Hi all,
I wanted to get some thoughts/feedback on whether or not I should write an optional essay regarding my low GPA.
Target schools: HBS, Stanford, Columbia, Yale. Round 2.
I went to a top 10 US school and had a 3.4 going into senior year but this dropped to a 3.2 after getting many Cs in upper-level Econ (my major) courses. The rigor and poor curves of our Econ department is well-known, but the main issue here is that I simply wasn't passionate about Economics and by then, it was too late to change my major. I did well in my other classes but fear that the performance in these major classes will severely impact my chances. Another thing to consider is that I did spend a better portion of my senior year on a big extracurricular - I couldn't attend classes for a month and did my homework/papers from abroad (approved by my professors) but I feel that if I mention this as a contributor, it will seem like I am making excuses which is the last thing I want to do.
I got a 740 on GMAT but Q47, V46 so I'm not sure my Quant score here sufficiently proves that I'm not actually awful at quantitative things. I did work 3 years at a top bank (strategy/product), got promoted, and now work at a top Tech company (data analytics/operations strategy).
Is it worth writing an optional essay and if so, how should I approach explaining the GPA situation? How can I prove that I can still be a good student in classes that don't particularly interest me?
Thanks all!!!
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Low GPA, High GMAT (Low Quant)
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newyorkgal
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Jon@Admissionado
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Hey there,
So with the GMAT you are good. There's nothing to do or explain away.
For the GPA, it's quite low for those schools so YES you do need to explain it in the optional essay. And use whatever you have meaning: reasons why you did bad. and PROOF that you can do better. IT can be personal or whatever. But explaining WILL help.
Best,
Jon Frank
So with the GMAT you are good. There's nothing to do or explain away.
For the GPA, it's quite low for those schools so YES you do need to explain it in the optional essay. And use whatever you have meaning: reasons why you did bad. and PROOF that you can do better. IT can be personal or whatever. But explaining WILL help.
Best,
Jon Frank
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Something for everyone:
https://admissionado.lpages.co/admissio ... nter-2018/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/50-essay ... ked-vol-4/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm
Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.
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Donna@Stratus
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Well I realize this ship has now sailed... but here is how I would say it- I would say it like you did- you loved econ- and even with the tough curve- you stayed the course because the courses were interesting. I think your GMAt will help overall. Don't make it a long essay- just convey a sincere message without any blame.newyorkgal wrote:Hi all,
I wanted to get some thoughts/feedback on whether or not I should write an optional essay regarding my low GPA.
Target schools: HBS, Stanford, Columbia, Yale. Round 2.
I went to a top 10 US school and had a 3.4 going into senior year but this dropped to a 3.2 after getting many Cs in upper-level Econ (my major) courses. The rigor and poor curves of our Econ department is well-known, but the main issue here is that I simply wasn't passionate about Economics and by then, it was too late to change my major. I did well in my other classes but fear that the performance in these major classes will severely impact my chances. Another thing to consider is that I did spend a better portion of my senior year on a big extracurricular - I couldn't attend classes for a month and did my homework/papers from abroad (approved by my professors) but I feel that if I mention this as a contributor, it will seem like I am making excuses which is the last thing I want to do.
I got a 740 on GMAT but Q47, V46 so I'm not sure my Quant score here sufficiently proves that I'm not actually awful at quantitative things. I did work 3 years at a top bank (strategy/product), got promoted, and now work at a top Tech company (data analytics/operations strategy).
Is it worth writing an optional essay and if so, how should I approach explaining the GPA situation? How can I prove that I can still be a good student in classes that don't particularly interest me?
Thanks all!!!
