2.89 GPA - Grad school an option?

[MS2009]

Hi,

I hoping someone can help. I didn't do so well during my UG and now it's coming back to haunt me like a reoccurring nightmare. I got a 2.89 GPA in college BS in Economics/Finance/Marketing. I struggled to finish up in 4 years which directly impacted my GPA.

I’ve recently heard about this "alternate transcript" idea. Since I’ve already taken accounting/finances courses - does it help if I retake them to get a better grade? Should I focus on quant classes like Calc/Stat? From what I’ve gathered from the forums - it looks like I should take a course from each subject but I’m not sure if that will help.

Also, does it matter where I take these classes? I.E. community college or university?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[MBAApply]

In short, yes.

Even if it means taking courses that cover familiar territory, so long as you ace these courses it'll at least show them that your undergrad GPA wasn't due to lack of brains, but lack of effort/discipline/whatever. When it comes to addressing low GPAs, it's really about damage control more than anything else - you can't really turn it into a positive, but to show the lesser of two evils by demonstrating your academic aptitude in your "alternative" transcript.

And yes, you should focus on quant classes like calculus, stats, finance, accounting, linear algebra, etc. Also, adcoms don't care whether it's a university or a community college. Take 2 - 3 courses and you should be fine (no need for more than that).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[MS2009]

Alex,

Thank you for your quick response. I definately will look into classes this summer!

[bw]

In short, yes.

Even if it means taking courses that cover familiar territory, so long as you ace these courses it'll at least show them that your undergrad GPA wasn't due to lack of brains, but lack of effort/discipline/whatever. When it comes to addressing low GPAs, it's really about damage control more than anything else - you can't really turn it into a positive, but to show the lesser of two evils by demonstrating your academic aptitude in your "alternative" transcript.

And yes, you should focus on quant classes like calculus, stats, finance, accounting, linear algebra, etc. Also, adcoms don't care whether it's a university or a community college. Take 2 - 3 courses and you should be fine (no need for more than that).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

Alex, thanks in advance for this advice.

I noticed you mentioned "you should focus on quant classes like calculus, stats, finance, accounting, linear algebra, etc. Also, adcoms don't care whether it's a university or a community college. Take 2 - 3 courses and you should be fine (no need for more than that)."

I also read this on accepted.com's interview with USC last week:

"(Jan 7, 2009 12:13:44 PM) Kellee, What classes are a good idea to take to demonstrate quant ability and mitigate concerns from a low GPA? Would the admissions team be ok if the classes were taken at a local state school vs. a private university's continuing education program? (Significant difference in price)."
"KelleeScottUSC (Jan 7, 2009 12:14:31 PM) You can take classes anywhere, as long as it is college level. We suggest calculus, statistics, finance and high level accounting."

My question is: What do you think about University of Phoenix ONLINE to satisfy your quote? They have a plethora of courses, so many variations of accounting and math it is confusing. Are these course titles adequate, is ONLINE adequate? Do you have a better suggestion? Thanks

- MTH 208 College Mathematics I
- QNT 321 Statistics in Business I
- ACC 421 Intermediate Financial Accounting I
- (or) MBA 503 Introduction to Finance and Accounting

http://www.phoenix.edu/online_and_campus_programs/individual_course_descriptions.aspx?courseurl=SingleCourses/Credit/MBA503.htm

[MBAApply]

It's fine. Again, take what adcoms say about this at face value and don't over think it. Enroll in the courses that best fit your schedule and interest (relatively speaking, as I'm sure for many people these quant courses are as interesting as doing one's taxes).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com