Does anyone have any recommendations for online programmes that can be completed before applications are due in October in order to build an alternative transcript?
Are any programmes seen as more credible than others in the online space? UC Berkeley Extension or the Harvard Extension School? or is there a cheaper option?
My GPA is below 3 and I have a C- in the finance paper I took in my final semester. Would an A in a finance paper help, or am I better to do a calc or pre calc paper?
How to deal with a low GPA
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear kiwi001,
There are many online options that are sufficient; the number seems to grow all the time. There are not necessarily preferred programs; the only thing you need to verify is that it is accredited. Many of the California schools have extension schools that offer courses. The University of Maryland has a large online catalog, as do many other US schools including community colleges which are often less expensive. I do encourage you to take math courses to demonstrate your quantitative aptitude, like calculus or college algebra. Business school faculty prefer math courses over business courses.
Good luck,
Lisa
There are many online options that are sufficient; the number seems to grow all the time. There are not necessarily preferred programs; the only thing you need to verify is that it is accredited. Many of the California schools have extension schools that offer courses. The University of Maryland has a large online catalog, as do many other US schools including community colleges which are often less expensive. I do encourage you to take math courses to demonstrate your quantitative aptitude, like calculus or college algebra. Business school faculty prefer math courses over business courses.
Good luck,
Lisa
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mmmbillski
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
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I just discovered this thread, and wish I hadn't have posted my question to the general forum now as the discussion here is much more suited to my question. I'll repost what I had below. Thanks Amy for answering all of these questions from everyone, I've read a few pages and will definitely have to make sure I read all of it.
"Overview:
-26 year old white male
-Industrial Engineering undergrad, state school but top-ranked IE program (3.0 GPA in major, <3.0 overall)
-Stayed an extra year to get my MS, joint engineering/business program (3.75 GPA)
-Will have 4 years work experience when I attend B school. 2 years in a leadership development rotational program at a big defense contractor. Quit at the end of the program to join a small engineering consulting firm where I have been working the past year. Experience in operations and finance.
- 750 GMAT (48Q, 47V, 6.0 AW)
- Extracurriculars: Sort-of non-existant (I have a lot of hobbies that take up my time outside of work). Have gotten involved with initiating a Corporate Social Responsibility team at my current company, in which we'll take on pro-bono projects for non-profits.
I'm planning on applying to top 10 schools in the near future. I'm still figuring out what I want to do, but I'll probably end up applying to Harvard, UPenn, MIT, Northwestern, Chicago. The big question on my mind is how big a factor my undergraduate GPA will play. I think the rest of my application could be strong ... did well on the GMAT obviously, and have taken on significant responsibilities in the past year at my current company. I think I can write compelling application essays about how I've evolved in my career. Part of the reason I stayed to get my masters was my bad undergraduate GPA, and I'm planning on writing an essay about turning my GPA around between undergrad and graduate. I've heard that masters GPA doesn't matter too much for admissions because many applicants do not have a masters and there is no basis for comparison. What role does my masters play in my application? Will my GMAT score plus masters GPA balance out my below-average undergraduate GPA?
Thanks!!"
"Overview:
-26 year old white male
-Industrial Engineering undergrad, state school but top-ranked IE program (3.0 GPA in major, <3.0 overall)
-Stayed an extra year to get my MS, joint engineering/business program (3.75 GPA)
-Will have 4 years work experience when I attend B school. 2 years in a leadership development rotational program at a big defense contractor. Quit at the end of the program to join a small engineering consulting firm where I have been working the past year. Experience in operations and finance.
- 750 GMAT (48Q, 47V, 6.0 AW)
- Extracurriculars: Sort-of non-existant (I have a lot of hobbies that take up my time outside of work). Have gotten involved with initiating a Corporate Social Responsibility team at my current company, in which we'll take on pro-bono projects for non-profits.
