Is it OK to apply with low Masters GPA?

Question

I recently relocated to Dallas and would be taking GMAT in couple of months from now. After doing some research I found that SMU Cox is the best ranked school for MBA in DFW metro. I saw that the avg GMAT score for SMU is 670 which I think will not be a problem. My UG GPA(Comp Science) is 3.4, but I also have MS in Computer Science from University of Houston with a 3.0 GPA, which is think is not very competitive.

My question is when I submit my application can I not mention about my MS and just apply with my UG degree. On the flip side will it boost my chances of admit if I apply with MS as I have masters even though my GPA is low?

And also can somebody suggest me some other good schools for MBA in DFW area as I am Planning for part time MBA and cannot go to school that are a far cry from Dallas.

heygirl · Answer

In my opinion, it is wrong to 'hide' certain aspects of your degree,especially something like a master's degree. What if the School find out about this later?
My suggestion - just put it there and highlight other aspects of your application. Don't go into details and the school may ask you about it ,should they need any clarification.There are some many people who have much lower GPA, not sufficient work experience, career breaks/sabbaticals , but they still choose to put down all this in their application. Think about that!

If anything, your master's degree will help your application.
Good Luck

desiaggie1980 · Answer

I think its a no-brainer that you must show this degree, part-time MBA isn't so obsessed with grades, people look at it in a more of networking; work exp light of view, if your masters degree relates to the job you are doing now; more so better!

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Wishbone · Answer

I was under the impression that you could just omit your GPA, unless of course you have a high GPA, I personally might omit anything less than 3.5? I don't know this again is just one opinion in a sea of many

GMATPill · Answer

You should definitely show the degree. Some schools require your GPA--others do not. I wouldn't fear it anyhow. Your degree is in computer science. Admissions committees know the rigors of computer science and will factor that into their consideration.

As a computer science masters student, what's most important is your Verbal score. Most likely, the Adcom will assume you are a logical person who is familiar with writing code--but can you work well with words and sentences? That is the question they are trying to answer.

You can easily overcome a low GPA with fancy extracurriculars or a high GMAT Verbal score. But you should never hide your degree--especially a Master's degree.

If you have the desire and drive to improve your Verbal score, great resources exist! Just open your eyes!

junicate · Answer

always show any degree you earned, it's important so they know how you spent those several years, otherwise they might wonder about the gap. plus, any technical field of study will set your application apart. Good luck!

ardk · Answer

I agree with the above suggestions. Hiding your degree is risky and not correct, you can always justify your low GPA instead. If you score high GMAT, that negates your GPA to an extent.

thetiming · Answer

You should definitely not "not mention about my MS and just apply with my UG degree".

Here's a truly inspirational story ("back down to earth when faced with the reality that I had about a 1.9 GPA"):

my-road-to-oxford-sbs-and-insead-89413.html

Respect to DrSatisfaction and good luck, CoogsHouse!

MBAbot · Answer

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Is it OK to apply with low Masters GPA?

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