UK Degree GPA for HBS

Question

Hi! I am trying to understand the competitiveness of my UK Degree vs. the median GPA at HBS/GSB/Wharton. I have a UK 2.1 (a.k.a upper second class honours) in Economics & Management from Oxford University (raw mark was 64%) - is anyone aware of how would this be regarded vs. the 3.6-3.7 median for these schools. I am trying to understand whether this is something I should be addressing within my application or not.

I have seen various translations of UK degrees to GPA but these appear to vary significantly and don't appear to reflect the relative difficulty of achieving the same grade across different institutions. Any guidance would be super helpful!

strawberryjelly · Answer

I got a 2.1 (66%) and got into HSW, you will be fine.

Posted from my mobile device

strawberryjelly · Answer

For clarity, i addressed my grades in the optional info section but only because I got a 3rd in 1st year, so explained it didn't count (as they get your transcript) and that I had improved in my second and third year to achieve a 2.1 overall.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

JK412 · Answer

Amazing thanks a tonne - great shout on the 1st year results as well - I have a similar situation so that sounds like a good approach.

Also congrats on getting into H/S/W - that's incredible!

Admissionado · Answer

You can also rest assured that HBS will have its own methodology for determining your GPA in their evaluation process, particularly if your GPA is from a relatively well known and well-represented undergraduate institution.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, there is no harm in providing clarity in the optional essay section (500 character limit) so long as you don't have something more deserving of this section! Above all, just make sure you do not come off as defensive or overcompensating.

-Admissionado

Vinit800HBS · Answer

Admissionado

My undergraduate college is not a well known college and my score is low but I completed my masters in finance from one of the top 10 B-schools of India with a GPA of 6.96 out of 7.

My concern is: Will my undergraduate score be considered or will my masters score be considered? I had secured a perfect 7/7 GPA on all the subjects except for the Dissertation.
How will these impact my chances at M7 or T10? Especially H/S/W?
If this may help, I am the batch topper in my masters.
I have quite a lot of extracurricular activities.

Awaiting your inputs.

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

Vinit800HBS : Your undergraduate GPA will no doubt play a role, and a more important one that your masters degree. I obviously don't know what you mean by "low," so feel free to clarify here, in a DM or through a free consultation with us. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ The schools will take your masters degree GPA into account as far as evaluating your technical prowess, but it will be weighted significantly less than your undergraduate GPA. Since 99.99% of MBAs must have undergraduate degrees to qualify for an MBA, it is a more universal measure of comparison for candidates even if the GPA systems are vastly different. A fraction of candidates will have a graduate degree. How is your GMAT/GRE? As I'm sure you know, that is one of the most blatant ways to balance out a low GPA. Even if you have a great score, make sure you beef up your application by discussing hopefully strong extracurricular experiences and impressive work accomplishments. -Admissionado

bb · Answer

UK Degree GPA for HBS

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards