I obtained MBA for knowledge. I had a good GPA but not stellar GMAT. If you are the opposite – a low GPA, you are even in a better position than I was when I applied for MBA. I did heavy research for this article. Let me explain.
As a rule, GPA is the second most crucial factor for MBA admissions after GMAT. But GMAT carries greater weight in MBA admissions. Good GMAT coupled with a good MBA resume, stellar application essays, and influential letters of recommendation can get applicants into a good MBA program even with a low GPA.
NOTE: GPA level of 3.0 or less and GMAT of less than 700 will probably preclude your chances of being admitted into any of the top 25 MBA programs. But do not worry – there are many lower-ranked, but AACSB accredited MBA programs that will accept you even with GPA less than 3.0 and GMAT less than 600.
Below is a summary of steps you should take to get into an MBA despite your low GPA. Read below for a more detailed explanation of this topic.
- Ramp up your GMAT or GRE preparation studies (depending on what MBA test target school accepts.)
- Try to get as high a GMAT or GRE score as possible.
- Find MBA programs that generally accept applications with your GPA and GMAT ranges. Your GAT score should be at least 30 points higher than average for that program.
- At the same time, research and find some higher-ranked MBA programs which occasionally accept low GPA applicants. Call MBA admissions, if necessary, to make sure you would not waste the application fee.
- Prepare powerful applications to several MBA programs within both groups mentioned above. Prepare good letters of recommendation and MBA essays.
- In Applications, explain your low GPA using reasonable excuses. Highlight your other accomplishments, such as career or business accomplishments, if any.
- Follow up on your MBA applications, asking if there is anything else they need you to provide.
Here is a detailed explanation.
Do Grades Matter for MBA? Does MBA Care About GPA?
It should not be the news that undergraduate grades and GPA matter for MBA admissions, and business schools care about those in their application review process.
On the other hand, grades and GPA comprise only a portion of factors for MBA admissions. Business schools also put a lot of weight on other factors for MBA admissions, such as GMAT or GRE score and proven professional, business, or leadership experience.
Another trick is that MBA admissions probably care more about GPA and grades you received in business classes because those are a better predictor of your potential success or failure as an MBA student.
Business schools for MBA are more likely to consider grades for business-related classes, such as accounting, economics, finance or management, math, statistics. And MBA admission officer likely cares little less about the grades for your drama or art studies class.
Note that the GPA of admitted MBA candidates (applicants) also affects business school’s national ranking, which is always a concern for business schools.
Can I Get into a Good MBA Program with a Low GPA?
It is hard for an applicant to get into a good MBA program with a low GPA, but it is not impossible. Below I describe instances evidencing that even low GPA applicants sometimes can get into good or top MBA programs. But good MBA admission success with a low GPA is rare and requires a hefty amount of work by the applicant.
As a rule, to get into good MBA programs, such as top 5-7 MBA programs, you should have at least a 3.5 GPA for MBA. That said, there were exceptions where low GPA applicants were admitted into top MBA schools. For example, in 2018-2019, some applicants whose GPAs were as low as 3.0 were accepted into Columbia or Wharton.
The GPA range of admitted applicants in top business schools was 3.0-4.0, with 3.5-3.7 being the average.
But I guarantee that those MBA applicants admitted into top MBA programs with low 3.0-3.5 GPA had some other exciting background, accomplishments, excellent letters of recommendation. They also wrote great essays and provided other essential application elements that you usually can create if you pay a reputable MBA admissions consulting firm.
Top 25 (top 5-25) MBAs are also good, and applicants can get into those MBA programs with at least a 3.0-3.3 GPA.
Finally, to get into the top 26-50 MBA programs, you may want to have at least a 2.8-3.0 or higher GPA on your MBA application. Said that, in exceptional cases, those MBA programs too might accept lower GPA if all other parts of MBA application are exemplary.
In this article, I will attempt to focus on how to get into the GOOD MBA program with a low GPA.
Сan I Get Into the MBA Program With Low GPA?
You can get into an MBA program even with a low GPA. This is because MBA admissions are based more on overall accomplishments than pure GMAT and GPA numbers. ThisThis is different from medical or law school admissions, where GPA and standardized test results play pretty much the only role in admissions.
The good news is that there are hundreds if not thousands of MBA programs in the USA, North America, and worldwide. That means that you can get into those MBA programs with pretty much any GPA and with the average GMAT. Those MBA programs often are not as reputable but provide good knowledge.
