How to Get Into Business School with a Low GPA: A Proven Guide for Ambitious Applicants

Wondering how to get into business school with a low GPA? Learn how to offset a low GPA and stand out in MBA admissions—yes, even with a 2.2 or 2.5 GPA.

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Let’s get real for a moment. You’re smart. You’re driven. You’ve got the ambition, the network, and the vision to do something extraordinary with your career. But when it comes time to apply to business school, one number keeps holding you back: your GPA.

Whether it’s a 2.2, 2.5, or 2.53, that “low GPA” feels like a permanent stain on an otherwise impressive track record. You might be wondering, Can I get into an MBA program with a 2.2 GPA? Or do MBA programs care about undergrad GPA even if I’ve achieved so much since college?

The answer? Yes—MBA admissions officers do care. But that’s not the end of the story.

I’m Kaneisha Grayson, Founder and CEO of The Art of Applying®. I started this company in 2010 with a $10,000 grant from Harvard Business School while earning my MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and MBA from HBS. Since then, my team and I have helped thousands of applicants, many with what’s considered a low GPA, gain admission to an MBA program and win over $30 million in merit scholarships.

This blog post is your roadmap. I’ll walk you through how to get accepted into business school, even with a GPA of 2.5 or below, without wasting precious time, compromising your standards, or sabotaging your shot at an elite institution.

You’ll learn what admissions committees really care about, how to offset a lower GPA with other strengths like a high GMAT or GRE score, and how to stand out if you’re applying to MBA programs with strict GPA requirements. Whether you’re aiming for an MBA with a low GPA or applying for an MBA with a strong professional track record, this is your blueprint.

This isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about raising your strategy.

At The Art of Applying®, we’ve helped applicants with GPAs as low as 2.8 get into top programs like Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Columbia, not by pretending their GPA didn’t matter, but by tackling it head-on with strategy, self-awareness, and support. You can do this too, with a plan that doesn’t leave your future up to chance.

What Constitutes a “Low GPA” in MBA Admissions?

Let’s start by defining what’s considered a low GPA.

For most business schools, a GPA below 3.0 is generally considered a red flag. Many top schools have an average GPA around 3.4–3.7 for incoming students. So yes:

  • A 2.8 GPA is considered a low GPA
  • A 2.5 GPA is often below the minimum GPA requirement
  • A 2.2 GPA typically falls outside the range most MBA programs expect

But GPA isn’t destiny. A low GPA may slow you down, but it doesn’t have to stop you. What matters more is how you respond, how you frame it, and how you offset a low GPA with other high-impact components in your MBA application.

The traditional advice might tell you to only apply to schools where your GPA is within the published range. But if you have ambitious goals, that approach is not only limiting. It’s often a losing strategy. Top-ranked schools like Harvard and Stanford can and do admit exceptional applicants with lower GPAs, if the rest of your application is outstanding.

Do MBA Programs Care About GPA?

They do. But not all schools weigh it equally.

Your undergrad GPA helps MBA admissions officers assess academic readiness, but GPA is just one part of the bigger picture. Schools offer MBA programs with the understanding that some applicants bring a nontraditional background, international transcripts, or extenuating circumstances.

That’s why many MBA programs take a holistic approach. They consider:

  • Rigor of your undergrad major
  • Any low grades or periods of underperformance
  • GRE score or GMAT score to offset GPA
  • Leadership, impact, and promotions post-graduation
  • Letters of recommendation that speak to your strengths
  • Personal statement clarity and long-term goals

And if your GPA is on the low side, you must use the optional essay to address it head-on. The admissions committee will see your transcript either way. The point of the optional essay is to show you’re proactive, reflective, and prepared. Not to hide your weaknesses but to demonstrate how you’ve learned and grown from them.

Many top schools will consider a GPA of 3.0 or even lower, especially if the rest of your application is high-caliber.

Why It’s Still Possible: The Truth About MBA Programs with Low GPA Admissions

You can succeed in an MBA program even if you had a rough undergraduate experience.

Whether you’re looking at an online MBA program, a mid-tier school with more flexible GPA requirements, or a competitive executive MBA with high expectations but holistic review, here’s what matters: how you present your academic and professional growth.

Here are a few ways you can mitigate a low GPA and gain admission to an MBA program:

Before we dive into strategies, remember: You don’t have to do this perfectly. But you do have to do it intentionally. In just five minutes, you can learn the most effective strategy for overcoming a low GPA when applying to top grad schools. It starts with taking ownership, leaning into your strengths, and refusing to let a number define your destiny.

