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Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa?

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owabbasi
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Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   12 Jan 2018, 02:25
I have a meagre undergrad gpa of 2.6 (civil engg) from a top 10 uni in my country and want to offset it by possibly doing a master's for the next 2 years while also getting work experience. The degree in itself isn't too difficult to get with good grades (ms in engg. management) and I'm sure I'll do much better on it than I did on my undergrad. My question Is, is this is a good way to show academic improvement or will this raise questions with the adcoms as to why I want to get an mba after this degree and how it aligns with my goals. If not, is there an easier/more favorable approach to reducing the effect of your low undergrad gpa (like some online certification/coursework that is recognised by b schools)
For arguments sake, assume my GMAT is 720+, WE will be ~50 months at time of matriculation and extra curriculars are great.
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   12 Jan 2018, 02:49
owabbasi wrote:
I have a meagre undergrad gpa of 2.6 (civil engg) from a top 10 uni in my country and want to offset it by possibly doing a master's for the next 2 years while also getting work experience. The degree in itself isn't too difficult to get with good grades (ms in engg. management) and I'm sure I'll do much better on it than I did on my undergrad. My question Is, is this is a good way to show academic improvement or will this raise questions with the adcoms as to why I want to get an mba after this degree and how it aligns with my goals. If not, is there an easier/more favorable approach to reducing the effect of your low undergrad gpa.
For arguments sake, assume my GMAT is 720+, WE will be ~50 months at time of matriculation and extra curriculars are great.



Dude,
You want to dedicate TWO years to doing an MS so that the grade component of your GPA improves, so that the admissions chances to better schools improve so that....

Why don't you just give more time to doing good Volunteer work, getting a higher GMAT and improving achievements at your Work? They will help you much better, in life, as well as in you admissions (in case you still want it).

1) Don't ever lose sight of the fact, that B-School is ONE of the MEANS, NOT the end of your career career goals.
2) Always better to improve your core (track record of achievements and overall personality) rather than trying to undo your past.
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owabbasi
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   12 Jan 2018, 03:25
TheIvyLeagueEdge wrote:
Dude,
You want to dedicate TWO years to doing an MS so that the grade component of your GPA improves, so that the admissions chances to better schools improve so that....

Why don't you just give more time to doing good Volunteer work, getting a higher GMAT and improving achievements at your Work? They will help you much better, in life, as well as in you admissions (in case you still want it).

1) Don't ever lose sight of the fact, that B-School is ONE of the MEANS, NOT the end of your career career goals.
2) Always better to improve your core (track record of achievements and overall personality) rather than trying to undo your past.


I'm sorry I forgot the menation the masters program is weekend only so I will be working during that period. My ECs include innovative volunteer work
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   14 Jan 2018, 04:10
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owabbasi wrote:
I have a meagre undergrad gpa of 2.6 (civil engg) from a top 10 uni in my country and want to offset it by possibly doing a master's for the next 2 years while also getting work experience. The degree in itself isn't too difficult to get with good grades (ms in engg. management) and I'm sure I'll do much better on it than I did on my undergrad. My question Is, is this is a good way to show academic improvement or will this raise questions with the adcoms as to why I want to get an mba after this degree and how it aligns with my goals. If not, is there an easier/more favorable approach to reducing the effect of your low undergrad gpa (like some online certification/coursework that is recognised by b schools)
For arguments sake, assume my GMAT is 720+, WE will be ~50 months at time of matriculation and extra curriculars are great.


Well the two ways to work it are really:
1. a Great GMAT
2. A good logical story for why your grades are low
And then, well, it won;t make your GPA higher, but it will help you overcome.

Best,
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   19 Jan 2018, 16:33
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I don't subscribe in doing things that don't align with your career goals for the sake of b-school applications. I would spend that time focusing on really blowing the GMAT out of the water. So if you're thinking 720 aim even higher and spend that time dedicated to achieving a REALLY high score on the GMAT. That will have the greatest impact on your profile. Also, consider taking a few additional b-school ready coursework like accounting, finance, stats, econ, etc. Get A's in these classes so the school knows you recognize your GPA as a potential issue.

Also...what happened with your GPA? Why so low?
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink] New post   06 Feb 2018, 00:23
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owabbasi wrote:
I have a meagre undergrad gpa of 2.6 (civil engg) from a top 10 uni in my country and want to offset it by possibly doing a master's for the next 2 years while also getting work experience. The degree in itself isn't too difficult to get with good grades (ms in engg. management) and I'm sure I'll do much better on it than I did on my undergrad. My question Is, is this is a good way to show academic improvement or will this raise questions with the adcoms as to why I want to get an mba after this degree and how it aligns with my goals. If not, is there an easier/more favorable approach to reducing the effect of your low undergrad gpa (like some online certification/coursework that is recognised by b schools)
For arguments sake, assume my GMAT is 720+, WE will be ~50 months at time of matriculation and extra curriculars are great.


Hi owabbasi,

We are a bit delayed in responding to you but hope this helps.

Pursuing a Master's to offset your low GPA is not a wise decision. Instead, you must utilize this time in preparing yourself to achieve a high GMAT score, focus on getting some leadership experience at work, and strengthen your involvement with extra-curricular activities even more :) Most schools will provide you with the option of submitting an Optional Essay and you can always speak about your low GPA there, as well as mention how you have learnt from mistakes and grown as an individual since then. Moreover, you must also focus on preparing a set of essays, wherein your goals are in strong alignment with your academic and professional experience and your achievements are clearly highlighted.

In short, A Master's at this point may complicate your profile and is not recommended if it does not go with your overall trajectory.

All the best! :)
GMAT Club Bot
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Re: Should I do a master's to offset a low undergrad gpa? [#permalink]
06 Feb 2018, 00:23

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