But to have a better chance of being admitted into the MBA program, you should still choose target business schools carefully, weighing your options based on your GPA and GMAT credentials.
Therefore, if you have a low GPA, applying for a low-ranking MBA program will yield a higher chance of getting into the MBA program. Still, you should send at least a couple of applications to business schools that have MBA programs with credential requirements higher than you can offer.
Then focus on your other accomplishments besides your GPA and GMAT. If you prepared a good MBA application package, it might catch the eye of the admissions representative.
Yet, there are several specific things you can do to cure a low GPA.
Specific Steps for getting into MBA Program with low GPA
Step 1. Take additional business quantitative coursework
You can take different business-related classes in a local college or the same college you went to for your undergrad. Take business classes there and get good grades by focusing on better studying. Taking only a couple of courses will allow you to focus on each and obtain better grades towards your GPA.
Business classes include economics, statistics, finance, accounting, management, marketing. In addition, good grades in quantitative (math) classes like economics, finance or statistics, or advanced math are significant.
Quantitative (math) class grades will show MBA admissions that you can excel as an MBA student. And if you do not do well in those business undergraduate classes, that could indicate that maybe MBA is not the right choice for you.
Business schools understand that obtaining a 3.0 GPA in engineering or science programs is almost the same or higher than getting a 4.0 in liberal arts studies.
Step 2. Prepare well and get a high score on GMAT.
You can study and practice to excel in your GMAT preparation well until reaching higher GMAT (or GRE) score. Higher GMAT or GRE scores are likely to increase your chances of getting into an MBA program despite a low GPA.
And getting the highest scores on GMAT may practically cure your low GPA, except for top MBA programs, which still will scrutinize your application very carefully.
Low GPA and high GMAT situations happen more often than we think. After graduating with a low GPA, which is not enough to apply for a decent MBA or other graduate program, people often go and work for a few years.
After that, they mature, get their things together, and take work and education more seriously. Usually, such people purchase a membership in one of the online GMAT courses and train for GMAT tests till blue on their faces.
With high GMAT scores even low GPAs, students could get even into MBA programs at top business schools.
Step 3. Try to get a business job and excel there
Nothing shows your abilities better to business school than progressive career success or professional accomplishments. MBA admissions will be thrilled to see that you were able to succeed in a business environment.
If you can do good sales work, or you can manage a group of people with proven solid results, then this is something you should show on MBA applications.
Succeeding in the business environment may help you get into an MBA program even with a low GPA, as MBA admissions will see your potential. Starting a successful business counts too. MBA admissions are looking for signs of business success in their MBA applicants. Proven past success is the best indicator of future success.
Showing an excellent professional work record in business plays a positive role. If you gained practical skills and experience in your line of work, which will allow you to move into a management position after an MBA, you should explain that an MBA application.
MBA rankings are also based on the ability of their graduates to find a business job after graduation. Showing such ability makes the job easier for MBA admissions, and they will be more inclined to admit you as an MBA student.
Step 4. Explain your low GPA in MBA application
Even if you excel in extra business courses and obtained good GMAT or GRE score, you still need to address your low GPA in MBA application and explain why you think it is so low. Again, write compelling explanations without making things up.
If you got sick and this lowered your GPA, then say so. If you partied a lot and lost focus on studying, try to explain it with a more compelling reason. MBA admissions representatives want to see serious applicants.
In explanation, focus on new accomplishments such as better grades in business courses or higher GMAT scores. Say that this is evidence that you can succeed as an MBA student despite a low undergraduate GPA.
Step 5. Show other accomplishments
If you have other accomplishments, you should show them on an MBA application to counter low GPA. For example, the military officer leading men in combat situations and the captain of a sports team competing abroad are exemplary accomplishments.
Becoming a successful trainer of people on the job of leader and organizer at volunteer work, leading groups of people doing volunteer work is good. Getting into MBA will be easier if you can show leadership and managerial ability. Even individual accomplishments like volunteering for a peace corp may help.
All is good, even if you are an excellent artist or competing and winning chess or poker player.
6. Work very hard on your MBA application
Working long and hard on your essays, letters of recommendation are crucial. Essays and recommendation letters play a vital role for low GPA applicants. A high GMAT score alone may not be enough as many high GMAT score applicants are getting rejected by top schools simply because they are clones of each other.
Being different is vital. Find something to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Emphasize something that can show that you have integrity, devotion, ethics, and desire to achieve something in business. MBA schools want leaders and achievers, not just clone salary-getters.
Note that both MBA and law schools like applicants with STEM degrees. Therefore, a degree in the STEM area, with work experience in one of the growth areas like AI, robotics, machine learning, data mining, etc., is more likely to get you admitted despite a low GPA.
Higher-ranked MBA programs may be more lenient and open MBA doors for STEM applicants. Because business schools care about two things:
– Whether you can succeed as an MBA student and beyond,
– Whether you can find a good job in business after graduation, improving their rankings.
– And they care about making money, of course.
On the other note, if you know at least one programing language – make sure you put that on your MBA application. Admissions may take that as a plus factor.
MAJOR TIP: MBA part-time programs at higher ranked business schools often have lower admissions requirements than full-time programs. Research part-time MBA programs like that and you may have a shot at getting into a better business school.
What GPA is too low for MBA? The GPA Cutoff Line for MBA
Surprisingly, most MBA programs do not have a bottom cutoff line for the GPA of applicants. That means that high GMAT or GRE plus otherwise interesting application may lead to MBA admission despite a very low GPA.
Said that you must understand that absence of a formally stated GPA cutoff does not mean that a business school accepts applicants with a very low GPA. MBA admissions simply leave their options open if they encounter an otherwise attractive candidate.
For example, the range of GPAs of admitted MBA applicants at Harvard or Wharton was 3.0-4.0. That means that for low-ranking MBA programs GPA range of 2.0-3.0 can be quite applicable. However, do not forget that MBA admissions review GPA holistically in conjunction with the undergraduate major.
For example, a 2.0 GPA for a science major could be equivalent to a 3.0 GPA for liberal arts major. And there is probably no too low GPA for an applicant who scored over 720-800 on the GMAT because such a score shows that the applicant is capable of learning complex business material despite a low GPA.
However, I would not try to apply to a decent MBA program with a GPA of less than 2.5 unless you have at least a 620-700 GMAT score.
Said that San Jose State University expressly set 2.5 as cutoff GPA for Applicants.
Focus hard on your GMAT and other parts of MBA application if you have a low undergraduate GPA.
Low undergrad GPA for MBA: Specific Scenarios
What GMAT Score Do You Need for a Good MBA Program Despite Low GPA?
My research shows that applicants with a low GPA need to obtain a GMAT score of at least 720-750 to have a chance of being admitted into top MBA programs. Therefore, GMAT scores lower than 720-750 will probably not help low GPA applicants to get into top elite business schools.
But lower GMAT score is sufficient to get into lower-ranking MBA programs. To a certain bottom level, of course. GMAT of 550 and lower is probably an indicator that MBA application to top 100 MBA business schools is fruitless. But lower-ranked accredited MBA programs may still accept you into their MBA program.
NOTE: With a lower GPA, you should strive to achieve a GMAT score of at least 20-30 points higher than the average GMAT score accepted by the target MBA program.
Individual Low GPA Scenarios For MBA Admissions
Now, let’s review several individual GPA level scenarios and how they affect the chances of admission into an MBA.
Note, if you have a low GPA but want to get into as high-ranking MBA as possible, I suggest hiring good MBA admissions consulting firm. Such a move will be well worth money spent as higher-ranking business schools offer more marketable MBA degrees and a better network of future business connections.
Top MBA Program With 3.3-3.4 GPA? 3.3 GPA for top MBA
Can you get into the top MBA program with just a 3.4 GPA? GPA of 3.4 is being on the lower side of the top MBA applicant pool. But 3.4 GPA is still within the range of GPAs accepted by some elite MBA programs.
Therefore, if you can add to that a GMAT score of 720 or higher, plus a well-prepared GMAT application package, then you may apply for top MBA programs and possibly even get admitted into one.
Remember that top MBA programs use GPA and GMAT metrics to screen out applications before even reviewing them. So you need at least one good thing to get your application past the trash can.
Some commentators suggest that Harvard Business school is just too selective. With a 3.4 GPA and 720 GMAT credentials, you can apply for MBA at Wharton or Columbia Business School.
Others also note that applicants with undergraduate degrees from the top 10-15 colleges will have greater chances of getting admitted into an MBA. But, again, the above is true even for STEM degrees.
