How to deal with a low GPA

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:29 pm

Dear Humbled,

I don't think your rocky start in college or your recent layoff are reasons to adjust your school list. Having said that, it is always prudent to have an appropriate mix of schools based on your profile though. Since you don't have a GMAT score yet, it is hard to truly know where you stand as your profile is incomplete. A high GMAT, your professional experience and the improvement in your last years of college do mitigate the rocky start for the most part, although you should write the optional essay on your GPA. How much of an issue your layoff is depends on how you handle it--do you have a plan for what you will do between now and business school? is it related to your future career goals? Finally, time is of the essence. If you want to apply now for fall 2011 entry, then you need to hit R2 deadlines which are quickly approaching.

Best of luck,
Lisa

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cpahopeful: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Mon Nov 01, 2010 7:05 pm

by cpahopeful » Mon Nov 01, 2010 7:28 pm

Hello,

I graduated from a relatively unknown state school with a Bachelors in Accounting. My overall GPA is at 3.16. My upper level GPA is at 2.99. And my major GPA is at 2.5. I did well in quant related classes. I received C's in quite a few tax and accounting theory classes.

I obtained my degree over six years while working full time. I was commuting an hour each way to and from work, and towards the end I just got burnt out. I was doing mostly admin work for a consulting firm for 4 years. After I finished my degree I moved into accounting, where I will have roughly 1 year as the lead accountant for a small group of real estate companies. I am a first generation college graduate.

I am currently studying for the GMAT. I realistically think I can score between 650 and 700. I have solid work-related references but no real connection with professors from my university.

My original goal was to get a Masters in Accounting. I need 30 additional credits to be able to sit for the CPA in my state. While researching Masters programs, it seems like most require a 3.0 in my major classes. Ironically enough, it almost seems like it would be easier to get into an MBA program.

Do you think I'd have a decent shot at a top 50 MBA program? Should I wait another year or so and try to build more experience? Should I start taking more classes in an attempt to boost my GPA?

My goal would be to become a CPA/MBA and try to direct my career towards CFO roles in large companies.

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Nov 03, 2010 7:29 pm

Dear cpahopeful,

If you end goal is to earn enough credits to sit for the CPA, then an MBA program might not be the best route for you. While there are some programs that might offer enough accounting coursework that qualifies for the credit requirement, many programs do not offer many accounting courses as electives. So, you will need to research the elective offerings of the MBA programs you are considering to ensure you are able to earn enough credits.

However, you also noted the goal of being a CFO one day, and I do think an MBA might be a better graduate degree for that path than a MS in Accounting. If you have other reasons for the MBA beyond earning credits for a CPA, then I would encourage you to find those MBA programs that offer enough elective courses in accounting. Whether or not you have a chance at these programs will greatly depend on how your overall application package looks relative to the applicant pool. A competitive GMAT score will help to mitigate your academic performance along with a successful track record in your company. Depending on the quality of your work experience since you completed your degree, you might want to wait another year before applying. There are some great resources online regarding the MBA admissions process; I encourage you to take advantage of them to aid you in putting together a competitive application package.

Good luck,
Lisa

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simonsays: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:35 am

by simonsays » Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:48 am

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get people's opinion on my profile to see if I have a decent chance to get into any of these schools

Age: 25
GPA: 2.85 CSUEB in BA
Resume: PepsiCo 4 years, 3 years in Sales and Marketing and currently in Merchandising Managing
GMAT Score: 700
Extracurricular activities: Communications club back in college for 2 years, I've been helping out in a nursing home for the past year.
Letters of recommendation: 1 from VP of Northern California Pepsico, 2nd from Territory Sales Manager.

Schools I want to attend:
1. UC Davis
2. Santa Clara
3. USC

I know all these schools are from a reality do anyone think I have a shot? I think my biggest problem is my undergrad GPA from a small state college. Opinions??

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Nov 08, 2010 6:36 pm

Dear simonsays,

With a strong application package, you do have a shot at those three programs. Your GMAT mitigates your GPA to some degree. Use your essays, recommendations, and interviews to make a compelling case for your admission and see what happens.

