Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades

Question

Hello gmatclub!

Background:
I'm thinking about applying for US MBAs in about a year. My undergrad GPA in my finance degree was 3.7, but of the 4 stat subjects I did I did poorly (just passes) in 2.

I'm thinking about trying to compensate for this by a) trying my best to get a good GMAT quant score and b) doing a distance learning postgrad diploma with a quant focus.

The options I'm considering for the distance learning course are either a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics via Purdue distance learning or a Postgraduate Diploma in Quantitative finance from University of London International Programmes.

Questions:
Is it possible for me to compensate for my poor quant grades this way?

Am I going about it the best way, or are there other means of compensating I should try?

Which course is likely to serve me better when it comes to admissions, or is there a better distance learning course I should consider?

Thank you all for your help!
Sivanesh

cheetarah1980 · Answer

The distance learning diploma would be a waste of money. If you didn't fail any of these classes then there is really nothing to compensate for. Overall you had a very strong collegiate career. Getting a high GMAT quant score will do plenty to erase any doubt about your quant skills that two lower passing grades may spark (although there will probably be none). Good luck on the GMAT.

Juggler899 · Answer

Thanks for the advice! So admissions committees will usually ignore a postgraduate diploma type qualification? Or just not recognize distance learning?

Admissionado · Answer

with a 3.7 don't even think about it. You are in far better shape that most folks.

Pashya · Answer

The diploma may not really add significant value, unless it is from a recognized institute. You are better off trying to focus on the GMAT. You can also try to highlight Quant strength through work experience, if applicable.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

It's not that committees ignore this type of qualification or do not recognize distance learning (although I think brick and mortar classes are still preferred). It's that you do NOT need to do this. You're looking to shore up an area of your application that is already more than solid. It's not the best use of your effort. There are other aspects of your profile that I'm sure could use improvement. However, academics is NOT one of them.

My only caveat to this would be if you received two D's. In that case it might be a good idea to address what happened in the optional essay. If your passing grades were higher than a D then there's no need to draw attention to what will likely go unnoticed in the big picture of your academic achievements (i.e. 3.7 GPA). Regardless of the grade do NOT waste your time taking additional classes. Good luck on the GMAT!

Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades

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