Low Undergrad GPA-Building New Transcript-Which Classes?

Question

Hello,

I'm currently preparing to apply to B-school and my undergraduate GPA is lower than average for top-tier business school applicants. I double majored in economics and an interdisciplinary degree (renewable energy) from a Midwest public university. I was very involved in political organizations (congressional internships etc) and my lack of commitment to my studies led to an overall 3.03 GPA.

I'm looking at taking 1-2 courses to build another transcript to demonstrate that the student I was in the classroom years ago does not reflect both my intellect and work ethic today. Any advice on specific courses that could help demonstrate this? I was wondering if finance/math courses from Coursea, with a certificate of completion would put the adcomms minds at ease?

Any info/constructive suggestions would be helpful.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there,
Well every strength in your profile helps, because it will be considered holistically. But right now, r.e. the GPA, the best thing you can do is kick ass on the GMAT. So rather than math/finance courses, concentrate your energies on that.

Best,
JF

PaulBodine · Answer

WindyCity2016, A higher than median GMAT score is the best medicine for a low GPA, but *in addition to* a high GMAT, you could take courses in statistics and financial accounting. Coursera is OK but higher value would be something like HBS's HBX CORe and perhaps MBAMath.com. Also, use the optional essay to explain for congressional internship; that context does help, as would an upward GPA trend. --Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, www.admitify.com/outcomes

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

I agree that a high GMAT score is most important to offset the GPA. Assuming you know that and will already do what you can to get there (send me an email if you want advice on how to get there scott@personalmbacoach.com) then quant courses are usually the best. Honestly this depends partly on what courses you performed worst in. The best place to take them is with an institution. There is so much online that you really need university credibility behind whatever you take. As long as you get an A, the exact school is somewhat less important (although of course the more reputable the school is the better it will look). Good luck! Best, Scott

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

Agree with the advices above, focus on the GMAT, scoring above the average of your target schools will be the best way to mitigate your GPA concerns. You may also use the optional essay to address potential concerns about your academic capability by highlighting work accomplishments that would display your analytical abilities.

Wish you all the best!

Wish you all the best!

VantagePointMBA · Answer

Hi there - since you have time, I would go for a more recognized institution like the Berkeley extension online classes, etc. UNC and BYU also offer online accounting courses that my clients have enjoyed. I would recommend that you take the classes even if you get a high GMAT because if you're shooting for the top schools, everything helps (showing you went the extra mile). They want to see that you can perform in the classroom, so get a perfect score from a good institution and prove it to them

In addition, you definitely need to write an optional essay explaining how you're mitigating your low GPA. Best to be direct. My firm offers a free 30 minute consult if you want to chat more. I've had a lot of clients throughout the years successfully mitigate lower GPAs (meredith@vantagepointadmissions.com). Best of luck!

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Unless you have a specific weakness in the quant area, your time is much better spent on the GMAT. I realize that you want to show that you have a good "work ethic" but taking Coursera classes is unlikely to catapult you to Stanford. Demonstrate your work ethic by killing the GMAT.

If you have grades below a B in specific math-related courses, I would recommend MBA Math' they send the transcripts directly to your schools of interest. At least you have a good reason for a sub-par GPA - doing congressional internships is far better explanation than an excess of beer pong. It's over a 3.0 and thank goodness for that. Given that you excel in other areas, I don't see this as a fatal obstacle.

On the whole, turn your attention to areas of the application that are more within your locus of control - ramping it up with community service involvement, establishing leadership and teamwork stores for essays, LORs, and your resume. My blog entries on preparing for Round 1 might be helpful to you.

Best, 
Farrell

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