Chances of MBA admissions with low grad gpa; Rd1 or Rd2

[smock]

Hi,

I plan on applying to various MBA programs this year. I am yet to take the GMAT and I plan on taking the GMAT in early September.

1) I have 2 years of work experience and an undergraduate GPA of about 3.65. However, I am currently in engineering graduate school at UCLA. I am a little worried about my chances of getting admitted into a top B-school. I was working full-time while going to school and had other personal issues; as a result, I got a C in one class. Unfortunately, my GPA for my first year is below below a 3.0. I've been given another opportunity to bring it up in my second year and I know that I will bring it up. How does my low graduate gpa affect my admissions chances? I've asked various people and no one seems to know.

If I get a mid to high 700 in my GMAT. Will that help? I'm really worried. I have various extracurricular activities, 2 years of work experience, a 3.6 undergrad gpa...


2) I am now thinking of applying in round 2 instead of round 1 as I had originally planned. I'm hoping to do well in the fall quarter..that way, I can show that I have improved my gpa and I am learning from failure. Do you think it is advisable to apply in round 2. I'm afraid that I may not get in if I wait too long. Is it bad to apply in round 2 as opposed to round 1?

I am sorry for the lengthy post. The first part was posted before and received several responses already; however, additional responses are welcome.

Thanks you very much.

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi smock,

A high GMAT score will help off-set a low graduate record. An admissions team is also going to want to know why you are interested in business school after pursuing a graduate engineering degree, so you should be prepared to have a strong answer.

I would not be concerned about applying to Round 2. You should apply when your application is strongest. The only exception is that you should avoid applying to the last round.

Hope this was of help.

Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

Smock,

Round 1 versus 2 is probably not the real issue here, as both rounds are real and you apply when you are ready. You only have 2 years of work experience, which puts you in a lower applicant pool. Though I don't know how old you are, you may want to consider holding off and getting more experiences and promotions before you apply. This additional work experience along with your very solid GPA could counteract some recent weaker academic performance (which can be explained and overcome) and also give you time to improve it.

I would have to know other aspects of your profile to give a more confident response, but now might not be your time. If you do indeed want to apply, I don't necessarily see the masters gpa as a fatal blow.