GPA too low?

I'm a Computer Science and Economics major at a school ranked in the teens in US News (think: Northwestern, Cornell, Brown) . I'll graduate with a ~3.4 cumulative and a >3.5 or 3.6 Computer Science major GPA. I have a FT offer at a top tech firm (think: Facebook, Google, Microsoft) where I would be doing product management/design. Would my GPA hurt me at top schools if I apply after 2 years of work experience? 3 years? 4 years?

I'm considering doing a MS in Computer Science while working to help offset a weaker ugrad GPA. Is it worth it? (My cumulative GPA is low because of low grades my first 3 semesters.)

Since I'm a good test taker, I would assume I could score >650 on my GMATs if not in the 700s.

6 Comments
 

So I'm guessing you go to NYU with me? Considering you are in NYC.

You might be a Cooper Union guy, but if not...the CompSci/Econ dual degree is offered through Courant if I'm not mistaken. This will be in your favor because Courant is a quant mecca.

 
dt18So I'm guessing you go to NYU with me? Considering you are in NYC.

You might be a Cooper Union guy, but if not...the CompSci/Econ dual degree is offered through Courant if I'm not mistaken. This will be in your favor because Courant is a quant mecca.

I don't go to NYU or Cooper Union. (I'm originally from the NYC area.)

kmzzwhats wrong with a 3.4?
I feel like I could have done better. The classes in both departments are very very doable. (I let the 'you'll be average at your university so don't worry about getting Bs' get to me.)
Croato87Your GPA is fine. An MS in CS is an excellent degree by itself (and, mind you, often an even more competitive selection process than many MBA programs) but would do absolutely no good for the purpose you're intending. Working at a top tech firm for three years will more than compensate for your GPA.

I'd say you're probably not a two-year guy though, just cause you haven't taken the GMAT yet and yes, your GPA is not phenomenal, but get three years' experience at the firm and you'll have a clear shot at a top MBA program. Also, assuming you're from NYU, many adcoms will know about the low grade curve there.

If I did an MS in CS, it would have to be part time, which would take me like 3 or so years to complete.

On another note, does anyone feel that the tech industry makes it really hard for a person to go to b-school? I feel like the way salary is structured, you're losing money by going to any business school - even a top one.

 
Best Response

Your GPA is fine. An MS in CS is an excellent degree by itself (and, mind you, often an even more competitive selection process than many MBA programs) but would do absolutely no good for the purpose you're intending. Working at a top tech firm for three years will more than compensate for your GPA.

I'd say you're probably not a two-year guy though, just cause you haven't taken the GMAT yet and yes, your GPA is not phenomenal, but get three years' experience at the firm and you'll have a clear shot at a top MBA program. Also, assuming you're from NYU, many adcoms will know about the low grade curve there.

 

Eh? No being in the tech industry is actually very advantageous for b-school admissions. And no you certainly won't be losing money by going to a top b-school. Over the course of your career it will probably make you an extra couple milion dollars.

 

Repudiandae nisi amet dolor. Provident molestias ipsam explicabo aut. Eligendi quas ea consequatur quod beatae exercitationem quod.

Sit natus vel voluptate dolorem molestiae. Praesentium quas totam ab praesentium iusto quae laborum. Quia eligendi dolore quas et.

Dolores nesciunt aut illo harum. Recusandae optio amet deleniti odio qui. Et suscipit voluptas ea reiciendis. Sequi harum perferendis quam nostrum. Et culpa accusantium soluta beatae omnis temporibus sapiente. Alias magni incidunt inventore assumenda.

Dolores iure animi ipsa quasi modi voluptatum. Inventore voluptatibus ipsum et et mollitia.

www.StacyBlackman.com

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (58) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”