Help - Profile: What would be a good GMAT for a Low GPA? Good work experience.

adbo

7 4

Posted Nov 14, 2019 11:20

Hello everyone.

I have researched a lot about the best schools and a good GMAT to get into.
But I have a big problem, my GPA is too low. (6.5 out of 10), close to 2.5 on the 0 - 4 scale.

Important Information: There is a reason for such a low GPA. I worked full time (to cover living costs) and I graduated (night time) at the same time.
I can prove it through documents.

In your opinion, what would be a good GMAT and a good school for my profile and goal?
Thks
_________________________________________

Profile:

Nationality: Brazilian / Italian, 30yr (when applying, 31yr)
Degree: Economics (Top University in Brazil with a very difficult application process). GPA 2.5
Post Grad: Strategy (Best business school in Brazil). GPA B + (Scale A - D)

Professional history:
- 6yr work exp. after graduation (when I apply)
- I worked at the largest mining multinational in Brazil, Financial Area. (Prior to Graduation).
- 1.5yr as Financial Manager of the Olympics Games, with direct management of 5 people and indirect management of 20.
- 3.0yr as Financial Coordinator of a healthcare company, direct management of 40 people and billing management of 500MM USD / year.
- I will have 1.5yr as International Financial Process Consultant, working in Angola (outside my country).

Goal:
Full time MBA of 1yr or 2yr.
Exit MBA to change career to Strategic Consulting.
Work in Europe or US.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Nov 14, 2019 13:31

The low GPA is more of an obstacle for strategic consulting than for MBAs. If you can get a great GMAT your background is really interesting.

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adbo

7 4

Posted Nov 14, 2019 14:18

I didn't know the consultants look at the undergraduate GPA. I thought they only looked at the MBA GPA.

Actually I already have a gmat of 670... I want to break the 700 barrier for a strong application.
I had also been thinking about IMD and LBS due to my background...

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Nov 14, 2019 14:36

Very different schools. 670 will be enough for IMD with your background. I would go for IMD if you had a partner and LBS if you wanted to find one :)

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adbo

7 4

Posted Nov 14, 2019 14:45

Good tips, @Ducan. No i dont have a partner. :)

I will research more about LBS and try to increase my GMAT.

thank you very much.

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laurie

1.085 549

Posted Nov 19, 2019 15:11

I didn't know the consultants look at the undergraduate GPA. I thought they only looked at the MBA GPA.

They'll look at both.

Notably, they may also take into account the competitiveness of each school you attended and if possible how your GPA stacked up against the rest of the class. You could also provide class rank details if available and if they make you look good.

On face value though, a 2.5 GPA doesn't look great, so you could also frame this in your application essays: "I underperformed in my undergrad due to xxx reasons, but as you can see my postgraduate experience shows that I have grown and am ready to pursue more academic experiences."

[quote]I didn't know the consultants look at the undergraduate GPA. I thought they only looked at the MBA GPA.[/quote]
They'll look at both.

Notably, they may also take into account the competitiveness of each school you attended and if possible how your GPA stacked up against the rest of the class. You could also provide class rank details if available and if they make you look good.

On face value though, a 2.5 GPA doesn't look great, so you could also frame this in your application essays: "I underperformed in my undergrad due to xxx reasons, but as you can see my postgraduate experience shows that I have grown and am ready to pursue more academic experiences."

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adbo

7 4

Posted Nov 20, 2019 10:28

I didn't know the consultants look at the undergraduate GPA. I thought they only looked at the MBA GPA.

They'll look at both.

Notably, they may also take into account the competitiveness of each school you attended and if possible how your GPA stacked up against the rest of the class. You could also provide class rank details if available and if they make you look good.

On face value though, a 2.5 GPA doesn't look great, so you could also frame this in your application essays: "I underperformed in my undergrad due to xxx reasons, but as you can see my postgraduate experience shows that I have grown and am ready to pursue more academic experiences."

@laurie

Got it ... I really didn't know about that.

My university distributes an official report that reads as follows:
"You are between 55% better GPAs its course" means that 55% had an average less than you.

On a scale of 0 - 100%, where:
- 1% means, only 1% achieved this grade (the best)
- 99% means, that almost everyone has achieved this grade.

In summary: Despite the very low GPA, I find myself well on average in the course (all graduates and active students)…

And as I said, the university really was a very difficult time.
I studied at night and worked full time (morning and afternoon).

[quote][quote]I didn't know the consultants look at the undergraduate GPA. I thought they only looked at the MBA GPA.[/quote]
They'll look at both.

Notably, they may also take into account the competitiveness of each school you attended and if possible how your GPA stacked up against the rest of the class. You could also provide class rank details if available and if they make you look good.

On face value though, a 2.5 GPA doesn't look great, so you could also frame this in your application essays: "I underperformed in my undergrad due to xxx reasons, but as you can see my postgraduate experience shows that I have grown and am ready to pursue more academic experiences."[/quote]

@laurie

Got it ... I really didn't know about that.

My university distributes an official report that reads as follows:
"You are between 55% better GPAs its course" means that 55% had an average less than you.

On a scale of 0 - 100%, where:
- 1% means, only 1% achieved this grade (the best)
- 99% means, that almost everyone has achieved this grade.

In summary: Despite the very low GPA, I find myself well on average in the course (all graduates and active students)…

And as I said, the university really was a very difficult time.
I studied at night and worked full time (morning and afternoon).

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Inactive User

2.941 1.801

Posted Nov 22, 2019 17:59

"On average" probably won't cut it at most schools, because they tend to look for above average grades (generally 3.0 - 3.5 GPA or second class honors degrees.)

I agree with Laurie's advice in general: this will be a handicap for you and you'll have to find other ways to beef up your profile.

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