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05 Aug 2022, 18:43
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What are some ways to rectify low GPA? I see MBAMath and HBS CORe mentioned here a lot, but they dont really change or boost the GPA, do they? For context here's where I stand and few other questions:
Graduated from a UC in mathematics with 2.15 GPA; I transferred there from a community college and my GPA was 2.98. So is my real undergrad GPA the weighted avg of both or just 2.15? If then my GPA is 2.5 (actually 2.63, but I'm not sure if I'm calculating it correctly, so I under-counted earned hours to arrive at 2.5 for a worst case scenario)
I recently completed GMAT and scored 760 on my second attempt.
WE: I worked 1 yr as junior is a small software sales firm in their sales engineering team, 1 year in a fintech company (public) in operations and 2.5 years (still employed) in another fintech/alternative investment start up in their operations team as well.
Based on the above how do I go about boosting my GPA? I'm applying for 2024 programs, so I have time to work on things since I completed and feel satisfied with my GMAT score.
Would taking few classes in accounting in a UC extensions or community college help bring up my GPA? Or should I just work on HBS CORe or MBAMath in the mean time. I do have time to complete both if need be, I know I'm going to have to shell out some $$$ but it is what it is, gotta pay the dues for being directionless and depressed in undergrad.
Graduated from a UC in mathematics with 2.15 GPA; I transferred there from a community college and my GPA was 2.98. So is my real undergrad GPA the weighted avg of both or just 2.15? If then my GPA is 2.5 (actually 2.63, but I'm not sure if I'm calculating it correctly, so I under-counted earned hours to arrive at 2.5 for a worst case scenario)
I recently completed GMAT and scored 760 on my second attempt.
WE: I worked 1 yr as junior is a small software sales firm in their sales engineering team, 1 year in a fintech company (public) in operations and 2.5 years (still employed) in another fintech/alternative investment start up in their operations team as well.
Based on the above how do I go about boosting my GPA? I'm applying for 2024 programs, so I have time to work on things since I completed and feel satisfied with my GMAT score.
Would taking few classes in accounting in a UC extensions or community college help bring up my GPA? Or should I just work on HBS CORe or MBAMath in the mean time. I do have time to complete both if need be, I know I'm going to have to shell out some $$$ but it is what it is, gotta pay the dues for being directionless and depressed in undergrad.
06 Aug 2022, 14:32
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Hi. Welcome to GMAT Club!
Undergrad GPA is a tricky item. I would use the highest number you get (in your case I would average the GPA for the 4 years and perhaps address it in the optional essay and explain the reasons for your GPA to go down - e.g. I had to work or some other reason). Since your GPA is that low - 2.14, I think you may be well served in building an alternative transcript to demonstrate you can be taught and you are committed. I usually don't recommend doing it but with 2.14 it is a bit low.
The traditional way to counter the low GPA is usually by trying to get the highest GMAT Score you can and if you have not started on that, it will be tricky to try to do a transcript or HBS Core, work, and do applications at the same time but since you are planning ahead, you may as well. I would recommend thinking strategically and not just retake calculus, French, and chemistry but instead see what can be helpful for you more immediately - perhaps take something that would benefit you in the current career, would be applicable, and have personal interest in it. It is always a lot better if you can have additional value add and motivation. Otherwise, it just one of those things you do that you have to do and that's not helpful. It is also a better story when you can say - I took these courses to help in my career, and help offset my GPA instead of saying - I did it only so that you can see I can take a class and get a good grade and it is worthless otherwise. A lot of about the application is how it fits into the bigger picture and how you position it and leverage it. The more angles you have, the more options you have, the more versatile your profile is, and the more opportunities and choices you have.
E.g. If in your current role, you are not able to use any of the classes, skills you are gaining, you can start thinking about the pivot you want to make and the reason for the MBA and demonstrate your commitment to that area/field. I would also talk to some folks who are attending your current schools and see if you can connect with people who have travelled this journey.
1. We have a few low-gpa success stories documented over the years. Some are pretty old: https://gmatclub.com/forum/low-undergra ... 79977.html
2. We are launching a new product on Monday - here is a sneak peek to connect with current students and get a peek at their applications and their stories:
https://gmatclub.com/mbaappstore/ross-m ... on-50.html
Undergrad GPA is a tricky item. I would use the highest number you get (in your case I would average the GPA for the 4 years and perhaps address it in the optional essay and explain the reasons for your GPA to go down - e.g. I had to work or some other reason). Since your GPA is that low - 2.14, I think you may be well served in building an alternative transcript to demonstrate you can be taught and you are committed. I usually don't recommend doing it but with 2.14 it is a bit low.