Said that there were instances when applicants with GPA lower than 3.3 were admitted at Wharton or Columbia. They had a proven track record of excellence and progression in their careers.
Can I get into an MBA program with a 3.2 GPA? 3.2 GPA for top MBA
At this point, we figured out few critical facts about whether you can get into an MBA program with a 3.2 GPA
– You can still get into an MBA program with a 3.2 GPA;
– With the good well-prepared MBA application package GPA of 3.2 may even get you accepted into the top 50 to 10 MBA program.
– Good GMAT score will allow you to apply for the higher-ranked MBA program.
However, you should note that the top 5-7 MBA programs are a close call as they more rarely accept applicants with a 3.0-3.4 undergraduate GPA. To counter that, an applicant should have a high GMAT and some interesting background or career accomplishments.
It also helps if your 3.2-3.3 GPA is from one of the country’s top engineering or STEM programs. Because admissions understand the rigor of engineering and stem education, you can apply even for a top 5-7 MBA program.
And if you also have had a progressive career at some top company or consulting firm, that significantly helps.
In this case, I suggest hiring an MBA admission consultant to help you get the best application package possible and increase your chances of getting into a good MBA program with a 3.2 GPA.
Can I get an MBA with a 3.0 GPA? Into MBA with 3.0 GPA
With a 3.0 GPA, you can still get into MBA without a problem. However, you have the best chance to be admitted to the MBA programs below the top 25. Again, if your 3.0 GPA is for a STEM degree at a reputable undergraduate college, that can raise the bar for selecting target business schools for MBA applications.
I would say that a 3.0 GPA is a cutoff GPA for top business schools like Columbia or Wharton. Harvard or Stanford is probably out of reach entirely unless you have a GMAT of 700-750 or higher and some other accomplishments to show.
But there are still many decent MBA programs, including in the top 50, which will accept 3.0-3.1 GPA. I will provide a list of few MBA programs later in this article. (or, if you sign up to my newsletter)
But as an example, NYU MBA is within reach, and you may apply as their average applicant GPA bottom range is about as low as 2.7.
Some top business commentators suggest that with a 3.0 GPA, you might want to explore marketing and analytical career options before you apply for a top MBA. If you can find such career options, I would add.
Work for a couple of years and decide if you still want to pursue MBA. Also, see if you can show now any real-life work experience in the business.
Also, spend some time doing volunteer work experience, work very hard on your essays, and so on. Finally, hire an MBA admission consultant. I am not kidding you. Take this process seriously.
Can I get an MBA with a 2.7 or 2.9 GPA?
GPA of 2.7-2.9 is relatively low, and top 5-7 MBA programs are probably entirely out of reach even with top GMAT scores.
But, even with this GPA, you can still have a chance at a good business school with an MBA program in the top 10-50. For example, the University of Chicago Booth and Kellogg MBAs accept applicants with GPAs of 2.5-2.8.
I think 2.8 is the lowest for Both MBA and 2.5 is the lowest for Kellogg. NYU MBA is still within reach too.
Make sure your GMAT score is at least 720-750 or higher for these top schools. And your chances of getting into an MBA with this GPA are significantly increasing if you are willing to apply to lower-ranking MBA programs (and you should do so as a backup).
Can you get into an MBA program with a 2.5 GPA? MBA with 2.5 GPA
You can get into an MBA program with a 2.5 GPA. Even better, I had heard about a few of those rare occasions when an applicant with a 2.5 GPA was admitted to top 7 MBA programs. Naturally, they had perfect or near-perfect GMAT scores and a good list of career or other accomplishments.
I would say that a 2.4-2.5 GPA is pretty much a cutoff GPA for a good MBA program. Less than that will not get you anywhere unless you obtain a perfect or near-perfect GMAT score.
Some commentators say that 2.5 GPA and 760 GMAT may allow you to target Stern NYU MBA level programs or even top 10-15 business schools.
But more realistically, with a 2.5 GPA, good GMAT, and good application package score, applicants can still get into the 100 MBA programs.
Low GPA high GMAT Still Gets You Into Decent MBA Program!
More specific Scenarios of low GPA high GMAT:
800 GMAT low GPA
You have not only a chance of being admitted into an MBA program but also a good MBA program. But, of course, that depends on o your overall success and application credentials.
760 GMAT 3.2 GPA
I already explained above that this combination could, in some circumstances, land admittance into high ranking MBA program. However, I said that anything lower than the top 25 MBA looks like an easier choice.
3.2 GPA 750 GMAT
This scenario is pretty much the same as the one just above with 760 GMAT. You still have a shot at top 25 MBA programs, but applying to any MBA below the top 25 will make it easier to get into their MBA program.
780 GMAT 3.0 GPA
This combination is a severe split, and you will need to explain the difference between GMAT and GPA. But the GMAT score is high. Couple that with some excellent credentials and an application package, and you could apply to the top 10 MBA programs.
Any MBA program beyond the top 10 will be an easier choice for you to get admitted.
3.0 GPA 760 GMAT
There is no considerable difference between the GMAT of 780 and 760. Therefore, the above scenario applies here as well.
3.0 GPA 750 GMAT
With this scenario, you are still in the range for even top law school. You must work on your MBA application emphasizing non-academic accomplishments. That includes good career progression or other actions showing leadership of business acumen.
3.0 GPA 700 GMAT
Under this scenario, the top 5 MBA programs are probably out of reach unless you have something else to show for it. Hire an MBA admissions consultant – this may save your career.
Any MBA below the top 7-15 can still be a target for you.
3.0 and GMAT less than 700
I would say that you have no shot at the top 15 MBAs. Top 15-100 may be an option.
Can I get into an MBA program with a 2.2 GPA?
I do not know why you would apply for MBA with such a low GPA of 2.2 unless you had a good reason for such a low GPA. Did you get sick? Got into an accident? Got caught up in the armed conflict or war? Had you been in witness protection against the mafia?
If you do not have a heavy-duty reason for such a low GPA, then I think chances of getting admitted into any GOOD and reputable MBA programs are minimal, if any at all.
Still, a few low-ranking MBA programs will accept you without any problem just because they make money out of applicants like you.
Said that, read the low GPA MBA success story below of an engineer who got into Columbia MBA with just 2.1 undergraduate GPA.
Do MBA programs accept a 2.0 GPA?
The same scenario as above but even worse. Are you sure you want MBA? Are you sure you can complete the MBA business curriculum?
Well, then find a money-making low ranking MBA program, and you can get your MBA there.
But, with a low 2.2 GPA and GMAT of at least 525-650, applicants can still get admitted into AACSB accredited MBA program. But top 25 or top 50 MBAs are probably not an option with a low GPA and average GMAT combination.
Low GPA MBA Success Stories
There is a story online of an ex-NASA engineer who had a 2.1 undergraduate GPA in engineering. Then he has done some excellent work for NASA in the next five years.
Then he spent many months drilling GMAT prep, aced the GMAT test. And wrote and re-wrote his essays many times to highlight his professional accomplishments at NASA.
He applied to several top MBA programs and was accepted at the University of Michigan MBA and NYU MBA. Waitlisted at Columbia. Promptly sent them everything they requested. He begged them to accept him promising to be a great asset to their MAB program and so on. And he went to the Columbia MBA program in the end.
Another story in person with a 2.2 GPA and 710 GMAT went into the top 25 MBA after liberal arts studies. Has done some volunteering and had five years of progressive, successful work experience as a digital marketing account manager. He also did extra accounting and statistics courses and got As in them before applying for MBA!
Then 2.3 GPA, 720 GMAT, military officer significant leadership experience of 5 years, admitted at top 15 and top 10 MBA programs in the country. He took GMAT several times and spent much effort on GMAT prep.
At the same time, someone with a 2.9 GPA and 680 GMAT plus work experience could not get even in USC.
Three low GPA high GMAT success stories illustrate my point. Do you see the pattern? They all had high GMAT AND some significant leadership or professional experience that made them stand out from the crowd. Plus, they kept pushing it into admissions offices.
In conclusion: Low GPA and Low GMAT scenario for MBA
If you have less than a 3.0 GPA and less than 600 GMAT, you can still get into AACSB accredited MBA program. Most likely, that program is likely to be outside of the top 100 MBAs in the country. There are hundreds of MBAs in the USA alone. I am not even mentioning online ones.
Will a low GPA and low GMAT, you are still an eligible candidate for lower-ranking business schools if you want to obtain MBA.
You may not enjoy such an excellent professional network as in top business schools, but even a local MBA can boost your existing career to a managerial level. And if you want MBA for knowledge, then just go for as cheap an MBA as possible.