I have a BS in Accounting and over 8 years professional work experience. I am considering applying for admission to a top MBA program. My GMAT score is 717. The problem is that my undergraduate GPA is not very impressive; I graduated with only a 2.6 GPA. Will my GPA be an automatic disqualifier?
2007-11-26 05:27:48 · 10 answers · asked by Scott 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Scott,
The bottom line is you will not get into HBS or Columbia but you still have a shot at Tuck, Stern, and even Wharton. Most people applying for an MBA have less than 4 years of work experience you should leverage this point and your personal growth shown in your GMAT score. Couple this with good letters of recommendation and essay might seal the deal. I cannot urge you enough to meet with the advisors in person and let them see past then numbers and letters they usually uses to separate students. The net here is you will have to do more leg work to make up for your GPA but you have just as good of a shot of getting in as anyone else if you do so. Also, if you parents contribute to the Alumni associations this will not hurt your chances either....
2007-11-28 15:33:17 · answer #1 · answered by jay11954 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you consider a "top" MBA program to be. Are we talking Columbia, Wharton, Harvard....or top 25?
Realistically, the top 10 will be difficult. While it's not an automatic disqualifier, it definitely raises eyebrows. You will need to do a lot of explaining (without it sounding like BS) to the admissions committee. The only way you can make up for your GPA is to have truly stellar, solid experience. Do not assume that 8 years will be good enough; it's about quality rather than quantity.
2007-11-29 17:48:32 · answer #2 · answered by SCX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be realistic, your GPA is really too low for a top MBA program (top 10), and your GMAT score is basically the average, so it doesn't bring you up very much. I would look at top 25 schools at least, and you would have a chance with your work in accounting and assuming you have had some upward progression. What do you want--finance? Corporate finance would be a good fit, but Wall St. would be a stretch. Don't know where you live or if you want public or private, but there are options. You should get into the best school you can, obviously.
2007-11-26 07:09:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anna P 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Few things will automatically disqualify you, and your GMAT scores are great so that should balance things out a little.
That being said, the "top" MBA programs typically require a 700+ GMAT as well as a 3.5+ GPA. Your work experience should help, and it never hurts to apply, but I would imagine you will find better luck getting admitted to schools outside of the top 10.
2007-11-26 05:33:55 · answer #4 · answered by PC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most MBA programs consider three criteria: GPA, GMAT, and work experience. some calculate an index from the three items that they use as a minimum criterion. with a high GMAT and work experience, schools will probably discount a low GPA, especially if you indicate in your application letter than you were not serious in your youth but are capable, which your high gmat should show. Consult the Official MBA Guide to locate MBA programs that suit your situation best. It is a free service with over 2,000 programs worldwide. You can use it to send pre-applications to schools of your choice, and see how they respond.
2016-04-05 23:17:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wharton Mba Gpa
2016-10-18 07:55:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it will not. My undergrad GPA was only 2.8 and I got into a top 25 program. I also had an excuse (I was sick). My univ. docked for minuses so I really had a B- average. Your GMAT is excellent and that will carry a lot of weight. In your app where it asks if you have anything else to add you need to explain your low GPA. If you have no excuse, then you need to explain that your low GPA has not been an indicator of your professional performance and that you've always gotten good performance reviews, been promoted, etc.
2007-11-26 05:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by Sharp Marble 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your undergrad GPA is not the most important factor, and your grades will not weigh against you as compared to your work experience and grad tests. Where you got your BA and its academic standing is itself a mitigating factor. Your letters of reference are very important.
You should feel confident in applying.
2007-11-26 05:37:22 · answer #8 · answered by fallenaway 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say... very close to 4
2007-11-26 05:31:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
2.9 i think or better
2007-11-26 05:30:24 · answer #10 · answered by denise c 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