Profile Evaluation: low GPA, ok MGAT, Please HELP

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I'm interested in applying for the MMH program at Cornell. I got a OK gmat (680, Q49, V32, AWA 5.0) and some experiences (3+ years in regional hotel oversea as mgmt trainee and assistant of GM, 0.5 years from IBM as software testing team). I got my old professor and former manager writing recommendation letters citing my ability at work and in class. However, with my low GPA 2.7, I really have no idea what my chances are. Can someone please help me?

GMAT:
2nd try: 680 Q49 V32 AWA 5.0, taken in Sep 2010
1st try: 610 Q45 V29 AWA 4.5, taken in Aug 2010
GPA: 2.7/4.0 from NC State Univ. Major in Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor in Computer Science

Recommendation Letter:
1st: director of rooms
2st: former professor from NCSU

Experience:
Co-op 6 months in IBM as software testing team
3 months as front desk clerk
9 months as assistant mgr of front desk
15 months as assistant mgr of marketing
10+ months as special assistant of GM

pros: worked in both IT (IBM) and hospitality industries. worked in both the US and oversea (Taiwan). currently working in family-owned hotel business

cons: low GPA (2.7 compare to 3.3, avg of cornell), only 3.5 years of experience (compare to 5 years, the avg of cornell)

Thank you.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:16 pm
Hello,

Your GMAT of 680 is solidly above the MMH average (628 at last check) so that will help mitigate the low GPA. I believe that if you truly excel in the essays, you would have a chance - it would likely be a "reasonable reach." Your international experience also would be a plus. Also, if you have an optional essay, you could succinctly address the low GPA.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com

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by cornellmmh2011 » Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:09 pm
Good Evening,

Just to give you some insight on your situation-

Do not stress the former GPA that much. During my application process I was in a rather similar situation,(good gmat, not great undergrad GPA, good industry experience, solid references) and here I am today. In my opinion (not sure what my opinion is worth) with the industry specific experiences you have and a solid GMAT score, you should stand a good chance at gaining admittance assuming your essays are solid and (probably most importantly) interview goes well. If you have any questions about the program please feel free to message me.

Cornell MMH Student
Class of 2011