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Hi all,

I am starting my process of researching B-school, studying for GMATs, ect. I am a little worried that I am wasting my time and wondering if someone would give me some guidance. My college GPA is really low and is deterring me a bit from making moves more aggressively.

Here are my details:-

1) I went to a state school and my Cum GPA was a 2.880. I double majored (English and Jurisprudence) and up until my last semester double minored (Pre-Law and International Studies).

2) Work experience:
- Two yrs as a Paralegal for a top firm
- Two yrs at an Investment Bank working with contracts in the derivatives market.
- Reaching a year with one of the top hedge funds in the world doing a combination role consisting of Project Management and Regulatory/Legal work.

I am studying for my GMAT and working towards a 650 or higher, however, my standardized test taking skills aren't the greatest.

Since my undergrad GPA is significantly low to apply to B-school, I was thinking of taking additional classes for a few reasons. I did not take an Econ class nor a real substantive math course while in undergrad. I am looking to take those classes now to show B-schools that I can achieve high grades in these type of classes. Does that make sense?

I am wondering if I am thinking about this in the right way and if there is anything else I can do to help my chances of getting into a top B-school. I want to be on a two year track from now and so I am looking at the 2016/2017 school yr.

Any help and advice would be great.

Many thanks.

k_l4409 wrote:Hi all,

I am starting my process of researching B-school, studying for GMATs, ect. I am a little worried that I am wasting my time and wondering if someone would give me some guidance. My college GPA is really low and is deterring me a bit from making moves more aggressively.

Here are my details:-

1) I went to a state school and my Cum GPA was a 2.880. I double majored (English and Jurisprudence) and up until my last semester double minored (Pre-Law and International Studies).

2) Work experience:
- Two yrs as a Paralegal for a top firm
- Two yrs at an Investment Bank working with contracts in the derivatives market.
- Reaching a year with one of the top hedge funds in the world doing a combination role consisting of Project Management and Regulatory/Legal work.

I am studying for my GMAT and working towards a 650 or higher, however, my standardized test taking skills aren't the greatest.

Since my undergrad GPA is significantly low to apply to B-school, I was thinking of taking additional classes for a few reasons. I did not take an Econ class nor a real substantive math course while in undergrad. I am looking to take those classes now to show B-schools that I can achieve high grades in these type of classes. Does that make sense?

I am wondering if I am thinking about this in the right way and if there is anything else I can do to help my chances of getting into a top B-school. I want to be on a two year track from now and so I am looking at the 2016/2017 school yr.

Any help and advice would be great.

Many thanks.

In short, yes, you are on the right track in terms of what you should be focusing on:

1. Building an alternate transcript. Enroll in 2-4 quant courses of your choice (that you feel would be the least painful/boring to you): calculus, stats, algebra, accounting, finance, microecon, macroecon, physics, etc. Freshman level equivalent is fine (no extra brownie points for taking advanced classes). Just do well on them. Plenty of accredited universities offer them as online courses now, so you can do it in the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world - UCLA for one offers online extension classes.

2. GMAT. It matters a lot. Do whatever it takes to get the highest score you can. Hire a private tutor if you have to. A higher than average score won't automatically get you in, but a lower than average score can keep you out. As for the averages, almost any school publishes their average GMATs. Rule of thumb is that if your GMAT score is 20 points below the school's average, your GMAT will be a factor; if it's 40+ points below, and you'll be a long shot for that school.

Thanks Alex. One quick question. I should be looking to go to a 4yr university to build an alternative transcript rather than a 2yr or community college? I am getting mixed responses that it doesn't matter but from your response, it seems that I should be looking at accredited universities.

Hi - Just to jump in here...before you start building an alternative transcript and sitting the GMAT...what schools would you be happy attending?

I've spoken with the admissions offices at top 10 schools and the general consensus is that you should build an alternative transcript at an institution that offers a grade (and aim for a B+ or more). Depending on where you plan to apply - doing that at a community college might not be a bad idea.

k_l4409 wrote:Thanks Alex. One quick question. I should be looking to go to a 4yr university to build an alternative transcript rather than a 2yr or community college? I am getting mixed responses that it doesn't matter but from your response, it seems that I should be looking at accredited universities.

As long as they're accredited, it doesn't matter if it's a 4yr university or 2yr community college.

Again, just choose one that is convenient for you - and a lot folks just enroll in online courses anyhow (rather than having to physically go on campus to attend classes). Don't overthink it.