I'm planning on applying to top 10 schools in the near future. I'm still figuring out what I want to do, but I'll probably end up applying to Harvard, UPenn, MIT, Northwestern, Chicago. The big question on my mind is how big a factor my undergraduate GPA will play. I think the rest of my application could be strong ... did well on the GMAT obviously, and have taken on significant responsibilities in the past year at my current company. I think I can write compelling application essays about how I've evolved in my career. Part of the reason I stayed to get my masters was my bad undergraduate GPA, and I'm planning on writing an essay about turning my GPA around between undergrad and graduate. I've heard that masters GPA doesn't matter too much for admissions because many applicants do not have a masters and there is no basis for comparison. What role does my masters play in my application? Will my GMAT score plus masters GPA balance out my below-average undergraduate GPA?
Thanks!!"
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear mmmbillski,
All application components play a factor. When you have a potential weakness, like a below average GPA in your case, you want to mitigate it as best you can. With a GPA, you want to both show that you are capable of high academic achievement and give the admissions committee reason(s) to believe your performance in business school will be better. Your GMAT score and master's GPA are evidence of your academic aptitude and ability to excel in the classroom. Additionally, an optional essay noting any upward trend in your last two years of undergrad plus grad coursework and your motivation and commitment to do well in business school will further make your case. You can't change your undergrad transcript, but I do think you have evidence showing you have the capability to excel in the MBA classroom.
Good luck,
Lisa
All application components play a factor. When you have a potential weakness, like a below average GPA in your case, you want to mitigate it as best you can. With a GPA, you want to both show that you are capable of high academic achievement and give the admissions committee reason(s) to believe your performance in business school will be better. Your GMAT score and master's GPA are evidence of your academic aptitude and ability to excel in the classroom. Additionally, an optional essay noting any upward trend in your last two years of undergrad plus grad coursework and your motivation and commitment to do well in business school will further make your case. You can't change your undergrad transcript, but I do think you have evidence showing you have the capability to excel in the MBA classroom.
Good luck,
Lisa
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mbaplease!
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
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Lisa,
I have been out of the school for 3 years now. I have worked in financial planning and insurance for 3 years now at New York Life and am a top performer. I graduated from a tier 2, non target state school with a 2.6. This was due to having to work 40 hours a work to pay for school and living expenses, being a chemistry major (A major that really wasnt for me, realized i did not enjoy it or excel in it) with some abysmal grades, and my initial immaturity with school. I switched to a finance major in my junior year and did much better with a GPA my last 2 years of 3.4 while still working full time I couldnt pull my GPA up fully due to how horrible my grades were the first 2 years in chem. I originally wanted to be a financial analyst but the job market being so tough in 2008 made me settle with financial advising. here are my accomplishments since then.
- CGPA 2.6, MGPA 3.0
- GMAT 770 ( studied 3 years straight)
- Designations: CFA, CFP, ChFC
- Took 5 courses at the local university, University of Texas San Antonio in Calculus Staistics Physics and Finance. GPA 4.0
- Top Performer as a Financial Planner
- Currently working on a volunteer organization that will take medical residents to provide free treatment to children for a week in third world countries. (we'll see if it works)
I know work experience is very important. My goal is a top 25 MBA program, Preferably top 10.Does my experience in sales as a financial advisor count me out? How else can I better my case for schools to show that my undergrad GPA is not a good representation of my abilities?. I'm planning on applying first round this year. What can I do in that time and what are my chances for top tier program?
Thanks!
I have been out of the school for 3 years now. I have worked in financial planning and insurance for 3 years now at New York Life and am a top performer. I graduated from a tier 2, non target state school with a 2.6. This was due to having to work 40 hours a work to pay for school and living expenses, being a chemistry major (A major that really wasnt for me, realized i did not enjoy it or excel in it) with some abysmal grades, and my initial immaturity with school. I switched to a finance major in my junior year and did much better with a GPA my last 2 years of 3.4 while still working full time I couldnt pull my GPA up fully due to how horrible my grades were the first 2 years in chem. I originally wanted to be a financial analyst but the job market being so tough in 2008 made me settle with financial advising. here are my accomplishments since then.
- CGPA 2.6, MGPA 3.0
- GMAT 770 ( studied 3 years straight)
- Designations: CFA, CFP, ChFC
- Took 5 courses at the local university, University of Texas San Antonio in Calculus Staistics Physics and Finance. GPA 4.0
- Top Performer as a Financial Planner
- Currently working on a volunteer organization that will take medical residents to provide free treatment to children for a week in third world countries. (we'll see if it works)
I know work experience is very important. My goal is a top 25 MBA program, Preferably top 10.Does my experience in sales as a financial advisor count me out? How else can I better my case for schools to show that my undergrad GPA is not a good representation of my abilities?. I'm planning on applying first round this year. What can I do in that time and what are my chances for top tier program?
Thanks!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear mbaplease!,
I do not think a top 25 MBA program is unreasonable for you at all. Your professional experience does not count you out nor is it viewed negatively. What matters is what you have done in your career and it seems you have done well. You are right that you can't change your GPA, but you can mitigate it with a high GMAT score, an alternative transcript and a great optional essay. You have the first two, so now you just need to work on that optional essay. With the right mix of programs on your target list--a couple top 10, 2-3 top 11-30, and 1-2 outside the top 30--I think you will find yourself closer to your goal of being in an MBA program by this time next year.
Best of luck,
Lisa
I do not think a top 25 MBA program is unreasonable for you at all. Your professional experience does not count you out nor is it viewed negatively. What matters is what you have done in your career and it seems you have done well. You are right that you can't change your GPA, but you can mitigate it with a high GMAT score, an alternative transcript and a great optional essay. You have the first two, so now you just need to work on that optional essay. With the right mix of programs on your target list--a couple top 10, 2-3 top 11-30, and 1-2 outside the top 30--I think you will find yourself closer to your goal of being in an MBA program by this time next year.
Best of luck,
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I'm 24, from Hong Kong, graduated from a tier 2 uni in the UK( Hull University ) studying marketing and management. Second-low honor, average mark 57, IELTS : 6.5, GMAT 600
I have worked in a small trading company for one year and I'm planning to study my master degree.
Studying International business or Marketing will be the best for me ( maybe is just Dreaming~~ )
As my academic result was so bad, do you think I have a chance to study my master degree in good University? like: Boston University, University of Rochester and Northeastern University?
Especially Northeastern University, do you think Master of Science in Global Studies and International Affairs program is a good decision to make if my goal is to work for those huge international business firms?
sorry for my english
Many thanks
Tszching
I'm 24, from Hong Kong, graduated from a tier 2 uni in the UK( Hull University ) studying marketing and management. Second-low honor, average mark 57, IELTS : 6.5, GMAT 600
I have worked in a small trading company for one year and I'm planning to study my master degree.
Studying International business or Marketing will be the best for me ( maybe is just Dreaming~~ )
As my academic result was so bad, do you think I have a chance to study my master degree in good University? like: Boston University, University of Rochester and Northeastern University?
Especially Northeastern University, do you think Master of Science in Global Studies and International Affairs program is a good decision to make if my goal is to work for those huge international business firms?
sorry for my english
Many thanks
Tszching
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Tszching,
I think it will be tough for you to gain admission to a US school with your current test scores and academic record. Schools need to feel confident you can handle the rigor of the program in an English-only environment. While you can demonstrate a strong command of English through your essays, resume and interview, many admissions committee members will still be looking at your test scores and academic marks as indicators of how you will perform in the classroom. I encourage you to think about retaking your GMAT and taking the TOEFL instead to have a stronger set of scores to help balance your academic record. I also encourage you to reach out to these schools and seek feedback directly from the admissions offices your particular profile, as well as if these programs will meet your expectations for your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
I think it will be tough for you to gain admission to a US school with your current test scores and academic record. Schools need to feel confident you can handle the rigor of the program in an English-only environment. While you can demonstrate a strong command of English through your essays, resume and interview, many admissions committee members will still be looking at your test scores and academic marks as indicators of how you will perform in the classroom. I encourage you to think about retaking your GMAT and taking the TOEFL instead to have a stronger set of scores to help balance your academic record. I also encourage you to reach out to these schools and seek feedback directly from the admissions offices your particular profile, as well as if these programs will meet your expectations for your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
Another Master's Degreee and Low GPA
Could anyone tell me if I have a chance to get into one of Ivy League MBA? I am from one of top10 Uni in UK but with a lower second class honors, with GPA of about 3.2, aiming at GMAT score of 710. I am considering a graduate degree in Social Policy. Would this be a deterrent when applying to a MBA, and my grades in graduate degree be considered?
