Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 23:05 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 23:05
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Mark4124
User avatar
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 25 Nov 2008
Posts: 726
Own Kudos:
12
Posts: 726
Kudos: 12
gpa weight? 14 Nov 2006, 21:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Also... GPA from where? GPA from an Ivy? GPA from a "near Ivy?" Or GPA from a much less competitive undergraduate? In both of my visits the fact that I was a Tufts undergrad seemed to establish an instantly higher level of crediblity in those with whom I spoke... "Oh, you did your undergrad at Tufts? You should have no problem." Granted everyone views these things differently, but unlike GMAT... Not all GPAs are created equally.
User avatar
Hjort
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2004
Last visit: 06 Mar 2011
Posts: 3,248
Own Kudos:
517
Posts: 3,248
Kudos: 517
gpa weight? 14 Nov 2006, 21:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I certainly agree with Mark on this point. A GPA from one of the top US schools (Little Ivies,Tycoon U, Public Elite, Ivy, Elite Tech , etc.) is accorded more weight than a GPA from a "lesser" US school in part because the reference group has such higher average performance.
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
gpa weight? 14 Nov 2006, 21:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hjort
I certainly agree with Mark on this point. A GPA from one of the top US schools (Little Ivies,Tycoon U, Public Elite, Ivy, Elite Tech , etc.) is accorded more weight than a GPA from a "lesser" US school in part because the reference group has such higher average performance.
Show more


My undergrad was a top 10 when I went. Its no longer top 10 :(
User avatar
Mark4124
User avatar
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 25 Nov 2008
Posts: 726
Own Kudos:
12
Posts: 726
Kudos: 12
gpa weight? 15 Nov 2006, 04:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I guess you had quite an organizational impact. :)
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
gpa weight? 15 Nov 2006, 05:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Mark4124
I guess you had quite an organizational impact. :)
Show more



Oooh S-N-A-P
avatar
cpetro29
avatar
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Last visit: 07 Jun 2007
Posts: 58
Own Kudos:
4
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 58
Kudos: 4
gpa weight? 15 Nov 2006, 07:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMAT and GPA represent completely different things, from what I've heard. GPA represents academic motivation while GMAT measures academic potential. Sort of different.

I read on some of the Wharton blogs that, while they're both just numbers, they do represent different measures of academic success. Just because someone can score well and show potential, doesn't mean that they'll exercise that ability. Basically, you can be a huge slacker.

I'm not sure what's better. I have a 760, but a 3.15 (Ivy).
User avatar
Mark4124
User avatar
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 25 Nov 2008
Posts: 726
Own Kudos:
12
Posts: 726
Kudos: 12
gpa weight? 15 Nov 2006, 07:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I know what GPA means to me... I have always been an exceptionally strong student. I never worked hard... I got my 3.5 very easily. I am now motivated by career aspirations. Combine my innate potential for academic work with some motivation and I will rock the house in business school for sure.
User avatar
pelihu
User avatar
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Last visit: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 2,208
Own Kudos:
526
Schools:Darden
Posts: 2,208
Kudos: 526
gpa weight? 15 Nov 2006, 15:07
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
cpetro29
GMAT and GPA represent completely different things, from what I've heard. GPA represents academic motivation while GMAT measures academic potential. Sort of different.

I read on some of the Wharton blogs that, while they're both just numbers, they do represent different measures of academic success. Just because someone can score well and show potential, doesn't mean that they'll exercise that ability. Basically, you can be a huge slacker.

I'm not sure what's better. I have a 760, but a 3.15 (Ivy).
Show more


Yes, I believe this is the traditional interpretation of scores. Just thinking back, I think most people (at least those considering top business schools) could have gotten A's in college through hard work. Whether they did or not is a reflection of the effort they put in.

