Looking for Midlevel MBA Programs

<p>I'm going to be a senior in college at University of Oregon majoring in Economics. I may be interesting in pursuing an MBA down the line (after 2-3 years out in the work force). One thing I'm quite concerned about is my GPA. I only have an overall GPA of a 2.9, but my major GPA is a 3.2, which isn't terrible. If I have solid work experience and good recommendations, would I have a chance at the following schools:
Arizona State
University of Arizona
University of Colorado (I'd love to go here)
University of Texas (probably a reach)
University of Wisconsin (see above)
University of Washington
Ohio State
Pepperdine
Santa Clara
UC Irvine</p>

<p>On a side note, I'm in a fraternity and hold a leadership position. I'm a social person and participate in other activities on campus.</p>

<p>I'd like to go to the best grad school that I'd be able to be admitted to regardless of its location.</p>

<p>I'm also open to any other suggestions. Thanks!</p>

<p>While you are in the workforce, you can take mo43 business oriented classes at the local college and try to improve your college GPA. When you are ready to apply for MBA ( I think you should have at least 4 years of good work experience) you can try to convince the Adcoms that after a few years of maturity, you are more focused and able to get A's in classes that you've taken after graduation.</p>

<p>Of course, you need to have great GMAT scores (700+) to counterbalance your low GPA.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Of course, you need to have great GMAT scores (700+) to counterbalance your low GPA.

[/quote]

I'm going to need a GMAT score of 700+ to get into these programs, even if I have great work experience?</p>

<p>I thought you only need a 700+ for top business schools. I've heard that GPA is de-emphasized moreso for business school admissions than for other types of graduate school. Also, my major GPA is higher than my overall GPA.</p>

<p>What are your goals post MBA? What do you want the MBA do for you? Why do you want to attend mid level business schools?</p>

<p>I am trying to make you aim higher so that an MBA degree from higher ranked schools will actually impact your career path.</p>

<p>It's hard to predict where I'm going to be 3-4 years from now. I'm anticipating that I may need to obtain an MBA in order to move up to a higher position in a company. I also may find that I want to go into a different type of work.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Why do you want to attend mid level business schools?

[/quote]

It's not that I "want" to attend a midlevel business program. I am a realist. I am a reasonably intelligent person, but I do not for see myself scoring 700+ on the GMAT. I believe that an MBA will give me the opportunity to find a job that I'm truly interested in and be better compensated for.</p>

<p>AVG GMAT at top schools is greater than 700. That is avg. You would need 750+ to counterbalance your bad GPA at a top 5 school. For a school like Texas or Wisconsin, a 700+ would be recommended to counter your poor GPA.</p>

<p>Given your profile, I would recommend 4 or 5 years of experience. It is not likely that you will have great work experience in 2 or 3 years. BTW, I would also recommend a school like SMU.</p>

<p>I had no idea that Texas and Wisconsin had such competitive admission standards.</p>

<p>How about Colorado, University of Arizona, Arizona State, and Santa Clara? I am not looking for a top tier business school.</p>

<p>Vector, he's not applying to top schools.</p>

<p>NLW, go to your bookstore, open the USNews issue for graduate schools, and take a look at average GMAT and Undergrad GPA for a couple of the schools on your list. you'll see what is average. You'll likely have a below-average GPA, so making up for that a little in other areas will be key. But nobody's going to hold your feet to the fire over a 700 GMAT aside from the top 10 schools.</p>