how much does gpa weigh compared to the rest of the application (i.e. GMAT, work exp, essays, LOR)? I ask because my GPA is quite low and wanted to find out if this is a huge factor in apps. My target schools have ave gpa of 3.0... but I'm at 2.5 Thanks

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gpa weight?

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Mark4124

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14 Nov 2006, 21:29

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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.

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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.

rhyme

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14 Nov 2006, 21:45

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Hjort

My undergrad was a top 10 when I went. Its no longer top 10

Mark4124

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I guess you had quite an organizational impact.

rhyme

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15 Nov 2006, 05:48

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Mark4124

I guess you had quite an organizational impact.

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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).

Mark4124

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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.

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15 Nov 2006, 15:07

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cpetro29

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.

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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

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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.

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16 Dec 2006, 00:07

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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.

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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.

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10 Jan 2007, 14:07

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Mark4124

I've a 3.5... Hope it counts!

Why would you post that when all these people are lamenting over 2.5's?

died4me

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11 Jan 2007, 09:26

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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??

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13 Jan 2007, 10:34

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rhyme

gmatmba

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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

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

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13 Jan 2007, 11:59

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died4me

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.

pelihu

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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.

rhyme

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13 Jan 2007, 12:29

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pelihu

Interesting. I never heard that.

justincase49

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13 Jan 2007, 13:54

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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

pelihu

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13 Jan 2007, 14:44

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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.