Good luck,
Lisa

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Poya: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Sun Nov 21, 2010 9:30 pm

by Poya » Sun Nov 21, 2010 9:47 pm

Hi,

I have a bachelor degree in Mechanical Eng. from Iran and Masters from Canada. Here is my stats:

GMAT: 760 (Q51, V41)
UnderGrad GPA : 15/20 (2000-2004 Sharif Univ., Tehran, Iran)
Grad. GPA: 3.3 (2005-2007 McMaster university, Canada)

Eventhough my under grad school is ranked first in Iran, I am concerned about my GPA. In my school 15/20 (75%) is not high but it is not low either and it is considered to be average. I know that I have to report it as is and should not try to convert my GPA. However, some charts suggest that 15/20 is equivalent of 3.0 and some suggest that it is equivalent of 3.3.

Considering that I am applying to top five US schools (financial times ranking), do you think I should be concerned about the GPA and write an optional essay to explain the grades or is it better to just leave it alone?

Thank you.
Poya

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Nov 22, 2010 2:23 pm

Dear Poya,

I would not be overly concerned with your GPA. Whether it is a 3.0 or a 3.3 (or somewhere in between), it is pretty close to the average for a top 5 and within the mid-50% range of these programs. Additionally, you have a strong GMAT score which is above average. Unless you feel you have to explain your performance in your coursework for some reason, like mitigating circumstances or did poorly in only quant classes, then I don't see a reason to write the optional essay on your GPA.

Good luck,
Lisa

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kadiep: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 8:42 am; GMAT Score:740

by kadiep » Mon Dec 06, 2010 8:10 pm

Hi Lisa,

This might be a bit off topic as I am looking at the MaCC program at UNC. I graduated from Pepperdine University in 2008 with a double major in economics and political science. I received a 3.012 in undergrad and have no other excuse other than lack of focus/motivation. I did, however, take 2 accounting courses during my last semester and received an "A" in both (I loved the material!). Since graduation, I served in an Americorps program (City Year) where I held various leadership roles and worked in an elementary school as a tutor/spanish teacher. I am now studying for the GMAT and plan on taking the test in mid-March. I received a score of 650 (44Q/34V) on my first practice test (MGMAT Free CAT). I am hoping I can raise my score to the 700 range the time I take the test.

With that in mind, do you think it is reasonable for me to apply to UNC would I be wasting my money? Should I build a secondary transcript in the meantime?

Also, when taking classes to build a secondary transcript, is there an advantage of doing it at a 4-yr university vs an accredited community college?

Thanks for your time and dedication to this forum!

Best,
Kevin

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ewick_wong: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:53 am

by ewick_wong » Thu Dec 09, 2010 3:06 am

Hi!

Education:

I studied at the University of Hong Kong (a reputable university globally, ranked top 25). I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Accounting & Finance.

However, I was too involved in extra-curricular activities and part time jobs to fund my school fees which has caused me to perform very bad during the first 2 years. I pulled myself together and acheived a decent 3.0/4.0 gpa for the last year. But however, this was not enough to pull my grades up. I finally graduated with a third honours degree with a gpa of 2.15/4.0. I've obtained an academic reference letter from one of my professors.

Here are also my GCSE and GCE A levels:
GCSE: 3x A, 4x B, 3x C
A levels: 1x A, 1x B, 2x C

Work Experience:
Apart from part time jobs, I've gained 1 year of full time working experience working as a business development officer as well as studying for the ACCA (chartered accounting). I've managed to obtain a good reference letter from the Head of Business Development. I am currently pending on some applications to work in audit in the Accounting Big 4s (PriceWaterhouse Coopers). If I managed to do so, and obtaining my chartered accountant license, will this help me get into grad school?

MBA/ MsC Admission:
I am interested in studying a Master in Management or MBA (in Canada/ UK) but I am afraid my extremely low gpa of 2.15/4.0 will be impossible for me to do so. Could you please give me some advices on what I can do?

