MBA Application Series: Part 1
Posted on Fri, Aug 06, 2010 @ 01:36 PM
As the MBA application season is quickly approaching, FWL in partnership with Stacy Blackman Consulting is launching a new series of articles that will give you helpful tips on how to make progress in your application process. If you are interested in MBA mentorship program that is kicking off soon, please sign up here.
Your Candidacy: Transcript Issues to Consider
Many applicants have a selective memory when it comes to their transcript. They remember the 3.8 in their psychology major but have somehow blocked out the C in Calculus and the overall 2.7. Your transcript is what it is, and it will not change, no matter how many classes you take after the fact. However, if you have low grades, there are things you can do to somewhat offset the damage. The following are some potential transcript issues that can be tackled head on with a bit of advance planning:
- Low Overall GPA – A low overall GPA may raise a red flag for an admissions committee. They are seeking individuals with a track record of excellence, who prioritize academics and achievement, and who have the ability to excel academically. By taking a few classes now, you can offset some of their concerns. While straight A’s in post-undergraduate courses will not erase your original transcript, you can demonstrate that you have the ability to excel academically, that you have identified a weakness and are making an effort to rectify it, that you are committed to learning, and that you can balance multiple commitments successfully. All of this can help mitigate the damage done by poor undergraduate performance.
- Low grades in business or quantitative classes – Even if your overall GPA is high, if the two classes that you bombed were Calculus and Statistics, this could cause concerns about your ability to excel in a rigorous business school curriculum. For some of the same reasons detailed above, taking relevant classes now will help to put the admissions committee at ease.
- No business or quantitative courses on the transcript – If you are currently in a business role that does not require fluency with business or numbers, and you do not have any of these types of courses on your transcript, you might consider taking a class now. This will demonstrate an awareness of your deficiencies and help to provide a level of comfort around your abilities.
Finally, if you do plan to take some extra classes, some suggested courses to take are Calculus, Statistics, and Accounting. These basics will set the groundwork for a typical MBA curriculum.
Founded in 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting has helped thousands of MBA applicants gain admission to the most selective business schools in the world. The Stacy Blackman team, comprised of MBA graduates, former admissions officers and expert writers, editors and marketers, helps clients develop and implement a winning marketing strategy. Stacy Blackman clients have a significantly increased probability of admission to top schools and are frequent recipients of merit scholarships. The company is regularly featured in publications such as BusinessWeek, the Wall Street Journal and the Economist. Visit the Stacy Blackman blog for daily news updates and admissions tips, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school by school guidance.