how to overcome poor academic past?

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deedee_deedee: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 9; Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:14 am

how to overcome poor academic past?

by deedee_deedee » Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:18 am

GMAT - 730
under grad GPA - 2.8 in engineering from a top 10 school.
grad GPA - 3.7. Completed this in 5 years working full-time.

Will my undergrad GPA keep me out of a top 25 school?
Will my Grad GPA overcome my undergraduate GPA. Or will the fact that I took 5 years to graduate while taking classes part-time & working full-time, make my academic past look worse.
Will my GMAT score overcome my graduate and undergraduate shortcomings?
Please advise.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Clear Admit | Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:18 am

Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 am; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times; Followed by:81 members

by Stacey Oyler » Tue Jul 12, 2011 2:51 pm

Hi,

Thanks for your post. First off it's important that you understand what exactly an adcom is looking at when they review your academics. In your case it's your undergrad and graduate GPAs and your GMAT score. It's also important to note that when adcoms evaluate academics it isn't all black and white. For instance what you studied (how challenging the major) is quite important as is your corresponding GPA. For instance an Art History major with a 3.0 might be scrutinized a bit more than an Economics major with the same GPA.

The circumstances surrounding your low GPA will also be taken into consideration. Be sure to write a brief optional essay explaining the factors that contributed to your low GPA.

Lastly, your solid GMAT score and excellent performance in your graduate program will help mitigate any concerns the adcom might have about your academic ability.

Regards,

Stacey

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Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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deedee_deedee: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 9; Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:14 am

by deedee_deedee » Wed Jul 13, 2011 3:23 pm

Thanks for your reply. Do you think my graduate GPA of 3.7 in Engineering helps. or do you think since I took classes on and off part-time in the evening after my full-time work during the day, it makes my academic history look worse? More than my Graduate GPA, I am concerned since I took several years to get the degree

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Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 am; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times; Followed by:81 members

by Stacey Oyler » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:55 am

Hi,

I think the fact that you worked full time while earning your degree shows a lot of determination on your part. I do not see this as a negative but rather a positive in your applications since it shows your dedication.

Regards,

Stacey

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deedee_deedee: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 9; Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:14 am

by deedee_deedee » Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:00 am

Thank you once again for your reply.

Regards

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Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 am; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times; Followed by:81 members