North American with low GPA - NA & EAME Work Experience

Expert replies

mbatarget2016: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 19; Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2014 8:34 am

by mbatarget2016 » Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:18 am

Hello ,

So here's my story. I graduated from an engineering university in Canada with a 2.2/4 GPA ( I have to admit , it's not a pleasant conversation every time I bring it up ) . Now this was back in 2005 when I graduated.

Since then , I moved into a sales role at a Fortune 500 Industrial manufacturer and later at a Fortune 50 Industrial manufacturer where I have risen through the marketing ranks fairly quickly in a span of 4 years. First within Canada and then an opportunity to expose myself to African and Middle-Eastern markets where I was relocated to Dubai on an international assignment. I am currently in that role and work closely with partners in Europe and throughout AME .

Besides the achievements at work , I have been an active part of Toastmasters , Startup-Grind in Dubai , and had other volunteer opportunities at United Way and used to mentor new immigrants to Canada through an organization.

If I were to score a 700+ on my GMAT , what are my chances at a Top 5 University such as Harvard , Stanford etc ? I am hoping for an honest opinion...Do I stand a chance?

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Critical Square | Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:18 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

CriticalSquareMBA: Legendary Member; Posts: 1088; Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:29 pmFollowed by: 52 members; Thanked: 171 times

by CriticalSquareMBA » Thu Aug 28, 2014 6:33 am

Hi there mate,

So...you have great international work experience. You do. But even with a rockstar GMAT score, the top 5 aren't going to happen. Additionally, you really need to build an alternative transcript. A strong GMAT can help compensate for a 3.1 or so but not a 2.2. For that you need to take more courses and get As / A+s. You're also on the older side so you have that working against you for the top 5. For example, HBS and Stanford are really not fans to the point of discrimination.

I'm sorry I don't have better feedback - but, with a solid alternative transcript (3 or 4 difficult courses through extension [e.g. UCLA or Berkeley]) and a solid GMAT a good program isn't out of reach!

Bhavik

Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

Web | Facebook | Twitter

Sign up for a free consultation today!

We love helping! Was this post helpful to you? Thank us and let me know!

mbatarget2016: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 19; Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2014 8:34 am

by mbatarget2016 » Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:11 pm

Thanks for the candid opinion Bhavik.

So the Top 20 schools actually accept an extension program taken online? I was actually unaware of that.

Any specific courses you would recommend?

GMAT/MBA Expert

CriticalSquareMBA: Legendary Member; Posts: 1088; Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:29 pmFollowed by: 52 members; Thanked: 171 times

by CriticalSquareMBA » Tue Sep 02, 2014 10:08 am

Depends on what you mean by "accept". Consider? Absolutely. Count? Of course. But if you failed something specific, it doesn't count as much as going to school and retaking that subject. But for most people that isn't possible anyway. As for courses, look at the harder courses. I'm talking your Advanced Stats, Calcs, and Microecons.

Good luck!

Bhavik

Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

Web | Facebook | Twitter

Sign up for a free consultation today!

We love helping! Was this post helpful to you? Thank us and let me know!

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review