Does my GMAT eliminate any doubt over my GPA?

Question

I got a 760 on the GMAT, attempted once. However, my GPA is 2.9 (Majored in Business Admin. at a top 50 school). While I was a student-athlete (and my goal was always to play pro after college) my excuse isn't that I had time management issues. I just simply didn't care that much at the time. Chalk it down to immaturity. My question is, how much can one good test score do to mitigate 4 years of mediocrity?

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Congrats on the GMAT. The 760 does start to make up for the low GPA, but it won't make up for it completely. Applicants who are successful with a low GPA have a lot of other strong things working in their favor. I have helped people get into HBS with a sub 3.0, it is just not very common. In terms of other schools, it really depends on your profile. Feel free to send me a note if you want to discuss your situation further. scott@personalmbacoach.com I am interested in hearing more about where you went to for undergrad, how much experience you have, what you do for work and outside of work? Best, Scott

PaulBodine · Answer

bgbeidas, It depends on the trend in your grades and which courses you were mediocre in. For the purposes of your application you could emphasize the student-athlete time demands rather than your immaturity. In addition to your 760 you could also work to offset the GPA in additional ways such as HBX CORe, MBAMath.com or retake C or lower courses through universities such as UCLA or UC Berkeley extension. --Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, www.admitify.com/outcomes

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

Thanks for sharing.

Agree with the advices above, you may highlight the life experiences and lessons you gained as a student-athlete, how they have accelerated your development personally and professionally, and how all these will fit with your target MBA program, and career goals.

Wish you all the best!

bgbeidas · Answer

Okay, thanks guys. Don't think I really have time to take any classes as I am applying round 1 to most of my target schools. Will do my best to address the GPA in my essays.

Paul, do you really believe it is better to emphasise the time demands rather than immaturity? I feel that by using the time demand as an excuse I am not owning it and saying "Hey, this was my fault, but I changed".. Plus, business school will be time consuming I am sure, what makes them think the same won't happen again?

Admissionado · Answer

Well I would emphasize both. Yes on one hand you have to give reasons. On the other, if you don't own up to your mistakes, it seems immature. So yes, give every reason you have, but make sure you take the blame squarely upon your shoulders.

As for B-school, with your GMAT and emphasizing any other intellectual activities you have should allay their concerns.

Best,
Jon

CriticalSquare · Answer

Your test score speaks volumes. The question is, what else can you show them? Can you take some supplemental courses at a nearby school and prove your ability to well in the classroom today? What about the rest of your application? How else do you stand out? While your academic stats are important, your story is what puts everything in context. Let us know if you'd like to chat, we'd be happy to discuss your application strategy and your story as you have it today to see where it could go. In addition, check out  our free resources  to get you started. Best of luck this season!

Does my GMAT eliminate any doubt over my GPA?

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