How to fix low GPA?

GPA
New answer on Nov 25, 2020
9 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 10, 2020

I have a really LOW GPA (lower end 2.x) at a top MBA (non-disclosure). Would this stop me from joining any consultancies in the future as an experienced hire if I don't get in for full time while at MBA? (graduated from the MBA already, aiming for experienced hire

(edited)

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Luca
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replied on Apr 10, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Dear anonymous,

GPA is something important and it could be a specific requirement for some offices. Having said that, the more working experience you have, the less important becomes your GPA. Hence it could prevent you from joining MBB in a short time but your chances will increas with the time.
If you want to apply in a short time, I would suggest to not put your GPA in your CV and hope that they won't ask for it.

Best,
Luca

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Thomas
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replied on Apr 11, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

Applications indeed get reviewed in a holistic way, but offices often have a minimum GPA for people joining from undergrad. For MBA applications the GPA is generally tricky as the interviews are early on in the academic year and more weight is given to experience. My recommendation would also be to remove your GPA and if asked tell that the university has a non-disclosure scheme.

When asked for a GPA in the system, fill it with a 0 or 1 to indicate that you only fill it because the system prompted you. Recruiting will likely notice this and dive into your experience in more detail.

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Anonymous replied on Apr 11, 2020

Since your MBA has non-disclosure policy, just don't mention your GPA anywhere in our CV and application. For MBA, interviewers not very likely would grill you on what was your GPA, if you don't flag it.

Best,

Emily

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Anonymous A on Apr 11, 2020

Hi Emily, I graduated from MBA already so for experienced hire, it seems that I need to put the GPA in the application system.

Anonymous on Apr 12, 2020

Yes you don't. :) Best of luck!

Anonymous replied on Apr 12, 2020

Hi, GPA will not matter much if you have 2 of the following situation:

  1. You have a strong working experience (i.e. large global company, fast track, high achiever)
  2. You have a VERY hign GMAT score (i.e. >750) but even then if you only have short working experience with less opportunity to prove yourself then it might not help much.

If you have point 2 above, put that in your CV and remove your GPA. Also send your CV through a network in the firm instead of online application. There are alogrithm in online application that might rejet your CV based on GPA.

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Clara
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replied on Apr 10, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

For sure it´s not a good thing to mention in the CV, so omit it.

Applications get reviewed in a holistic way, so low GPA is not a deal-breaker either if the rest of the CV is good (e.g., imagine a candidate who did not get great grades but was playing sports professionally)

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous A on Apr 10, 2020

I have course GPA as low as 0.3...I didn't spend time study at all as I have other priorities. Thanks for your advice!

Clara on Apr 10, 2020

Then 100% don´t mention ;)

Anonymous A on Apr 10, 2020

Thanks!!And unfortunately, in the application system I need to put the GPA...Non-disclosure during MBA is such a good thing. Not after the MBA though :(

(edited)

Francesco
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replied on Apr 12, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

normally in the CV you only put if you are in Dean’s List in the MBA, not the actual GPA. You can therefore avoid to put yours in the CV. If it is required as part of the application process of course it is going to affect your application, if that’s the case it would be even more important to apply via referral to compensate for that.

Best,

Francesco

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 25, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

Feel free to send me your CV, I will check it before applying to the consulting companies!

You can strengthen your application with other achievements without adding your GPA level.

All the best,

GB

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Anonymous replied on Jul 10, 2020

Dear A,

A good GMAT score >700 is good extension in your profile but its'not a must.

In your situation with a very low GPA in resume, try either not to show it or get an internship first trhough a referral, and then through the internship try to secure your full-time offer.

Make you internship as soon as possible that you can have a couple of tries. Ideally you comlete 1-2 internships, before you greduation in consulting.

If you have any questions, reach out to me and I can help you.

Best,

André

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Antonello
Expert
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replied on Apr 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Since they do not disclose the gpa, nobody it will be interested in MBA GPA, so do not include it in your cv

Best

Antonello

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Luca gave the best answer

Luca

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