Should I take the GMAT first or take class for alternative transcript?

Question

I graduated last year from a top ten public university in the country in the Big Ten ( think Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin). My degree was in something similar to computer science but more specific to an industry. My GPA was a low 2.7 ( bad I know). I want to take a couple of quant classes like Finacial Accounting and Business Calculus and ace them to show I can do well.

Should I focus all my time on the GMAT or take a class while studying?
I have been working full time in IT for a little under a year. So I won't be applying for a couple of years still.

I hope to go to a top 15-20 school for tech or consulting. What score sh I shoot for?

I know the top ten schools are out of the question for me.

Thanks

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MBAPrepCoach · Answer

The GMAT has a lot more weight than your GPA. I would recommend focusing on the GMAT. However if you're interested in developing a secondary transcript comma I think I would start with MBA Math. The school's really like it, and they send transcripts directly to the schools. It's an online class that you could probably work into your schedule fairly easily.

Given that you arent going to apply for a couple of years, maybe it would be a good idea for you to a some math classes at a reputable institution, post GMAT, however that is more time-intensive and I think once you allay their fears about you flunking out of stats, it might actually be better for you to focus on other aspects of your profile.

How's the community service looking? Have you done any public speaking? What about your hobbies? Keep in mind that they really do look at the whole person and they are not recruiting GMAT scores or GPAs. That said a high GMAT could do a lot of good things your profile.

I would not necessarily rule out top schools because of your GPA. It's really the area you have the least control over, but there are so many things you can do at this point to shape yourself into an excellent business school candidate. I would invite you to review my blog series 1 through 10 on preparing for round one.

Also wanted to mention that the Harvard core program is another opportunity to develop a secondary transcript. One of my former clients did that - had a pretty weak profile and a 3.0 GPA plus he was very overrepresented and he got into Ross and other top schools.

Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com

AndreMBAitNOW · Answer

Hi there,

Your GPA is low but here is good news! GPA does matter, however, it could be compensated with high GMAT score and a differentiated application based on your working experience and goals after the MBA.

Don’t underestimate yourself, you have a chance to get in top 10 schools! Please take a look our youtube channel and see  Best Programs for 10 Typical MBA Industries . Also you can download our  FREE guide  about MBA application process.

For further information, please don’t hesitate of sign up for a  FREE consultation  where we can answer all your questions.

Best of luck,

Mapman · Answer

Farrell and Andre,

Thank you for the detailed responses. I will take the advice and focus on the GMAT first. I'll also look into the resources you 2 pointed me to.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

You will def want to focus on the GMAT first as this holds more weight than an alternative transcript so aim for a 700 or higher if you can. Once you hit your target score then I would focus on building an alternative transcript

vivek6199 · Answer

Does taking these online classes such as "MBA Math" add value to our profile when one has a score of 50 or 51 in the Quantitative Section of the GMAT? My GPA is 2.8 whereas that of my target program is 3.3 .

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Vivek probably not, your quant score is strong so taking MBAMath won't necessarily prove much. Did you struggle in some quant classes in undergrad, if so retaking those classes at a community college or online class might make sense.

vivek6199 · Answer

Thank you for clarifying.
During my undergrad, I struggled with "Vector calculus" and "probability". I have a C grade in both of them.
Does it still make sense to take the above courses from MBAMAth.com to boost the profile?

Thanks,
Vivek

Should I take the GMAT first or take class for alternative transcript?

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