Reaches with Low GPA

[Energy]

Consultants,

Thank you so much for the feedback you provide on these forums, it's a good source of information on the admissions process and on resources available to help form a strong application.

I'm targeting to begin a full-time MBA at a Northeast U.S. program in 2009 and, given my low undegrad GPA, have mostly been looking into lower tier programs such as BC, BU and Babson. I feel I can accomplish my goals at any of these programs and would be thrilled to gain admission, but I feel the rest of my profile is fairly strong and am wondering if it's worth the effort to also apply to more highly regarded programs. Specific other schools I'm considering are MIT, Yale, NYU and Columbia. My profile is as follows:

Academic:

Engineering Economics major (Physics minor) from a highly selective liberal arts college - GPA 2.8. There is a story behind my GPA, but I'll spare it here. It was upward trending, peaking at the end of my last term.

I've since taken 2 graduate level extension courses and recieved A's in both.

GMAT: 730 (47Q,44V)

Professional:

I'll have 5 years of experience in energy consulting upon matriculation. My first two years were as a contractor to the U.S. Department of Energy where my research and analysis supported DOE program strategy development. I then trasnisitioned to the private sector where I currently work as a market consultant to integrated energy companies, asset developers and financial institutions. My focus tends to be in natural gas markets, but I've also worked on engagements pertaining to oil, coal, and renewable energy. About 1/4 of my current work is focused on international energy markets.

I hope to return to the energy industry post MBA, but in an investment management or financial services role, rather than consulting.

Additional:

I'm a member of a post-collegiate club rugby team which competes across the Mid-Atlantic U.S., have successfully completed a marathon, and volunteer with my local church.

[MBAApply]

You might as well give those schools a shot -- you never know.

Your only concern is the GPA -- which is balanced out by your GMAT and additional courses; you're doing all the right things.

Also, keep in mind that unlike law or med school, b-schools (except for HBS, Stanford and Wharton) are more forgiving about GPAs if everything else is solid or strong. While 90% of admitted students to schools like MIT, Yale, NYU or Columbia would've had GPAs of 3.1 or higher, you have enough in your background that so long as you execute well on the application itself (not just in addressing your low GPA, but putting together a solid application overall), then the GPA won't be a huge concern.

In other words, so long as your application (essays, resume, rec letters, interview) doesn't suck, you should have enough of a fighting chance at the schools you mentioned that it's at least worth a shot.

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