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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
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Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
27 Jun 2023, 05:45
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leylareese
Hello leylareese , I feel you will have a fair chance at all schools. Here are my recommendations-
A low GPA can come to haunt you even after years right when you have set your eyes on attending a top-tier MiM program. However, it's important to note that Business schools are often willing to consider the context surrounding a low GPA, and a well-crafted strategic explanation could work in your favor. Based on our experience, certain profiles may still have a chance at admission despite low GPAs. Factors including GMAT scores and the prestige of your undergraduate institution, are also very often taken into consideration.
Here are some valuable tips that can help you address a low GPA in your application:
1. Explain the reasons for the low GPA:
Often, applicants feel that if they do not address their low GPA in their applications, they can avoid bringing attention to this area altogether, especially if they have exceptional work experience. However, this is not true. B-schools value applicants who reflect on their shortcomings and are ready to take action in the right direction. Whether you have valid reasons for your low GPA, such as health issues or a difficult personal situation, or your GPA resulted from mere inattentiveness, it's important to explain these to the admissions committee honestly and provide relevant documentation to support your claims. However, we recommend that you put a fair bit of thought into how you present your case.
2. Take courses to demonstrate that you have overcome weak areas:
If you're worried about a low GPA, show that you've overcome your weak areas. Maybe take additional courses and show to the admissions committee that you're capable of overcoming academic hurdles
Even if you have limited work experience, emphasize the skills and knowledge you've gained during that time.
For example, if you've been working in sales or marketing and had a low GPA in finance during your undergrad, talk about how you've learned to analyze financial reports and create budgets as part of your job. This will help demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have relevant skills and knowledge beyond your academic record.
3. Get a high GMAT/GRE:
A high GMAT/GRE score can help offset a low GPA. If you have identified that you definitely need to attain a high GMAT score, start preparing early and invest time and effort into your preparation. This might include taking practice tests, studying with a tutor or prep course, and reviewing relevant study materials. It's also important to aim for a score that is above the average for the schools you are interested in. This can help to demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and improve your chances of being admitted.
4. Seek academic recommendations:
Here's a real example I recently assisted an applicant on the LSE MSc Economics application. The applicant had a particularly low GPA during one semester, resulting in an overall GPA that fell short of LSE's very high academic standards. However, a recommendation from one of her professors, attesting to her dedication and consistent academically oriented efforts throughout the course, supported her case and she secured the LSE admit.
If you are an MiM or MSc applicant with a low GPA, seeking a recommendation letter from a professor who can provide valuable context for your unexpectedly poor academic performance can help reinstate the school's belief in your academic capabilities.
Similarly, you may also want to consider asking former academic advisors, or mentors in a professional setting to provide a recommendation letter that speaks to your academic abilities and work ethic.
5. Consider a lower-ranked program:
While it's natural to want to aim for the best business schools, a lower-ranked program may be more forgiving of a low GPA. Research schools with lower admission requirements and consider applying to them as a backup plan.
6. Seek feedback from admissions committees:
Consider reaching out to the admissions committees to showcase your interest in a particular program and get a read on how you can further improve your profile despite your low GPA. They may be able to provide specific areas for improvement and advice on how to strengthen your application. For example, the admissions committee may recommend taking additional coursework or retaking the GMAT/GRE to improve your chances of being accepted.
Furthermore, reaching out to admissions committees can be beneficial if you decide to reapply in the future, as they will already be familiar with you and your commitment to improving your application.
Demonstrate a passion for the field::
Demonstrating true passion for your desired field can be one way to make up for a low GPA.
For example, if you're focused on Finance after MBA and you've taken additional Finance courses outside of your degree or have worked in Finance-related roles, be sure to highlight these experiences in your application. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the field and have taken steps to develop your skills and knowledge. Additionally, if you've earned any relevant professional certifications or licenses, be sure to include them in your application materials as well. This can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have relevant expertise beyond your academic record.
Feel free to connect to discuss your concerns or application strategy with us
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
30 Jun 2023, 21:41
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leylareese
Hey leylareese,
Your profile is impressive, graduating from a top 5 Liberal Arts College despite grade deflation. Address concerns about your GPA by explaining the grading system's context. Emphasize your language skills, fluency in French, and mastery of two other languages, giving you an edge in the French MiM programs.
Although forming deep bonds with professors was challenging due to medical issues, you can secure strong recommendations. Reach out to professors from classes where you excelled, explaining your situation and kindly requesting their support. Professional recommendations from internships and startup involvement will strengthen your application, showcasing your skills and work ethic.
Aim for a GMAT score around 680-700. Highlight your entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding a startup and conducting extensive market research. Illustrate challenges faced, lessons learned, and plans for starting your own business, showcasing your initiative and business acumen.
Your international experience is valuable, demonstrating adaptability, cultural awareness, and a global perspective. Describe how living in multiple countries shaped you personally and professionally, highlighting your potential contribution to the international environment of the MiM programs.
Mention your fundraising efforts and prior political involvement in France, showcasing your leadership and organizational skills. Craft compelling essays, addressing concerns such as GPA while sharing motivation and aspirations. Conduct in-depth research on each program, engaging with admissions offices to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge.
Network with current students and alumni, seek online courses or certifications, and provide specific examples of leadership and impact at work. Quantify achievements to showcase your qualities.
If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
admitStreet
Joined: 14 Mar 2023
Last visit: 20 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,637
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 13
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
02 Jul 2023, 08:40
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leylareese
Hello leylareese, HEC Paris (MBA) alum here.
CGPA and scores: Although the lower CGPA can be a concern, admissions committees generally understand factors such as grade deflation. Please explain this in your application and highlight any academic achievements, such as your good grades at the top 3 university and analytical courses/ electives that you took. A 700+ GMAT score can also make this factor less of a concern.
Nationality and international exposure: Being a French citizen and having fluency in French can definitely be an advantage when applying to French MiMs. It highlights your potential to adapt well to the French culture, and your international experiences further add strength to your profile.
Career goals: I would suggest thinking through and being clear about your post-MiM goals - which sector, geography, function, and even compan(ies) do you want to be in. Then identify your achievements/ experiences in related topics, and skill-sets that you want to develop through the MiM. You will then be able to identify what you can do during the summer that will put you on this path earlier: for example, if consulting is your post-MiM goal, interning at a pro-bono consulting firm or even picking up some freelancing consulting projects for start-ups can be a good idea. Working on your start-up idea is also a great choice, as it gives you exposure to different aspects of running a business. It's always better to have real-life experience than doing online courses, though some certifications/ courses can help supplement your experiences. Networking with people in your sectors of interest can also add value.
Recommendations: I have one advice here - just ask
More often than not, if you ask nicely, being candid about any past challenges, people would be willing to provide a recommendation. If this is not possible, professional recommendations are fine: try to identify the people that have worked closely with you and can speak to your strengths, goals and why an MiM would suit you. All the best. Feel free to reach out if I can be of help.
Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris alum, Admissions interviewer
admitstreet.com
E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | M: +(91)-974-126-3950