Hard work factors into GMAT as well - we've seen people improve 100, 200 even almost 300 points through hard work. But generally speaking, it's more a test of ability than the sustained level of effort required to get good grades through 4 years of college.
User avatar
jamesrwright3
User avatar
Joined: 08 May 2004
Last visit: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 135
Own Kudos:
2
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 135
Kudos: 2
gpa weight? 15 Dec 2006, 09:01
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
My GMAT may not be so high, 690, but I am hoping my GPA, a 3.81, helps me out. I also took calculus and 3 accounting courses at a local college. All A's
User avatar
cmns18
User avatar
Joined: 08 Aug 2006
Last visit: 13 Jun 2007
Posts: 77
Own Kudos:
1
Location: Michigan
Posts: 77
Kudos: 1
gpa weight? 15 Dec 2006, 13:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quite an interesting discussion. For my sake, I hope that Michigan or Kellogg is looking to bump its GPA up this year. I have a solid GMAT, 710 Q49 V39 but my GPA was 3.95. It was from a respected regional school but certainly no IVY.

I think that a solid GMAT takes precidence in getting you into the "discussion", a strong GPA probably can't do that. When GPA comes into play is more to do with breaking close calls if you're in a competitive applicant group. It also shows a certain level of focus and hard work that will carry over into your business school experience.

One more question: because I have a higher GPA, should I highlight it a bit in an essay? I don't want to be too obvious.
User avatar
Hjort
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2004
Last visit: 06 Mar 2011
Posts: 3,248
Own Kudos:
517
Posts: 3,248
Kudos: 517
gpa weight? 16 Dec 2006, 00:07
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I would argue that a summa cum laude or equivalent honors from a well regarded university could suffice to get you into the discussion. It shows that the student is a proven performer in an academic setting and has little academic risk.
User avatar
GMATT73
User avatar
Joined: 29 Jan 2005
Last visit: 28 Dec 2011
Posts: 2,877
Own Kudos:
1,256
 [1]
Posts: 2,877
Kudos: 1,256
 [1]
gpa weight? 16 Dec 2006, 06:09
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Several variables need to be taken into consideration when comparing GPA and GMAT.

For the GPA:

(1) Which school did the undergrad work take place at?
(2) What was the major course of study?
(3) Is there a rising trend, especially towards the last two years in upper division classes?
(4) Worked your way through school or bank-rolled by uncle buck?

For GMAT:

(1) Q/V are equally split?
(2) Numbers of times the test was taken?
(3) Rising scores with each retake?
(4) Cancelled scores?

Whereas the GMAT is definately the universal equalizer among business candidates from all different types of backgrounds, GPA shows sustained persistance in an institutional enviornment.

There are thousands of stories of people out there who have gotten into top programs with either a subpar GMAT or GPA, but definately not both. If you have a low GPA, mitigate it by aceing four or five university courses and make a special note of how you have changed or matured since undergrad in the optional essay.
avatar
justincase49
avatar
Joined: 09 Jan 2007
Last visit: 08 Nov 2012
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
2
Affiliations: AICPA, CAL Society CPA
Location: California
Concentration: Management
Schools:Kellogg 1Y, Duke 2Y
Posts: 50
Kudos: 2
gpa weight? 10 Jan 2007, 14:07
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Mark4124
I've a 3.5... Hope it counts! :)
Show more


Why would you post that when all these people are lamenting over 2.5's?
User avatar
died4me
User avatar
Joined: 03 Aug 2006
Last visit: 31 Jul 2014
Posts: 415
Own Kudos:
9
Posts: 415
Kudos: 9
gpa weight? 11 Jan 2007, 09:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
please allow me to throw a new variable into this equation.

How about a strong GPA from a graduate school?

1st and 2nd yrs 3.7 (from a local state univ. then transferred)
3rd and 4th yrs 3.1... (Not a steller one but it was top 25%tile in my major)
Mechanical Engr from Penn State.
My graduate GPA is 3.84 (part-time) from Johns Hopkins.

What really hurts me is the 3.1 GPA from 3rd and 4th year where I spent 30hrs a week to found a club.

