Low GPA + high gmat + good (?) work experience = ???

Question

Stats-

Gmat: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 2.65 (see username) 
Major: Dual major computer science and cognitive science
College: non HYP ivy
WE: 2 years technology consulting at a well known company
Alternative transcript: Took extension classes from UCLA and aced them all.

Reason for bad GPA: I'm not sure if this qualifies as a good excuse, but I was an athlete in college. We never really had an "off" season and practiced 20+ hours per week 6 out of 9 months of the academic year. Me being young and naive, I thought I could manage not just an engineering major but also a liberal arts major in addition to D1 athletics. I was never able to successfully ping pong ball from morning practice to hard computer science classes, back to afternoon practice and then home to study. Any advice on how to spin this?

ECs: I volunteer at an organization that teaches computer programming to underrepresented high school kids, and we aim to foster enthusiasm about software development.

Goal of MBA: not really fleshed out at all because I'm probably a good 2-3 years from applying anywhere, but I'd like to use an MBA to become a technology manager, leveraging my existing knowledge of computer technology to do so.

So what is my ceiling here? Do I have any chance at Ross or Fuqua? Also I'm a white male.

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear MyGPASucks , I'm happy to respond. :-)

I'm a GMAT Expert, not an Admission Consultant, so I can't give detailed advice or comment about your chances at individual schools. I will contribute my two cents. I would recommend contacting an Admission Consultant for those more detailed questions. B-school is trying to answer a few questions about each candidate. One question is intellectual ability: does this applicant have the raw brain processing power to handle what we want them to do? Basically, a GMAT of 750 is a loud "YES" to this question. Clearly, you have the brains to handle business school. In your interview/essay, it wouldn't hurt to spin the "I've grown up so much" line---you thought you could handle sports + double-major when you were younger---you were more ambitious than realistic. Some B-schools might like to see the ambition. Reaching and not quite succeeding is considerably more impressive than playing it safe. Here's what I would suggest. Between now and the time that you apply, become a business news junkie. Especially in the particular work fields that most interest you, learn as much as you possibly can know. Read a book or two about economics of the particular fields in which you want to work. If you can walk into your interview citing facts and statistics and models and current trends in the market, you will stand out from the legions of others who simply say, " well, I jumped through the hoops and now I want to make a truckload of money ." Do everything you can to develop business-sense intelligence, because ultimately that's worth much more than book intelligence to the folks at business school. Finally, remember that vision and passion trump everything. If you believe in your vision so deeply, so passionately, that you can get other people excited when you talk about it, then that is worth its weight in gold. Of course, you can't fake that: that has to come directly from the heart. Live from your passion and your deep sense of purpose, and doors will open for you. Does all make sense? Mike :-)

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thanks for your post. From what I see here, you do have a shot at some good programs, including Ross and Fuqua among others. The alternative courses and the 750 will go a long way. What consulting firm are you at? Well known is good, but the particular firm will have an impact as well. Feel free to send me an email to discuss further: scott@personalmbacoach.com As a former consultant who helps a lot of consultants each year, I can say you should be alright. The top schools will be tougher given your GPA, but if you play your cards right and have a strong application, you should do alright. I helped applicants this year get into M7 schools (including HBS) with grades at or below 3.0. Best, Scott

dtse86 · Answer

I don't think anyone in existence is qualified to tell anyone else what their "ceiling" is

But honestly, I think that mikemcgarry had excellent points. As long as you can show passion, drive, and maturity, you'll be just fine. Your high GMAT definitely ticks off the "intelligence" box, the rest is up to you and how you portray yourself in the application so that you stand out to the adcom as someone that will add to both the class and the overall school's community. When you're ready to apply, make sure that you have a solid plan of how you're going to utilize your MBA and that your post-MBA career aspirations are in line of what's feasible from that school. Be specific (perhaps list companies or firms that you'll likely recruit for) and show that you've done your research. From what you've described so far, it doesn't seem like it'll be much of an issue for you. Also, make sure you have a compelling reason for choosing and applying to the schools that you want to attend. Ross and Fuqua are fine schools, but very different. Aside from that, job well done! Getting a GMAT that high while staying involved with so many other activities, must have been difficult! :gl

and let us know how it goes

MyGPASucks · Answer

I think I definitely have the passion and drive mentioned in this thread, albeit a distinct lack of vision of what to do with my career in the short to mid term. To be honest I'd probably be applying to MBA programs a lot sooner if not for my undergrad GPA, but oh well. I guess I don't have a distinct story yet anyways.

I work at IBM Global Business services. I know that everyone has heard of IBM but I'm unsure about the connotation for business schools. I get promoted next January but after that I'll likely be looking elsewhere for a job, unless I can get involved with one of the cooler service lines at IBM (ex. watson). The issue I currently face is that I won't want to lose a brand name for a company that adcoms would have never heard of, but also can't see myself at IBM long term unless there is a drastic change.

Low GPA + high gmat + good (?) work experience = ???

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