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pgrinpdt
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Joined: 11 May 2011
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Profile Evaluation- Can overcome my low undergraduate GPA? 11 May 2011, 14:01
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Hi all, I've been really interested in getting my MBA, but I would not want to invest in it unless I had a legitimate shot at a top tier school. My interest would be HBS or Tuck.

My Profile:

Age: 26
Ethnicity: Inupiat Eskimo / Scaghticoke Native American
Undergrad: University of Puget Sound -- Business Administration Degree
Undergrad GPA: 2.49

Alright, so my biggest crutch was my undergraduate GPA. And I don't really know how to explain it other than I was immature and didn't take it as seriously as I should of. The only plus is that my business classes for my major I had a GPA up around 3.5. The classes I didn't take seriously were the likes of philosophy, history, music, etc.

But since then, I have been working in the oil industry in Alaska, including Prudhoe Bay for 2 years. I have matured a great deal since college and want to take that next step in education.

Realistically, I realize that my biggest chance of getting in is playing on the Native American/Alaskan card. I grew up in a small village, the furthest north most place in the United States. I am a shareholder of the largest Native corporation in America and have been employed by them for 4 years.

I have solid references, including the CEO of Conoco Phillips, CEO of my corporation, and a choice between many others in the oil industry.

So, with such a mediocre undergrad GPA, is there any chance that I get in a top tier school or should I not even try?

Thanks for any advice!
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shawdaff
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Profile Evaluation- Can overcome my low undergraduate GPA? 11 May 2011, 16:27
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I also have a below 3.0 GPA and was admitted to Kellogg, Stern and Columbia. I did not end up taking an extra class but did explain the situation in part of an essay. I had a few stand out low grades that brought the whole GPA down so I explained what happened and it turned out pretty well. good luck!
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bakfed
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Status:Darden Class of 2013
Schools:University of Virginia
GMAT 1: 660 Q44 V37
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Profile Evaluation- Can overcome my low undergraduate GPA? 11 May 2011, 19:57
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pgrinpdt
Hi all, I've been really interested in getting my MBA, but I would not want to invest in it unless I had a legitimate shot at a top tier school. My interest would be HBS or Tuck.

My Profile:

Age: 26
Ethnicity: Inupiat Eskimo / Scaghticoke Native American
Undergrad: University of Puget Sound -- Business Administration Degree
Undergrad GPA: 2.49

Alright, so my biggest crutch was my undergraduate GPA. And I don't really know how to explain it other than I was immature and didn't take it as seriously as I should of. The only plus is that my business classes for my major I had a GPA up around 3.5. The classes I didn't take seriously were the likes of philosophy, history, music, etc.

But since then, I have been working in the oil industry in Alaska, including Prudhoe Bay for 2 years. I have matured a great deal since college and want to take that next step in education.

Realistically, I realize that my biggest chance of getting in is playing on the Native American/Alaskan card. I grew up in a small village, the furthest north most place in the United States. I am a shareholder of the largest Native corporation in America and have been employed by them for 4 years.

I have solid references, including the CEO of Conoco Phillips, CEO of my corporation, and a choice between many others in the oil industry.

So, with such a mediocre undergrad GPA, is there any chance that I get in a top tier school or should I not even try?

Thanks for any advice!
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Give it a shot. I think your profile may that be the oddball profile that could help. This still depends on your GMAT score that you'll have to ace. A lot of things depend on how you spin your story, and if done right, couple with great essays and letters (and good GMAT score), you can achieve great things. Unfortunately, you may need to switch your mentality first. You're going to have to dive in head first to see how deep the water is. You will have to spend the time and effort to get that GMAT score before you can move on. With a low GPA, you want to aim for a high GMAT score, preferably 720+. Good luck.
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FutureWorks
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Profile Evaluation- Can overcome my low undergraduate GPA? 19 May 2011, 00:11
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pgrinpdt
Hi all, I've been really interested in getting my MBA, but I would not want to invest in it unless I had a legitimate shot at a top tier school. My interest would be HBS or Tuck.

My Profile:

Age: 26
Ethnicity: Inupiat Eskimo / Scaghticoke Native American
Undergrad: University of Puget Sound -- Business Administration Degree
Undergrad GPA: 2.49

Alright, so my biggest crutch was my undergraduate GPA. And I don't really know how to explain it other than I was immature and didn't take it as seriously as I should of. The only plus is that my business classes for my major I had a GPA up around 3.5. The classes I didn't take seriously were the likes of philosophy, history, music, etc.

But since then, I have been working in the oil industry in Alaska, including Prudhoe Bay for 2 years. I have matured a great deal since college and want to take that next step in education.

Realistically, I realize that my biggest chance of getting in is playing on the Native American/Alaskan card. I grew up in a small village, the furthest north most place in the United States. I am a shareholder of the largest Native corporation in America and have been employed by them for 4 years.

I have solid references, including the CEO of Conoco Phillips, CEO of my corporation, and a choice between many others in the oil industry.

So, with such a mediocre undergrad GPA, is there any chance that I get in a top tier school or should I not even try?

Thanks for any advice!
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Hello,

In general if you have a low undergraduate GPA than desired then it is important to show that you can cope with the academic rigour of the business school.
One of the ways for doing so is to get a stellar GMAT. In addition take classes and courses to prove that in fact when you put your mind you can get results. Take extra classes for the subjects you lagged behind in your under graduation so the school can see your commitment to improve and learn.
Moreover it is not just the GPA but rigour of your undergraduate school that plays a vital role in determining your chances of admission.

Good Luck