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aaa13
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Admission to top 5 schools with low GPA 20 Aug 2014, 23:40
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Hi there,

I graduated from good university with B.S. in Information Sciences & tech degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.55. I also completed a minor in Supply Chain. I was fairly active with clubs and social/ volunteer work and played some basketball too. I had originally enrolled for Engineering degree but a year in I couldn't handle as I was new to the country (yes, I am an international student) I did have adjustment problems in the beginning. Later, I did study but not sincerely -- I'm being very honest here -- hence the low GPA.
Currently, I've been working as a lead for multi-million dollar project at very big IT corporation. I work with clients directly and give directions to the team as needed. I am tasked with a lot of major responsibilities that can either break or make the project. I am the youngest lead in the company at age 25 for such a vast project.
I really really really really want to get into the top schools and don't want my low GPA to be an obstacle. I am willing to go to all extent to get into my dream school. I haven't taken my GMAT yet but aiming for a 700+. I have been told I have great potential and I feel it myself and don't want to waste it.
I've thought about doing a M.S. degree before MBA to cover up for my undergrad .. not sure what subject to pick for M.S. -- don't know if that will be useful or not..

Any advise is greatly appreciated!! :)
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CriticalSquare
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Admission to top 5 schools with low GPA 21 Aug 2014, 17:55
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Masters degrees can sometimes be a good idea - and sometimes now. What do you want to do after your MBA? Depending on what that is, we can talk about if a Masters is the right option. Otherwise, you can retake courses locally or enroll in extensions courses to bolster the GPA. But with a 2.55, you'll have to attack it from multiple angles.

Bhavik
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aaa13
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Admission to top 5 schools with low GPA 22 Aug 2014, 02:00
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Thanks for your response, Bhavik. My ideal plan after MBA will be to work in the line of investment management/ banking, private equity or probably something else maybe management consulting.. For the long haul.. I do want to take a shot at starting my own company.. not sure what area..
1) What local/ extension courses are you referring to? I currently live in Los Angeles.. there are some good schools here too (UCLA, USC, etc)..if that's where you're heading? I did check UCLA has some really good courses on investment banking and other topics of interest..
2) what different angles are you referring to cover up my undergrad GPA?

Thanks again!
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Admission to top 5 schools with low GPA 25 Aug 2014, 14:34
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A masters really doesn't make a lot of sense for you. You'd have to get a masters in a field that makes sense such as Finance and no MSF programs would let you in given what you do currently. So yes, you'd have to go the extension (UCLA, Berkeley, etc.) route and take as many courses as possible. And don't focus on too many "interest" courses. Take the classes MBA programs care about. Your calcs, stats, econs, etc.

Good luck!

Bhavik