Low GPA .. Can I try top 20 B schools?

[ravimba]

Hi,
I have very low undergraduate GPA (3.0) ie 59%.

My remaining profile is below,

10th class : 86%
Intermediate (12th) : 89%
B.Tech : 59% (3.0)

Work experience : 5 years as Software engineer
Worked in pre sales practice.
Team leading responsibilities.

Certifications : Did 3 certifications,

Extracurricular activities : 1. Member of a political party - Involved in many social activities. led few campeigns.
2. 2 times marathon participant
3. Member of an NGO.
4. taught academics for poor students

Recommendation letters : Can get very good recommendation letters

Essays : will write good essays.

With my above profile, can I apply for top MBA programs. If yes, then let me know what must be my GMAT score range.
If No, what can I do to get into Top MBA programs.

Thanks
Ravi

[mili]

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your profile. I would say given that you are an Indian IT engineer applicant, and you have a low GPA, your chances at a top program are going to be quite low. Your extracurricular and community activities are strong relative to others in your applicant pool, but I don't think it will be enough.

To be considered for a top program, I think you'd need to score a 730+ on the GMAT and also show more business experience in your professional role. It's great that you are leading teams, but the fact that everything is technical versus strategy/business is a disadvantage. Any way that you can position your role as less technical?

Best of luck,
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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[ravimba]

Hi Mili,

Thanks for your suggestions. I will do my best to get into top MBA.

Thanks
Ravi

[mili]

Good luck, Ravi!

Mili