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31 Jul 2007, 11:12
I think you can overcome the low GPA. The fact that it has been 11 years since you received those grades means that they will carry less weight. You must convince the schools that you are now a different person/student. You can do this in your essays, or better still, you can take some classes (in areas where you were weak that are business related like stats, accounting, finance, etc.) and get A's to show them you are capable and serious.
A high GMAT will certainly help. It will show the schools that you can handle the work. To an extent, it will also show them that you are taking your application seriously, by putting in the effort to get a good score. It will also be a much more recent indicator of your abilities than your GPA, so it could potentially carry more weight.
The part-time/executive programs are easier to get in to. With a high GMAT, excellent undergrad school (bad grades of course), and a commitment to working in California, I think you have a shot at the USC and UCLA part-time programs. I think, moreso than at the top full-time programs, a stellar GMAT will be rewarded.
Looking at your message, in addition to your GPA & GMAT, I think you really need to address why you need an MBA. Part-time MBAs are not designed for career changers, so you will really need to elucidate why you need an MBA. Simply saying "I always want to learn something new" is not going to cut it. You will need to show them exactly how an MBA will help you, what goals you hope to accomplish with it, and why now is right time to get it.
So, a low GPA can be overcome (I did it), but the other parts of your application will need to be strong and focused.