Lack of Quant Courses on Undergrad Transcript

Question

Hey everyone,

I'm reading through the forum here and I notice a pretty similar pattern with everyone. Perhaps not surprisingly, many applicants seem to have a Quant focus/major/minor on their academic record. I'm starting to worry about my transcript, which had no math or econ classes after sophomore year. I graduated with a 3.4 from a top Communications school in the country (you can probably figure out which one). I've been working since the day I graduated in my field of study, but that's sports production (for a major-market team), not business or IT.

I took 3 Quant classes in undergrad: got an A in Calculus, an A- in Modern Mathematics, and an A in Probability and Statistics. Do you guys feel I need to explain this in one of my essays? I'm hoping the quality grades in these few courses will outweigh the quantity of the classes.

rgupta83 · Answer

I do not necessarily think you need to call this our in an essay. Maybe just touch on it in the optional essay. I think the concern would be the lower Quant score on the GMAT coupled with your light quant load (Although I think your load was the same as most ug business majors at my school) might raise concerns. Are you going to re-take the GMAT or are you satisfied with your score? I think the combination is a bit of a red flag you might want to get in front of.

I have nothing to reference except from what I have seen on these forums and my interactions with some adcom members through various events. Hope this helps.

I have nothing to reference except from what I have seen on these forums and my interactions with some adcom members through various events. Hope this helps.

nymets5786 · Answer

Oh I'm definitely taking the GMAT again. Well aware my Quant score is too low. I know I'm better than that, just need to prove it on the test. I expect a 43 or above when I retake in 8 weeks.

rgupta83 · Answer

I would say if you can get your quant score up on the GMAT it is a non-factor. You took similar classes to most business majors maybe just 1 or 2 classes less. Good luck btw!

hello212 · Answer

I'm curious (and can't guess) -- what's the top communications school in the country?

nymets5786 · Answer

Haha, I didn't say "top", but one of them. I went to Syracuse, where the Newhouse School is very well-respected in the communications industry. Are we #1? I think Northwestern would beg to differ if 'Cuse was #1 or not, but I'd definitely say Top 5.

ex21 · Answer

Syracuse has a very strong communications school. I thought you were pretty highly ranked, at least when I was in high school.

Admissionado · Answer

To answer your original question.... naaaaaah, don't waste an essay on it. Three courses is fine. If you bring it up in an essay it will just bring attention to a relatively nitpicky point. The best thing is to just get q good quant score on your GMAT.

losttraveler · Answer

Get GMAT quant to 47+ and ignore it.. on reason to explain further.. I only did up to calc 2 with stats.. granted I did have finance courses but really... using a financial calculator and memorizing formulas isn't that hard

Lack of Quant Courses on Undergrad Transcript

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