2.7 undergrad gpa (computer engineering) and 6 yr work exp

[rahulsharma1982]

Would my low GPA affect my chances to get into the top 20 MBA schools in the U.S. I wrote the gmat this year and scored a 710 (Q 47, V 40, AWA 4.5)

But I have a 2.7 GPA over 4 years of completing Computer Engineering at the University Of Toronto in Canada. I had a bad first year second semester due to a severe back injury (herniated disc) while doing weight training/body building. all through the rest of the years, my GPA consistently improved ending with a 3.0 in my final year. I will also have 6 years of full time experience by 2012 and 4+ years of management experience (Manager of Application Development in a telecommunications firm). I have been running my own software consulting company part time as well, and doing well for the past 2 years. Some mentoring/volunteer work in entrepreneurship programs for undergrad students as well this year.

I have been admitted to the top MBA schools here in Canada (Rotman, Schulich), but am more interested in doing an MBA in the U.S in the top 20 schools because i think they will offer me a rewarding career path in the future. the only thing i am worried about is whether my GPA would prevent me from getting admitted. considering that my first year of uni was 10 years ago in 2001-2002. shouldn't my work exp and gmat score be able to overcome that?

should i explain the injury in an optional essay or is that focusing on the negative?

[inittowinit]

Hey Brother,

I'm in a similar situation as you. I actually have a lower gpa than you, 2.6 (yikes I knows). However, I believe I have good work experience and a good story. From what I gather here on the forums, if you can show the admissions committee that you are capable to handle the course load and have a good story as to why you should be admitted - you have a fair shot.

From the program's perspective - you're ability to handle the work is in question due to your UGPA, however, you have a solid GMAT score. So if anything, maybe they think your smart, but lazy. So I think it would be your mission to show them that you are not only capable (GMAT score), but you've done X, Y, and Z over your 6 years of work and that you are a different, more mature person now.

Every applicant will most likely have a weakness, hell, maybe some have all the best data points possible. However, if you show passion and drive, and can tell a great story as to why you're better than Joey Know-it-all, you may be selected over him. Everyone loves an underdog. Goodluck buddy!

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi rahulsharma1982,

Thanks for posting. I recommend you read this case study of a candidate with a sub 3.0 GPA who was accepted into both Columbia and Chicago Booth:

https://www.stacyblackman.com/comprehens ... ies/case5/


Although your undergraduate record is a factor MBA admissions teams will look at, there are ways to address this issue.

Hope this was of help.

Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team