What Range of GMAT scores do you have to get to offset a low GPA?

Question

Hey Everyone,

I apologize if this has been asked before, unfortunately, GMAT and GPA are too short/common to search.

I was wondering what GMAT score I would need to score to offset a low GPA? I realize that this is a rather broad question and I understand that an MBA application is about more than these two components but, all else being equal, what GMAT scores would you need if you had a 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. Let's assume I'm applying to a top 10 business program and there's no good reason for the low GPA. I do realize that what I'm asking is very broad a depends on numerous factors. I'm just trying to get a sense of the range of scores and whether they are achievable. Am I looking at 750+ or are there no scores that would offset this?

abhimahna · Answer

Hey brocoe , Welcome to GMATClub

Although there isn't any disclosure of how much GMAT one should get to offset the low GPA, I would say the higher the GMAT, the better are the chances. And yes, for the top 10 programs you mentioned, I would try my best to get that 750+ score and then can confidently explain the reason I got the low GPA. Here is another discussion that can help you understand the things better. All the best

Jerryphan · Answer

This is a good thing

ABatExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi brocoe , Thanks for writing in

Your query is definitely a bit subjective

However, if you are looking at the top 10 programs, a GMAT score upwards of 750 would really help. Basically, you must attempt to score as high as possible

Of course, once this is done, we will need to represent your case suitably in the Optional Essay and focus on how the GPA is not reflective of your overall academic potential. Should you need any other clarifications, feel free to write to us. All the best!

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hey brocoe,
Seems you already know this, but you want to hear the definitive word...

1) If you can get 750+ GMAT scores, any justification/ explanation/ excuse you give for your low GPA is taken seriously. The lower your GMAT score gets, the stronger the belief in you being "less than" what they need.
2) It may help you to know, regardless of GPAs, the top 10 require 730+ from nearly everyone. (unless you were a female from the remotest regions of Africa/under-represented... you get the drift)
3) Even if someone did tell you a score, please understand that is the MINIMUM. You are advised to go for scores that are higher.

Hope that helps..

abhinavchitre13 · Answer

Does 10 years of work with 6 years of work ex in PM in senior position offset the low GPA of 2.3 ??

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

abhinavchitre13 : Unfortunately, such experience does not offset a low GPA. GPA might not matter AS much for an older, more experienced candidate but it still plays a role. How did you do on the GMAT and/or GRE? That's your best chance to offset. Also, with 10 years of experience, you are now considered an "older" candidate, which could become a (negative) factor for full-time MBA programs. If you are ~32 you should generally be fine, but you will definitely be on the higher end of experience for admission. That's just something to keep in mind. You might want to consider (waiting for) the EMBA programs. GPA will matter way less and your experience will work towards your benefit. Ping us if we can help further, Admissionado https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

abhinavchitre13 · Answer

I aim to get around 150 in EA and 750 in GMAT. Will that help ??

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

abhinavchitre13 :

Yes, for the full-time MBA a 750 on the GMAT will help. It would help pretty much anyone!

Will it be enough to balance out a low GPA? That's not clear. The AdCom of every school will tell you that evaluate your entire application and never make promises about a certain GMAT/GRE score impacting another component of your profile. It's all "taken into consideration."

The EA score will not really matter. It's more of an EMBA evaluation tool, not one for the full-time MBA.

Lastly, it depends to which school you apply. Some are more lenient when it comes to GPA than others. You might want to look at that too when building your list.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey, abhinavchitre13

Thanks for your post!

Now, to answer your questions,

You would need to compensate for your low GPA with a high GMAT score (750) and also be ready with a practical explanation for your low GPA. Your work experience will help you cover some of your profile's shortcomings. Thus, make sure to present your experience in the best possible way to AdComs, covering all your major learnings and, most importantly, your contributions to the company.

We hope this helps!😇

For a further discussion about your profile in length, we are happy to schedule a call with you sometime this week. So feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: [email protected]

abhinavchitre13

I aim to get around 150 in EA and 750 in GMAT. Will that help ??

Posted from my mobile device

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  abhinavchitre13 ,

Hope this finds you well.

Broadly, a higher GMAT helps offset a low GPA; so a 750 will help; however, it would be worthwhile to:
a) Check your eligibility with the Ad Com.
b) Inlcude reasoning for your low GPA (without making it sound like an excuse).

Good luck!

MBAGuide · Answer

abhinavchitre13  hope this finds you well

The two factors that will most likely determine whether or not you are selected for an MBA program are the strength/ distinctiveness of your profile and reasonable evidence that you can handle the program's demanding academic requirements.

In order to demonstrate that you will be able to do the latter, as an Indian applicant you must target attaining an almost perfect score on the Quant section (Think 50-51). This will show that you are at par with the quantitative abilities of the Indian demographic at the Top B schools in the world. Except for some extremely competitive top 10-15 schools in the USA, most B schools are relatively considerate of your verbal scores and will consider you strongly even if your performance in the verbal section is the sole reason for pulling down your overall score. This is especially true for the EU/UK schools that put a lot of emphasis on curating a diverse class with exceptional and unusual profiles for most of whom English is not the native tongue.

Regarding compensating your GPA, provide the school with a plausible reason for your weak academic performance. Further, provide them with examples of how you made up for this lag over the years and came across with flying colors, as substantiated in your professional growth. As a PM, you may have worked on analytical case studies and courses that will help you create a strong case for this. Make use of the optional essay to chalk out a case with strong examples of improvement.

Best wishes

What Range of GMAT scores do you have to get to offset a low GPA?

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