First, are your numbers really so bad? "Low numbers"for the purposes of this article, and for most applicants, are GMATsand GPAs at the lower end of or below the mid-80% range for a givenschool. It may be difficult to find average GPAs, but if you have a2.6, you know it's low for almost any MBA program. Roughly, except forthe most elite schools, a GPA below 3.0 warrants a deliberate effort tocounterbalance.
Say, by these criteria, your numbers are low. What do you do?
Look Closely At Your Numbers
Address Low Quant Scores
Address Low Verbal Scores
Evaluate The Numbers In The Context Of Your Demographic Profile
Use Your Essays To Counteract The Low Numbers
Select The Right Schools
Consider Using The Optional Essay Look Closely At Your Numbers
Which numbers are low: GMAT, GPA, or both? If only oneof these is low, at least the other number demonstrates your academicability. Then the question becomes, why is the GMAT or the GPA low?Some people are simply not great standardized test-takers. A low GPAoften is attributable to the simple fact that college students arestill growing up. In fact, a 3.0 GPA that starts out below 3.0 andtrends upward consistently, with the final semester or two in the 3.5range or higher, is not nearly as worrisome as a GPA that trends in theopposite direction. If both numbers are low, how do they break down?For example, if your GMAT quant score was high and you had solid gradesin quant courses in college, that's a plus, because MBA adcoms alwayslook for evidence that the applicant can handle the mathematicsinvolved (basic calculus and statistics). If it's the quant side thatdrags your numbers down, it's more of a problem. The point is, read the nuances of your scores.Assess and interpret the picture that emerges. Then develop anapplication strategy to address that issue. Low numbers varysignificantly in the impression they create, depending on the details.
Address Low Quant Scores
It's the worst-case scenario, low quant scores on boththe GMAT and the transcript. Register at your local community collegeASAP for calculus and/or statistics if you haven't taken them (or ifyou took them and earned below a B): and earn an A! If you earned a Dor F in other quant-oriented courses, consider re-taking them as well.If you have time to take additional quant-oriented courses, such asfinance or accounting, it will help even more. In your essays,highlight quantitative aspects of your work to demonstrate proficiency.Finally, if you have some say in what your recommenders write, ask themto confirm your quantitative ability.
Address Low Verbal Scores
Both written and spoken communications skills areessential for MBA students, especially given the emphasis on teamwork.Thus, consistently low verbal scores will raise a red flag. Your essaysare the ideal place to neutralize this concern. They should beexpressive and flawlessly written. You also should select examples andane**otes that highlight your communication skills. The opportunity theessays offer is also a pitfall, however: a mediocre essay will onlyconfirm concern about your verbal skills. So excellent essays are amust. Looking beyond the essays, ask recommenders to comment positivelyon your verbal skills. Finally, you can take a course at a localcollege that involves substantial writing, either business related orother: and earn an A.
Evaluate The Numbers In The Context Of Your Demographic Profile
This article's guidelines (above) for what constitutes"low numbers" are general. To really understand the impact of yournumbers, you must first understand your demographic profile vis-à-visthe MBA applicant pool for your chosen school(s). Regardless of howrare a demographic profile may be, an adcom will not admit an applicantif it believes he or she cannot handle the coursework. Beyond that,it's really a matter of supply-and-demand. Demographics encompass yourethnicity, nationality, gender, and industry background. Indianengineers and computer scientists with high numbers tend to beover-represented in the applicant pool, as are white and Asian maleinvestment bankers with high numbers. Thus, a GMAT in the lower 80%range and a 3.3 GPA may be a problem for them in applying to, say,Wharton, whereas a female Peruvian corporate finance associate with a650 GMAT and 3.3 GPA from a good national university would be a viableapplicant. If this Peruvian female had a 590 GMAT and a 2.7 GPA, thatmight not be the case, as questions would arise as to her ability tomaster the coursework. In a sense, understanding your demographicprofile is part of looking closely at the numbers and reading thenuances.
Use Your Essays To Counteract The Low Numbers
With low numbers, your first hurdle is demonstratingyou're qualified. But being qualified is a far cry from being admitted.Your low scores may now be "understandable," but they won't excite theadcom, so your work experience must. "Mine" your work experience forall evidence of accomplishment, leadership, and impact. Show throughane**otes and examples that you are a person who makes a difference onthe job beyond what's expected. Exceptional contribution and leadershipas a volunteer or in another non-work activity also serve this purpose,though with the low numbers, strong work experience is still essential.
Select The Right Schools
Different schools do not give the "pillars" of yourapplication: GMAT, GPA, work experience: the same weight. Some, such asColumbia and Stanford, will put more weight on the GMAT or GPA thanothers. Some will be more interested in the specific qualities,experience, and demographic factors you bring than will others. First,select programs that meet your learning needs. Then focus on those thattake a more holistic view of applicants and those that favor yourdistinguishing characteristics.
UseThe Optional Essay
If your numbers are below the 80% range, they warrantan acknowledgement and an explanation. Similarly, if extenuatingcircumstances caused the low numbers, those are an important part ofyour profile. The optional essay is often the place to make thesestatements. If you write the optional essay, make it short andstraightforward. Provide a brief explanation, take responsibility, andfocus on evidence of your talents that counters the impression made bythe low stats. Also, explain (or, ideally, show through example andane**ote) that either you have dealt with the problem causing the poorgrades, or the circumstances no longer apply.
Creating a thoughtful strategy to counteract the effectof low numbers can transform you from a non-starter to a viableapplicant at the schools of your choice. However, it's up to you toshow the adcom that the numbers don't define you.