Poor Academic performance

[metal_torpedo]

I have been really thinking about this and then one of my friend recommended this forum...I am really hopeful that this forum would reduce some of my anxiety.

I have secured exactly 51 percent in my graduation in Economics from Delhi University and therefore the question arises if i should try and pursue MBA anymore?


I want to be sure that if i work hard...lets say get 700 in gmat( i got 94 percentile in one of the toughest exams in INDIA for MBA that is CAT)..will my graduation pull the chanches of cracking the bschool very to extremly low?

Moreover,I know this query has been discussed many a time but I was unable to find a reasonable and specific answer to my question, secondly this query in itself is a query for many individuals and will therefore carry good weight and help many.Further,if some success stories related to above situation can be mentioned then that would boost the morale of many students like me.I dont want that I work hard for GMAT and other management schools to find in the end that because of my previous mistakes i wont get in.

If there is 100% or say randomly 95-100% chance that with good GMAT score and and good gd performance the graduation would still pull me down to the point that bschool doenst take me then i would certainly drop the idea of MBA and look for other options.

It will be very helpful if those who got 50-55 in graduation and cracked the bschool if they share thr own stories.

Thank you

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear metal_torpedo,

Business school admissions is not simple and there are no definitive answers when it comes to someone's chances. While I can understand your concern regarding your academic performance, it is not going to result in an absolute rejection from any program. Will it raise concern on your academic ability? Probably; so it is your job to use the rest of your application to demonstrate why you are a great candidate for business school.

Furthermore, you have to give yourself some context and consider many factors--not only how the rest of your application looks (which is extremely important), but also how the rest of the applicant pool looks at the schools where you apply. If you score over a 700 on the GMAT, write strong essays, have great recommendations, and do well in your interviews, then you have a chance at many programs. I just think you should select your schools wisely keeping in mind your entire profile. If going to business school is something you want and something you need for your career goals, then you should not just give up because you did not perform as well as you wished you had at university. Broaden your school search and find the great programs out there that are willing to overlook a potential weakness in your application if you give them reason to give you a chance.

Good luck,
Lisa

[metal_torpedo]

Thanks for such an insightful and supporting reply.
Do you personally know someone or on the forum who was in similar situation and now studying MBA from a good Bschool..if yes would you mention here thr names and bschool they are studying.This would be really helpful.



Further,with only 51% in hand..i have now listed a few options for me

1)keep preparing for GMAT and give as best as possible
2) Since I am an economics student, i could prepare for MA economics entrance as most MA eco institutes only have 50% as eligibility for giving entrance exam and don't take any interview GD/PI barring a few igidr and isi
3) give my final year examinations again and improve my score...but the drawback is this would make my degree of 4 years rather than 3 years

which one is better?
I would rather have u stress on option 3 since my ultimate goal is an MBA.
So how does a 1 year addition to my degree impacts my selection.
secondly,doing MBA after an MA..how good is that option?

[Lisa Anderson]

Only you can decide the best path for you based on your current situation and future career goals. I would caution you to determine if you are eligible for the schools you are considering with your current degree. If it is not equivalent to a US 4-yr degree, then you might need to complete the master's program.

Regards,
Lisa