1. A Strong GMAT or GRE Score Can Offset a Low GPA

When you can’t change your GPA, you can invest your time and energy into getting a high GMAT score or a strong GRE score. This helps reassure schools that you’re ready for the rigor of an MBA program.

For example, pairing a 2.5 GPA with a 710 GMAT or 326 GRE can help reframe your candidacy.

2. Supplemental Coursework Shows Academic Growth

If your GPA in your MBA application feels too low to stand on its own, you can take business-related or quantitative classes from accredited institutions or respected online programs.

Step one: Take one to two supplementary courses before you submit your application.

Step two: Plan to take another one or two after you apply, but before decisions come out. Choose business-related or quantitative subjects like microeconomics, calculus, statistics, accounting, finance, or spreadsheet modeling. You can take these at a community college, university extension, or even online via Coursera. Just aim for A grades to show you’re ready for the academic rigor of business school.

3. Use the Optional Essay Wisely

The optional essay on your MBA application is your opportunity to explain, not excuse, your low GPA. If your undergrad GPA suffered due to family issues, financial strain, or illness, speak to it directly and briefly.

Take responsibility. Show how you’ve grown. And explain what you bring to the program today that outweighs past academic setbacks. Your optional essay should clearly name your GPA and briefly explain what caused it, whether it was financial strain, a medical issue, or a lack of direction early in college. Then, walk the reader through the specific actions you’ve taken, like supplementary courses or strong test scores, to show you’re ready to succeed now.

4. Showcase High-Impact Experience

Admissions committees want to know what you’ll bring to the program and your future MBA class. A resume filled with upward momentum, mission-aligned leadership, and compelling impact goes a long way.

Choose letters of recommendation from people who can vouch for your strengths in leadership, communication, and analytical thinking. And if you’re not sure whether your recommenders will know how to position your low GPA, don’t leave it to chance. Have a conversation. Share your application goals and the big picture so they can speak to the skills that truly matter—your leadership, resilience, and growth.

Schools That Offer MBA Programs with Low GPA Requirements

Not all programs publish GPA cutoffs. But there is a list of MBA programs that are known to be more flexible, especially if applicants have a high test score or meaningful work experience.

Here are a few schools with a reputation for looking beyond the transcript:

  • Arizona State University (Carey)
  • University of Denver (Daniels)
  • Howard University
  • University of Massachusetts (Isenberg)
  • Fordham University (Gabelli)
  • Babson College (Olin)
  • Rotman School of Management in Canada
  • IE Business School (International)

These programs with low GPA requirements don’t guarantee admission, but they do provide a path for applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or lower who can prove their readiness and value.

And yes, many MBA programs now offer online programs with flexible structures and more personalized admissions review.

Can You Get Into a Top MBA Program with a Low GPA?

Yes, you can get into a top MBA program, even with a GPA below 3.0.

We’ve supported clients with low GPAs who were admitted to schools like:

  • Harvard Business School
  • Stanford GSB
  • Columbia Business School
  • University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School
  • Kellogg School of Management

These clients didn’t rely on luck. They crafted cohesive narratives, scored well on the GMAT or GRE, leaned into letters of recommendation, and showed the kind of ambition and leadership that top MBA programs value.

For applicants with a GPA around 2.5, what often makes the difference isn’t just one silver bullet. It’s the full package. They commit to boosting their academic readiness with strong test scores and supplementary coursework. They take the optional essay seriously and frame their past academic challenges in a way that highlights resilience and growth. And they don’t try to hide their GPA. They show how they’ve outgrown it. That’s the pattern we’ve seen in successful applicants who’ve earned their spot at top-tier MBA programs.

How Much Does GPA Matter for Earning an MBA?

If you’re already thinking ahead to what happens after school, good for you.

Your GPA in business school is rarely used as a measure of success once you graduate. Once you’re earning an MBA, success is measured by:

  • The strength of your network
  • Internship and job offers
  • Contribution to class discussions and projects
  • Alumni connections and referrals

So while a strong GPA as an MBA student is nice to have, it’s not the differentiator it was in undergrad. In fact, your GPA may never come up again after graduation.

Reframe the Numbers, Reclaim Your Strategy

Here’s what I want you to remember:

  • You can get accepted to a top business school even with a 2.5 GPA
  • You must highlight strengths to offset a low GPA
  • It’s not just about your GPA or test scores. It’s about your vision, leadership, and what you bring to the table

Traditional advice is useful until it limits your vision. If you’re applying to programs “in your league” because your GPA says so, you’re playing small. The truth is, elite programs often have the flexibility to admit wild card applicants. Those who may not look perfect on paper, but who bring something exceptional to the table.

