Hello!
Well, you've already taken care of the best strategy to counteract a low GPA which is to get a high (above average) GMAT - so great job! I would also recommend you write an Optional Essay owning up to this weakness and giving some more context around your GPA, in particular highlighting your strong extracurricular involvement during college. You could also try to ask your recommenders to highlight things like your maturity and your quick learning to help address GPA-related concerns.
Otherwise, your work experience sounds very strong...I like the rotational program and being part of a new department focused on analytics, plus the coffee manufacturing angle is pretty unique and could make for an interesting essay!
Assuming some of the volunteer work you mention will be current at the time of applying, then that looks great too.
Overall, the GPA will be a concern but it's not a deal breaker, we've worked with other applicants with similar GPAs who've been successful at schools like McCombs. I agree, by the way, that Booth could be a stretch, and possibly Anderson too, but you should be competitive at McCombs (especially given your connections) and Rice.
Good luck and keep us posted if we can help with anything else!
Kate
Scabe wrote:
Hello! I am a 24 y/o white male looking to apply to some top programs. My main concern is overcoming my GPA and how that might affect what schools I should realistically be applying to
Some stats:
GPA: 2.9
GMAT: 740 (48Q/42V/8IR)
University: Chemical Engineering at a top 15 University
Work Experience: 2 years of work experience at a national coffee manufacturing company at the time of applying: 1 year was a 'Leadership Rotational Program' in which I worked in several different departments and learned the business. Year 2 (and 3 before starting B school) is working in the analytics group at headquarters, basically building the group from the ground up with a few others.
College extra-curriculars: Rowing on the crew team, president of residential college, leadership ambassador at the center for leadership
Current volunteering: spent 3 months volunteering with an afterschool program to get kids interested in STEM (science experiments and things), frequent time spent volunteering cleaning up the environment (river restoration, trail clearing etc.)
I am considering McCombs (top choice, both parents did undergrad. Dad did McCombs) Jones, Anderson and Booth as reaches
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
_________________
Kate Richardson
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
Chicago Booth Alum, over 80 5-star reviews on GMAT Club
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