Low GPA, planing to apply for MBA

[zuma012007]

hello Lisa,
I want to know what are my chance of getting into a top 20 or 30 MBA program
I graduated from University of Missouri in may 2009 with a B.S in Pharmaceutical Science. My gpa is 2.66 base on the fact that I was a full time student and working between 35 and 45 hour a week. I did poorly I have 2 Ds one in biology and the other in Cell biology and a D in History . I ended up with couple of Cs in my Pharmaceutical course such as Biopharmaceutic, pharmacology and so on. I am a hard working person and i know my capability and was wondering what are my chances. By the way, I am very good in math. got all As in Statistic, Calculus I, Physic, organic chem, Economic, Pharmaceutical Calc, and Bs in General Chemistry classes
What should I do?
I haven't taken the GMAT yet but I confident in my math (quantitative) ability to do well there but Iam a little worry of the qualitative part. by the way english is my second language but been in the US for 8 years. I did not speak any english before moving to the country and learn it all here.
Also should I take the GMat or GRE?
also I was thinking doing a master in Biostatistic starting fall 2010 but feel like i'll be wasting my time and should go straight to work on my MBA.
Thank you so much

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear zuma012007,

It is not impossible to get into a top 30 MBA program with a 2.66 GPA, but there are certainly things you will need to do to make that happen. First, you will need to score well on the GMAT to help mitigate your GPA and demonstrate your academic aptitude. I would think anything over a 680 would be best and over a 710 would be most competitive. Since you did well in your quantitative coursework, that will also reflect well. You will also need to have a great set of essays and recommendations as well as have a strong interview. You don't mention anything about your work experience, so that is another area that could be a concern. You need to have solid, quality work experience showing progression and accomplishments/contributions to your organization. I highly encourage you to do some additional research on the MBA admissions process to gain a clear idea of what you need to do to present a strong, overall application.

As for whether or not to do a biostatistic program, I guess that depends on your career goals and if that makes sense for your career plan. If it is a degree that you feel you need for your career goals, then it might be worth considering. If not, then it might not be worth the additional investment of resources.

Good luck,
Lisa