For elite MBA admissions, can a stellar resume counteract a middling GPA?
DS is an industrial engineering major at Georgia Tech with an analytics co-op at a worldwide giant. They love him, and are almost certain to offer a permanent job at graduation. If not, just having that on his resume will make him attractive to many companies. He also has impressive leadership credentials on campus. He has no worries about landing a great job at graduation, despite what will likely be a GPA under 3 (thanks to GT’s notorious difficulty and deflation).
If after working a few years, he decides he wants to pursue an MBA, will the GPA be frowned on by elite programs?
Probably yes. Many of the students in the elite programs already have the few years of work experience, high GMAT scores and great letters of recommendations. However, many elite programs do realize that some of the engineering curriculum (electrical, chemical, nuclear, etc.) are difficult and may accept some engineers at a little lower GPA than the average for that program. Have DS get some great work experience, letters of recommendations and a high GMAT score and hope for the best. Also, admission to a part time program of an elite school is generally a little easier than to the full time program. DS might want to consider an elite part time program.
Generally part time programs are for full time workers. There is no distinction between full and part time unless an employer or someone asks. The diploma will still show the name of the school and not distinguish part time vs. full time. For example, I know UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley and U Penn (Wharton), all top 25 schools, offer part-time MBA’s. The diploma is the same for full and part-time students.
It will matter, but the longer he has been in the workforce the less it will matter. It might not be a bad idea to take some online classes or summer classes or something to pull the GPA up to at least a 3.0.
Yes, the elite programs (ex. Harvard, Wharton, Stanford) are tremendously competitive. They want the full package of GPA, LORs, work experience, GMAT, essay etc. While some slack might be given for an engineering major at a tough school, it is likely that a GPA under 3.0 could be an issue. If he does choose to pursue a MBA then just like college admissions it would be wise to apply to a group of reach, match, and safety schools and see how things play out.