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04 Jan 2015, 22:04
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey so just a quick question, I won't be applying for a couple years (just now getting started on GMAT) but I have seen when someone typically has a low GPA for the programs they're applying (mine is at the bottom of the 80% range for my reach schools and not from an ivy) it might be a good idea to explain in an optional essay contributing factors to the low GPA.
I don't have one big single factor and I'm afraid it will just seem like complaining more than actual excuses once I get writing it so I'm wondering if it's better to maybe pick a couple and play them up or if I really would be better off listing the things?
For example:
I was in a school play and had a part time job on and off again throughout school
I came from a high school where I almost NEVER had to put time in out of class to ace everything and I had to adjust
I had 4 surgeries in 3 years (not a great story just 2 ACL's and 2 shoulder injuries but they definitely made it hard to get into the swing of things during semesters).
Had a lifelong/childhood friend die middle of first semester sophomore year, first death of someone close to me and it kind of made me lose focus during the rest of that semester as well as the majority of the second semester.
So the essence of the question is, is it better to pick a couple bigger things, just one big thing that may have affected me more, or list them out like that as long as it's done in a way that doesn't seem like I'm just whining about it?
I'd really appreciate any input thanks!
I don't have one big single factor and I'm afraid it will just seem like complaining more than actual excuses once I get writing it so I'm wondering if it's better to maybe pick a couple and play them up or if I really would be better off listing the things?
For example:
I was in a school play and had a part time job on and off again throughout school
I came from a high school where I almost NEVER had to put time in out of class to ace everything and I had to adjust
I had 4 surgeries in 3 years (not a great story just 2 ACL's and 2 shoulder injuries but they definitely made it hard to get into the swing of things during semesters).
Had a lifelong/childhood friend die middle of first semester sophomore year, first death of someone close to me and it kind of made me lose focus during the rest of that semester as well as the majority of the second semester.
So the essence of the question is, is it better to pick a couple bigger things, just one big thing that may have affected me more, or list them out like that as long as it's done in a way that doesn't seem like I'm just whining about it?
I'd really appreciate any input thanks!
08 Jan 2015, 00:24
Kudos
Bookmarks
redfield
Hey,
Well, you might be jumping the gun here a bit. I mean, since you are applying in a couple of years, you don't yet know how your GPA looks in comparison with the GPA of the average student. Meaning, will you be applying to HBS with a 3.1 or you applying to Georgetown. It makes a difference of course. What I'd say is that this is not something you need to start thinking about now.
Instead, ask yourself: what can I DO to offset this? And there are plenty of things: Like further studies or coursework, like acing your GMAT, like getting other certifications that are relevant... basically doing anything that will SHOW that you are real smart.
And I think it's probably worth your while to focus more on this than to start thinking about a potential optional essay at this point.
Best,
Jon
08 Jan 2015, 04:10
Kudos
Bookmarks
redfield
Just to add to the above - i had a slightly similar position in that my undergrad GPA wasn't great as 1st and 2nd year results were poor - I was playing high level of sport and working part time but there were a number of other factors also.
Jon's advice is great - you need to balance this when you have the full picture on application and getting a huge GMAT score will offset GPA concerns. I would definitely avoid some of the reasons such as the lack of required effort at high school and possibly the death of your friend unless you can find a good way to work that in to your essays. Having a mass of reasons will be difficult to fit into the word count succinctly and with enough discussion to evoke empathy from the adcoms. Having the school play, a part time job and a few surgeries and trying to balance all this with academics is enough, as you found getting the right balance difficult. More importantly you will need to express how these challenges have taught you how to ensure you maximize the MBA and prioritize your time to ensure your success.
If you listen to Jon and undertake further studies/coursework or other certifications - CFA etc then the GPA issue will only be a question of the average for rankings rather than of your academic ability.