You don’t have to do this alone.

At The Art of Applying®, we specialize in helping applicants like you. Those who don’t have perfect transcripts, but do have big ambitions. We’ve worked with clients who are mission-driven, referral-based, and determined to create impact and legacy, not just prestige for prestige’s sake.

Our Application Accelerator® is a high-touch, personalized coaching experience designed for people who value outcome certainty, discretion, and efficiency. Whether you’re navigating legacy expectations, career pivots, or ethical reservations about this next step, we’re here to make the process simpler, faster, and more strategic.

If you’re ready to get into an MBA with a low GPA and still aim high, we invite you to book a Quick Call with our team. You’ve done the work to become who you are. Let’s make sure your future reflects it.

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86 Comments

  1. Hi Kaneisha!
    Thanks for this post – I found it very helpful. I looked into HBX CORe per your recommendation, and it seems like a great choice.
    I’m curious – do you see that HBX CORe is accepted (and it’s program respected) by MBA programs outside of Harvard’s? I’m interested in applying, although I’d like to do a program that will have an equal impact across all of my applications and I know HBX CORe is still relatively new. Have you seen applicant success stories using HBX CORe at other programs outside of Harvard’s?
    Thanks!

    • Hi Annelise, for the most impact across all of your MBA applications, I suggest you take your supplemental courses at a community college, junior college, or 4-year college or university. I’m a big fan of HBX CORe, but I consider it the best option among online course options. However, for now, an in-person class where you receive a real grade on a real transcript is the preferred way to go.

  2. Hi,
    What if you have a low undergraduate GPA, but an excellent graduate GPA? I’m considering getting a MBA or a business degree in addition to what I already have. Which GPA is weighed more?
    Thanks

    • Hi Jersey, while having a strong GPA in a graduate program is a good thing and will be positive for your application, the most heavily weighted GPA will be your undergraduate GPA since that is the measuring stick by which all applicants can be compared. Thanks for your question!

  3. Hi,
    I am from India and the local community college options are limited. I have a considerably low GPA and wanted to know from you what are the good online courses that I could pursue to help strengthen my application?
    Thanks!

    • Hi Priyom, I recommend you do a quick online search for what you’re looking for or consider taking the courses at some local four-year universities if you can. I’d be happy to have my team do a search for you for some online courses through our email coaching service if you are interested.

  4. Love this! You mention that I’d need 2 to 5 years work experience? I’m Canadian with a low GPA. After undergrad I did graduate school then got funding to start my own company. Is this considered “work experience”?

    • Hi Allie, running a startup or small business does indeed count as work experience. You will want to give lots of numbers to quantify the results of your efforts running a business (revenue, profit margin, number of clients or customers, number of employees, etc.).

  5. Hi,
    I wanted to ask that I have a GMAT score of 726 and undergrad GPA-2.8/4. Do I have a chance of getting into top 20 business schools considering I do well on my essays?

    • Hi Yatharth, congrats on your excellent GMAT score! I don’t provide profile evaluations in the comments. I need to review your profile in-depth to assess your chances. This is a service called a Deep Dive that I offer. Thank you for commenting!

  6. Hi Kaneisha,
    thanks for the great article. I have a super low GPA of 2.53 in my bachelors of engineering. I am yet to take the GMAT test. I have just started preparing for it and was planning on taking it around december end. I just checked a couple of schools and it seems like the Round 2 deadline for 2017 is jan first week. After reading your article I believe i should be applying in Round 1 or Round 2. But given the amount of time I have, it looks like I would only be able to apply in Round 3. Do you recommend that at all?
    And what ranked schools should I be looking at with a super low GPA.
    Thanks
    Aj

    • Hi AJ, I don’t recommend anyone apply to business school in Round 3 unless you are fine with possibly having to reapply to business school in a following year. For your 2.53 GPA, I recommend applying to 6-12 schools ranked 30-50 in the popular MBA rankings. You should also take all the steps outlined in the article above. Best of luck!

  7. I have a bachelors degree in law from the university of papua new guinea. gpa of 2.98. I have worked as a legal advisor for three years. My high school gpa us 3.8. I also have obtained a degree in psychology with a gpa of 3.5. What are my chances?

    • Hi David, I do not provide profile evaluations in the comments section. You can get an in-depth profile evaluation during a Deep Dive. Best of luck!

