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SQ17
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. 08 Jun 2021, 04:21
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do MBA programs focus on your cumulative GPA or your major GPA?

Context:
-I wasn't very focused in my first two years (started undergrad at 17 years old) hence that brought my cumulative GPA down
-Cumulative GPA: 3.32, Major GPA (Business Administration): 3.73
-I am 30yo with 8 years of work XP - currently at a top tier management consulting firm (feeder for many top programs) with a couple of promotions under my belt
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. 08 Jun 2021, 05:19
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SQ17
When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do MBA programs focus on your cumulative GPA or your major GPA?

Context:
-I wasn't very focused in my first two years (started undergrad at 17 years old) hence that brought my cumulative GPA down
-Cumulative GPA: 3.32, Major GPA (Business Administration): 3.73
-I am 30yo with 8 years of work XP - currently at a top tier management consulting firm (feeder for many top programs) with a couple of promotions under my belt
Show more

Hello SQ17,

Well, ideally, schools would consider your overall GPA; having said that, you can always address the reason for a low GPA in the Optional Essay for the school you are applying to; on a side note, you haven't quite shared your GMAT score; a high GMAT score can definitely help offset your GPA to an extent.

All the best!
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SQ17
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Schools: LBS '24 (I) IESE '24 (A) Stern '24 (D)
GMAT 1: 720 Q48 V40
GPA: 3.2
Schools: LBS '24 (I) IESE '24 (A) Stern '24 (D)
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Posts: 113
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. 08 Jun 2021, 05:30
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Thanks for your response.

I'm still in the preparation phase and haven't taken my GMAT however I am aiming for 670+.
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. 08 Jun 2021, 06:18
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SQ17
Thanks for your response.

I'm still in the preparation phase and haven't taken my GMAT however I am aiming for 670+.
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Hi SQ17,

Good to learn of your preparation.

We'd say aim for a much higher score. :-) Fortunately, you still have time at hand before the Round 1 applications take off. :-)
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. Updated on: 12 Jun 2021, 03:25
Originally posted by TheRedPen on 09 Jun 2021, 10:33.
Last edited by TheRedPen on 12 Jun 2021, 03:25, edited 2 times in total.
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SQ17
When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do MBA programs focus on your cumulative GPA or your major GPA?

Context:
-I wasn't very focused in my first two years (started undergrad at 17 years old) hence that brought my cumulative GPA down
-Cumulative GPA: 3.32, Major GPA (Business Administration): 3.73
-I am 30yo with 8 years of work XP - currently at a top tier management consulting firm (feeder for many top programs) with a couple of promotions under my belt
Show more

This is a very interesting question, SQ17!

Your cumulative GPA may not be a liability depending on the school you are targeting. For example, a reputed program like Georgetown (McDonough) had an average GPA of 3.31 in 2019.

Admission committee members tend to be somewhat forgiving of early transgressions. Therefore you might not have as much to worry about if the GPA was high in the final two years. The admissions committee also reviews your transcript in detail to understand subject selection besides just the overall GPA. So, if you have taken rigorous courses, the admission committee will take that into account. Over and above your GPA, the Adcoms will also give you brownie points if the nature of the work is analytical.
To be on the safer side, aim for a GMAT score that is above the class average.
What you should work on is differentiating your profile from other top tier management consulting firms through essays.
If you would like to discuss your profile in further detail, please email us at team.mba@theredpen.in with your resume attached.
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When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do B-Schools focus on.. 11 Jun 2021, 13:01
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Hi SQ17,

Schools review cumulative GPAs. However, a high GMAT will help to outweigh your 3.32. The specific score you should aim for depends on what programs you are targeting.

Keep in mind that demographic factors in as well. Depending on your demographic, you may want an even higher score to offset your GPA. Of course, this is all individualized.

In addition, taking graduate-level courses can show your ability to succeed academically in a way a GMAT may not show. GMAT is most important but once you reach your full potential, showing extra courses is often advised.

Personal MBA Coach regularly works with applicants who have low GPAs and get into top programs by acing the GMAT and putting together strong applications. Take a look at our services and feel free to reach out to scott@personalmbacoach.com if you are looking for guidance here!

Best,
Personal MBA Coach

SQ17
When it comes to undergraduate GPA, do MBA programs focus on your cumulative GPA or your major GPA?

Context:
-I wasn't very focused in my first two years (started undergrad at 17 years old) hence that brought my cumulative GPA down
-Cumulative GPA: 3.32, Major GPA (Business Administration): 3.73
-I am 30yo with 8 years of work XP - currently at a top tier management consulting firm (feeder for many top programs) with a couple of promotions under my belt
Show more