Harvard CORe to Help Mitigate a Subpar UG GPA?
Hi all,
Looking to get some color on how to best mitigate a low (3.0) UG GPA. I'm by no means married to the idea of doing CORe, but would be interested in any program that 1) Has a strong brand name/is recognizable and 2) won't break the bank. My intent is just basically to show that I have the ability to perform highly in an academic capacity and that I've matured since undergrad. Not sure if this is material information, but I work/live in Boston, so anything outside of the city would need to be done online presumably. Also open to hearing opinions regarding the validity of these kinds of programs overall - will they really move the needle while applying for T-15 programs (holding constant solid GMAT score & strong work experience)?
P.S., I'm currently planning on a 2022 matriculation, so also need to be able to complete any program prior to the 2021 application cycle.
Thanks!
EDIT: Maybe @Linda Abraham"?
Thanks for asking for my response.
The basic answer is that Harvard Online CORe is credible, and highly credible at HBS, however I have a couple of other questions too before responding to the "move the needle" part of your question.
Do you have a GMAT or GRE score yet with breakdown? Was there any trend to your grades as an undergrad? What was your major? Best, Linda
That's interesting but I suppose it makes sense. I've yet to sit for the actual exam but my baselines are currently tracking a 720. I feel I could likely up that to a 730 or maybe stretch it to a 740 if I really apply the time and drill into quant a bit more (call it a ~48Q/46V). I have a finance degree from a private top 40 USNWR, was an athlete, and grades trended up all 4 years (with a cumulative 2.7 freshman year to a cumulative 3.4 my senior year). Really appreciate the insight!
Thanks for the additional information. Can I ask one more question? What have you done in terms of work experience since undergrad?
Linda
You're most welcome. Glad to be of help.
I would add that there are other more flexible options to demonstrate that you are a different student today than you were in college. HBS Online is offered with specific start times and exam periods. Taking an online math course from a well-recognized university would allow you to move through the material at your own pace so if you get bogged down at work you can take a break and catch up later. Furthermore, HBS Online has a unique grading scheme rather than just giving you a grade on a 4.0 scale.
Having read applications at a top MBA program for nearly a decade, I no more impressed by someone taking CORe than I was with them taking another class.
Think beyond just classwork and tests as you look to overcome your softer GPA - see 2.7 GPA, Showstopper for an MBA?
If you do well but, don't get academic honors, does it still look good?
It depends on what you're trying to do. If by completing HBS CORe you are trying to show that your (mediocre or worse) undergraduate record doesn't represent your academic ability and that you really can excel in an academic environment, then you need to excel here.
If on the other hand you have excellent grades but they are not in business-related courses and you are taking HBS CORe to familiarize yourself with the basics of business to advance professionally or to prepare yourself for business school, then it may not be as critical to get High Honors in all the classes.
Have you already completed HBS CORe or is this a hypothetical question?
I am currently taking classes at a different institution but, I figured I would ask on this thread since it is in the same realm.
I'm about to complete a business certificate but, I fear that I will not get honors because of one B. More specifically, you need a 3.7 overall GPA and I would miss the mark @ 3.68. Both still better than my undergrad GPA ~3.3
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