  8. Hi, Thank you for your tips. I’m international student I just done my BS degree from US college with 3.0 GPA. I also have more than 4 years of work experience. Now I’m looking to apply for Harvard MBA program and i’m wondering if I can waive the GMAT/GRE test somehow!!
    Thank you!

  9. Hi Kaneisha,
    Excellent article. This topic of low GPA and getting into HBS directly applies to my story and I wanted to get your insight on this.
    My background – I am an Indian national, schooled in Dubai (A grades throughout), completed undergraduate degree in economics at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a GPA of 2.0 (this is the major issue), then did investment banking in Singapore for 2 years, then worked at the World Bank on large deals in Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America for 3 years, and now for the past 2 years working for a top-notch private equity firm. My GMAT score is 720. I have done a lot of community work through my family foundation on education and schools for the underprivileged. I have two HBS alums who can swear by me and write me the best recommendation letters because I have closely worked with them and they value my skills.
    Now as you can see I have all the ingredients except my GPA which is by far the lowest of the low. Please advice whether HBS MBA is still possible?
    Thanks.

    • Hi Ron, I don’t provide profile evaluations in the comments. This would be appropriate for a Deep Dive. However, I would strongly encourage you to apply to HBS and any other school that interests you. If you don’t apply, you have a 0% chance of admission, no matter how hard the school is to get into. Best of luck!

  10. Hi,
    This article is really helpful in understanding alot of misconceptions about getting admissions to HBS or top business schools. Is there any admission program for foriegn students to apply at HBS or other top business schools with low or mid-level GPA?

    • Hi Joel, I’m glad you found the article helpful! International students with a low or mid-level GPA should apply to business school through the regular admissions process just like everyone else. If you are able to work with the help of an admissions consultant (hopefully us!), the expert help could be very valuable in helping you best present your self despite your imperfect numbers. Thanks for commenting!

  11. Hi! I found this article interesting as someone with a 3.5 GPA (more technically reported as a 3.562 on my transcript…). My concern is not so much the overall GPA but that I did get 2 C’s during the 2nd half of my academic career and whether or not I should address them specifically. My concern is that the frank reason why that happened is I became rather depressed in college and really lost motivation to participate. Most of my other success is probably due to my aptitude for exams and I can only guess some luck. I don’t feel that will come across well in an essay so am not sure what to do. Thank you for any further advice.

    • Hi Emily, congrats on doing so well in college! Depression is a real (and fairly common) issue that people deal with while in college. If the C’s on your transcript are in your major or in a class important to the type of degree to which you are applying, then I recommend addressing them in your optional essay. Here’s a link with articles on how to write an optional essay. Best of luck and don’t worry too much about those C’s. I had two C’s on my transcript as well!

  12. Hi,
    This article has cleared a lot of the confusion surrounding admissions to HBS or top business schools. I have a 2.7 GPA and a 700 GMAT score. Two years of work experience at an FMCG and I have my own social venture on the side. Do you think I have a chance of getting in to HBS?

    • Hi Sam, I can’t give you a clear idea of your chances of admission without having a more in-depth understanding of your background and goals. This would be an appropriate question for a Deep Dive. That said, you need to take the steps outlined in this article to mitigate your low GPA for applying to any Top 25 MBA program. Thanks for your question and best of luck!

    • Hi! your article was really helpful. I have secured 3.0 GPA in my Bachelor Of Technology in the field of Aeronautical Engineering but I want to pursue MBA in Aviation now. will there stand a problem later for changing my program? If no, will it be a good idea to pursue MBA without any work experience? shall I opt for GRE or GMAT, if I want a good college? I have found out that now, many universities accept GRE score too for MBA programs and is it a good . kindly tell me.

    • Hi Cherry, I wouldn’t say a “pass” is considered bad in and of itself. However, I don’t think it’s a boost to your application to HBS specifically if you share that you received a “pass.” My understanding is that a “pass” is one of the lower designations you can receive, which is a direct comparison between you and others who completed the program. Thanks for your question!

  14. How do students self-report their GPA typically? Is it cumulative GPA, last two semester GPA’s, average GPA, major GPA? I know UCLA Anderson is most interested in the upper classes GPA of the last two years opposed to freshman and sophomore, which case I’ll be in luck because I’ll be hovering just at a 3.6 from a non-target school. Thoughts?

    • Great question, Joseph! Unless stated otherwise, grad schools want to know your cumulative, entire GPA from all of college.

