Ask Stacy Blackman

johnny2011 wrote:Hello Lisa,

I graduated from with a Master's in Applied Statistics at DePaul, with a 3.2 GPA. My undergraduate GPA at Ohio State was not strong (2.4), as I majored in Biology. I took several Business courses at Ohio State, before switching my major.

I have two years sales experience, prior to my Master's program, and two years as a Risk Analyst at a Bank following my Master's. I will be able to produce solid recommendations.

Will my improved GPA in a difficult quantitative discipline be looked upon favorably or is it not high enough to offset my low undergraduate GPA? Also, I would like to know what range of GMAT score I should aim for to receive serious consideration from top 20-30 schools based on my current profile.

Thanks!

Dear johnny2011,

Your improved performance in a quantitative master's program will be an asset to your application and help mitigate your undergraduate record. A strong GMAT will further solidify your aptitude for business school in the eyes of the admissions committee; I would aim for 680+ to be in a competitive range for the top 30. You will also have your essays and recommendations to present your background, so use those to your advantage in making a case for a seat in the class.

Good luck,
Lisa

Apollo13 wrote:Hello,

I have a 3.4 GPA in Marine Biology from a non-prestigious school. Coursework includes A's in Calculus I & II, Physics I & II, etc. I also have a 3.83 GPA for my Master's degree in Finance, also from a non-prestigious school. I have about 5 years of work experience - my work experience after my undergrad was not super impressive (working for a registered investment advisor, got my series 7, etc), but my work experience after my graduate degree includes 3 years of experience in private equity - which is a highly sought after career field for business graduates.

I just took the GMAT and got a 700. Am I in the ballpark to compete for a top 5 or top 10 program? Should I retake the GMAT?

Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. - I'm female, I volunteer for 2 groups, and hobbies include singing opera, piano, hiking, skiing, and golf.

Dear Apollo13,

I do think you are in the ballpark for a top 10, and would encourage you to have a couple of top 5 programs on your list. Your academic record is strong and you have solid work experience. While your GMAT is just below the average for the top 10, it is close enough that I don't know that a retake is necessary. If you feel you can increase it 20+ points, then it might be worth it, but not if it sacrifices the quality of the rest of your application. Your essays, recommendations and interviews will be just as important and offer you an opportunity to distinguish your application from the competition. Use those components to your advantage.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear shanmugavel,

The conversion from the 10 point to the 4 point scale is not as exact or easy as one would hope. For the most accurate conversion, it is best to use a credentialing service, but these firms do charge a fee. Some schools do offer their own conversion tables also. MBA programs do take into consideration your class rank and how your CGPA fares relative to the rest of your class (1st class v. 2nd class). I would suggest you either leave the CGPA blank so the reviewer will refer to your transcript or pay the credentialing service for the most accurate conversion.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear shav,

To overcome a low GPA, you need to demonstrate you have the academic aptitude to handle the rigor of the program you are applying to and provide evidence you will perform better than you have in your undergraduate coursework. If you are planning to apply within the next 2-3 years, the latter point is under even more scrutiny as you are not that far removed from your undergraduate studies. One way to mitigate the GPA and demonstrate aptitude is to score high on the GMAT (680+). You can also make a case through your essays and recommendations, possibly an interview should you have that opportunity.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Purvi,

There is always a chance. Your ultimate LSE decision will be based on a holistic evaluation of your application--so more than your GMAT and your transcript. If you believe you submitted the strongest application possible, then stay positive and hope for the best!

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Hirsan,

To be competitive for a top 10 program, you need to have a GMAT close to or above the school's average. Thus I encourage you to retake the GMAT and focus on the areas where you struggled this time to give yourself the best chance for increasing your score. Ideally, you need to score in the 700's to be in the best competitive position. However, a score above 670 might also put you in a competitive range if the rest of your application is stellar and compelling.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear asnkewlboy,

Whether or not you receive an interview invitation will depend on how strong your application is relative to the rest of the pool, particularly applicants with similar education and experience. Thus your essays and recommendations are as important as your GPA, GMAT, and resume. If you submit a strong, overall package, then you should have a good shot at an interview for any school.

There are no advantages or disadvantages to a MM versus BB i-bank. What matters is the quality of experience you have gained during your tenure--have you progressed in responsibility? do you have accomplishments/contributions to note on your resume or write about in an essay? have you built a solid skill set? Research experience with a finance professor will be noted, but will not be as significant as your professional experience. MBA programs are professional programs; therefore your professional experience to date, your professional goals, and how you conduct yourself as a professional are significant factors in the evaluation.

In my humble opinion, I don't think a 3.8 instead of a 3.7 in your master's program will make any significant difference. I do think having more opportunity to build quality work experience and seeking out leadership roles at the bank will make a difference.

Good luck,
Lisa