Applicant Review

[Celticswon]

Hello Stacy! I was hoping you could take a look at my profile and determine how feasible it would be for me to get into a top ten school. Also, what GMAT score I really need to get to be considered at the tops schools, when you take into account my profile. As you can see, I have a relatively low GPA, which is a concern of mine. Thanks for your help!

2.95 GPA (Finance,Economics Double Major from a State University)
-Had a 3.2 GPA for the last two years of school
- B's and C's in core quant classes (Calc, Stats, Econometrics)
-currently building alternative transcript - taking Financial Accounting Night Class, on pace for an A average


5 years work experience at a Life Insurance Co. in sales position. Progressed from Internal wholesaler to Senior Internal Wholesaler to Internal Sales Manager (managing 9 people on the sales desk)

670 GMAT score (89% Verbal, 63% Quant, 5.5 Analytical Writing)

Co-founded and hold position of President of my Company's Toastmasters (Public Speaking) Club

Volunteer at Homeless Shelter

Studied French in College, (Semester in Aix-En-Provence), currently active member of local French Library

I am planning on taking the GMAT again in one month, but I am overwhelmingly concerned with my GPA totally killing my chances. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Celticswon,

I understand your concern on your GPA, but I don't think it will cause an automatic rejection at any school. Your last two years were strong with a 3.2, but the average grades in your quant classes might give some pause. A high GMAT score will mitigate the GPA, as well as the alternative transcript and the quantitative aspects in your work experience. I would suggest taking some math courses like college algebra or calculus to strengthen the alternative transcript. Also, a GMAT score in the 700s with a raw quant score close to (or greater than) 50 would further improve your profile. Even if you do not improve your GMAT score, you still have a chance at a top 10 if you have great essays, recommendations and interviews.

Best of luck,
Lisa