Last visit was: 04 May 2026, 01:57 It is currently 04 May 2026, 01:57
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.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
USquare13
Joined: 23 Aug 2011
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Posts: 10
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
Europe2011
Joined: 14 May 2010
Last visit: 18 Mar 2015
Posts: 7
Own Kudos:
Location: US
Concentration: Finance
Schools:Said, Judge, HEC, Cornell, Darden, Columbia, Notre Dame, NYU, Kellog, INSEAD, Emory
GPA: 3.1 overall 3.6 in major GPA
WE 1: Consulting at Big 4
Posts: 7
Kudos: 2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
USquare13
Joined: 23 Aug 2011
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Posts: 10
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
mbaMissionBrianE
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 10 Jun 2011
Last visit: 10 Dec 2012
Posts: 306
Own Kudos:
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 306
Kudos: 44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello USquare13, thanks for your question.

You mentioned getting an MSc in Finance. If you pursue that path, the question you would have to answer for MBA admissions committees is: In pursuing your career goals, what would an MBA give you that an MSc in Finance would not? You will need to demonstrate to the admissions committees that your desired career path necessitates an MBA. If you already have the skills, knowledge, and background to achieve your career goals, then your case for admission would be less compelling. Something to think about…

In terms of your GPA, you are correct in that harping about it is not an effective tactic in mitigating it. You should quickly mention your illness, if that was part of the cause of poor grades. Better yet, do you have any other analogue that is a better representation of your academic ability and potential? Do you have other coursework you can point to? Programs will want to know that you can handle the material.

Depending on how low your GPA is, Columbia could be a reach, as well as potentially your other stretch schools. It also depends on how effectively you mitigate your GPA with other evidence that better represents your academic aptitude.

Hope this helps!

Best of luck,
Brian