How important is GPA?

[mjjking]

Hi Stacy,
I'm about to take the GMAT, but I would like to know more about other aspects of my application.

First of all, the GPA. I have attended two university, with two pondered GPAs of - respectively - 4.0 and 3.79 (first a BA in History, second a Specialist Bachelor in Anthropology). Are these high and are these above average?
The only quantitative course I've taken was microeconomics, where I took a 4.0
Seond, are reccomendation letters important?
And what about work experience? With my background, what job should I look for in order to get valuable pre-mba work experience? Selling cruises for MSC Cruises would be ok for instance?

Thanks a lot!

RC

[Stacy Blackman]

Yes, your GPAs are high and above average for any school.

Recommendations are super important as well! Do not underestimate their importance.

I generally suggest that you pursue a career that interests you and do a really great job! It's not so much what you do but how you do it and why. However, one guideline would be to select a job that puts you in a position where you can highlight your leadership skills and that is a good stepping stone for your future goals. The job you mention might be fine but it does not strike me as a leadership type of position and I am not sure how it fits into your longer term plans.