Low Undergrad GPA with a perfect GMAT score

[gmat_buddha]

I have a low undergrad GPA with 800 on my GMAT. My undergrad GPA was a 2.6 from a top-ranked liberal arts school. I have a degree in Computer Science. During my undergrad I had a low GPA in most semesters up until senior year when I got a 4.0 in both semesters. I also played varsity soccer throughout high school(during this time I managed to get into the first team all-state) and played a year in college. I have been working for the last two years in JP Morgan and have good letters of recommendation from my boss and supervisors. Realistically, I know I can't get into the top 10 programs, however, I wanted a realistic idea of what schools I should be looking at and what I should be doing in order to make up for the bad grades in my MBA applications.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Ahhh. but maybe you can!!! Depends on how your work experience and all the rest looks!

If you can give me a weeee bit more info, then I can better advise you dude.

[CriticalSquareMBA]

[Edited]

I agree with Jon - more please! Look around the forum and see the type of information others have shared. We'd love to know the type of professional experiences, extracurricular involvement, goals, etc.

As a side note, while your GMAT is AMAZING (it is awe inspiring actually), a perfect GMAT isn't always a differentiator. Most schools want applicants to play within a range. Not all schools accept people with perfect GMATs but that's because, even with a great score, the rest of their application fell flat. That's why Jon and I need more info! But seriously - WELL DONE!

Looking forward to learning more!

Bhavik

[money9111]

you're not in a bad position to be in. EVERYONE has some red flag in his/her application and think about your situation differently. You know for a fact that your red flag is NOT going to be your GMAT.

I did NOT have an 800 and my GPA was a 2.56 and I was able to do it. Knowing my red flags going into the application season made it easier for me to address them. I will say that the optional essay is something that you'll want to do - ESPECIALLY if your GPA trend was increasing up to a 4.0 in your Senior yr. Sounds like something you can definitely overcome with the right help.

Also, when thinking about your extracurriculars and what not, don't think about High School. That should not go in your application.

[InterviewBay2]

I won't say that your chances to top 10 business schools are totally nil. With such an outstanding score you can impress the ad-coms. Though your GPA is low, you have shown growth in the senior year. Besides, your extracurriculars look good.
As you are getting recommendations from your boss and supervisors, I am sure you must have achieved great results there.

I should say everybody has a few red flags here and there, but it is surely possible to make up for it with STAR performance in at least one area. You can certainly get away with this, if you have a convincing story to tell. I believe you should focus on your work, and show some extraordinary achievements at it.
You could also talk to the alumni of your target schools to know better about your chances at those schools.

Though a business school in the top 10 would be stretch, you could certainly target top 20 MBA programs.

Best of luck!
www.Interviewbay.com

[George Baslious]

I have a pharmacy undergrad degree from university of Cairo Egypt. I have a very low GPA as well 2.4 cumulative. But in my last 2 years I got GPA of 3.0 average. moved right after university back to Canada, worked in a pharmacy for 2 years while I was doing the board examinations in Canda (last 6 months were as an intern). My GMAT score is 750. I don't think I can go for the top 10 schools, but what are my chances of going for the next 10 ??
How relevant is working as a pharmacy assisdtant for 18 months and six months as an intern for work experience ?
Thanks