Hi Folks,

How would you go about addressing a fairly low undergraduate GPA? I am interested in attending a Canadian B-school in about 2 years and I would like to take some initial steps to downplay my low GPA. I went to a reputable Canadian university and received a modest 65% cGPA.

I completed a 1 year post-graduate certificate after earning my degree, mainly HR related courses (10 classes). I made sure to take Financial and Management Accounting and I obtained an overall 3.5 cGPA as an alternate transcript. I have obtained a relevant designation in HR to show my commitment towards professional advancement in my chosen field. After my MBA, I would like to get into Human Capital Consulting or Executive Compensation.

I have about 2 years worth of work experience as an HR Analyst in Compensation at a top 50 employer in Canada. I have yet to write the GMAT but I am obviously aiming for >600. I know this will be a struggle as I have not looked at this sort of material in some time.

However, is there anything else I can do to mitigate my low GPA outside of doing well on the GMAT? Or, should I solely focus my attention on the GMAT in the next few months?

Any insight you may have would be greatly appreciated. My target schools are Schulich, Rotman, McGill, Ivey, McMaster, UBC, and Queens.

Thanks,
Ssing3

Hi Ssing3. Thank you for sharing a great question.

Another strategy for overcoming a low GPA is by gaining an extraordinary community involvement leadership experience... If you are looking for a fantastic experience that will boost your b-school app strategy, consider our professional group, USA Leadership Corps (www.usaLeadershipCorps.org) .

USALC partners with pre-MBAs who are looking to build their consulting, entrepreneurship, and/or community-involvement resumes by leading part-time volunteer nonprofit strategy consulting projects. Please visit our website to learn more.

Thank you & good luck.

Maxwell Roper
Outreach Director
USA Leadership Corps