What are the chances of getting in with a VERY low GPA?

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Hi,

I realize this question has been asked many times before, but with a GPA as low as mine, I figure it's a whole new question.

My undergraduate GPA is a extremely sad 1.9, which is dragged down by 4 failed courses. I was also required to repeat a term, on top of that. That said, my bachelor's degree is for a very competitive engineering program from a top Canadian University, and my final year's GPA is just shy of 3.9.

During my degree, I took multiple management courses (with marks between 3.0 and 4.0) and earned an option in management in the process. I also gradually improved my marks in university, with 3 of my failed courses being in first year.

In addition to my school work, I took on volunteer positions and executive position on many of my university's organizations, including large organizations like Engineers Without Borders and the Red Cross.

In the past 5 years since graduating, I've worked at two large engineering organizations and have worked my way into a management position. Along my way, I've collected references from reputable people in the business, including people in upper management and VP positions.

In addition, I recently did my first GMAT test and scored 760.

But all of this seems to pale when you look at my overall GPA. So my question becomes, what are my chances at getting into a top 20 MBA school? Should I even bother applying to the top 5/10 schools in the USA, or schools like INSEAD and IMD?

If you can give me any advice on improving my outlook, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thank you, and sorry for the long post
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by machichi » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:30 pm
Wow it sounds like you had quite the undergraduate experience. It's a shame you didn't attend a pseudo ivy that drops failing grades from your transcript (cough, Brown University, cough couch).

Normally under these circumstances I've seen applicants told to build up an alternative GPA, but it sounds like you already started doing that. It might still help to take some outside classes, but your GMAT rocks and I think you have a compelling story. Though you don't totally explain what happened those first few years and what was different your final year.

Your GPA is definitely the lowest I've seen but you captivated me with your story, which is at least something, because I bet you can get your foot in the door for an interview at a top 20 school and knock their socks off!

The short answer is, YES, apply. Because you'll always wonder what might've happened if you had. Schools in Europe have higher admissions rates in general, so you probably have a good shot.
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