GMAT 630, Low GPA 2.1 - FT MBA Applications (4 accepted, 1 rejected)

I would like to share a bit on my MBA applications, with quite average GMAT score and low GPA.

I am a Canadian citizen, Asian ethnicity, currently working in KPMG Taiwan. I only took my GMAT once in 2017 (Verbal 38, Quant 39, IR 6, AWA 5, Total 630), and TOEFL twice - once in 2017 (TOEFL score 107) and in 2019 (TOEFL score 111) due to the 2017 score expiration - and began my MBA journey in late 2019, as I wanted to work abroad, preferably in Singapore or New York.

After my initial research into MBA applications, I was quite apprehensive in applying for MBAs in well-known universities, as my GPA (2.1) and GMAT (630) are quite low. Although I was not as academically ethusiastic when I was younger, I do have some decent work experience in KPMG, four years of part-time/internship in KPMG as an auditor, and another four years after graduating from college, and is currently a senior supervisor in the international tax & transfer pricing department. After a intense few months, I have completed my MBA applications, and my results are as below:

1. Nanyang Singapore FT MBA - Accepted
2. SMU Singapore FT MBA - Accepted with SGD 18,000 Global Awareness Scholarship (did not apply for scholarship, scholarship offered by school)
3. CUNY Baruch FT MBA - Accepted with USD 10,000 Zicklin Scholarship (did not apply for scholarship, scholarship offered by school)
4. Fordham Gabelli FT MBA - Accepted with USD 40,000 Dean's Scholarship (did not apply for scholarship, scholarship offered by school)
5. SFU Simon Fraser Beedie - Rejected due to low GPA

As above, I applied for the following Full Time MBA programs: Nanyang Singapore, SMU Singapore, Fordham Gabelli, CUNY Baruch, and Simon Fraser Beedie. I hired an advisor to look over and modify my resume and essays for Simon Fraser and Fordham, and wrote the essays for the rest of the four schools by myself. I didn't applied for any scholarship, as my grades and scores are quite low, and I felt that it would further reduce my chances.

I was shortlisted for interview for all my 5 applications, and received my first interview from Simon Fraser Beedie, then SMU Singapore, CUNY Baruch, Nanyang Singapore, and Fordham, in that order. My Fordham application was delayed for quite a bit as my transcripts had to be evaluated by WES.

Honestly, I thought Nanyang, SMU Singapore, and CUNY were way out of my league, but there weren't many choices in Singapore, and I didn't want to give up without trying at least. I applied for Fordham because I was quite intrigued after meeting with their admissions advisor via Access MBA event, and applied for CUNY because it was recommended by my MBA advisor. I had hoped Simon Fraser would be my safety choice.

I guessed I was quite nervous in my Simon Fraser interview, as I had no interview experience, and decided to wing it. I did a bit of research on all the MBA programs I applied for, and that was it. I actually thought my Simon Fraser interview went well, the questions were quite standard. My SMU Singapore interview went better than expected, I felt that the school was put more focus into work experiences and specific future endeavors, not just ideas. I received their acceptance offer within a week, and they even offered me scholarship of SGD 18,000, much to my surprise. Shortly, I received my rejection notice from Simon Fraser, due to my low GPA, which didn't come as a surprise.

I felt my next interviews with CUNY and Nanyang went poorly. After a brief description about myself and my current career goals, my interviews both ended quite abruptly, both when I mentioned my acceptance in SMU Singapore with scholarship. Both entire interviews were concluded 10 minutes, which left me to believe that I was for sure going to be rejected by both. Very surprisingly, I was accepted by both, and offered scholarship of USD 10,000 by CUNY.

Updated on 3/16 - After a rather breezy chat with the Fordham admissions, I was accepted as well, along with Dean Scholarship of USD 40,000

Currently, I have accepted the Nanyang Singapore offer, as it holds the highest ranking in all my choices. Hope all the best for all applicants with low GPA or average GMAT, don't give up, and good luck!!