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sreehere
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 02:15
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­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 04:13
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Do no self-harm. Submit what is asked. If you have a pragmatic explanation for the grades, explain the details in optional essay (without sounding like excuses). More importantly, if the subjects are those that matter to b-schools (i.e. largely quant oriented), then showcase what have you to alleviate any concerns and how you are ready to deal with the academic rigor of the MBA program.
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 04:48
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sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­Hi sreehere,

unless otherwise instructed by the school, usually, only transcripts must be submitted. So, unless you voluntarily let them know in the Optional Essay, in principle, they won't know about the backlogs. 

But if you still decide to do so, be careful as you could be opening a pandora's box. As dee1pug1 said, make sure you can show convincing extenuating circumstances that caused the backlogs. 

If I were you, at this point, I would focus on getting an stellar GMAT score so that there is no doubt about your academic abilities. 

I hope this helps.

Warm regards
Alex


 ­
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 05:07
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sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­sreehere  Hope you are doing great

To answer your questions: yes, you must provide copies of your transcripts when you apply. I think you might find it interesting that admissions offices sometimes like to look at your individual grades in subjects to determine your academic potential if your GMAT/GRE is not very convincing, or even if the overall CGPA is not very convincing, they might want to see what subjects you did not do well in. If there is no mention of backlogs in one version of the transcripts, you should submit that. However, you could acknowledge the low grade point average and give a reason for this in the optional essays. You could also try to win their hearts by showing how you have recognised your shortcomings and worked on them during your career. For example, if you had poor grades in coding , but eventually became an avid coder and were recognised in your company. I have already written a lot about this. You can read it here

How Winners Use Optional Essays for Damage Control and Beyond : Harvard (gmatclub.com)
Winning Strategies To Overcome Low GPA in B School Applications : Columbia (gmatclub.com)


That aside, focus on your GMAT and aim for the best score possible.  

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting 
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]­  ­
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 06:55
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sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­
Hi there, 

B-schools ask for transcripts, which are official records provided by your college. IMO, these are the final word and if those are clear with no mention of backlogs, then you have nothing to worry about.  Give the b-school the info they request for as that would be part of their evaluation process. If they are asking only for transcripts then send those alone and there is no need to address anything about the back logs.
If any b-school asks for your marksheets separately, then you should provide them. In that case you can use the optional essay to explain those backlogs. 
You should not hide any information that b-schools ask for, as it becomes an ethical issue. At the same time, if they are not seeking extra information which requires explanations at your end, then you don't have to disclose it.   

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: [email protected]
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 07:20
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I think you would do better by explaining your grades in the optional essay as you may not get another opportunity if the school discovers it during any point in the process. It's better to come clear in such matters. Wish you the best!
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 02 Jun 2024, 06:41
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­Thank you so much everyone for your responses!

I am working on getting a great GMAT score. Hope that goes as planned!:grin:

Since the unis only require transcripts, I am planning not to mention the backlogs. Would use the optional essay to explain how I made up for my GPA (which isn't low but could have been better) later.
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 02 Jun 2024, 08:44
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sreehere
­Thank you so much everyone for your responses!

I am working on getting a great GMAT score. Hope that goes as planned! :grin:

Since the unis only require transcripts, I am planning not to mention the backlogs. Would use the optional essay to explain how I made up for my GPA (which isn't low but could have been better) later.
Show more
Your GPA of 7.52 is not low at all (your ranking in class also matters and gives an idea of where you were placed in comparison to your peers). So, I'd be a little cautious about shooting out an optional essay to justify the GPA, unless there's a real need for it.
One needs to evaluate your transcripts, GMAT score and your quant/analytical capability in the other parts of your profile to make a better judgment on this. 
 

Namita Garg,
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Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 03 Jun 2024, 00:19
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sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­Hi @sreehere, 

You submit what is asked. We would not recommend unnecessarily putting up any information that might backfire and come back harming your applications. 

Our MBA consultants have helped several applicants with a situation similar to yours submit successful applications and secure admissions with great scholarships to leading business schools globally. 

We recommend connecting with you on a one-to-one basis to discuss your profile in detail. You can schedule a complimentary call with the team here.

You can also connect with the team via call at +91 7780769732
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 03 Jun 2024, 02:48
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Just the transcripts should be fine.  And you have nothing much to worry about. (Unless the school asks for sem-by-sem marksheets, in which case, you need to submit everything, and write an optional.  But I've almost never seen this happen).

Get a good GMAT, and feel free to reach out if you want to chat more: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

Best,
Karthik
sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­
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Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 12 Jun 2024, 05:25
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sreehere
­Hi!!

I am preparing for my GMAT and been doing good so far.

I am just worried about the fact that I had backlogs in 3 subjects during my engineering undergrad which I cleared in the subsequent semesters. Graduated with a CGPA of 7.52
Female engineer from India with a work experience of 3 years in software (direct client facing role). Bagged an early promotion and also have been involved in mentorship of new joiners.
Been volunteering as a Project Manager in an NGO. And also have a fair share of extra curriculars throughout my life (Music [Cleared two state level examinations], Dance, Sports[Disctrict Level Bronze XD], Writing(YourQuotes page)).

Just got the transcripts from my undergrad university and there is no mention of any backlogs. 
My questions are:
1) Do we need to submit marksheets along with the transcripts while applying to Bschools?
2) If yes, then would I have to submit the marksheets showing the backlogs or the all clear one is fine?
2) If not, should I mention regarding the backlogs anywhere in my SOP or optional essay?­
Show more
­Hello sreehere,

Apologies for the delayed response but we hope this finds you in time still.

Here is a point-wise reply:
-Generally, you only need to submit transcripts.
-Unless the school specifically asks for a marksheet, you need not share the same.
-There is no harm in addressing your low/average GPA in the Optional Essay. Talk about the reasons for it (without making it sound like you are justifying the same) as well as what you have learnt from the episode (and how far you have come).

All the best!