First off, thank you for answering all our questions.

Although my GMAT score is over 700, my undergrad GPA is very low (2.56). Thing is, I was working full time running a small but my own business during that time and simply didnt spend too much time on academics. On top of that, I took as many summer classes i could in order to graduate in 3 years (which I did). How would that affect my chances at some of the top tier schools (Michigan, Virginia), assuming that other factors in my app is well executed? Also, how should I start building an alternate transcript? would receiving A's in local community college or continued education courses provided by local accredited universities be sufficient enough? which would be better?

Thank you once again,

James

With a low GPA -- getting a good GMAT (above 700), plus scoring A's in 2-3 courses at a community college/continuing ed is what you should be doing, so yes you're on track (and no, it doesn't matter whether it's a community college or a university; whichever is more convenient).

It then comes down to everything else -- quality of work experience, extracurriculars, how well you execute your application, etc. As for your chances, hard to say as I have no idea who you are or what you do for a living -- it's the totality of your application, and no, your GPA won't keep you out of the running if that's what you're asking.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

Further to the question. I also have a low GPA of ~2.7(undergrad done part-time while serving the military). My questions is whether passing CFA 1/2 is a strong enough factor which can mitigate this weakness rather than going to community colleges(no such option exists in the UK where I'm based now)

Thanks.
S. Yuan

The most important thing to do when you have a low GPA is to score high on the GMAT -- preferably above the school's averages.

For applicants who didn't go to college in the US, the GPA is less of an issue simply because it's harder to benchmark -- in this case, the school name becomes more important.

And no, the CFA won't really do the trick even if it seems like it should.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

Hi,

I have a low GPA (2.81) and gmat of 650, which I plan to retake. In terms of taking courses, I have taken a Math for Management course at UCLA and received a grade of A-. I am looking to take another course, but am not sure what's the best direction to go--an advanced stats and quant. methods class, advanced accounting theory, or basic managerial finance? Of the three, which is carries more weight? Or do you have other suggestions?

Additionally, I want to pursue marketing upon entering b-school, so should I take a course in marketing as well? Possibly pursue a certificate?

Lastly, do schools discriminate between online classes and regular classes where attendance is mandatory?

Thank you!

What carries most weight is getting an "A", regardless of what kind of quant course you take -- so choose one that best fits your schedule (or the one that you feel will least likely put you to sleep). Other than that, it's about how well you execute your application and the rest of your candidacy (quality of work experience and extracurriculars). You don't need to take a marketing course or a certificate - it's not really going to make a difference.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com