Oxford GPA Q: Poor Cumulative/Strong Finish

Question

Hi,

Just hoping to get some insight on this issue. Oxford indicates a threshold of a 3.5 out of 4.0 on its website. Here is my issue: my cumulative GPA falles below this (3.3), but this was due to a poor first year (poor adjustment to university, didn't know what I wanted to do), but the last 3 years I finished with a 3.7 and graduated with honours (My school only looks at final two years in determining this).

I have fairly good work experience thus far. 4 years at big 4 audit (earned by CA designation) and 2yrs working in the corporate finance/m&a practice of another big 4 group (will earn another canadian designation similar to a CFA).

I haven't taken the GMAT yet.

Am I shot at oxford? What GMAT should I aim to be scoring? Will they take into account my improvements in undergrad + additional professional qualifications?

I really, REALLY want oxford. Any insight would be great.

Cheers,

*Edit - I'm also Canadian, hailing from Vancouver. I don't know if being Canadian will help me in the process as I know oxford has a large international student body but it seems mainly from Europe/India/USA.

Ivan91 · Answer

Well, someone in this forum said he wad admitted with a GPA as low as 2.90 so if you are asking if it is possible to get in with a GPA of less than what is mentioned in the minimal entry requirements, yes it is

micbain · Answer

Thanks for the response! I'm always wary of these kinds of stories as they seem like outliers. I also have no idea what this persons background is to make up for the low gpa (i.e. developed the vaccine for polio

). Anyways, just looking for thoughts on situations where cumulative GPA is low, but where the final years are good. Questions: 1. How does Oxford (or comparable schools) look at this? 2. What can I do to improve my odds? 3. What GMAT score should I be shooting for to compensate? Thanks! Any information would be helpful.

Bayoba · Answer

Hi Micbain,

I'm scheduled to resume at Oxford for my MBA this fall and while I cannot comment on what the admissions committee does and does not review, I can give you pointers based on my experience. I am a Nigerian, 28, with 5 years experience in Financial Services (Asset Management and Private Equity). I had mediocre grades in school (3.34/5 with a marked improvement toward the end of the course just like you) and a 670 GMAT (slightly below the previous class average). When I started the application process, I was also sceptical that I would get in with my stats. But it think its important to tell a story with your essays. Show them what you'll bring to the class, the value you will add. Make them want to meet you....its a tough ask but it can be done. You might also want to spread your net a little bit. Although I wanted Oxford, I applied to two other schools just to hedge my risk....Cambridge and Cranfield. I got into Cranfield with a part scholarship and got rejected at Cambridge without an interview.

Best of luck...

'Bayo
www.nigerianintobschool.blogspot.com

Oxford GPA Q: Poor Cumulative/Strong Finish

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