Another Low GPA question

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RLC003: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:39 am

by RLC003 » Sat Jul 10, 2010 8:06 am

Hello, I have a question about my transcript from my first college. I went to college right after high school for three years and my GPA was around 2.3 when I left. The next semester I transferred to a community college and I went on to earn an associate's degree with a 3.9 GPA. I started working full time for 6 years and I have just recently completed my Bachelor's degree with a 4.0 GPA. My question is will my low GPA from my first time around weigh down my chances of getting into grad school? I still don't know why I had such a hard time at the first college. I didn't slack off or anything I just had a hard time understanding the material. I'm not planning on going to a top 10 school. I am applying to a small local college in North Carolina for a master's degree in project management. I am planning on taking the GMAT in September and I want to start school in January. Thanks for any input.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Sat Jul 10, 2010 8:06 am

Cindy Tokumitsu: Legendary Member; Posts: 590; Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:51 pmFollowed by: 7 members; Location: New York; Thanked: 47 times

by Cindy Tokumitsu » Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:39 am

Hello,

Congratulations on completing your bachelor's after a long effort!

Yes, your official GPA will include that early low portion. However, your situation as you explained it clearly indicates that this first period is not a true indicator of your actual academic ability, and the latter period is an accurate representation. The adcom will most likely see this. However, I suggest making it crystal clear to them in a short optional essay, where you explain succinctly the the situation and that those early years are not representative, and also calculate what your GPA would be without those early grades. Conclude by saying this GPA is the accurate reflection of your abilities.

As adcoms review the application holistically, they will note the official low GPA and also recognize your subsequent academic achievement.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com

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RLC003: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:39 am

by RLC003 » Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:02 am

Thank you for the advice. I think that is a great idea to explain the low GPA in an essay. I had never thought of doing that so I will definitely work on an essay for my application.

Thanks

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