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NVH1998
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 23 Apr 2024, 16:26
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So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 23 Apr 2024, 17:08
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Don't worry, since a high GMAT score will tide over the low CGPA.

Best of Luck.
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admitStreet
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 23 Apr 2024, 20:27
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NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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@NVH1998 ­- Given your Mckinsey/PE experience, a strong GMAT score and application narrative can help compensate for the GPA. The CFA would be a great addition as well.

Whether you actually need an MBA would depend on your career goals, etc. but that's a different discussion. 

All the best!

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat
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NVH1998
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 23 Apr 2024, 20:31
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admitStreet
NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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@NVH1998 ­- Given your Mckinsey/PE experience, a strong GMAT score and application narrative can help compensate for the GPA. The CFA would be a great addition as well.

Whether you actually need an MBA would depend on your career goals, etc. but that's a different discussion. 

All the best!

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet |
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What would you recon are my chances of getting into a top program?
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 23 Apr 2024, 22:33
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NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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­NVH1998

You definitely miss the chances you didn't take. You have a strong profile. I don't see your GPA dampening your chances if you do the applications well. Not everyone in the top MBA programs has a top GPA. You are a product of your cumulative experiences, both good and bad. That you have been able to make the switch from Engineering to MBB to PE is impressive in itself. You would be able to do well in your career knowing the go-getter you are, so it's for you to decide whether you need that expensive MBA or not. But it is true that a top MBA can accelerate the pace of your progression and allow you to build an expansive business network.

Worried about your odds at the Top Business Schools? get personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Reapplying? Get a free ding analysis

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 24 Apr 2024, 22:25
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NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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­Hello NVH1998,

Thanks for writing in.

Whether you should pursue an MBA or not will depend on your career goals. 

Yes, your GPA is on the lower side; however, if you get a high score on the GMAT, you should be ok.

Our opinion is that you should take the GMAT, apply to your target schools, and decide what you want to do; without applying, this is not a decision you or anyone can make. In any case, you intend to do your CFA irrespective of whether you do the MBA or not; so, that plan remains unaffected.

All the best!
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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 25 Apr 2024, 11:08
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Based on what you say, you have a good profile - McKinsey is a great name to have on the resume, and hopefully you'll get to do good quality work at the PE firm + get the CFA (at least level 2) in a couple years.

This coupled with a good GMAT should be sufficient to get you into a T10.  If you do excellent work and crush the GMAT, then an M7.

Be positive!

Happy to chat more: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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Should I apply to an mba? Would I get in? 25 Apr 2024, 22:38
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NVH1998
So I graduated from engineering(Penn state) with a 3.1-3.3 gpa. I went on to work on McKinsey for 2 years and recently left for a PE firm. I’m trying to decide if it worth it to study for the gmat and go get an mba? Or if I just go do the CFA ( will do the CFA regardless). My big worry is that I don’t believe I’ll get into a really good mba program. I can get into a prestigious program with my gpa?

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­Hi @NVH1998, 

Top MBA programs are looking for around 3-5 years of work experience. In your case, you have time to not only prepare well for your GMAT FE if you plan to go ahead with your MBA but also work on your profile and build a strong portfolio which will not only help you match your professional aspirations but also your applications journey for your MBA, which will compensate for your slightly lower GPA. 

Can we connect to discuss the roadmap in detail? our MBA consultants have helped clients with similar profiles as yours. Happy to connect and discuss it over a call. 
You can schedule a free profile audit call with the team here
You can also connect with them via call or WhatsApp at +91 7780769732