Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear Violeta,

I would encourage you to pay the fee to have your transcript from Spain evaluated by a credentialing service. Not only will they be able to show what your degree is equivalent to in the US, but they will do a GPA conversion for you. Based on what you posted, I would assume your GPA is not equivalent to 1.33 in the US as US colleges generally require graduates to have a 2.0 in order to graduate. There are two credentialing services that are well-known and respected in the US--World Evaluation Services and Global Credential Evaluators.

Secondly, I would agree that a strong GMAT score will also be helpful in showing your academic ability. I would think aiming for a 680 or higher would put you in the best position, but even scoring at least a 650 will still be within range for the part-time program. Decisions are not made on GMAT and GPA alone, so you can strengthen your application with well-written essays and quality work experience. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and contributions to IBM as well as your progression in your career.

As for writing an optional essay on your GPA, I would wait to see what the equivalency turns out to be. If it is below a 3.0, then you might consider it since it has only been about 3 years since you were in school. By "no excuses", I mean that you should not simply write about why you did not perform to your abilities but focus the essay on why you will perform better in business school--how are you a different person now? If you want to disclose your mitigating circumstances for your GPA you can, just be sure to write the bulk of your essay on how you are more prepared, motivated and focused now.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Dear KajayK,

With your grades in college, a high GMAT score will help to mitigate that aspect of your application. Ideally, you want to be above the average of any school you apply to, so aiming for a score in the 700s will put you in the best position. However, I think you will still have plenty of options with a GMAT score above a 660.

The main aspect of your application you need to work on is putting together essays and recommendations that will make you a compelling applicant and distinguish you from similar profiles in the applicant pool. Think about what experiences make you unique from other IT professionals in India and highlight those in your applications.

Good luck,
Lisa

Thank you for asking about our services. I will direct you to our website for more detail on services and prices, www.stacyblackman.com. We do work with clients all over the globe.

Regards,
Lisa

Dear gabriel16,

With a GPA below a 3.2, the GMAT score really needs to be on the higher side, ideally above the average for the schools you apply to. You have enough experience, but make sure you can articulate the quality of your experience in your tenure. Also, you did not mention any outside interests or involvement, so that is something you might want to work on if you don't have any extracurriculars to note in your applications.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear gabriel16,

Schools do take into account the academic rigor of your institution when evaluating your undergraduate performance. So, there is a difference in a 3.0 at one school versus another. I think aiming for 20+ points over the school's average GMAT is a pretty good ballpark for your GMAT score, but you should not rule out schools where your GMAT is at the average either.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Dear David,

1) Apart from the GMAT and the Masters degree in electrical engineering is there any sense in taking further classes in order to make up for my low undergraduate GPA? I am looking into schools like UCLA, MIT, and Michigan. Since I live near UCLA, I am thinking of taking MBA classes through UCLA's extension program. Is this worthwhile?
I don't think that you need to build an alternative transcript with your profile. If you want to take classes to gain some knowledge of business prior to business school, then you might consider taking a class, but it would be more for your personal development than strengthening your application.

2) As an engineer it is difficult to really be exposed to many managerial opportunities. I have recently became director of a non-for profit with a cause that I share in helping educate underprivileged kids. I am in charge of jump-starting this initiative in my area. I am also involved in Toastmasters' at work and the Alumni Club for MIT. Unfortunately while obtaining my Masters I didn't have time to work full time and to also do much community leadership Is a year and a half enough time to showcase this?
If you are referring to 18 months of working with the nonprofit, then I think that is ample time--especially since you are in a leadership role.

Best of luck,
Lisa