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RKochon
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Alternative Transcript Advice - BRUTAL Transcript 05 Dec 2016, 01:15
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I work at a well known investment bank as an Analyst and I need to address my poor GPA. I graduated from UVA 3.5 years ago with a 3.1 GPA and a major in finance. There were personal issues during the time. In a nutshell, I have A's in economics, calculus I&II, financial/managerial accounting, literature courses and beginning foreign languages. I have B+'s and B's in various finance courses, international economics and linear algebra. Now comes the part that I need to address. My transcript is littered with C+'s in important courses:
  • Business Law
  • Strategic Management (I received a C in this class, not a C+)
  • Process & Systems Management
  • Organizational Management
  • Negotiations

And, a few B-'s:
  • Corporate Finance
  • Astronomy
  • Advanced Financial Markets

I'd like to retake corporate finance as a precaution, but is that needed? Or will my job and other finance courses suffice? In addition to corporate finance, I'd like to retake ALL of my C classes, because on paper it looks brutal and I know I can do well in these courses. I haven't had much luck finding these courses offered in my area or online, but I'm going to take a look at the UCLA extension courses. Obviously, this will be a BIG time and money investment on my end. I think it's worth it because I'll be focusing on some Top 10s and some Top 20s. Will my chances get any better for these schools, assuming I do well in the courses and the rest of my application is strong? Or, am I doing too much? Am I being overly optimistic? Am I thinking about this correctly? Sorry for the long trail of questions...

I have more than a year before I'd start applying. Was thinking about starting now, but realize more time will serve me better.

Thanks for your help!
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mbaMissionKate
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Alternative Transcript Advice - BRUTAL Transcript 05 Dec 2016, 19:31
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Hi there! First of all, good for you for thinking ahead and recognizing an area to improve. Yes, your GPA will be on the low end, especially for top 10 schools. I'm not concerned about B's/B-'s, but the C's could be concerning, and just the overall number of 3.1 in comparison to the average at many top schools. Plan to write an Optional Essay addressing this when it comes time. But, you're not so far below that average that I would consider your transcript "brutal" (to use your word :) )

Two things you should do: first, take a couple courses, at least 2, more if you can fit them in. And get A's in them. If you can't find any locally, try UCLA or UC Berkeley extension. Second, get a stellar GMAT score that's above average for your target schools. This could make a big difference.

Good luck, and keep us posted if we can help with any more questions along the way!
Kate

RKochon
I work at a well known investment bank as an Analyst and I need to address my poor GPA. I graduated from UVA 3.5 years ago with a 3.1 GPA and a major in finance. There were personal issues during the time. In a nutshell, I have A's in economics, calculus I&II, financial/managerial accounting, literature courses and beginning foreign languages. I have B+'s and B's in various finance courses, international economics and linear algebra. Now comes the part that I need to address. My transcript is littered with C+'s in important courses:
  • Business Law
  • Strategic Management (I received a C in this class, not a C+)
  • Process & Systems Management
  • Organizational Management
  • Negotiations

And, a few B-'s:
  • Corporate Finance
  • Astronomy
  • Advanced Financial Markets

I'd like to retake corporate finance as a precaution, but is that needed? Or will my job and other finance courses suffice? In addition to corporate finance, I'd like to retake ALL of my C classes, because on paper it looks brutal and I know I can do well in these courses. I haven't had much luck finding these courses offered in my area or online, but I'm going to take a look at the UCLA extension courses. Obviously, this will be a BIG time and money investment on my end. I think it's worth it because I'll be focusing on some Top 10s and some Top 20s. Will my chances get any better for these schools, assuming I do well in the courses and the rest of my application is strong? Or, am I doing too much? Am I being overly optimistic? Am I thinking about this correctly? Sorry for the long trail of questions...

I have more than a year before I'd start applying. Was thinking about starting now, but realize more time will serve me better.

Thanks for your help!
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