sportnut
Hello,
I have a somewhat inconsistent profile and was wondering what my chances would be for a top 25 school or specifically, UCLA/USC/UCSD?
Academics:
GPA: 2.37
GMAT: 720
I am currently taking courses for a CPA requirement with UCLA extension program and have a 3.4 GPA for 8 accounting classes.
I have passed Level 1 of a CFA exam.
Experience:
For the last 1.5 years I have founded three companies, two of which are live, and one is in production. Of the two that are live one is service side and one is a web based platform. I am currently the director for these three companies and CEO for two.
I wonder if I have sufficient work experience and high enough GMAT scores to offset my low GPA. Also, does it help at all that I am taking extension courses to offset this GPA?
Both the GMAT and the recent stronger grades will help you as you
apply with a low GPA, as well as your professional achievements, but I doubt they will help enough for UCLA. I am a little more optimistic about USC and UCSD.
A few factors that would further help you at all 3 schools:
- Provide an explanation of the circumstances that contributed to your low GPA. Assuming they no longer exist, you can make a stronger case for your GMAT and mroe recent grades being a better predictor of your b-school academic performance.
- Under-represented minority status.
I would encourage you to apply to these 3 programs, but perhaps also consider a 1-2 lower ranked programs as well.
Best,
Linda