Weak Study Abroad and GPA Issue

[liangjian.wu]

Hello everyone,

I just came back from a study abroad semester in Asia, my grades from my courses factor into my regular GPA. However the university is a top 30 ranked university in the world. I took upper level Finance Courses and received ~B's in them. And because the grades do transfer back to my home university my GPA will be going from a 3.91 to a 3.81. I know this is a pretty sizable drop in GPA but I was wondering how this would impact my chances?

All in all, my study abroad experience was life changing and I am using this as the basis for one of my essays, but I was wondering if the ADCOM would see this negatively.

Btw, I plan to apply to the 2+2 program at HBS.

Thank you and all insights would be greatly appreciated!

[essaysnark]

Hi lianjin.wu,

You're right to be concerned about all elements of your application if you're targeting the very competitive 2+2 program. HOWEVER: A 3.81 GPA is still really really strong! We do not think you need to worry about this at all. You're above the average GPA still (and you have an academic record that most of our clients would die for!). You should be in good shape. Of course, you'll need to do everything you can to keep it this high -- but even if it fell a tiny bit more, this would not be an issue for HBS. (We're guessing you're going to be able to bump it up from here anyway, right? You seem like you are a very good student!)

You might want to check out the SnarkStrategies Guide to HBS essays, available for free right now at Scribd: https://scr.bi/k5pQkZ -- it could help you with the very challenging essay questions (though do keep in mind that it's written for applicants to the standard track, who have some work experience -- the strategy for someone applying through 2+2 needs to be different based on the different life experience that you bring to the table).

If you have other questions we might be able to help with, please try us!

Good luck with it!
EssaySnark