The traditional way to counter the low GPA is usually by trying to get the highest GMAT Score you can and if you have not started on that, it will be tricky to try to do a transcript or HBS Core, work, and do applications at the same time but since you are planning ahead, you may as well. I would recommend thinking strategically and not just retake calculus, French, and chemistry but instead see what can be helpful for you more immediately - perhaps take something that would benefit you in the current career, would be applicable, and have personal interest in it. It is always a lot better if you can have additional value add and motivation. Otherwise, it just one of those things you do that you have to do and that's not helpful. It is also a better story when you can say - I took these courses to help in my career, and help offset my GPA instead of saying - I did it only so that you can see I can take a class and get a good grade and it is worthless otherwise. A lot of about the application is how it fits into the bigger picture and how you position it and leverage it. The more angles you have, the more options you have, the more versatile your profile is, and the more opportunities and choices you have.
E.g. If in your current role, you are not able to use any of the classes, skills you are gaining, you can start thinking about the pivot you want to make and the reason for the MBA and demonstrate your commitment to that area/field. I would also talk to some folks who are attending your current schools and see if you can connect with people who have travelled this journey.
1. We have a few low-gpa success stories documented over the years. Some are pretty old: https://gmatclub.com/forum/low-undergra ... 79977.html
2. We are launching a new product on Monday - here is a sneak peek to connect with current students and get a peek at their applications and their stories:
https://gmatclub.com/mbaappstore/ross-m ... on-50.html
07 Aug 2022, 12:12
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AmericanLager:
Appreciate the post. Responding to your questions:
Q: So is my real undergrad GPA the weighted avg of both or just 2.15
A: It's likely a combination of the two. I wouldn't worry too much about this because you will to submit all this information and the school will calculate what they believe to be your "true" GPA based on their own formula. This is similar to what happens to foreign applicants who have different GPAs than in the US. You can't control this so just share the information and follow the school's directions.
Q: Based on the above how do I go about boosting my GPA?
A: Unfortunately, you can't boost your GPA. It is set. What you can do is try to mitigate the effect it will play on your application. Your 760 on the GMAT is brilliant. That will help a lot. Taking extra courses, as you listed, is not helpful. At best it shows you are eager to learn but it won't outweigh an undergraduate GPA. The grading systems aren't appropriate for what the AdComs are evaluating. Other than that, focus on demonstrating your excellence at work. That will carry a lot of weight. Lastly, you can write about your GPA in the optional essay and explain why you feel it is not an appropriate indicator of your ability to handle the academic rigors of the MBA program.
Q: Would taking few classes in accounting in a UC extensions or community college help bring up my GPA? Or should I just work on HBS CORe or MBAMath in the mean time.
A: As noted above, our professional opinion is that this will not be worth your time or money. You should take these courses because you want to learn, not to affect your GPA.
Hope that helps. My team and I are happy to discuss this with you in more detail. The link to a free consultation is below:
https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
-Admissionado
Appreciate the post. Responding to your questions:
Q: So is my real undergrad GPA the weighted avg of both or just 2.15
A: It's likely a combination of the two. I wouldn't worry too much about this because you will to submit all this information and the school will calculate what they believe to be your "true" GPA based on their own formula. This is similar to what happens to foreign applicants who have different GPAs than in the US. You can't control this so just share the information and follow the school's directions.
Q: Based on the above how do I go about boosting my GPA?
A: Unfortunately, you can't boost your GPA. It is set. What you can do is try to mitigate the effect it will play on your application. Your 760 on the GMAT is brilliant. That will help a lot. Taking extra courses, as you listed, is not helpful. At best it shows you are eager to learn but it won't outweigh an undergraduate GPA. The grading systems aren't appropriate for what the AdComs are evaluating. Other than that, focus on demonstrating your excellence at work. That will carry a lot of weight. Lastly, you can write about your GPA in the optional essay and explain why you feel it is not an appropriate indicator of your ability to handle the academic rigors of the MBA program.
Q: Would taking few classes in accounting in a UC extensions or community college help bring up my GPA? Or should I just work on HBS CORe or MBAMath in the mean time.
A: As noted above, our professional opinion is that this will not be worth your time or money. You should take these courses because you want to learn, not to affect your GPA.
Hope that helps. My team and I are happy to discuss this with you in more detail. The link to a free consultation is below:
https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
-Admissionado
