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680 GMAT and 3.0 GPA. Should I justify the weak academics?

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by yogeshchandra » Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:52 am
I scored a 680 on GMAT (34V, 49M) and I have 3.0/4.0 GPA. I'll be applying to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton. In the additional essays that they have, do you think I should justify my low GPA and the 680 score or should I just let it be and not draw too much attention to this?

I know 680 is not a bad score but considering I'm Indian, the bracket I'm placed in tends to score 700+ and I'm not sure if a 680 can cover for the 3.0 GPA.

Do you think I should justify the academic bit in the additional essays or should I just skip the justification bit?
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by throughmba » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:42 am
Definitely dont go for a revised GMAT.

How did you calculate your GPA? First check that out.

Look great as an application package rather than just a part. Every Superman has his kryptonite.

Definitely take this issue in the optional essay. For that I can give your some do's

1. Show some favorable trend,something. Like dy/dx is positive or even second differential is positive. :)

2. Bring them back to your strengths

3.Be honest if there was some personal reason. Make it a story rather than a factual commentline.

4. You'll need to show that you've done a lot of other significant activities, have a good leadership history, and that you can bring a unique background to the school.

5. Say again and again that you have potential which is more towards the wholesomeness rather than one thing but nevertheless you are looking forward to improve.
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by Color Me One » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:48 pm
Nope, your GMAT/GPA are really not THAT low so as to be explained in the optional essay. You are right in saying that the Indian applicants tend to have a higher GMAT but that is something which will need to be compensated by the rest of your profile; mentioning something in your optional essays will have almost no effect.

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by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:48 pm
yogeshchandra wrote:I scored a 680 on GMAT (34V, 49M) and I have 3.0/4.0 GPA. I'll be applying to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton. In the additional essays that they have, do you think I should justify my low GPA and the 680 score or should I just let it be and not draw too much attention to this?

I know 680 is not a bad score but considering I'm Indian, the bracket I'm placed in tends to score 700+ and I'm not sure if a 680 can cover for the 3.0 GPA.

Do you think I should justify the academic bit in the additional essays or should I just skip the justification bit?
Tough question. You are a bit borderline with your GMAT as to whether you want to justify your GPA. I would say if you have a really good reason, then yes. Otherwise, just leave it alone.
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by MBAPrepAdvantage » Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:26 pm
In addition to what the other posters have stated, given your low numbers, make sure you apply to less competitive schools as well.

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