Low GPA - For Part Time MBA

Question

Hello!!

I am new to GMATCLUB and just started on my GMAT and MBA preparation journey.

Below is my profile and please feel free to give me any advice or feedback (and my chances if there is any) on what I can do to increase my chances at getting into NYU, Northwestern and U of Chicago part time programs.

-29 years old male Asian
-Went to non nationally ranked undergrad with 2.71 GPA with Finance BA
-Played college golf on scholarship. Thought I was going to go play on the PGA Tour and did not care too much about school
-After college, worked as a financial adviser then as a Business Analyst for a family real estate management company for 2 years.
-Then I went on to work in financial operations for a regional bank for 3 years.
-Received CFA charter in 2013
-Currently at a small hedge fund in NYC doing front office research covering credit and equity markets. Initially hired as financial operations but made the jump to research.

I want to get an MBA because of my change in my career. I went from operations to front office role currently learning about equity and fixed income valuation and analysis.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile. Your profile is incomplete given the lack of GMAT shared but your GPA will not be your friend here. A 2.7 is pretty low especially from a non-high ranked program. Your time as a scholarship athlete will help diversify you and provide a potential explanation for your low GPA but still your undergraduate track record will not be a positive. It seems you have had some nice career advancement which will serve you well. Initial thought is I think you may have a tough time with thee schools but although GMAT scores are not as important for PT admissions generally I think yours could go a long way to helping make you a competitive candidate and confirming your low GPA was just due to lack of focus and not aptitude.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thanks for the post. You will really want a high GMAT to counteract the low GPA. In addition, your story will be pretty important since it jumps around a bit and doesn't have the clearest focus. Without knowing your GMAT or what you do outside of work, I would say you don't stand a great chance at programs higher than NYU Stern and getting in there would require a strong application. Feel free to reach out once you have your GMAT score and we can chat further about your background to see if we have more to go on that may increase your chances at a higher ranked school. Scott@personalmbacoach.com Good luck!

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

I agree with the comments above regarding the GMAT - we have to erase any and all doubt about your intellectual capabilities. To take it a step further, can I ask when you are looking to apply? If you're looking at some of the later rounds, you may have some time build an alternate transcript by taking 2-3 courses at a nearby school or online and post high marks. It's a time investment for sure, but it demonstrates your commitment to your cause and will give any AdComm the confidence to look past your low GPA. And finally, what is it that you want to do after your MBA? This will help better match you with a school that can give you the best shot at achieving your goals. Let us know, thanks!

Low GPA - For Part Time MBA

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