I am currently thinking about going to grad school or bussiness can I get in?

Question

I have a 2.6 GPA and a double major Chemcial Engineering and Economics. I have done 2 interships with notable compaines (Honeywell, Pfizer), and done 3 years of lab research dealing with polymer diffusion, polymer kenitics, and Industrial Applications for one of my professors. GPA is low due to family issues and I had to pay my way through school. I now have about 30K saved up so I can focus on Grad School full time if I get in. Can I get into a graduate school for either Engineering or Business?

I have a 2.6 GPA and a double major Chemcial Engineering and Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have done 2 interships with notable compaines (Honeywell, Pfizer (both probly would hire me full time)), and done 3 years of lab research dealing with polymer diffusion, polymer kenitics, and Industrial Applications for one of my professors. GPA is low due to family issues and I had to pay my way through school. I now have about 30K saved up so I can focus on Grad School full time if I get in. Can I get into a graduate school for either Engineering or Business?

Answer 1

I was a ChE/Bio double major undergrad, with a 2.7 GPA, and I was able to get into top-25 grad schools (in ChE). Your GPA will definitely hurt you, but there are some schools that will weigh it less heavily. For engineering, you'll have to take the GRE, and you'll have to do well. That said, for an engineer, it's an easy test.

Don't make excuses for your GPA, but be able to explain why it was low. The graduate advisor's primary concern will be whether you can survive in grad school, so explain to them how your GPA was the result of a unique situation while you were an undergrad that has since been fixed. Also, highlight the work experience you have; schools don't want to admit career students. Have your career path, and how grad school figures into it, plotted in your head before talking to schools.

Any engineering PhD program should give you full scholarship and stipend (for TA or research). If you're willing, you can probably go to the graduate advisor at a given school and ask them for a deal - you'll pay for your first term of classes, and if your grades are high enough, they'll admit you with scholarship and stipend.

Answer 2

You can certainly get into a full time MBA program. The question is -- can you get into a good one?

Your GPA is a problem for you. You should address this issue. If, for example, your GPA in your majors is much higher than your overall GPA -- or if you did better or before you family troubles, you should point this out.

I got my MBA at Duke, my PhD in Business at Berkeley and have taught at MIT and Wharton. At each of these schools, there are several things that the admissions office cares about.

1. Grades -- you have a problem here

2. GMAT -- you need to get in the high 600s for top schools -- 700s would be better.

3. Quality of undergrad education. VCU isn't Harvard -- or even UVA or William and Mary -- but it is respectable. The double major is a plus -- bring this up in the essays.

4. Essays -- you need to nail these. Have someone you trust look at them. Address the grades issue here. Use spell checker (you need it)

5. Recomendations -- you need good ones from your bosses.

6. Work experience. I think you will be OK here.

7. Diversity. Diversity is big with the top B-Schools. If you are a minority, your grades will be less important (this might not make people happy -- but it is true). But race isn't the only thing that adds to diversity. I was 43 when I went back to school. Others have worked in an unusual field or have some odd talent. Anything about you that makes you stand out (in a good way) is something you need to bring out in your essays.

8. Interview. Wear a suit. Be polite. Don't be afraid to show personality or ask questions. Let them know that you are interested. The interview will be crucial for you.

There is one other thing that you can do before going back. You could take a class or two this Fall in evening school. If you do well, that is evidence that you can get higher grades.

Answer 3

US News & World Reports publishes a guide every year to grad schools. It tells which are the best for different fields (and then those ranked a bit lower) as well as their entrance requirements. There is a test called the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) that might be required if your GPA isn't quite good enough.
And, I have to ask, isn't the word "kinetics," not "kenitics"?

Answer 4

yes. if you have the drive, you can do it.

first of all, you have to decide if you want to do engineering or business. if you live in the Washington, DC area look into schools around the area and visit their information session.

I would consider the following schools for Engineering:
George Washington University
Virginia Tech (there's a Falls Church site)
George Mason

For an MBA consider:
John Hopkins University (it's not accreditted and thus easy to get in)
George Washington University

All these schools require some hoop jumping to get in, but it sounds like from your experience and interests, that you won't have a problem. Remember you have to take your GREs or GMATS. (Although some schools do not require them... i.e. GWU or JHU.)

Good luck with your decision. I know that whatever you choose, you will be able to get in.

Answer 5

with everything u have baby, u can do anything.!!! 2.6 is a higher C, alot of schools will accept u with a 2.0. u did good, lookin at u'r circumstances. and the fact they u were able to save up 30k is awesome as well, u really have me convinced. Just look at the schools u would like to enter into, call their main dept. and ask them who u should talk to about enrolling. they can answer all ur question u have regarding the acceptance of ur credits, grades, whatever. i dont know if u just really came here for a pat on ur back, but u truly get one from me. GOOD JOB BABE!!! ALOT OF PEOPLE CANT SAY THAT ABOUT THEMSELVES

Answer 6

GPA low, but two tough majors at the same time it is understandable. Internship and Lab experience will definitely go a long way, as well as good letters of reconmendations and solid GRE scores.

Answer 7

I have a friend that got into Harvard law with either a 2.0 or something like that.. she did great in LSAT and had outstanding recommendations.. etc..
grades while being important.. are not the only thing that's being considered here..