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MBAApp27
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- Updated on: 30 Oct 2025, 19:19
Originally posted by MBAApp27 on 27 Jun 2025, 16:11.
Last edited by MBAApp27 on 30 Oct 2025, 19:19, edited 2 times in total.
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MBAApp27
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- 27 Jun 2025, 16:37
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ExpertsGlobal
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- 29 Jun 2025, 22:23
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Hi MBAApp27,

A combination of a low GPA and an average/low GRE score will make it tough for you considering the highly competitive league of schools you are targeting. While you have made significant efforts in the form of additional courses, it would make sense for you to work on improving your GRE score.

Hope this helps.

All the best!
MBAApp27
Hi,

I’m an applicant looking to apply to US MBAs between the top 10-20 range. I’m applying to Tuck, Cornell, UCLA, Duke, Darden, and Tepper. My gpa is from a top Canadian undergrad B school (2.9), and my work experience is in investment banking. My gpa is mainly low to poorer first two years of undergrad which were impacted due to pretty bad health issues. Had to take a leave of absence from school for a procedure but once I returned I had a 3.8 in the later years. My post MBA goals are to transition to investment banking again in the US.

I’m applying with 4 years of work experience. I’m applying currently with a 319 (164Q/155V) and plan to take the GRE again to get a higher score. I have also completed MBAmath, MBA math for management and additional UC Berkeley extension courses that I did bad on in undergrad. I’ve also visited campuses and connected with adcoms.

Despite my lower GPA, am I going to be able to rectify this?

Thanks!
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MBAApp27
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- 29 Jun 2025, 22:29
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Did you base this purely on stats? I work in investment banking at a prestigious firm. It sounds like you just ignored any of my work experience and made this purely about stats.
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MBAApp27
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- 29 Jun 2025, 22:45
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Did you base this purely on stats? I work in investment banking at a prestigious firm. It sounds like you just ignored any of my work experience and made this purely about stats.

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Hi MBAApp27,

A combination of a low GPA and an average/low GRE score will make it tough for you considering the highly competitive league of schools you are targeting. While you have made significant efforts in the form of additional courses, it would make sense for you to work on improving your GRE score.

Hope this helps.

All the best!
MBAApp27
Hi,

I’m an applicant looking to apply to US MBAs between the top 10-20 range. I’m applying to Tuck, Cornell, UCLA, Duke, Darden, and Tepper. My gpa is from a top Canadian undergrad B school (2.9), and my work experience is in investment banking. My gpa is mainly low to poorer first two years of undergrad which were impacted due to pretty bad health issues. Had to take a leave of absence from school for a procedure but once I returned I had a 3.8 in the later years. My post MBA goals are to transition to investment banking again in the US.

I’m applying with 4 years of work experience. I’m applying currently with a 319 (164Q/155V) and plan to take the GRE again to get a higher score. I have also completed MBAmath, MBA math for management and additional UC Berkeley extension courses that I did bad on in undergrad. I’ve also visited campuses and connected with adcoms.

Despite my lower GPA, am I going to be able to rectify this?

Thanks!
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MyMBAPath
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- 01 Jul 2025, 04:27
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You get a bit of leeway on the GPA because it's an international one and won't count towards any school's official data. But it's only a bit of leeway. Your transcript will still be reviewed line by line. A health issue is a completely valid reason for it and the increased GPA later is a reassurance that the GPA is not simply a matter of ability or commitment. Ideally, you do want to raise that GRE. You don't want to be in a position where your two key stats are below average.

Just make sure you explain what impacted your grades in your optional essay: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba- ... onal-essay

Your work experience is not necessarily something that "makes up" for a low GPA, BTW. It's in a different "category" (GPA and tests are a measure of academic ability, work experience is not).

In short, you can overcome a low GPA if you improve your test score.
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- 01 Jul 2025, 07:02
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Are test scores and GPA in the same category?

