Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 21:30 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 21:30
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
sreehere
User avatar
ISB School Moderator
Joined: 04 Mar 2024
Last visit: 10 Nov 2025
Posts: 174
Own Kudos:
112
Given Kudos: 73
Location: India
Schools: Duke '26 UNC '26 LBS '26 Tepper '26 McCombs '26
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q81 V82 DI80
GPA: 7.52
Schools: Duke '26 UNC '26 LBS '26 Tepper '26 McCombs '26
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q81 V82 DI80
Posts: 174
Kudos: 112
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 02:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­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?­
User avatar
dee1pug1
User avatar
Joined: 30 Dec 2022
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 404
Own Kudos:
327
 [1]
Given Kudos: 56
Posts: 404
Kudos: 327
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 04:13
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
ARLeeConsulting
User avatar
ARLee Consulting
Joined: 19 Dec 2017
Last visit: 02 Oct 2025
Posts: 493
Own Kudos:
216
 [1]
Status:MBA Admissions and Career Coaching by INSEAD alum and former Samsung HR Head.
Affiliations: INSEAD MBA'11D (experience as admissions interviewer), SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
Read our Verified Client Reviews on GMAT Club:
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 493
Kudos: 216
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 04:48
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
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


 ­
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
 [1]
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 05:07
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com­  ­
User avatar
MBADecoder
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,933
Own Kudos:
765
 [1]
Given Kudos: 210
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,933
Kudos: 765
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 06:55
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
User avatar
tuktukauto
User avatar
Joined: 21 Feb 2024
Last visit: 10 Jul 2025
Posts: 52
Own Kudos:
15
 [1]
Given Kudos: 7
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q85 V85 DI86
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q85 V85 DI86
Posts: 52
Kudos: 15
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 29 May 2024, 07:20
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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!
User avatar
sreehere
User avatar
ISB School Moderator
Joined: 04 Mar 2024
Last visit: 10 Nov 2025
Posts: 174
Own Kudos:
112
Given Kudos: 73
Location: India
Schools: Duke '26 UNC '26 LBS '26 Tepper '26 McCombs '26
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q81 V82 DI80
GPA: 7.52
Schools: Duke '26 UNC '26 LBS '26 Tepper '26 McCombs '26
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q81 V82 DI80
Posts: 174
Kudos: 112
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 02 Jun 2024, 06:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­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.
User avatar
MBADecoder
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,933
Own Kudos:
765
Given Kudos: 210
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,933
Kudos: 765
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 02 Jun 2024, 08:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
User avatar
TheRedPen
User avatar
The Red Pen Representative
Joined: 18 Jan 2021
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 638
Own Kudos:
85
Given Kudos: 7
Location: India
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Posts: 638
Kudos: 85
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 03 Jun 2024, 00:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
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
User avatar
AugustAcademy
User avatar
Joined: 26 Jan 2013
Last visit: 06 Jul 2024
Posts: 470
Own Kudos:
68
Given Kudos: 7
Schools: Stanford '19
GMAT 1: 770 Q51 V44
GPA: 3.99
Schools: Stanford '19
GMAT 1: 770 Q51 V44
Posts: 470
Kudos: 68
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 03 Jun 2024, 02:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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
­
User avatar
ExpertsGlobal
User avatar
Experts' Global Representative
Joined: 18 Apr 2017
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,469
Own Kudos:
408
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,469
Kudos: 408
 [1]
Do passive backlogs affect MBA application abroad? 12 Jun 2024, 05:25
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
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!