<p>Thanks for taking the time to address these topics.</p>
<p>My GPA in Undergrad was a 2.56 in Computer Science from Tulane University with my overall trend going upward towards my graduation of 2002. Computer Science at Tulane is a program from the engineering school that is heavily focused on theoretical CS knowledge and a high level math during all eight semesters. </p>
<p>These GPAs do NOT include transfer credit in two humanities courses from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a marketing class form U.Texas @ Arlington. Is there a need to focus my current time and money on an alternative transcript? Would you suggest that if I do not focus on an alternative transcript, that I discuss this sensitive issue using an optional essay? My Fear is that I simply have the standard answer as partying too much & working throughout my degree to pay for school.</p>
<p>I have been with Motorola since the fall of 2002. By the time I apply in 2008 I would have worked for the company over 6 years. I currently work for Motorola and a manager for new product strategy for Europe, Middle East & Africa. I have spent a majority of my career abroad, mostly starting new teams and formalizing product strategy in Asia. My Career also included two overseas assignments. The first was a lead engineer in Thailand for 6 months, and the other in India, was a position as a startup team manager for approx. over one year. The most recent project that I managed was in Pakistan for a deployment of a new broadband technology for rural areas in that nation. Being of Indian decent, this was a tough assignment with all the cultural challenges that were faced during my time involved in this assignment. Typically all of my work surrounds the basic goal of deploying new large-scale telecom technologies into emerging markets all over Asia and the Middle East. I hope this will be a point that I can emphasize to my advantage. </p>
<p>I have not taken the GMAT as of yet, but looking for a target range that I would need to be competitive at a top 15 program. My current practice scores range from 680-720. My first choices are part time programs located within Chicago (Northwestern (Kellogg) and UChicago (GSB)). I plan on applying for entry into the fall 2009 classes at both the above mentioned part-time programs as well as several full time programs (Fuqua, Stern, Columbia, HBS, Wharton, Tuck, Emory, U.T. Austin, Ross, Stanford, Cornell).</p>
<p>Could you please shed some light on whether I am a realistic candidate at these programs for the fall of 2009?</p>
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My first choices are part time programs located within Chicago (Northwestern (Kellogg) and UChicago (GSB)). I plan on applying for entry into the fall 2009 classes at both the above mentioned part-time programs as well as several full time programs (Fuqua, Stern, Columbia, HBS, Wharton, Tuck, Emory, U.T. Austin, Ross, Stanford, Cornell)
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<p>I would seriously rethink those choices with your GPA.</p>
<p>I don't know about UTexas or Emory, but having gone to one of the other schools you mentioned, would find it extremely unlikely you would get in to any of them no matter what your GMAT score turns out to be. I would focus on some less selective schools if you want to get the MBA. Part-time programs may not be as selective, but still doubt you would be able to get into UChicago or Kellogg, but you mine as well give it a shot.</p>
<p>the "average" gpa at most of the schools you mentioned is > 3.5. i'm sorry but to put it bluntly, unless you cure cancer or something, i seriously doubt it.</p>
<p>I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with everyone above and say you do have a shot, but with only a brief profile that you listed, it's difficult for anyone to assess correctly.</p>
<p>Arjunap, a 2.5 gpa isn't strong but it definitely isn't the end of the world. I do know a JD/MBA graduate and an MBA graduate from Kellogg and both had a 2.X GPA. They had superior GMAT scores though and so for you, I think if you wanted a realistic shot at Kellogg of UChic., you'd probably want something above 750. Perhaps a 770 would be enough to make sure you let Adcom know that you aren't a complete idiot.</p>
<p>But they will look at everything. Especially a great school like Kellogg, they are good about taking all aspects into accout to ensure they reach a diverse, well balanced, and strong class. The "other" stuff will probably be important due to your GPA but to say you have no shot is crazy, it'll just be more difficult. At the same time, if you only apply to a small handful of schools, you might be in trouble. Good luck.</p>
<p>arjunap, I am involved with the MBA admission in an Ivy b-school this year. I believe your career growth at Motorola will be the most impressive part of your application. So, make sure you spend the time on your essays based on your Motorola experience. </p>
<p>Some MBA students fail to maintain even a C+ average. A high GMAT score (above class profile) helps assure the admission that you won't end there and will do OK academically. In your case, my recommendation is to take a business course or two in local CC <em>and</em> do well this Fall and Spring. Always take quantitative courses, e.g. stat and finance, if available. </p>
<p>In addition, you want to avoid head-on competition with others who share similar profile like yours. Focus on programs where you are most likely to stand out so the "diversity" factor can work in your favor. Focus on a short list of programs that will help you reaching your career goals and offer best admission chance.</p>
<p>I'd recommend getting a 720+ on the GMAT and i would say that you are certainly a possibility at many of those schools. Also, have u considered Executive MBA programs? They generally pace much less weight on GPA.</p>
<p>I'm not really an expert on this, but I believe that MBA admissions look for two major things.
1. Peolpe with excellent academic backgrounds (gpa, GMAT)
2. Peolpe who are likely to have a successful future (essays, work experience)</p>
<p>To support (1): You don't stand out academically and a GMAT score of ~720 will probably not impress the admission, however a 750+ will definately prove that you will not fail academically. You would need an amazing GMAT score to "balance out" the nasty gpa. (Even an 800 GMAT score probably won't impress the admission; therefore, you should focus on (2))</p>
<p>To support (2): You should focus on persuading the admission people with what you are capable of (diversity and why you really need this MBA degree).</p>
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People with excellent academic backgrounds (gpa, GMAT)
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Not entirely true. B-schools are known to admit students with far less than stellar academic credential. But there is always a minimum cutoff point that one must achieve. The exact mark varies from program to program. </p>
<p>As a side note, don't get stressed out over undergrad GPA. Simply acknowledge it and focus on the other factors, e.g. GMAT, LORs, essays, interview etc. It's OK to retake GMAT multiple times if you can get a higher score.</p>