Do you think my academic performance from M.S. will compensate my 3.1 GPA??
avatar
justincase49
avatar
Joined: 09 Jan 2007
Last visit: 08 Nov 2012
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
2
Affiliations: AICPA, CAL Society CPA
Location: California
Concentration: Management
Schools:Kellogg 1Y, Duke 2Y
Posts: 50
Kudos: 2
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 10:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
rhyme
gmatmba
rhyme
gmatmba
Guys...between GPA and GMAT, which one do you think carrys more weight?

I think GMAT is surely more important because:

1. It represents your quant and verbal skills at present (and close to present) compared to GPA that was 5-10 years ago.

2. Its the only thing that adcoms can use to compare you with others.

Agreed with you based on #1. Its the most accurate representation of your skills today.

#2 I don't think is necessarily true - there are some schools that are "harder" than others, but a 3.5 vs a 2.5 is pretty cut and dry.


well...all other things being equal (i know its not a reality)

would you take a 700 and 3.9
or a 760 and 3.1

I'll take the 760 and 3.1
Show more


doesn't it depend on work experience as well? 700, 3.9 plus tier 1 work experience. vs. 760, 3.1, tier 3 or tier 4 w/e
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 11:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
died4me
please allow me to throw a new variable into this equation.

How about a strong GPA from a graduate school?

1st and 2nd yrs 3.7 (from a local state univ. then transferred)
3rd and 4th yrs 3.1... (Not a steller one but it was top 25%tile in my major)
Mechanical Engr from Penn State.
My graduate GPA is 3.84 (part-time) from Johns Hopkins.

What really hurts me is the 3.1 GPA from 3rd and 4th year where I spent 30hrs a week to found a club.

Do you think my academic performance from M.S. will compensate my 3.1 GPA??
Show more


Your 3.84 gpa is will matter far more than anything else. They are going to care about your most recent academic performance, not a "Blip" during your undergradute career.
User avatar
pelihu
User avatar
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Last visit: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 2,208
Own Kudos:
526
Schools:Darden
Posts: 2,208
Kudos: 526
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 12:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I have actually heard that most schools do not take graduate GPAs too seriously. They are aware that many graduate programs have substantial grade inflation.

There may be some concern that you didn't do as well academically at the academically more challenging school so you'll need to do a good job of selling your explanation. Overall, I believe your academic profile is strong.
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 12:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
pelihu
I have actually heard that most schools do not take graduate GPAs too seriously. They are aware that many graduate programs have substantial grade inflation.

There may be some concern that you didn't do as well academically at the academically more challenging school so you'll need to do a good job of selling your explanation. Overall, I believe your academic profile is strong.
Show more


Interesting. I never heard that.
avatar
justincase49
avatar
Joined: 09 Jan 2007
Last visit: 08 Nov 2012
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
2
Affiliations: AICPA, CAL Society CPA
Location: California
Concentration: Management
Schools:Kellogg 1Y, Duke 2Y
Posts: 50
Kudos: 2
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 13:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I dont know if the part about them not taking grad school gpa's too seriously is true, but i do believe the part about the grade inflation. USC's MBT program is designed for working professionals and thus there is a decent amount of inflation
User avatar
pelihu
User avatar
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Last visit: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 2,208
Own Kudos:
526
Schools:Darden
Posts: 2,208
Kudos: 526
gpa weight? 13 Jan 2007, 14:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I've read it in quite a few chats and blogs. Some schools say they will consider graduate GPA, but that undergraduate GPA is much more important.

Grade inflation is very common in academic disciplines. It's virtually impossible for most TAs and graduate assistants to get GPAs below 3.0; in fact 3.5s are a rarity. This is less true in professional graduate schools, where students (at most schools) are competing immediately for jobs, but even in those cases GPAs are notably higher than undergraduate averages. If I recall, Michigan law had an average GPA centered around 3.0.
   1   2   3