Low GPA MBA hopes - UCLA or USC Chances?

[Tim7332]

Hi guys,

This is my first post on the board. I wanted to get some feedback on MBA admissions for somebody with a low GPA of 2.7 for my undergraduate work.

My goal is to get over a 700 in my GMAT to compensate for this and to also get creative with my resume.

Since finishing my undergraduate program I've been mostly involved in real estate and mortgage and within the past 6 months I decided upon a career change into accounting.

I should be able to get creative with my resume to make it look somewhat ok but it definately won't be that impressive. However I do have over 6 years of professional experience.

I also plan to hire Stacy to help with the essays, resume, and letter of recommendations and interview plans when the time comes.

There are only two schools I would attend in Southern California for my MBA. UCLA or USC with a strong preference towards USC and both would be the evening programs or "fully employed programs"

My question is am I dreaming? Can I get accepted to either program? Should I start retaking courses to raise my GPA?

I'm planning to take some UCLA extension courses in accounting that are required for taking the CPA exam but I wasn't sure if that will help my GPA any.

What sort of advice, thoughts can you guys give me?

[Stacy Blackman]

We have had clients admitted to USC with a 2.7. You are not dreaming but you do have your work cut out for you. The additional courses might be helpful if you did not take quant classes in college or received poor grades in them. They will not technically raise your GPA, but they will show that you ahve an aptitude for the quant subjects and will be able to do well in their program. Another thing to think about is some outside activities. These tend to be a bit less important for the part time programs but still are useful, and can help present you as a leader with diverse interests. Good luck!

[Tim7332]

Hi Stacy,

Can you tell me exactly what quant classes I should take? I planned to take micro and macro econ because I got C's in them.

Someone suggested I take calculus since I've never taken it before. (is this necessary?)

What other courses should I definately take to give me the best chance?

Also, can you recommend any outside activities that the admissions counselors will like? I was planning to do some leadership stuff through my church but thought I should diversify it a bit. What do you think?

Also, when I'm preparing to write my essays and resume is there anything I should make sure to do before turning them over to you for editing?

[Stacy Blackman]

I would definitely take Calculus. After that - Statistics and Accounting.

There are not really any particular types of activities that I would recommend. It is more about doing something that is genuine and truly resonates with your intersts. It should also be high quality, where you can demonstrate leadership and commitment rather than just showing up.

With regards to the essays, this is not a simple question. You should take a look at my blog. We have a bunch of entries with guidance on writing essays. Often on Mondays, we have tips, and last summer in July 2006, we had a ton of info. I tried to post some links but it was flagged as spam, so unfortunately you are on your own to navigate. blog.stacyblackman.com

Good luck!

[dwilliam]

Hi Tim,

I read your post and your situation sounds similar to mine, except your GPA is a little higher.

I started with Financial Accounting and a spreadsheet class last fall, am taking a Selling for Business Class and Marketing now, and will take Algebra, Calculus, Econ and Statistics in the next year. My goal is a 4.0 in two years of classes, which I think should mitigate the impact my GPA has on my application. Nothing can erase the past, but I want to strategically overcome it so there is no question on my ability to do the work. Everyone I have talked to, including some students at schools such as Michigan and Chicago, agree that this shows initiative and drive to succeed regardless of previous circumstances, which is an intangible needed to do well in business. Jet Blue had a massive meltdown in January, and have been extremely proactive in overcoming it. Time will only tell if this works for them, but I think how you deal with mistakes defines more of who you are than numbers that are 10 years old. I think most people believe in second chances if you prove you are worthy of one. That's how I'm presenting it at least.

If you agree, let me know. I would be more than happy to take any advice or criticism as well.

[Tim7332]

Yeah I agree with you. I even considered taking 2 years of classes to get back to a 4.0. I wish I could relive my rowdy college years but that just won't happen.

USC is pretty much the only school I have a shot at that's worth going to around here and if I don't get in I'm just going to keep taking classes getting my GPA up and keep applying.

I'm also concerned about my job experience too. I was in real estate/mortgage for a long time like a lot of people. Got to the point where I was a self employed broker but just wasn't happy doing it. Decided to switch careers to accounting because I thought it was a better fit for me and I realized I could benefit from an MBA and GMAT over the long term in this field. You think this is going to look bad though on my app?

[dwilliam]

I think you can make any career switch look good if you spin it the right way. I'm not qualified to give advice, so take it with a grain of salt, but based on my research you are better off than many people. You know that you want to be in accounting, an MBA can help take you there, and you are taking the appropriate steps toward your goal.

As for where you are coming from, you were self employed, which is good. I am in sales, and my background was a concern of mine as well. It is a concern when you know all of these people are coming from banking and finance and you are competing with them for a spot. But if all that programs took in were those people, they would churn out a bunch of the same thing into the hiring pool every year. Part of the MBA program is interacting with people from different backgrounds and getting different points of view on how to do things. If you have a unique experience make sure to mention it. I have learned a lot reaching out to students at schools I am looking at. Have you tried e-mailing anyone from USC or UCLA in their programs?