NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 23 Apr 2024, 12:23 It is currently 23 Apr 2024, 12:23
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
avatar
Juggler899
Intern
Intern
Joined: 15 Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 1
Send PM
Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   15 Sep 2012, 09:27
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
User avatar
cheetarah1980
VP
VP
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Status:Current Student
Posts: 1332
Own Kudos [?]: 447 [0]
Given Kudos: 74
Location: United States
Schools: Kellogg '14 (A) Wharton '14 (A) Stanford '14 (D) Booth '14 (M)
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V40
WE:Sales (Consumer Products)
Send PM
Reviews Badge
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   15 Sep 2012, 11:08
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.
avatar
Juggler899
Intern
Intern
Joined: 15 Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 1
Send PM
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   15 Sep 2012, 18:42
Thanks for the advice! So admissions committees will usually ignore a postgraduate diploma type qualification? Or just not recognize distance learning?
User avatar
L
Admissionado
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Posts: 9216
Own Kudos [?]: 2060 [0]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Schools:Brown University, Harvard Business School
Send PM
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   17 Sep 2012, 00:07
Expert Reply
with a 3.7 don't even think about it. You are in far better shape that most folks.
avatar
Pashya
Manager
Manager
Joined: 22 Dec 2011
Posts: 102
Own Kudos [?]: 29 [0]
Given Kudos: 23
Location: Kuwait
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Rotman '16 (A$) INSEAD Jan '15 (A)
WE:Consulting (Consulting)
Send PM
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   17 Sep 2012, 00:55
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.
User avatar
cheetarah1980
VP
VP
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Status:Current Student
Posts: 1332
Own Kudos [?]: 447 [1]
Given Kudos: 74
Location: United States
Schools: Kellogg '14 (A) Wharton '14 (A) Stanford '14 (D) Booth '14 (M)
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V40
WE:Sales (Consumer Products)
Send PM
Reviews Badge
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink] New post   17 Sep 2012, 06:50
1
Kudos
Juggler899 wrote:
Thanks for the advice! So admissions committees will usually ignore a postgraduate diploma type qualification? Or just not recognize distance learning?

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!
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Opinions on 3.7 GPA but some low quant subject grades [#permalink]
17 Sep 2012, 06:50

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions