Low GPA, 700 GMAT Please review profile
Hi guys!
Here is my profile,
Backrgound:
25 y/o
Male
From Eastern europe(very small country)
Working in P&G as a financial analyst for 2 years
Stats:
Undergraduate GPA around 2.0
GMAT 700
Please help me, how can i strenghen my profile? Should i get CFA or ACCA?
Target school: Top 15
Post MBA goal: Consutling MBB
Hey John37 Thanks for posting. Lots to think about here. I think we have to consider your GPA (definitely on the lower end if we're talking 4.0 scale), your GMAT (on the lower end for top programs), and your work experience (on the lower end for top programs). Each datapoint on its own wouldn't be a problem, but the three together could be problematic. I'd like to see you strengthen each as much as you can: 1. GPA: Take (and succeed in) HBX Core to prove you've got the academic chops to succeed. 2. Up the GMAT to 730+ please. 3. Add another year or two of work experience. I'd really recommend applying with 4 years although certainly you could try applying with 3 years. P&G is a great company so if you're happy there, stay there and just try to move up the ladder and get more involved in corporate initiatives.
To your question about the CFA or ACCA, my recommendation is to follow my advice above first before worrying about these additional credentials.
Hope that helps! Consider setting up a free consultation with us. You'll get a lot out of it!
Krista
Hi, thank you very much for response!
What do u think will HBX core help me to get into Mckinsey? can i put it on my CV?
And one more question please - What job is better - a junior management consultant at Deloitte or Financial analyst at P&G? If my goal is to break into Mckinsey?
Hi John,
I basically agree with Krista.
I think that GPA is a hurdle. However a lot of times when "translating" international GPAs, they lose a lot in the translation. Was your GPA considered low or average in your home country? Were there extenuating circumstances that affected your performance. For more on this topic, please see (or listen to) 5 A's for your low GPA..
For top 15, I would also like to see a higher GMAT score, especially given what is apparently a low GPA.
Another year or two of increasing responsibility at work would also help you be more competitive and present a track record of achievement. (Plus give you time to raise your GMAT and present evidence of academic ability.)
Regarding the CFA or ACCA, I would only go for them if they are relevant to your post-MBA career goals, and it doesn't sound like they are directly relevant. HBXcore is a good recommendation, especially if you are currently not in the U.S. where graded classes at local universities are a strong option.
Since you are also probably a year or two away from applying, you may find helpful Prep For B-School: A 4-Year Guide for College Students & Recent Grads. It's a free download.
Best, Linda
Hi Linda, thanks for reply!
I had the lowest GPA in my class, but ended up with highest GMAT and IELTS scores. I had some health related issues back then.
My 1st year GPA was like 3,5, in 2nd year it dropped to 2,3 and kept going that way till i graduated.
My dream is to get into HBS, please assess my chances objectively, do i have at least like a 20% of chance getting into HBS?
Hi John,
You're welcome!
At this point in time and based on the little I know about you, I don't think you do have a 20% chance of getting into HBS. Remember the overall acceptance rate is a tad under 10%.
I'd rather talk about what you can do to improve your chances at HBS (and other top MBA programs. Don't fixate on HBS.)
You might be interested in "Get Accepted to Top MBA Programs with Low Stats."
Best, Linda
Dude...these nice women are sugar coating it. I'm sorry but real talk:
2.0, lowest GPA in the class and a GMAT below the 10%ile of every T15.
This is a nonstarter. You are wasting your time. The people who get into top schools with low stats are under represented minorities who have overcome a ton in their lives, not white guys.
Not to mention, MBB has a hard cut off at 720, if I'm not mistaken.
You need to hit high 90's percentile to even have a shot at somewhere MBB recruits, forgetting even getting a job there.
Agreed, 2.0 GPA and 700 GMAT is 0% chance at HBS, not 20%.
You maybe have 20% chance at a top 20 school, but don’t see you getting into MBA business schools">M7 unless I am missing something extraordinary about your profile. And MBB in U.S. extremely unlikely with those stats, but maybe possible back in your home country if they have offices there.
These programs and jobs are remarkably difficult to get. No doubt. Obviously, there are outlier cases though, and you can be one of them. I know a 3.2 GPA guy from Florida Atlantic University with a 680 GMAT, who ended up at Columbia and BCG afterwards. I know another 3.5 GPA and 670 GMAT who ended up at HBS and McKinsey afterwards. Me, personally, I had a 3.0 GPA from a top 50 university and a 700 GMAT. I have made it to the interview phase at all 3 M7s that I applied to in round 1 this year.
My point is, while low stats make it a lot more difficult to get to these elite programs, supplemental quant courses online through Berkeley, HBS, UCLA, others can make a difference. Take 3+ courses in your case and get As in all 3. Excel at your job over the next 1-2 years and give the GMAT another shot if you can. Finally, ensure your resume and essays are truly top notch and well put together. Apply to your dream schoolS but also have plan B and C.
Despite your weak stats, there are still some factors you can control. Work on those things and apply. Don't let anyone make you feel like you have no chance to get where you want to go.
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