Low GPA - Optional Essay Question - Expert Advice Requested!

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thugginkiss: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:07 am; Thanked: 1 times

by thugginkiss » Thu Dec 30, 2010 9:51 pm

I am finalizing my round 2 apps and will be sending out an optional essay to address my low GPA. I am trying to communicate that I can now balance the demands of life to accomplish my goals, unlike college, when my GPA suffered.

Fortunately, I did relatively well on the GMAT. In my essay, I use the recent example of how I balanced work and other obligations, and managed to study and accomplish my GMAT goal.

I use this example because it is recent and can easily translate to B-school because of the learning and studying coupled with other obligations.

Is this taboo? Is a GMAT example weak since they already know how I performed on the GMAT (even though I think it is a clear example of how I am no longer the less mature college version of myself)?

Should I try to use another story?

This is fairly urgent, so a quick response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance....

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Thu Dec 30, 2010 9:51 pm

humblebee: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 129; Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:48 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Location: Oceania; Thanked: 23 times; GMAT Score:740

by humblebee » Fri Dec 31, 2010 10:44 pm

It would be a more solid example if you took extra classes after graduating to build what you yanks call an alternative transcript. Then at least there are a couple of instances that you can point too since graduating when you had to juggle academic and other commitments. More data points for proof.

Otherwise, I don't see why using the GMAT example isn't relevant. You might want to add additional obligations beyond work that you had to juggle to make fitting in the studying more impressive.

Good luck.

wannabe business school consultant

thugginkiss: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:07 am; Thanked: 1 times

by thugginkiss » Sat Jan 01, 2011 3:46 pm

humblebee wrote:It would be a more solid example if you took extra classes after graduating to build what you yanks call an alternative transcript. Then at least there are a couple of instances that you can point too since graduating when you had to juggle academic and other commitments. More data points for proof.

Otherwise, I don't see why using the GMAT example isn't relevant. You might want to add additional obligations beyond work that you had to juggle to make fitting in the studying more impressive.

Good luck.

That is the answer I was look for. Thank you for your response.

Jessica@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 247; Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 amFollowed by: 42 members; Location: Houston; Thanked: 52 times; GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:14 pm

I think it is fine to use the GMAT, but, I'd also just state that you have balanced the demands of life and work (and presumably succeeded professionally while still having the demands of life!). In fact, I'd make the essay as brief as possible, state that you've matured since college and that you hope that your professional success and your recent achievements will outweigh your performance in undergrad. Try not to make excuses for your performance or sound like a victim, focus instead on the positives of who you are now.

Good luck!

Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

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thugginkiss: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:07 am; Thanked: 1 times

by thugginkiss » Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:57 am

Jessica@VeritasPrep wrote:I think it is fine to use the GMAT, but, I'd also just state that you have balanced the demands of life and work (and presumably succeeded professionally while still having the demands of life!). In fact, I'd make the essay as brief as possible, state that you've matured since college and that you hope that your professional success and your recent achievements will outweigh your performance in undergrad. Try not to make excuses for your performance or sound like a victim, focus instead on the positives of who you are now.

Good luck!

Jessica,

Thank you so much for your response. I am sorry I am just now getting back here to thank you. This past week has been very busy with applications. My essay is relatively brief, about 250 words i think. And yes, I dont only mention work as an additional responsibility. Thanks again for your help.

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