Waitlisted - Low GPA

Question

Even with my low undergrad GPA I managed to get on the waitlist at Kellogg. Now I'm working on convincing them to admit me. Luckily I live in Chicago and can take a class at Northwestern, if I so choose.

My question comes down to what paints the better picture for an adcom?

I could take a spring Finance course at Northwestern that ends in early June. Or I could take a finance and economics class at the City College of Chicago this summer ending in early August.

Any advice or thoughts would be great.

Thanks!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Congrats on getting on the waitlist. You are not there yet, but that is a sign you are close. The earlier class at Northwestern would be better, but I would really need to know more about your profile to recommend whether that is the best thing for you or not. Feel free to send me an email to discuss further: scott@personalmbacoach.com The first question (of many) that comes to mind is what was your GMAT score? Showing an improved GMAT is more powerful than any extra class. Of course the usual recommendation to show what else has improved about your profile is still relevant (more leadership experience at work, extra-curricular accomplishments etc). Best, Scott

chicojuarz · Answer

Thanks for the feedback.

GMAT is 750 so I'm not sure how much more upward mobility I have there.

I plan on discussing my poor GPA <3.0 in an update letter and placing some emphasis on global brands I've supported in my work. I realized it was lacking in my resume as I focused on technologies.

Just gotta get over that hump!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Ok in that case, there is no need to retake the GMAT. The additional class can help, but showing your experience in a different light will also help. Good luck and reach out if you want a more thorough review.

Best,
Scott

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Congrats. Before answering your question, I wanted to offer that most of my Chicago clients who get waitlisted at Booth or Kellogg get in if they withdraw from the waitlist at apply for part-time. Might consider applying PT at Booth.

With regards your question, are you sure that grades are what put you on the waitlist? Very likely, but I would get an outside perspective on that. The overriding goal is to demonstrate that you can handle the work. I would focus on the GMAT if there's any room for opportunity there. MBA math can form the basis of a secondary transcript, alternatively. I don't think taking a class or two is going to wash away an entire undergrad transcript, but good grades in quant classes would help if that's the problem. A longer-term solution would be the Harvard Strategic management certificate, comprised of six classes that you take in Boston. So that gives them a more robust feeling for your ability to handle academic coursework and also gives you exposure to in-person team work.

Often candidates get very caught up in trying to remedy their weaknesses in the application process, and forget to leverage their strengths, demonstrate their uniqueness, and showcase what they would bring to the class that no one else could. When you write your update letter, don't just focus on being good enough but exceptional- how you would add diversity to the class, and how that would enrich the MBA experience for your colleagues.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there,
So getting on waitlist is a first step. Honestly, you can shelve that idea about taking a course, because it's not that that will fundamentally change your profile and convince them. Instead think of what ELSE you can do to show improvement since you applied (workplace or volunteer or elsewhere). If you also have another potential recommender which could add an interesting angle to your application that could be something to do. Since you are in Chicago, you can also consider a visit, and maybe even an interview with an AdCom member (which you might request... but of course only if you have something to tell them).

Best,
Jon

chicojuarz · Answer

Thanks all. I was definitely getting a little lost focusing on my weaknesses. I'm taking a finance class, if for no other reason than I wasnt a business major and a little extra wont hurt. But I'm definitely rethinking my approach to my waitlist update.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I agree with the above given your high GMAT the school should be relatively confident you can handle the work so I do think its not a bad idea to take that finance class accentuating your strengths via additional recommendations, work updates, and reinforcements of your interest in the program. Good Luck!

Waitlisted - Low GPA

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards