I finished my MBA with extremely low GPA, what should I do?

Question

I attended a target MBA but graduated with extremely low GPA (lower than 3)-possibly the lowest among the whole batch. At the school we have grade non-disclosure policy, but since now I graduated and work for one year already and want to apply as an experienced hire, is there any way that I don't need to disclose my GPA? Will they ask for it?

Answer 1

Hello!

Don´t worry, since it´s not a big deal. Just don´t include it in the CV in the education section, mention only the MBA. BTW, is it from a target school? In this case, really none would care.

In undergrads is different since there are so very little data points, but your case is different.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 2

Hi there,

I would simply not put the GPA in the CV. It will signal it is not high, but that would be better than an extremely low one.

They could ask about it in the interview, thus you should have a good story for it. But if you get that question it means you already passed the screening, thus it would be not that bad.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Dear A,

1. Don't put your CPA into your CV

2. Be prepared with a story to explain it on the interview.

Wish you good luck,

Best,

André

Answer 4

Hi,

I noted that in your comments to other answers you flag that the system requires you to enter your GPA.

Don't worry! The fix is simple!

You need to reach out to HR and say "I apologize but my school holds all students to a non-grade disclosure pledge. Per this agreement, I am actually not allowed to disclose my GPA, nor is any other student. I unfortunately have to respect this rule and was just wondering if there is a way to include my MBA in the application without inputing the GPA?"

This actually can be in your favor, as you now have opened up a conversation with HR and put a "person" to a cold application.

Answer 5

I don't ever recall seeing a CV without high level grades unfortunately. You have two options

1) Don't put the grades but make sure you really dial-up other achievements (that said given you have only been out of school for a year; I would be very surprised if you are not eventually asked. Employers will likely stop asking after 3-5 years in the best case scenario)

2) If you have a good story to explain the low GPA then include the grade but explain the reason in your cover letter

Either way - you will need some extraordinary achievements or an extraordinary rationale to have any hope of securing an interview at top consulting firms

Answer 6

Hi, I confirm it will not a problem. Nobody cares about an MBA grade. Leverage the MBA as an experience and the other working experiences

Best,
Antonello

Answer 7

Hi there,

On CV it’s not required to add this info.

Sometimes applying via system GPA is required. In that case be prepared to explain why it is low and point out your strengths better.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB