How to deal with a low GPA

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_MBADream_: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:10 pm

by _MBADream_ » Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:32 pm

Hi Lisa,

I'd love your honest opinion on my MBA chances. These are my stats:

Age: 29 (30 at start)
GPA: 2.20 in History from a Top Liberal Arts College (Pathetic. I know):(
Experience: 7 years(4 of them as Project Manager)
GMAT Score: 700. I'm thinking about retaking the exam for a higher score. I figure I need the highest score possible to offset my dismal GPA.

Schools that I am applying to for Fall 2012 start:
1. USC - Marshall (Reach)
2. NYU - Stern (Reach)
3. Boston University (Hopeful)
4. Georgetown University (Reach)
5. Fordham (Hopeful)
6. UC- Irvine (Reach)

Do you think I have a shot at any of these schools? Or should I replace some of my reach schools with some outside of the top 40?

Thank you!

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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 Aug 20, 2011 11:42 am

Dear _MBADream_,

There is always a possibility in MBA admissions with a strong, overall application package. Your 700 is competitive for any of your target schools. However, you are correct that increasing it by 30+ points might be helpful with your low GPA. You might also consider taking some courses now to demonstrate your ability to succeed in the classroom. It is difficult to comment around your mix of schools with the minimal information provided on you, mainly I don't know your rationale for an MBA, your career goals or the quality of your professional experience. Additionally, you did not indicate if you have been involved in any community work since college. Think about your entire profile and how strong you believe your essays and recommendations will be. If you believe your entire package, except for your GPA, will be outstanding, then your current list is reasonable. If you are concerned about other aspects of your application being a weakness for you, then you might consider adding 1-2 safety options to the mix.

Good luck,
Lisa

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suyogshukla: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 4; Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 11:37 pmFollowed by: 2 members

by suyogshukla » Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:41 pm

-Message deleted-

Last edited by suyogshukla on Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:50 am, edited 2 times in total.

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shatta84: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:30 am

by shatta84 » Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:40 am

Hi Lisa,

Question about low GPAs and top schools. I'm applying to top 5, stat-focused programs (HBS, Stanford, Sloan, MIT) and am trying to decide whether it is necessary for me to write an optional essay on my grades.

I have a 3.3 (3.26) from the University of Southern California (finance major). I got a 2.7 my first semester (new to college experience, rushed business fraternity, work study campus job to pay for school) and got low 3.0s throughout freshman and sophomore year. However, my grades show an upward progression in junior and senior year once I started maturing and taking more major classes, and I got As in the classes that counted most (financial analysis and valuation, other upper division finance classes, strategy classes). My major GPA was a 3.5 and my hard finance GPA was a 3.7.

In addition, my GMAT was 740 (50M, 41V).

So questions are:
1. Do you think, given the grade progression, excellence in major/finance classes, and high GMAT, that I need to explain my 3.26 cumulative via an optional essay? No one I have spoken to so far has said that I should, despite the stat-heavy focus of a school like Stanford.
2. In my resume/application, should I list my GPA as 3.26 or 3.3?

Thanks for your response

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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 Aug 31, 2011 5:52 pm

Dear shatta84,

I think you can list your GPA either way--just follow the number of decimal places if specified. Most applicants tend to go with only one decimal place, so a 3.3 in your case, as it often allows you to round up. As for the optional essay, I could argue both sides in your case. It is hard to say with certainty without seeing your actual transcript. However, if you have several C's in that first year (or two years), then it might be worthwhile to acknowledge and address it in the optional for top tier programs. While your last two years and GMAT score do show your true ability, the entire transcript is scrutinized. Submitting a short optional essay on your rocky academic start certainly won't hurt you--not submitting it could as the optional essay presents an opportunity for you to make a case for how your academic performance in business school will mirror your last two years, not first two years.

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 » Wed Aug 31, 2011 5:54 pm

suyogshukla wrote:Hi,

I am from India. I have my bachelor's degree in electronics engineering from one of the top 5 universities in India (BITS-Pilani). However my CGPA was below what I would like it to be (8.2 on a 10 point scale). When converted to the 4 point scale it comes to around 8.2/2.5 = 3.28 . However I had 93% marks in my senior high school (12th standard) securing me a rank in top 5 in my state. Also I have a GMAT score of 750 (5.0 in AWA). Do you think that I am more or less ok on this front if I am targeting the top 5 schools such as HBS and Wharton?
This is assuming that my profile is good in other areas such as work profile and extra curricular and also considering that I am working in semiconductor mfg industry (Intel) and not IT which is the most common background for applicants from India.

Thanks
Suyog

Dear Suyog,

A 750 GMAT and 3.28 GPA are competitive numbers for top programs. Your performance in high school is irrelevant for MBA admissions. I think you are right to focus on the rest of your application components at this point as each one needs to be outstanding for a shot at a top tier program.

Good luck,
Lisa

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suyogshukla: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 4; Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 11:37 pmFollowed by: 2 members

by suyogshukla » Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:20 pm

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the reply.

Thanks
Suyog

Last edited by suyogshukla on Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:49 am, edited 1 time in total.

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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 » Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:38 am

Dear Suyog,

You should write an optional essay addressing your academic performance and making a case for how you will succeed in the classroom during business school. You could also take a few classes to show you can earn high marks while juggling other responsibilities (work, personal life, etc.). Since you have an engineering degree, taking an accounting, finance or statistics course might also be helpful preparation for you.

Regards,
Lisa

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EndlessDriven: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2011 10:07 pm

by EndlessDriven » Thu Sep 15, 2011 10:13 pm

Hello Lisa,

I have a somewhat unique situation. Graduated last may with a 2.62 GPA from Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. It is a pretty demanding program, and my grades have improved from the first two years to the last two somewhat dramatically which I know reflects well upon me. I have experience in the fields of Psych Rehab, and Athletic Training. I will be a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the NSCA next week. That being said, I have decided to pursue an MBA, and was wondering what my chances are if I have a very high GMAT score and a great essay to get into a top (at least top 50) MBA school? Any advice?

Thank you very much.

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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 Sep 19, 2011 10:24 am

Dear EndlessDriven,

I would say a top 50 is possible for you. If you have read enough of the posts, you know that decisions are made on a holistic review of your application, not just one application component. As such, when you have a potential weakness, like a low GPA, you can then use other components to balance it out. A high GMAT score, great recommendations and strong essays will make a difference. Likewise, identifying the right programs for you and your career goals will be important; it should make sense where you apply based on your career goals and cultural fit.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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Dong-Gun: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:04 am

by Dong-Gun » Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:16 am

Hi Lisa,

I graduated with a BA in Government from Wesleyan University. My GPA is low at 2.95 with no specific grade trends (good and bad grades throughout all 4 years and in all different course departments). The reason for my low grades is just immaturity and spending too much time with friends and significant others. I have 6 years of work experience - half in the legal industry and half in family business. I scored a 750 on my GMAT (50Q and 42V) with 6.0AWA. I'll be writing an optional essay taking responsibility for my low GPA, explaining that I have matured and am capable and motivated to do well in biz school. While working, I took one Financial Accounting course at NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (received an A). Should I include this in my optional essay, even if it is just one course? I'm applying to MIT Sloan, Columbia and NYU Stern (of course, I prefer Sloan and Columbia). What do you think are my chances at these schools? Thank you!

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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 Sep 22, 2011 2:58 pm

Dear Dong-Gun,

Yes, you should write the optional essay noting your recent course at NYU. It shows you have the ability do succeed in the classroom while juggling other things. Your GMAT score does mitigate the low GPA to some degree, but you also need the rest of your application package to be outstanding to have the best chance at 3 highly selective programs. I do think you have a chance with a stellar, overall application package. However, it is always prudent to have a safety school on the list.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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bschoolmania: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Tue May 10, 2011 6:40 am

by bschoolmania » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:02 pm

Lisa Anderson wrote:
bschoolmania wrote:Hi Lisa,

Thanks so much for this thread! I'd value you your perspective. I have an UGPA of 2.7 (cumulative)in business from a top 30 school.

This is due to a terrible first year where I failed an English course (yes, it is possible). In sum , my year 1 GPA was 1.77 and I was placed on academic suspension for a year. GPA improved pretty steadily thereafter; my last semseter of senior year I had a 3.38 (deans list) and a 3.4 in my finance concentration overall.

My work experience shows strong progression at one of the largest financial services firms in the country and have 6 years experience. I have some interesting extracurriculars that I will be able to speak to (producing music etc.) My GMAT has been a bit scattered in practice between 730-670; I'm taking a course to ensure that it is over 700.

I have 2 questions:

1. Should I take any clases for alternative transcript?
- In my first year I got a C- calc, and don't have any econ on my transcript as I placed out from high school. In my last two years, however, I never recieved below a B in my modelling / statistics / finance courses. I'm looking to apply in fall, so the timing would be tight.
- If you think I should take a few courses, any advice on what to take? (I was thinking an econ course...)

2. Do I have a shot at the schools below:
Tuck, Yale, Cornell, NYU, Duke, MIT, Wharton
Dear bschoolmania,

I do think your application might benefit from an alternative transcript based on your academic performance in quant coursework in college. While a solid 700+ GMAT score will mitigate your GPA to some degree, earning an A in a quant course will demonstrate your motivation to succeed in the classroom. I suggest you take a math class like calculus and perhaps a statistics course. You can take them online or through a community college; it does not necessarily need to be at a university as long as the institution is accredited and can provide a transcript. Depending on how you do on the GMAT and the strength of the rest of your application (essays, recommendations, interview), you might have a shot at the top 15 schools you note in your post. These are all highly selective schools, so I do encourage you to identify a few schools outside the top 15 as well.

Good luck,
Lisa

Hi Lisa, thanks again for your thoughts. Just wanted to provide with an update, and see how you think the additional info may change my odds. On the GMAT I got a 740 (97%), 47Q (77%) 45 V (99%). I also signed up for two classes online, statistics and calculus (hope to get A's in both). Do you think this makes me more competitive at the schools mentioned above?

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np1989: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:25 am

by np1989 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 6:02 am

In terms of compensating for a low GPA, would a self study certification such as the CFA help address any concerns?

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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 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 12:39 pm

Dear bschoolmania,

Congratulations on that 740! That is awesome! Your performance on the GMAT combined with A's in your two quant classes should demonstrate you have the aptitude, motivation and commitment to handle the rigor of business school. I do think you are in a more competitive position for your target schools, but a top-notch package is still necessary to give yourself the best chance. Happy writing!

Best of luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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