Unless you have a specific weakness in the quant area, your time is much better spent on the GMAT. I realize that you want to show that you have a good "work ethic" but taking Coursera classes is unlikely to catapult you to Stanford. Demonstrate your work ethic by killing the GMAT.
If you have grades below a B in specific math-related courses, I would recommend MBA Math' they send the transcripts directly to your schools of interest. At least you have a good reason for a sub-par GPA - doing congressional internships is far better explanation than an excess of beer pong. It's over a 3.0 and thank goodness for that. Given that you excel in other areas, I don't see this as a fatal obstacle.
On the whole, turn your attention to areas of the application that are more within your locus of control - ramping it up with community service involvement, establishing leadership and teamwork stores for essays, LORs, and your resume. My blog entries on preparing for Round 1 might be helpful to you.
Best,
Farrell
WindyCity2016 wrote:
Hello,
I'm currently preparing to apply to B-school and my undergraduate GPA is lower than average for top-tier business school applicants. I double majored in economics and an interdisciplinary degree (renewable energy) from a Midwest public university. I was very involved in political organizations (congressional internships etc) and my lack of commitment to my studies led to an overall 3.03 GPA.
I'm looking at taking 1-2 courses to build another transcript to demonstrate that the student I was in the classroom years ago does not reflect both my intellect and work ethic today. Any advice on specific courses that could help demonstrate this? I was wondering if finance/math courses from Coursea, with a certificate of completion would put the adcomms minds at ease?
Any info/constructive suggestions would be helpful.
_________________