Profile Evaluation: Lower GPA / Strong GMAT

123chao

1 1

Posted Sep 23, 2015 12:43

I am interested in getting some feedback about my profile and which MBA programs I should apply to.

Undergraduate: 2.8 GPA (converted to 3.0 scale) from a top 20 university in my country. I majored in business/economics.

Work Experience: 3 years experience as an analyst for a small consulting firm. I have travelled some during my time here so I have some international experience.

GMAT: 770

Volunteer work: I have provided free piano lessons to kids for the past year.

Target business schools: NYU Stern, Columbia, LBS, Insead, Kellogg, CEIBS

I am most concerned about my GPA as it is low. Is there anything I can do about this?

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Sep 23, 2015 19:16

With a 770 I think you will need a good explanation of what happened with your GPA and some self awareness. Of course you mean 4.0, not 3.0. How did that relate to the average mark? Some schools are known to mark low (eg France, UK) and others mark high (US).

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laurie

1.085 549

Posted Sep 28, 2015 21:54

Agreed with Duncan. Many adcomms might look at your GMAT score as a good predictor that you'll be successful in an MBA program, but a lower than average GPA would definitely be a red flag. What you can do about it is get in front of it - explain extenuating circumstances or anything else that affected your GPA in your application essays.

I'd also note that your work experience is on the low side compared to the average at cohorts at most of these schools, so that could be an issue. You'll want to show above-average leadership skills, and have a clear idea about how an MBA program makes sense for you now, rather than in a year or two.

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