GPA/GMAT combination

by **Richard** Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:17 pm

Hello,

First of all thank you for taking time to answer all our questions.

I have a not so proud undergrad GPA of 2.5 from one of the top public school. But I did score 740 on GMAT (95%Q, 93%V) in addition I took a couple of classes with a local university's extension program and received A's in both. Would those scores be enough to mitigate concerns regarding my undergrad GPA (combined with the fact that I've worked to pay for my school) for some of the Top programs in the country? (Yale, Columbia, NYU etc) What about so called top three programs like Stanford, Harvard and Yale.

Fall '09 is supposed to be a very competitive year. Would that competition affect the usual consulting, investment, engineering applicants more than it would the applicants from other industries, like non-profit or entertainment?

Again thank you for helping all of us out with our questions.

R

by **MBAApply** Fri Jul 11, 2008 2:52 pm

You're doing what you're supposed to be doing to address a low GPA (high GMAT, taking extension courses). Beyond that, nothing more you can do except for worry, worry, and worry (or not). Unlike law or med school, the GPA is just one of many aspects b-school adcoms consider (i.e. it's not as important as so many applicants make it out to be). As such, no one can really tell you what your chances are at the top b-schools based on your GPA and GMAT alone. It's like saying "I'm 6'2" but a little on the heavy side -- can I make the basketball team?"

Focus on the applications, and hope for the best.

As for competition, when there's more people applying, it's going to be tougher on everyone, not just certain demographic groups.

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