Thanks alot!! Been stressing alot lately about my MBA / MsC opportunities

Erik

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:30 am

kadiep wrote:Hi Lisa,

This might be a bit off topic as I am looking at the MaCC program at UNC. I graduated from Pepperdine University in 2008 with a double major in economics and political science. I received a 3.012 in undergrad and have no other excuse other than lack of focus/motivation. I did, however, take 2 accounting courses during my last semester and received an "A" in both (I loved the material!). Since graduation, I served in an Americorps program (City Year) where I held various leadership roles and worked in an elementary school as a tutor/spanish teacher. I am now studying for the GMAT and plan on taking the test in mid-March. I received a score of 650 (44Q/34V) on my first practice test (MGMAT Free CAT). I am hoping I can raise my score to the 700 range the time I take the test.

With that in mind, do you think it is reasonable for me to apply to UNC would I be wasting my money? Should I build a secondary transcript in the meantime?

Also, when taking classes to build a secondary transcript, is there an advantage of doing it at a 4-yr university vs an accredited community college?

Thanks for your time and dedication to this forum!

Best,
Kevin

Dear Kevin,

For the MAcc program, I do think UNC is a reasonable option if you score well on your GMAT. If you have not already done so, be sure to verify that you meet the prerequisites in terms of undergraduate accounting coursework. It is possible you might need to take some accounting classes. As for where to take any courses for a secondary transcript, it usually does not matter if it is a 4-year university versus an accredited community college. However, I encourage you to contact the MAcc program to inquire on this question as you will want to be sure to meet the expectations of the program.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:37 am

ewick_wong wrote:Hi!

Education:

I studied at the University of Hong Kong (a reputable university globally, ranked top 25). I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Accounting & Finance.

However, I was too involved in extra-curricular activities and part time jobs to fund my school fees which has caused me to perform very bad during the first 2 years. I pulled myself together and acheived a decent 3.0/4.0 gpa for the last year. But however, this was not enough to pull my grades up. I finally graduated with a third honours degree with a gpa of 2.15/4.0. I've obtained an academic reference letter from one of my professors.

Here are also my GCSE and GCE A levels:
GCSE: 3x A, 4x B, 3x C
A levels: 1x A, 1x B, 2x C

Work Experience:
Apart from part time jobs, I've gained 1 year of full time working experience working as a business development officer as well as studying for the ACCA (chartered accounting). I've managed to obtain a good reference letter from the Head of Business Development. I am currently pending on some applications to work in audit in the Accounting Big 4s (PriceWaterhouse Coopers). If I managed to do so, and obtaining my chartered accountant license, will this help me get into grad school?

MBA/ MsC Admission:
I am interested in studying a Master in Management or MBA (in Canada/ UK) but I am afraid my extremely low gpa of 2.15/4.0 will be impossible for me to do so. Could you please give me some advices on what I can do?

Thanks alot!! Been stressing alot lately about my MBA / MsC opportunities

Erik

Dear Erik,

Your GPA, on its own, is not reason enough to result in a rejection at any school. Your application is evaluated holistically, so your have an opportunity to balance a below average GPA with a high GMAT, an alternative transcript, recommendations, work experience and essays. Obtaining your chartered accountant license can also show quantitative aptitude, but not as much as performance in the classroom. In terms of work experience, you want to gain quality professional experience, showing advancement in your field and a strong skill set. If working in audit will offer you more opportunity for advancement and to build skills, then it seems like a good move for you, not just your future applications.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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straws099: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2010 7:29 am

by straws099 » Fri Dec 10, 2010 8:07 am

Hi Lisa,

I graduated undergrad in May '08 with a BS in Accounting and a 2.8 GPA. The school I went to is a small private school that is relatively unknown other than that my program has a strong history in the accounting world of high CPA pass rates. However I don't have nor do I really want my CPA. I'd like to break out of the accounting and open other career options. To do so I'm thinking MBA is the best idea, but I dont want it from just anywhere. I'm actually trying to gauge if my sights are realistically even set too high or not.

LHere's a little bit more about me besides GPA. I think have strong work experience - First I worked for a client service provider as an intern some of junior and all senior year of college. Often hours equivalent to a FT job. Then I worked FT out of school, after a few months I was sent to a project in NYC that ended up lasting almost a year. At the end of the engagement the client offered me a position. Now I'm working in back office for a large and reputable Wall Street firm and I've been doing so as a FT employee for a little over a year.

