Low GPA what can I do?

[seal4913]

Hi everyone.

I have decided it is time to go back to school and earn my MBA. This form has been helpfully getting me started on that path and I would like to seek advice on my challenge.

Here is my situation:

I just started studying for the GMATs. I have the OG, the set of eight Manhattan books, and signed up for the 60 day study guide. My goal is to get at least a 700.

My problem is I have a very low undergrad GPA (2.5) from Rutgers. However, I have been working for over 4 years and have been promoted and have made a lot of improvements within the company.

I'm looking to get an online MBA however what will be my main challenge(s) with such a low GPA? Is it possible for me to get into any program? I know it will depend a lot on my GMATs.

Any advice, recommendation, etc are more than welcome.

[gmatsa]

I'm in the same situation, I am taking a couple of classes just to build an alternative resume. Hopefully I score well on the GMAT and I am hoping that will be enough to show that I have the cognitive ability to handle an MBA program. I'm also hopeing my experience will complement the programs that I am apply to.

A lot of wisful thinking huh?!

[seal4913]

Yes, it is a horrible situation to be in. I wonder what is worse a good gpa with low gmat score or a low gpa and a good gmat. Also I have been looking and I see there are schools that have 2.5 gpa and 500 gmats minimum requirements.

I know we will never get into Harvard or Warton but I think there is still hope to get an mba.

[wmalum2006]

1. Get a great score on the GMAT. You should get a score higher than the median at your target schools.

2. Hopefully your work experience and dedication there can override some of your grades.

3. Did you work a job during college? This could be a good mitigating factor.

[tariqal]

To add to wmalum2006's list ...

- work up an alternative transcript at a local college if you can, preferably in quant classes.

- build a solid rapport with the adcoms of the schools of your choice.

- write genuine, introspective essays.

- focusing on the strengths of your academic, work and personal experiences, displaying leadership and initiative taking where you can, and do NOT hide any major sore points. If, for instance, you did badly in the first two years in undergrad, highlight it and use it to your advantage by saying how it wizened you up and prompted you to turn things around, etc.

In short, yes you can get into the school of your choice with a low GPA. You'll have to work hard, though. My GPA was lower than yours but I managed to get into a top tiered Canadian school =)

[seal4913]

Thanks for all the advice. I will do my best to score as high as I can. I'm studying hard and using all the resources on this wonderful site.

In my undergrad I had some personal issues and I actually moved out of state which made getting to class hard. Also, a year or two back I took a masters class in my undergrad major thinking to get a masters in that. In that class I got an A. I'm thinking that shows some growth even though it was just one masters class or is that wishful thinking?

[tariqal]

Every little bit counts, seal.

It looks to me like you have plenty of room to put together a solid profile. Don't sell yourself short.

Good luck!

[wmalum2006]

Thanks for all the advice. I will do my best to score as high as I can. I'm studying hard and using all the resources on this wonderful site.

Good luck. It definitely helps to build some type of rapport with the admissions office before applying, and they will have some idea of who you are before you apply. Makes it harder for them to just say no.