How to Compensate for Weak Academic Record?

Question

I am interested in getting MBA at a good school but I don't know my options based on my weal academic record as well as work experience limitations.

-2.8 Cumulative GPA, Major in Construction Management from large California State School, Minor in Business Administration
- Was put on academic probation, and dismissed a semester later, but returned after a year to finish my degree.
-My GPA had a lot of fluctuations, but my last semester I had a 3.0

I am a smart (although it doesn't show from grades cause went to a party school and got too involved in partying), I was wondering if I take some classes and get mostly A's, if that would be worth it. I just know what classes to take because I have taken most undergrad classes in business.

Work Experience: 3 internships in Construction Management, Currently been working for one month for my father's flooring business (residential and small commercial projects).

I have yet to take the GMAT's but I am starting to put together a study schedule and most likely take the Knewton online course. I am confident I can get a good score if I put the time in to study.

What can I do to be more competitive in this situation? Will I ever have a chance at a Top 20 school? Or at least a Top 50?

lagomez · Answer

Taking additional courses, and getting A's, and scoring very high on your GMAT will help your cause.

Let me know if you need a Knewton referral, it will get a refund of $100 after you sign up.

soheezy · Answer

1.What classes and how many total units would be good (6-12-20)?
2. Is it okay to take these classes at a Junior College, or should I try to take them at a University?
I live close to Berkeley, and I might be able to find a way to take a couple classes there, however I am not sure.

lagomez · Answer

1. I have always read that Calculus, Accounting, Statistics, Micro and/or Macroeconomics are good. I don't think you have to take all of them. My guess would be 2 or 3.
2. Berkeley would be better if possible.

soheezy · Answer

I have already taken all those classes. Should I take them again?

lagomez · Answer

When are you applying?

soheezy · Answer

It possible that I might apply to a couple schools for Fall 2011. Schools that may have easier admission, and are not highly ranked schools, however are accredited and local.

However, I feel I may need more time to study for my GMAT's, get letters of recommendation, work on essays, and put a stronger application together and see if I can get into a Top 50 school. In this case I would apply for Fall 2012.

As of now I am starting studying for my GMAT's with a goal of 5 hours per week. I haven't taken a full GMAT practice exam so I have no idea where I stand.

lagomez · Answer

Depending on your age I would wait a year. You might need more leadership experience and, because of your GPA, you need to do well on the GMAT. I would concentrate on the GMAT because it's not something you want to rush if you don't have to. Do you have any other stellar parts? Extracurriculars, personal achievements. It seems like you would settle for a local school. Not that it's bad of course. But, a high GMAT score will also make you competitive for scholarships if a Top 20 or Top 50 (assuming the school you are talking about isn't in that ranking) does accept you. Maybe the local school you referenced would be willing to give you money.

bhatiagp · Answer

1.) Show an exemplary work profile , that accounts for your weak academics. Show success at leading your business, in terms of increased revenue, and/ or improvement in your business operations. Anything you can use to quantify your contribution to your work place is good. In your essays exhibit how you have become more responsible since you left college. You dont need to be sorry, you need to demonstrate through action and achievement.

2) Do a few technical courses and score well on them. Like Accounting , Math, Statistics, etc.

3) Try to show your achievements in extra curricular work when you were in Undergrad school. Im sure keeping away from study meant you were perhaps doing something else. Were u involved in any sports, music groups, charity , social entrepreneurship or even your fathers business... 
4) With regards to Knewton, its a good decision. I used Knewtons training to good effect. 
Please let me know if you need a referral. Send me a pm with your email address and I will recommend you to Knewton. It will help you get a 100$ discount , on the course.

5) Dont worry to much about the past, and focus on job at hand ;which is doing well on your GMAT. Your GMAT scores are quite a critical element in the current situation.

6) Take one thing at a time. Dont rush yourself with too many things like doing your GMAT and the academic courses to make up for your grades. Unless your incredibly smart, youll mess up either or both.

7) Worry about your essays after your done with your GMAT, and improved your academic scores.

soheezy · Answer

1. I can do a lot these points. Except for #3, I really didn't do much in college besides socialize. However, if I started now, would devoting a good amount of time to an extra curricular help? I was thinking either becoming really good at playing this persian classical instrument and/or trying to set some records and the weight lifting gym I go to. Would these be good achievements, items to talk about the essay?

2. What is a good timeframe to take the GMATS. Three months, Six Months, Nine Months? How many days and hours per week? I know I am going to have to spend a lot of time cause I have taken a two practice test sections (Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency) and receiving below average marks (7 out of 48)

Also about the Knewton referral, don't I get a discount of around $200 by using the GMATCLUB referral already?

MaxwellRoper · Answer

Hi soheezy,

To dovetail the suggestion provided by bhatiagp: "3) Try to show your achievements in extra curricular work," I suggest that you consider our professional volunteer group, USA Leadership Corps.

USALC is a volunteer-driven business consulting group that serves emerging nonprofits and small businesses: www.usaLeadershipCorps.org We are a great resource for pre-MBAs who desire to strengthen their leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, and/or community-involvement backgrounds.

Thank you & good luck,

Maxwell Roper
Outreach Director
USA Leadership Corps

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

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How to Compensate for Weak Academic Record?

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