Low GPA, school target

Question

Hi, i'm new to the gmatclub.

As the title suggests, I have a low undergraduate GPA (2.79) in engineering. My low GPA is mainly due to cancer and other health problems I was dealing with through my studies (1 year cancer free). After some persistence I was accepted into the graduate engineering program where i'm thriving. I'm very confident I can score a 700+ on the GMAT but i'm not sure which schools to aim for with a low GPA and a high score. My work background is in engineering and real estate, have less than two years of experience in both. I would like to pursue a part time program, due to being DACA I cannot receive student loans to help pay for the education, I would have to work to finance the whole thing myself.

I would love to attend a top 10 school (Booth, Kellogg, Haas, Ross) but not sure if that is possible given my GPA. Any advice?

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi SraM8.

B-schools give applicants a chance to address their weak points via the optional essay. You can explain your low GPA score and the reason for it over there. Battling with cancer is very serious matter- its a life changer. You should tell the adcom your story of resilience, fighting against cancer and going strong to get your life back on track. From the application perspective, It will be viewed positively by the adcom. 
And, cheers to your good health over the past year

CrackVerbalShree · Answer

Hello SraM8,

I agree with MBADecoder. You can justify the health aspect of it in the additional essay. If you look at it from an Adcom perspective - they just want to make sure you have the right aptitude to handle the rigor of a B-School.

A good GMAT score could be a very important way to do this.

If you are looking at a part-time program - justify the need for an MBA well and how this will help you in your current role / current company.

Wishing you good health!

Regards,
Shree

StaySafe · Answer

SraM8 
Hey, you're the inspiration of million people who struggle with the diseases. Best of luck. God be with you all the times-this is the heartfelt request to God from my side.

SraM8 · Answer

Thank you, I will definitely include an essay with my applications.

SraM8 · Answer

Thank you so much, may god be with you as well.

SraM8 · Answer

Thank you for the great advice, and taking the time to respond.

ConsultMasaki · Answer

I have worked with clients with lower GPAs who have been admitted to top schools. In your case in particular, it is not a point of concern given the circumstances you had to go through which you would explain in your essays. Besides nailing down a solid GMAT score, your personal and professional narrative is what is important. Of what little information you provided, if anything, your number of years of experience (less than two years), is what may pose a challenge with your applications. But it depends. My clients got in with only two years of experience, by showing to adcom their professional progression beyond their years. You can read more on application tips on my website/blog. I am interested in understanding your story more before I offer my prediction of your chances with those schools. Reach out through my website if you'd like to chat about your application. All the best! You are an inspiration indeed.

JaneAir21 · Answer

well XD

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello SraM8 , Thanks for writing in. We would encourage you to apply to your target schools while explaining your reason for the low GPA in the Optional Essay; we do not think it is going to be a concern at all particularly if you are able to put forth your story of resilience in a personalized manner. Besides the above, please also elaborate on your career goals in a logical way; do ensure that there is sync between both what you've done and what you want to achieve. All the best for your future endeavors!

myEssayReview · Answer

I agree with all the others . You faced a serious health setback in the past that resulted in your low GPA. Life happens and the admission committee members are human beings who understand it. That is why almost all schools provide applicants the option to write an optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances that led to their poor academic performance, employment gap, or education gap. You can use the optional essay to justify your low GPA. In fact, your story showcases your resilience and determination- personal traits that business schools value.

If you are targeting top programs, you should aim to earn a 730 + GMAT score to demonstrate your academic ability, brainstorm your best personal and professional stories, and submit compelling and convincing essays.

Good luck,

Poonam

If you are targeting top programs, you should aim to earn a 730 + GMAT score to demonstrate your academic ability, brainstorm your best personal and professional stories, and submit compelling and convincing essays.

Good luck,

Poonam

tringuyen0243 · Answer

You shouldn’t worry too much. Your background and resilience will all be explained in the optional essay for any of the top schools.

If you are able to score 700+ on the GMAT that along with a story of resilience and current work progress will be enough to keep you competitive against other traditional candidates.

Most top schools have a set pool they admit for various scenarios, low GPA with unique stories being one of them.

Posted from my mobile device

anawim · Answer

anawim · Answer

Hi Masaki,

Can I have a consultation with you?

Low GPA, school target

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