Profile Evaluation low GPA

[tomcanfieldjr]

I am currently trying to figure out a target score that I should be shooting for when I take the GMAT. I have taken a few practice tests here and there, and my best result on the official practice test offered by the GMAT website, was a 640, but this was months ago before I really knew what I was doing, and I haven't taken any practice tests since. I am currently enrolled in a prep course, and I feel like I have really improved in all areas, so I am confident that I can get to the magic number of 700 with the proper amount of studying.

My current profile is as follows:

Education: BA English, The College of Wooster, (Ohio)
GPA: 2.7

Obviously, this is my weak point. While Wooster does rank among the top 75 liberal arts colleges, it is by no means a "name" school. Also, I do not have an excuse for the sub par performance as indicated by my GPA. Unfortunately, it boils down to me not really caring about the academic side of things while I was in college. Furthermore, something that really works against me was an upper level Spanish class that I failed. However, I did retake the same class at Depaul University this past winter, and I received an A, so I feel that I can at least address the issue in the optional essay. I am also planning on taking 1 or 2 quantitative courses at a community college or local university as I did not take anything in that area at Wooster.

Professional:
My experience is not really the prototypical background that many aspiring MBA candidates might have, in other words, I have not worked for any big time companies or hedge funds or consulting firms, etc., nor do I have any internships worth mentioning. However, since many business schools at least say they are looking for diverse backgrounds, I am hoping I won't be automatically disqualified or penalized. I am currently working as a lender for a community bank in Chicago. I started at this bank about 3.5 years ago as a teller, before being promoted to a teller supervisor after roughly 10 months. I worked as a teller supervisor for another 9 months before being promoted to a personal banker. After a few months in that position which consisted of mostly sales and customer service, I transistioned into my current position, where I have been for roughly a year and a half. I can point to some managerial experience, but it really isn't the most extensive. On the other hand, I might be able to point to my consistent promotional record, if that counts for anything.

Extracurricular:
I played lacrosse in college, earning 4 letters. I also contributed to the university newspaper. During these summers, I worked in my hometown as an interventionist for children at risk. In fact, a relationship that I formed with one individual continues to this day.

Other items of possible interest:
I was born in Venezuela, and despite performing poorly in the above spanish class, I am a proficient speaker, (although not fluent.)

Overall: My professional experience isn't the greatest, and my undergraduate GPA is my weakest point, but it is more of product of not having the right mindset at the time. I am counting on the GMAT to be my "great equalizer." I am wondering though, what score will really make the difference for me? I realize that the schools in the top 10 are out of my reach, so I have turned my focus into the top 15-25 range. What score do you think will make me a competitive candidate at some of these schools?

[mbamission]

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. While a GMAT score cannot be a magic bullet that will make up for multiple weaknesses elsewhere in your application, it is important that you do as well as possible since you have a 2.7 GPA. You will want to allay any fears the admissions committees might have about your ability to do the work required in business school. I recommend that you try to achieve a score of 700 or better, with the 80th percentile for both the verbal and quantitative sections.

On another topic, you will not be automatically penalized by business schools because you do not come from a traditional professional background. It will be important for you to demonstrate your professional achievement and leadership and you may need to make a bit more of an effort to explain what you do at work if you think the admissions committees might not be familiar with it.

Sincerely,

Akiba Smith-Francis

MBA Mission

646-485-8844

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