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low GPA for MBA? What to do?

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bskoumal
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low GPA for MBA? What to do? [#permalink] New post   07 Feb 2013, 10:57
Hi Guys,

I just wanted to get some suggestions on what I should do before R1 applications coming up. I am not looking to get into any top tier programs (I'm a realist). My target school is University of Utah (just because it's close, and familiar, and seems to be a decent program). I would love to get into UNC, or similar programs, but I don't think I have a snowball's chance in hell.

Background:

-BS Mech Eng, with minor in Math from Univeristy of Utah (2.9 GPA)
-Various accomplishments related to Mechatronics/Design competitions, etc.
-3 years work experience at a Pathology Lab (summers only, during school) with increasing responsibility and 2 promotions
-After graduating I landed a job with a very respected Medical Device Manufacturer as an engineer and have been working here for 2+ years. (By the time this fall rolls around and I submit my application it will be around 3 years)
-I will have excellent recommendations from my current managers
-I am currently enrolled in a GMAT review course, and should score ~600-650 according to my practice tests

Assuming I get a 650, do you think that will offset my low GPA? To me, it seems like I should be given consideration of the low GPA because of the undergraduate in Engineering and Math. I feel like if I had chosen a BA in Art History it would have been much higher...

If I were to take some courses in finance/management and built an alternate transcript with A's, do you think I would have a chance at UNC or other schools like UNC?


Thanks for your help, I am eager to read the responses!
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Re: low GPA for MBA? What to do? [#permalink] New post   07 Feb 2013, 11:38
bskoumal wrote:
Assuming I get a 650, do you think that will offset my low GPA? To me, it seems like I should be given consideration of the low GPA because of the undergraduate in Engineering and Math. I feel like if I had chosen a BA in Art History it would have been much higher...

If I were to take some courses in finance/management and built an alternate transcript with A's, do you think I would have a chance at UNC or other schools like UNC?



I was in a similar position to you - 3.09 in Mechanical Engineering. Yes, adcoms realize the rigor of the major and the quantitative nature. Unfortunately, it's the freaks of nature who were able to get a 3.5+ in Mechanical Engineering that make us look bad. An alternative transcript is typically useful for candidates without a lot of math in their background. Yes your grades are low, but any adcom should be able to see that you took more math-heavy classes your freshman year than some people do in four years of college.

If I were you, I would gun for a 680+ on the GMAT. Take it three times if you have to. This is really going to depend on how much you want to get into a school like UNC. It took me 3 tries to break a 700, but it was worth it.

In short I would recommend this as a priority list:

1) Beat the hell out of the GMAT
2) Alternative transcript

Don't sell yourself short - yes, Utah is close to where you live, but you only get to do an MBA once...let's make sure you get everything out of it that you want.
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Re: low GPA for MBA? What to do? [#permalink] New post   09 Feb 2013, 00:51
Hi,

An avg. profile and low GMAT/GPA can certainly be offset by submitting strong application essays and working hard on the interviews. :-D To convert your chances of application to admission you need to position well in your application essays and showcase team headship & achievements at work place during final interviews. You can try your chances in b-schools by clicking https://www.general-ed.com/chances-of-bschool

Feel free to post any other concerns you might have.

Cheers!!
Neha


bskoumal wrote:
Hi Guys,

I just wanted to get some suggestions on what I should do before R1 applications coming up. I am not looking to get into any top tier programs (I'm a realist). My target school is University of Utah (just because it's close, and familiar, and seems to be a decent program). I would love to get into UNC, or similar programs, but I don't think I have a snowball's chance in hell.

Background:

-BS Mech Eng, with minor in Math from Univeristy of Utah (2.9 GPA)
-Various accomplishments related to Mechatronics/Design competitions, etc.
-3 years work experience at a Pathology Lab (summers only, during school) with increasing responsibility and 2 promotions
-After graduating I landed a job with a very respected Medical Device Manufacturer as an engineer and have been working here for 2+ years. (By the time this fall rolls around and I submit my application it will be around 3 years)
-I will have excellent recommendations from my current managers
-I am currently enrolled in a GMAT review course, and should score ~600-650 according to my practice tests

Assuming I get a 650, do you think that will offset my low GPA? To me, it seems like I should be given consideration of the low GPA because of the undergraduate in Engineering and Math. I feel like if I had chosen a BA in Art History it would have been much higher...

If I were to take some courses in finance/management and built an alternate transcript with A's, do you think I would have a chance at UNC or other schools like UNC?


Thanks for your help, I am eager to read the responses!
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bskoumal
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Re: low GPA for MBA? What to do? [#permalink] New post   11 Feb 2013, 15:58
Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the input.

I will focus my time on scoring high for the GMAT, and try to get registered for some courses this summer. That is going to be the only semester that I will be able to get my grades back in time for R1 applications.

What types of classes should I be looking at? Econ/Business/Marketing/Management? Are any of these better than the other?

Also, does it matter where I take the classes from? In other words, should I try to re-register at the UofU to try to take classes for credit (letter grade)? I'm not even sure how that process works since I already graduated 3 years ago. Or should I just look to SLCC (community college) because the course material will be easier, I could probably take more classes and get better grades. But I don't want to do this if it's looked down on that I am settling for SLCC. It seems that either way I am taking the initiative and money to go out of my way to show I have legitimate interest in business and that I am equipped academically.

Thank you guys for your responses, they have been very helpful.
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Re: low GPA for MBA? What to do? [#permalink]
11 Feb 2013, 15:58

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