GPA for Biz School -- low UG GPA but great Grad GPA

I got a degree in economics at any Ivy Equal (one of Stanford, MIT, UChicago, Caltech, Duke), but only had 3.2 GPA. I will be finishing my masters degree in big data analytics at a top southern public with 3.75 and will also have a brand name F100 company as my first full-time analyst job.

With that said, will I have a shot at top MBA's provided I perform well on the GMAT? I know that Stanford/HBS/Wharton/Booth/MIT will be a stretch regardless, but how about the UMich/UVA tier?

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Best Response

Yes, you definitely could be a competitive candidate. Actually, a 3.2 isn't THAT bad. I know people with worse who've gotten into HSW. Some things to keep in mind that will affect your competitiveness and therefore take note and plan accordingly:

1) GMAT - If you can get a high GMAT, you are can offset a lower GPA. A good gmat scores essentially "validates" you so there will be less concern in terms of intellectual horsepower

2) Time to MBA - the longer you wait to get your MBA, the less your undergrad matters. Your work experiences hold more weight. So do well at your job (promotions, good recommendations, etc.)

3) Extenuating Circumstances - Cite these in your application if they apply. Did you work a demanding part-time job in school to support yourself which took away from your studies? A 3.2 may be pretty good considering your had other commitments. Did you have trouble adjusting so that your freshman grades weren't great, but you show a positive trend in your academics in later years? In the later case, it may actually be a positive. Shows how you deal with challenges and persevere. These are obviously just examples; there could be others

 

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