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gmatrocket
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Concentration: Real Estate, Finance
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
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Profile Review Low GPA 13 May 2015, 10:10
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current position: Architect at Top 5 Firm, 6 years experience (Large Healthcare)

UG degree: BA Design (Midwestern State school)
UG gpa: 2.8

Graduate degree: Masters of Architecture (Midwestern State school)
Graduate gpa: 3.8

GMAT: 730

I am looking for some honest assessment. Post grad I am looking to get into Development/Acquisitions at JLL or similar.
I will apply to MSRED at MIT and USC, however I am also considering ft MBA at Kellogg and Haas because of their real estate curriculum.

Do I have a shot at Kellogg or Haas with my low UG gpa?

Thanks in advance
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fxMBAconsulting
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Profile Review Low GPA 14 May 2015, 06:26
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At first when I saw your undergrad GPA I was like 'uh-oh' :)
but then as I read further down the post, I saw that you had a masters in architecture and a 3.8....when combined with the 730 - that cancels out the undergrad GPA to a large extent and means that you are on par with all sorts of other MBA applicants in the brains department.

A lot is going to ride on your work experience (rather than your GPA) and your overall story when it comes to getting into the programs you've earmarked. In your case I would apply to a couple traditional MBA programs but I'd also apply to the MSRED programs.
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gcb09173
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Profile Review Low GPA 14 May 2015, 06:46
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My undergrad was lacking a bit as well but had a very good masters degree much like yourself.

It didnt hamper my apps at all, but I had a good story as to why my grades were not so high - working part time, full commitment to playing sport etc with national representation before suggesting my masters was indicative of my ability when I decided to purely focus on a career etc.

With a high GMAT and a good Masters I doubt it will affect your applications but it is very much worth acknowledging it and informing them of anything that could explain why that red flag is there! Am sure you have a great shot if you get provide a great story for Why MBA?
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Profile Review Low GPA 14 May 2015, 07:54
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I definitely understand where you're coming from.

Like Leah and gcb09173 said, the Masters GPA and high GMAT will help distance you from the undergrad GPA. I'd make sure you have some good leadership stories and EC's that can help you stand out.

I unfortunately wasn't able to get a clear admit at Kellogg or CBS (which has a great real estate program as well), but I at least got a waitlist.

For us with "ultra-low" GPA's, it's definitely an uphill battle at the M7 because the competition is so stiff. But I think you'd have a shot with a good story and strong reasoning for the school and an MBA.

P.S. I'm going to move this topic to the Admissions Consulting Forum.
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Profile Review Low GPA 14 May 2015, 08:48
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So while what the other posters have mentioned is pretty accurate (a 3.8 Master's and a 730 are some awesome stats!) your GPA is still a significant data point. It is an apples-to-apples because not everyone has a Master's. And while your later stats show me that you can handle the curriculum, it leaves some questions. What happened in undergrad. What did you not do well in specifically. How will that translate? Sometimes, if you failed something really important, you might need to take additional coursework to balance it out. Coursework can also send a powerful signal that you're serious! Also, if you're underrepresented, that can help so keep that in mind.

So think ahead - think about how you can make the most of it. As gcb09173 mentioned, definitely address it but think of ways to strengthen it too. You are in good shape since then though!

Bhavik
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Profile Review Low GPA 14 May 2015, 23:25
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I agree with the other posters. Despite great Masters GPA and strong GMAT ,you will still need to explain your low undergrad GPA in the optional essay .