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.

 

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