fishfly1592 wrote:
Hello,
Thanks for hopefully taking the time to read this! I would really appreciate any help! My question is....should I keep or drop the classes I am enrolled in now (read below)
I have a quick question regarding my GPA. I am a current college senior with a 3.74 which currently means that I will graduate Cum Laude (top 17% of my graduating class). In order to achieve Magna Cum Laude (top 7%) I would need a 3.75. I completed all of my requirements to graduate a semester earlier, so currently I have a lot of flexibility in my final semester (now).
In order to boost my GPA to a 3.75 I would need to take 4 classes and get As in them (which I am currently registered for). I am confident I have found classes that will easily allow me to achieve this, but the issue is I will be spending around $10k in tuition to take these classes for no other reason than to boost my GPA (which I don't mind doing if it is essential). In addition, if I take them, I will have less time to thoroughly prepare for the GMAT and take it at the end of this semester. Not to mention wanting to enjoy my last semester of college and work on other personal goals....
How crucial do you think this small bump in GPA is (3.74 to 3.75) assuming all else equal at a top MBA program? Or would time be better spent trying to get a killer GMAT score (720+). Is it worth the time, money, and loss of GMAT prep time to boost this? Do MBA programs look at overall GPA or class rank (the bump would move me to top 7% from top 17%)? Will they see that I was extremely close to Magna Cum Laude (could I tell them)? Any advice you can provide me would be appreciated.
Thank you kindly,
Fishfly
Hello FishFly,
While candidate' admissions to Business Schools is a holistic approach and they consider all aspects .But some colleges like MIT Sloan are particularly concerned about GPA,quantitative aptitude and so on. You do need to realize the fact that low GPA issue can be mitigated if you can justify it in optional essay.
I think from your point of view ,there is nothing to be afraid of , if you have decent GMAT Score.the GPA averages for 3.5 to 3.7 .Of course unless you are from over represented demographic candidate.
Best of Luck with GMAT.
Regards
Avg Guy
P.S : +1 kudos if you like the post