B-school application advice

Hi guys, International applicant here. I'm going to apply to several Top10 US schools this R1 and have a question regarding my GPA. I have a solid GPA (3.9) for my undegraduate studies, however I also have a very low one (2.7) for my master in Finance.

Both degrees obtained in my home country. Basucally, I worked full-time during the master's studies and had low attendance of classes as a result. University's policy tied the grades to attendance, and this pit a cap on the grades I could get. I know I should have dropped the studies, but I liked studying and finally graduated, although with lowish marks.

I'm now trying to figure out how big of a problem this GPA is going to be for my application and whether I can apply with my undergraduate degree only given that I worked full time during the masters studies and have no gaps in the application. However, I'm not sure how thoroughly they check your background including education upon admission. Surely, don't want a degree not mentioned in the application to pop up.

Otherwise, I have a solid GMAT (730) and decent work experience if this matters.

Thanks in advance! Any feedback much appeciated.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Zach-Zach,

That grad GPA is going to be a problem. You'll need to take responsibility for a mistake, provide context for the low grades, and convince them you won't make the same mistake again.

You don't say what country you're from so I have no idea if you are under-represented or over-represented. if you're in the latter group, I would encourage strongly to apply outside the top 10 also.

Best, Linda

Pleaes see

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

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