Recently my university elected to make pass/fail the default option for classes due to the coronavirus and classes being online. I believe you can elect to take classes for grade, but I was wondering how this would affect MBA admissions. My gpa is currently at a 3.9+ but I'm kinda hoping to check out with pass/fail as an option...
In my final semester as well and going into BB IB after college.
Want to hear how MBAs would look at this.
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I told my kids that top programs and employers would take notice of the difference: A good letter grade send a strong signal at a time some other students choose P/F option because they are trying to do the minimum work or are thinking mainly about the grades instead of learning and receiving accurate feedback. Choices have consequences, crisis time or not.
Appreciate the feedback.
I know this doesn't change your message, but I updated my post to say that this is my final semester and I will be on to BB IB after college (assuming I still have a job).
Top MBA programs put most emphasis on work experience. GPA and academic record are high on their list of considerations. I know taking a P/F on the final semester when you already have a good job and a high GPA may not sound like a big deal, but a signal is a signal. Myadvice is to continue working hard, get an A ands don’t take the P/F u less, for reasons beyond your control, you sense you are getting a B or below.
I’m in the same boat. Senior year and a 3.9+ GPA as well. Planning on keeping MBA options open in the future. Will changing my courses to P/F really have that much of an effect? None of them are business/finance classes- all gen-ed electives.
I understand the risk aversion and the inclination to take the easy P/F, but if you feel like a top athlete competing in a competitive sport, wouldn’t you say every action and effort you make matters on the margin? By the same logic, how do you stand out in a herd? I would suggest by working hard and taking the A’s if you can, even if it is not a major course.
I hear where brobby is coming from, but I respectfully disagree. If you have a 3.9 and in 4-5 years apply with a high GMAT, impressive work experience, leadership, and a competitive app, no one is going to care if you took everything P/F during this epidemic when all is turned upside down. If your grades were mediocre or had a downward trend, I'd argue differently, but not given what you've said above.
You've already proved yourself academically.
bump
Hi Linda Abraham , I was wondering if this calculus changes now that we are in the fall 2020. I go to a top undergrad and I was wondering if pass/failing 3 of my 6 classes this semester will reflect poorly on me. I p/f'd those 3 to protect my GPA, which is 3.8+. I am beginning to think it was a bad idea, but I didn't want their to be a chance it went below 3.8. Thanks!
The calculus has changed somewhat since last spring. Most are adjusting to this bizarre new normal and the understanding that people were in a very reactive mode probably is lessened. We all knew were are dealing with a pandemic and virtual classes when school started this year. That was not the case last spring.
I would not advise you to take half your classes P/F, especially if they are in your major or classes that MBA programs (if that's your intent) are interested in. Take classes P/F if you are taking them to explore a different interest or subject. If you must, take one P/F if you think you're going to do poorly in it, even if it is in your major. But don't take half P/F to protect your GPA because any application evaluator will not be impressed with your GPA.
Linda Abraham, May I ask if you if you are in charge of a Top MBA Program MBA Office or have close connections to those who are?
Hello Skullcrushers.
I have fairly close connections with former admissions directors since several work for my company, Accepted, which is an admissions consultancy that has been in business since 1994.
I am also the co-founder of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) and served as its first president. I have met with, listened to presentations by, and talked to admission directors from most top MBA programs at AIGAC's annual conferences.
However, by far the most influential and informative of my interactions with MBA admissions directors have come either from hosting our old online chats (over 300 ) or from interviewing MBA admissions directors from around the world for Admission Straight Talk, our podcast.
Best, Linda
Linda, Thanks for sharing your experience. Top students become top professionals (and attractive MBA candidates) typically because of their work ethic. The point I have tried to make is to do the very best when possible and go beyond “checking a box”.
it means you don't know what you're talking about and your advice is dubious at best. Linda at least is in the game. You're just extrapolating from nothing
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