only internship in the one of the biggest groups in my country.
I am considering to apply for Princeton Finance Graduate Program.
What are my chances?
Thank you for your assistance,
PS: I will publish an academic papers in Financial Derivatives this term.
Mehmet