MyMBAPath
You get a bit of leeway on the GPA because it's an international one and won't count towards any school's official data. But it's only a bit of leeway. Your transcript will still be reviewed line by line. A health issue is a completely valid reason for it and the increased GPA later is a reassurance that the GPA is not simply a matter of ability or commitment. Ideally, you do want to raise that GRE. You don't want to be in a position where your two key stats are below average.

Just make sure you explain what impacted your grades in your optional essay: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba- ... onal-essay

Your work experience is not necessarily something that "makes up" for a low GPA, BTW. It's in a different "category" (GPA and tests are a measure of academic ability, work experience is not).

In short, you can overcome a low GPA if you improve your test score.
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MyMBAPath
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- 01 Jul 2025, 07:40
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Yes, they are - the both serve as a measure of academic readiness.
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- 07 Jul 2025, 14:03
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Hi

You’ve clearly put a lot of effort into strengthening your MBA candidacy and addressing the GPA concern proactively. Let’s break this down carefully to assess your competitiveness and give you a clear path forward.

Strengths in Your Profile
  1. Strong Work Experience (Investment Banking)
    • IB is a highly respected and rigorous field, especially if you’ve been at a known firm and performed well. Many top MBA programs value this experience as it demonstrates analytical rigor, long hours, and teamwork under pressure.
  2. Upward Academic Trend
    • Your 3.8 GPA after returning from medical leave is a major positive. Most schools will consider this significantly, especially if you include a short, mature explanation in your optional essay.
  3. Additional Coursework (Academic Mitigation)
    • Completing MBAMath, MBA Math for Management, and UC Berkeley extension courses shows you’ve taken the GPA issue seriously and are capable of handling quantitative rigor.
    • These courses signal commitment, and adcoms take note of that, especially at schools like Tuck and Darden.
  4. Campus Engagement and Networking
    • Visiting schools and connecting with admissions shows sincere interest. Schools like Tuck, Darden, and Duke especially value "fit" and community engagement, so this will help differentiate you from similar profiles.

Areas of Concern
  1. Undergraduate GPA (2.9)
    • Yes, it’s below the average for your target schools. But you can demonstrate some steps you’ve taken to mitigate it:
      • Strong finish to undergrad
      • Clear reason (medical) that’s outside your control
      • Additional coursework that proves your quantitative ability
  2. GRE Score (319: 164Q / 155V)
    • This score is okay for the schools you’re targeting but:
      • A retake could really help. A 325+ score (keeping Q ≥164) would do a lot to offset your GPA.
      • Focus on verbal to push the total up.

While you have strong work experience, as mentioned by others, it will not significantly offset your gaps in "academic excellence".

Application Strategy
  1. Optional Essay: Use it to briefly explain:
    • Your health challenges in early undergrad (keep it concise and factual).
    • The strong academic performance post-recovery (3.8 GPA).
  2. GRE Retake: Try to aim for 325+ total
    • Keep Q ≥ 164 (ideal is 165–167 for IB roles)
    • Improve V to 158–160 if possible.

Your story is one of resilience, growth, and a clear professional direction – that's something many MBA programs respect, especially when paired with proactive steps like yours. All the best!

Management Masters
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- 07 Jul 2025, 16:20
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Hi,

I have been providing MBA consulting for over 20 years, and I am sure you are happy to hear that I think you can overcome your low GPA to gain admission to some great schools. I believe you are targeting a reasonable range of schools. Your essays will make all the difference, as will the recommendations. You need to make sure to work with the rec writers to ensure the content is stellar and fully supports your application.

When there is such a major health issue, the schools will bear that in mind. I had a candidate from China who had a similar situation and ended up at Harvard. The story he told about resilience made a great impact. So, just make sure you handle your application well. Feel free to reach out to me at mbaadmit@aol.com if you want a free profile eval and intro call. I can be more targeted in my comments if I see your resume.

In addition to trying for a stronger standardized test score, make sure you also have a great extracurricular profile.

Best wishes,
Dr. Shelle
MBA Admit.com