GPA Advice Needed

[JohnD625]

Hello,

Thanks for hopefully taking the time to read this! I would really appreciate any help! My question is....should I keep or drop the classes I am enrolled in now (read below)

I have a quick question regarding my GPA. I am a current college senior with a 3.74 which currently means that I will graduate Cum Laude (top 17% of my graduating class). In order to achieve Magna Cum Laude (top 7%) I would need a 3.75. I completed all of my requirements to graduate a semester earlier, so currently I have a lot of flexibility in my final semester (now).

In order to boost my GPA to a 3.75 I would need to take 4 classes and get As in them (which I am currently registered for). I am confident I have found classes that will easily allow me to achieve this, but the issue is I will be spending around $10k in tuition to take these classes for no other reason than to boost my GPA (which I don't mind doing if it is essential). In addition, if I take them, I will have less time to thoroughly prepare for the GMAT and take it at the end of this semester. Not to mention wanting to enjoy my last semester of college and work on other personal goals....and I really think it would be more valuable to spend the time prepping for the GMAT which with my current schedule will be hard,

How crucial do you think this small bump in GPA is (3.74 to 3.75) assuming all else equal at a top MBA program? Or would time be better spent trying to get a killer GMAT score (720+). Is it worth the time, money, and loss of GMAT prep time to boost this? Do MBA programs look at overall GPA or class rank (the bump would move me to top 7% from top 17%)? Will they see that I was extremely close to Magna Cum Laude (could I tell them)? Any advice you can provide me would be appreciated.

Thank you kindly,
Fishfly

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Wow, an interesting dilemma you are facing, and one that not many would even quite recognize and research so thoroughly so congrats on really digging in on your research. ;) I assume you are planning to work several years before applying to b-school, as the average accepted applicant at reputable programs has 5 years of full-time post undergrad experience.... in that case, since you are far out from actually applying, my BEST advice is to go ahead and set up a few informational meetings or phone calls with admissions reps from schools you think you may consider, and discuss with them.... they are often willing to give long-term advice to college students if you're able to schedule with them.

Overall my gut says that the difference is not so substantial such that you should put yourself out of so much money/time/personal effort. And from more of a personal level, I would advise just doing your best in school and going from there, without being so strategic per se. Plus a 3.74 is higher than the average GPA at many top programs!

Good luck on everything!