Could anyone tell me if I have a chance to get into one of Ivy League MBA? I am from one of top10 Uni in UK but with a lower second class honors, with GPA of about 3.2, aiming at GMAT score of 710. I am considering a graduate degree in Social Policy. Would this be a deterrent when applying to a MBA, and my grades in graduate degree be considered?
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear itmsti,
It is possible, but hard to comment more fully based on your post. There are many factors in the evaluation of an MBA applicant. Earning high marks in a graduate degree could be helpful in showing your ability to succeed in the classroom, but if your only reason for the degree is to mitigate your undergraduate transcript--you don't really have an interest or career need for the degree--then it could actually work against you.
Good luck,
Lisa
It is possible, but hard to comment more fully based on your post. There are many factors in the evaluation of an MBA applicant. Earning high marks in a graduate degree could be helpful in showing your ability to succeed in the classroom, but if your only reason for the degree is to mitigate your undergraduate transcript--you don't really have an interest or career need for the degree--then it could actually work against you.
Good luck,
Lisa
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chendawg
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
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Hi Lisa-
When we take supplemental courses, does it matter what institution we get it from? Does it have to be from a major university or can it be from a local cc? Does in classroom matter versus online? I didn't do too stellar in Calc in college, (B's and C's in college), should I take a calculus course along with statistics and econ? Thanks a lot for your help!
When we take supplemental courses, does it matter what institution we get it from? Does it have to be from a major university or can it be from a local cc? Does in classroom matter versus online? I didn't do too stellar in Calc in college, (B's and C's in college), should I take a calculus course along with statistics and econ? Thanks a lot for your help!
I'm not bipolar...I'm bi-winning!!
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear chendawg,
Most schools do not have a preference for online versus campus-based, or university versus community college. The only thing you need to verify is that the school is accredited. I do suggest a calculus class if you feel your performance in undergrad is not indicative of your true ability.
Good luck,
Lisa
Most schools do not have a preference for online versus campus-based, or university versus community college. The only thing you need to verify is that the school is accredited. I do suggest a calculus class if you feel your performance in undergrad is not indicative of your true ability.
Good luck,
Lisa
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chendawg
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So other than Calc, Econ, and Stat classes, are there any other classes you would recommend taking? Thanks again!
I'm not bipolar...I'm bi-winning!!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Most business school faculty recommend math classes or other quantitative, analytical courses. If you have substantial quant/analytical coursework on your transcript with high marks, then you could take a finance or accounting class as a way to begin learning concepts, terminology and theories.
Regards,
Lisa
Regards,
Lisa
Hi, I was writing to enquire of my chances to enter a relatively good school anywhere around the world (preferably the US) with a high UG GPA and low PG GPA.
My UG GPA (from a top school in India) was 3.6 (converted). My PG GPA from the UK was just above 2 however (I do have very strong reasons for this).
I am currently preparing for the CFA exams, and my project reports have all been written fairly well.
I was wondering what my chances were to get into a top school in the US or anywhere around the world (AIM in the Philipines, ISB in India, Singapore or Europe), sometime in the next 2-3 years with a few years of experience under my belt, the CFA examinations and hopefully a good GMAT score?
Thanks.
My UG GPA (from a top school in India) was 3.6 (converted). My PG GPA from the UK was just above 2 however (I do have very strong reasons for this).
I am currently preparing for the CFA exams, and my project reports have all been written fairly well.
I was wondering what my chances were to get into a top school in the US or anywhere around the world (AIM in the Philipines, ISB in India, Singapore or Europe), sometime in the next 2-3 years with a few years of experience under my belt, the CFA examinations and hopefully a good GMAT score?
Thanks.
