aceman626 wrote:
Hi, I have a low GPA 2.76 from undergrad, graduated 6 years ago. I was working part-time throughout school and also participated in many activities during college. I am aiming for only top 10 schools.
Now although my school is an elite US undergrad known for difficult academics, I feel that I need to address the low GPA somehow. I am overseas, so I don't have access to a local community college. My GMAT is 710 (49Q, 37V). Should I:
1) Retake the GMAT and try to score 20-30pts higher. I have been doing around 730-740 in my practices, however I have already taken the test 3 times.
2) Take classes at a local university. The school would be the best in the country and reputable to US bschools. However, the classes would not be graded, since they only give grades to degree programs. I will probably receive some kind of certificate of complete of some sort.
3) Take online classes from a U.S. school.
4) Do both 2 and 3. Take 1 class at the local university and pass it, and also take 1 online class from the US and get an A.
5) Forget about GMAT and classes. Focus on activities and essays.
Which of the above would you recommend that I do? Assuming my work experience and extra-curriculars are decent do you think I have a chance at a top 10, and how else can I increase my chances?
Thanks for your advice!
aceman626,
If you've already taken the GMAT three times then taking it again is out. Three times is the "limit," generally speaking. Ungraded classes don't help you much even if it's at the Sorbonne. So that leaves online courses; so try to do them at a school that has a strong academic reputation outside the online-ed world. Even if your GPA were in the 3.4-3.5 neighborhood, you would need more than "decent" work and extracuricular experience to get into a top 10 school. With your GPA (even from a good school) you need great work experience and great community experience. It would also help if there were a diversity angle to your profile. So you may want to look beyond the top 10.
Good luck,