Low GPA with 740 GMAT. Which schools to apply for

Question

Hello people,

I am graduated from a top Turkish university with BA, Economics. I am 23 years old and have a very little work experience, 1 month summer internship in an investment bank. I am planning to have an MBA in the US.

My cGPA is 2.60 and I have a GMAT score of 740 (Q:50 V:40).

I was thinking of schools such as Columbia, Stern, Kellogg, Haas or maybe Questrom. What do you think my chances are? Should I aim for higher or lower schools?

Leadership · Answer

Hi,
Your GMAT score will cover up the low GPA, so do not worry. You need to explain more about your profile, achievements and goals. Minimum 2-3 years of experience is required to enter in top MBA programs. How did you shortlisted the below schools? Do you think, you can move your score to 760?

MBADecoder · Answer

Posted from my mobile device

Leadership · Answer

Hi MBADecoder ... you didn't wrote anything

TheJaffeAdvantage · Answer

Hello,

First - is the 2.6 GPA your WES converted score? In other words - is this score the equivalent of a 2.6 GPA from a US university?

Unfortunately, I do not agree with the other comments. A 740 (or even 760) GMAT at an M7 school will not make up for a 2.6 GPA. That said - all is not lost - it IS possible to gain acceptance, but acceptance is about more than just numbers.

First - let's do a deep dive on those numbers. At a school such as CBS, the average GMAT is 730 and the middle 80% range is 690 - 760. At the same time the middle 80% GPA is 3.2 - 3.9. This means that only 10% of the class has a GPA below 3.2 (and one can assume only a very small percentage of that subset has a 2.6). Meanwhile, your GMAT - while good (congratulations) is not in the top 10%. Thus - they do not balance one another out.

Do M7 schools admit students with a 2.6 GPA? ABSOLUTELY. However, only a few candidates with this score are admitted and a high GMAT isn't enough. The spaces for students with a 2.6 GPA are reserved for candidates whose profiles are AMAZING in every other way. Academics (the combination of GPA and GMAT) is only one part of the equation. In order to be considered with this GPA you should spend the next few years trying to make a difference personally, professionally, and in the community.
-CAREER: As already indicated you need a few years work experience. However, it will be important to outperform your peer set in whichever career you choose. An early promotion, unusual leadership experience for your level, creating an initiative that directly increases company revenue are the types of work experiences that will make you stand out. Does your company depend on you to move the needle? That will make up for a 2.6. 
-OTHER: Besides academics and professional experiences, schools want to know what makes you special. M7 schools receive more applicants than they can accept with fantastic academic and professional credentials. While it is important for every candidate to have interesting extracurriculars, in your case you will need to truly make a difference. It is not enough just to volunteer. The candidates who are accepted with a very low GPA have started companies, started volunteer organizations, made extreme differences in their communities.

Finally, let's talk academics. 
-Not all 2.6 GPAs are created equal. Did you perform poorly in quantitative subjects or in a subject that doesn't "matter" (e.g. philosophy). Were your poor grades early in your university journey balanced by very high scores your last year? (I have worked with candidates who almost flunked out their first year but redeemed themselves with honors in their last year). These differences are important. Look for patterns.
2. Take classes. You have a low GPA. You can't change that. However you can take classes (e.g. Berkeley Extension) that show you can do the work.

In short - it is possible to be accepted with a 2.6 GPA but the odds are against you so you should work on creating an amazing story and profile for yourself over the next few years. I give you kudos for asking these questions early. You have the time to create a path for yourself that will make your GPA seem less important overall. Finally - expand your school choices. While I always advise candidates to apply to reach schools, if you definitely want to do an MBA you will need to consider lower tier schools as well.

I do not want to disappoint - but rather give you the tools to make the best of the next several years so that you can be considered at a school such as Columbia.

Khan94 · Answer

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pytha1gurus · Answer

Have you tried converting your scores? If you have concluded that you have a GPA of 2.6 after converting your scores, I would suggest not doing so.
Converting scores does not take into account the rigor of academic practices in various countries around the world. Thus, many schools don’t require conversions anymore. They ask for your complete transcript from the previous degree to evaluate your performance themselves. You can find out whether your target schools prefer this practice or require you to convert scores, on their website.
In case you do need to convert scores, use a reliable online calculator like this one: www.wes.org
In case the GPA that you have reported here is the one you have to stick to, then you’ll have to figure out a way to deal with it before applying to any top schools.
You already have a good GMAT score, so now you can focus on any other ways to combat your low GPA. One effective way is to pick up finance and accounting, or Math courses on Coursera.com.
Also, if you have scored well in the finance, Math, or accounting related subjects during the degree when you received the 2.6 GPA score, make sure you mention it as well. Tell the business school that you were not driven by the absolute numbers and were not a part of the rat race, but you did exceptionally well in the areas that should matter to the business school.

HqLife · Answer

An undergraduate degree is a requirement from admission in all of the MBA programs.

pytha1gurus · Answer

Have you tried converting your scores? If you have concluded that you have a GPA of 2.6 after converting your scores, I would suggest not doing so.
Converting scores does not take into account the rigor of academic practices in various countries around the world. Thus, many schools don’t require conversions anymore. They ask for your complete transcript from the previous degree to evaluate your performance themselves. You can find out whether your target schools prefer this practice or require you to convert scores, on their website.
In case you do need to convert scores, use a reliable online calculator like this one: www.wes.org
In case the GPA that you have reported here is the one you have to stick to, then you’ll have to figure out a way to deal with it before applying to any top schools.
You already have a good GMAT score, so now you can focus on any other ways to combat your low GPA. One effective way is to pick up finance and accounting, or Math courses on Coursera.com.
Also, if you have scored well in the finance, Math, or accounting related subjects during the degree when you received the 2.6 GPA score, make sure you mention it as well. Tell the business school that you were not driven by the absolute numbers and were not a part of the rat race, but you did exceptionally well in the areas that should matter to the business school.

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

Low GPA with 740 GMAT. Which schools to apply for

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