pjchau wrote:
Hi All,
I've lurked around the forum for some time, but as I am going to start studying for my GMATs, I was hoping to get some advice.
Here's a little bit of background on me:
GPA: 2.75 (very low. Unfortunately, I valued my social life over schooling until my last 2 years)
Major: Finance Minor: MIS
Extra Curricular: Temple University Investment Association, Financial Management Association, Rush Chair Delta Sigma Phi
Work experience: Intern at Morgan Stanley, Analyst at Pharma company.
Misc: Rated US Chess player, Classical Pianist, MENSA (awaiting application approval)
From what I've learned, it is possible to get into a Tier I school with a low GPA. That's what I'm shooting for. Unfortunately, I didn't value my education as much until I found Finance which I am extremely passionate about. I have great letters of recommendations from previous managers, professors, and mentors. I'm hoping that the faculty recommendations will help offset some of my GPA. I'm not stupid, I just didn't allocated my time right (Another point I hope to address in future entry essays).
Plan of attack: Take the GMAT prep test to see where I should be focusing on my studies. Ordering recommended books from GMATclub thread, 3-5 month study period. Take first test, then study again in areas of concern.
One area I know I will need to work on is writing. I am really good with numbers, horrible with words.
Does this sound like a good approach? Any words of advice or recommendations are highly appreciated. Even if you come off harsh, any feedback would help me a great deal. Hopefully I've done my due diligence by reading the FAQs. Thanks in advance everyone!
In my opinion, you can potentially offset a low GPA with a great GMAT score (I am talking 750+ here). GMAT tests your aptitude, application of fundamentals, reasoning i.e. higher order thinking. Many of us value our social and extra curricular life more than academic life in college. Also, college examinations are more a test of 'learn and repeat' than our intelligence. Therefore, a great GMAT score speaks volumes of your potential and can help you convince the admissions committee of a top 10 that you actually do deserve in place in their school. You will need to address the issue of low GPA in one of the essays and you will need to make your essays interesting and lively (everyone does but you will just have to put some extra effort so that they do not put you in an 'objective comparison' pile. You need to directly go in the 'call for interview' pile). Try and take more positions of responsibility in your job. That will help you put up better stories too. I think your extra currics are decent.
_________________
Karishma Bansal - ANA PREP
*SUPER SUNDAYS!* - FREE Access to ALL Resources EVERY Sunday
REGISTER at ANA PREP
(Includes access to Study Modules, Concept Videos, Practice Questions and LIVE Classes)
YouTube Channel
youtube.com/karishma.anaprep