low gpa high gmat

[ck2]

I know this topic has been beat down, but just wanted to get a quick question across. My gpa upon graduation will probably be around a 2.85 from an average state school double majoring in finance/economics. I do know that is a low gpa but i have seen some top 25 programs that have about a 2.8 as the low gpa end in their 80% average. Even though this is the low end of the 80% class profile, should I still apply? GMAT aside

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

I hear ya.... GMAT wouldn't totally be 'aside' though ;) because a killer GMAT can really help... I'd say WITHOUT a kick-butt GMAT a top 25 is out of the question. With a great GMAT, you could apply to a reach school or two in maybe 15-25 range and a few schools in 25-35 or so. Other ideas-- additional recent coursework with strong grades, particularly in a quant area and/or related to b-school!

Good luck!!

[ck2]

when referring to a "kick butt" gmat are you suggesting 700+? Also what do you mean by additional recent coursework? Since i would be graduating soon I already have the rest of my classes picked.Would you suggest doing a program like a UCLA extension or something similar? Would that benefit me or just be a waste of money? Finally I thought economics/finance would be enough for a quant area/related to b-school. Maybe you can give me an example of a class that would be beneficial to me?

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Yes certainly 700+, the higher the better. Sorry I missed that you were still in school... are you planning to work first?? Keep in mind that the average b-school admit has 5 years of post-undergrad full time work experience! Schools like to fill classes with people who have a lot of experience they can draw from in classroom discussions and projects, and so that students learn a lot from one ANOTHER as well as the professors and projects. So... you may want to consider working for several years first!

Sometimes when someone is out of school a few years and had a low GPA, taking courses in quantitative areas and getting good grades can help a small amount.

Good luck to you!