I realized when moving to NYC that for many reasons (meet people, improve my skills in another way, give back a bit, last but not least MBA application material) I wanted to do something with my time. I since have joined a Junior Board of Directors for a non-profit organization. It consists of primarily education and law people with some Finance. After seeing my hard work and commitment the Co-presidents offered me a Co- Chairman seat for one of the three sub-committees. Starting last spring I also started mentoring and continue to do so to this day.

My question is how do you think this will look to the admissions board? If I get say a 700 on my GMATs where would that put me? My concern is because I would like to go to a top MBA school, ideally Columbia or NYU - both based on my reading sound very hard to get into.

If you have any other advice I would appreciate it. Thank you so much for your time.

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:20 am

Dear straws099,

You are correct that both Columbia and NYU are highly selective. If you plan to remain in the NY area, there are other options in the city as well as along the eastern seaboard that are great programs with smaller applicant pools. Because your GPA is below average for most MBA programs, you will need a high GMAT score to balance that number and demonstrate academic aptitude for business school. Ideally, you want a score starting with a 7, but the high 600's is also workable. Your application is evaluated holistically, so you will also have your professional experience, community work, recommendations, essays and interview to highlight your strengths, skills, and contributions. You want to use these components to your advantage to give yourself the best chance. I encourage you to continue doing some research on both programs and the MBA admissions process.

Good luck,
Lisa

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humble_rebel: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Mon May 31, 2010 8:52 pm; GMAT Score:670

by humble_rebel » Fri Dec 17, 2010 6:14 pm

[quote="humble_rebel"]Dear Lisa,

I plan to apply to a few top-20 MBA programs and am wondering whether my low GPA & recent work experience preclude me from standing a real chance at getting into one? Here are my stats:

- Graduated in 2004 w/ a BA degree - Economics (honors), minor in Business
- GPA 2.7 - first 2 years were an abysmal 1.9 & 1.8 in Engineering before I switched to Economics and found my stride. So, my last 3 years at college really make up the core of my GPA.
- Went on to get me CPA designation in 2007
- Work Experience - Over 2 years of public accounting, followed by 3yrs working in Finance/investment banking with a top IB in NYC - recently laid off due to restructuring
- GMAT - realistic target of low 700

My GPA and experience clearly show progress and an ability to perform but I'm afraid that being laid-off recently, along with a poor GPA from 6 years ago will really put a damper on my application.

Do you recommend that I lower my expectations in terms of the programs that I apply to, or would you say that, with the right application, I would still have a good shot at a top-20 program? If it is the latter, how would you suggest I go about it?

Thanks in advance,

Humbled[/quote]

Lisa,

Thanks for your feedback. Since my last post I have written the GMAT twice - 660 (Q43, V37) first attempt, and 670 (Q48, V34) and was wondering what your thoughts were on my candidacy for Chicago, NYU, Columbia & LBS?

I plan to apply in R2 and realize that my GMAT score is a little below where I need it to be (i.e. 700+), but still falls in the middle 80%, so I feel comfortable with my application. The few items I forgot to mention that would help my candidacy are my Canadian citizenship, my international work experience in Canada (in audit), my extracurriculars as a musician, and strong volunteer work with several non-profits (in fact, one of them is with a Columbia program).

Also, since my layoff I have taken on a couple of strategy consulting roles, the first with a non-profit in the Bronx (on a volunteer basis) and also for a start-up in South-East Asia.

Finally, my GPA from Canada was based on a 12 point scale and I need to understand whether I should be converting for MBA schools, and if so, how?

Your help and insight is very much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Humbled

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:00 pm

Dear Humbled,

While most programs are familiar with the different grading systems, you do need to do a conversion to the US 4.0 scale for some programs. These schools often provide a conversion scale or will direct you towards a resource to help you.

It sounds like you have made good use of your time since you left the bank. That will be a benefit for you in the evaluation process. Your GMAT score is below average, but still in the competitive range. If you submit an otherwise stellar application, you should still have a shot at top programs like Chicago, NYU, Columbia and LBS. However, it is always best to apply to at least one safety option.

Good luck,
Lisa

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