McKinsey Experienced Hire

Hi All!

So I went to a target school, and have some financial experience but not IB. I want to join McKinsey and was considering trying to come in as an experienced hire and know of a partner that would refer me. My only reservation is that my gpa is not great and I didn't want to use my connect just to get dinged immediately. I just want to know if gpa is a factor after a referral with an experienced hire? Would I be better off going to business school and trying that route?

Thanks to everyone in advance!