  15. Hi Kaneisha, I’m hoping to attend Harvard or Stanford for my MBA and am probably going to end up with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.8 from a US News top 15 university with a highly regarded econ department. I’ve always been a strong test taker so I’m not particularly worried about the GMAT however I don’t want to go into business after I graduate from college and would prefer to do something like the peace corps, teach for america or the navy. The rationale is simply that I’ll be spending 10-15 years in business after I graduate from business school anyway and when I’m young I’d like to travel and try something I won’t be able to justify doing post business school. Do you think this would substantially hurt my chances? Second question (sorry), if I have a choice bewteen getting a GPA towards the top end of that spectrum (3.7-3.8) and being President of the student government and engaging in some other extracurriculars but getting a 3.5 what would you recommend? Last question, despite my decent overall GPA, I bombed both Calc II and Microeconomics with C’s, I got a B in Calc I and an A+ in macroeconomics and an A in a 300-level statistics class. Is there anything I should do to rectify this/how much will it affect my application? Thanks for your help!

    • Hi Jeremy, thanks for all of your interesting questions! I’ll handle them one by one. First of all, congrats on performing so well in college.
      1) Will Peace Corps / Teach for America (TFA) / another fellowship hurt my chances of being admitted to business school?
      Definitely not! I was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar before going to business school, and lots of our clients do Peace Corps, Teach for America, Kiva Fellows, Venture for America, and other similar programs. If you’re interested in those programs, apply to all the ones that interest you. These kinds of programs are seen as positives by Admissions Committees, and you can even sometimes receive fee waivers or special fellowships for having completed the programs. For example, here are the benefits that TFA alumni receive.
      2. Should I aim for the highest GPA possible or get a good enough GPA (3.5 – 3.7) and aim to President of the Student Government?
      I recommend you participate in the extracurricular and leadership activities that you can while still maintaining a 3.6 GPA or higher. If you can be President of the Student Government as well as get a 3.6 GPA or higher, go for it! If you’ll be spreading yourself too thin, I recommend choosing an activity that will allow you to exercise teamwork and leadership skills while still maintaining high grades.
      3) I bombed both Calc II and Microeconomics with C’s, I got a B in Calc I and an A+ in macroeconomics and an A in a 300-level statistics class. Is there anything I should do to rectify this/how much will it affect my application?
      I recommend you retake Microeconomics at a community college or online and earn a B+ or better. I don’t think you necessarily need to retake Calc II since you got a B in Calc I. It could be helpful to your profile to retake Calc I and get an A. A highly recommended option is to take HBX CORe.
      You are welcome! Best of luck with applying. Don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help you with your grad school applications.

  17. Hi Kaneisha,
    I recently found your website and have throughly enjoyed it. Currently, I am second year undergraduate Biomedical Science student (22 years) and have a A average, in the UK where I study first year doesnt count. In this year I had a low average (C average). However, in my current year I have an A average and I will maintain this for next year.
    I am a president of an entrepeneurial society, managing 10.000 pound, 6 teams (55 people), interacting with stakeholders and business advisors. Founder of a commercial project and have done a Social campaign that has empowered 10 young students.
    I never considered an Ivy league university untill begin of this year. Would my grades from last year (even though they don’t count in the UK) hold me back from Harvard? I plan on applying for Business school Entrepeneurship.
    In terms of summer activities I read that volunteering abroad was a good choice, but would I be more appealing if I found an activity that related to Entrepeneurship?
    Thank you for your help.
    Kind Regards,
    Ramla J

    • Thank you for engaging with the website community, Ramla! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      Your experiences as the president of the entrepreneurial society, starting a commercial project, and volunteering are wonderful! It is good to hear that you are not allowing a previous low average in your first year paint the picture of future graduate education possibilities. Whether or not your first year marks will hold you back is something to consider. Another thing to consider is how we have a decade of experiences working with clients with low GPAs receive acceptance into top MBA programs. The following is a link to former Client Case Studies.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  18. Thank you for your wonderful writing. I have found it very helpful and learned a lot. My concern is my ‘Low GPA’. I was involved more in extracurricular activities but never thought I would apply for HBS. Now, I realize and I regret it. Now I am determined to do a lot better in the next 2 years. However, my school doesn’t give GPA but the overall percentage. I got 70 in Microeconomics, 77 in Calc I, 55 in Calculus II, 55 in Linear Algebra. Though I am taking HBX CORe, should I also retake these courses? If I retake any courses, does it reflect poorly on my application? Thanks!

    • We are glad to hear that you found the blog post insightful, Ishrak. I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Story matters! Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      We work with applicants with low GPAs all the time, who use their unique experiences from extracurricular activities, to get into amazing graduate schools. It would be disheartening to see a number from your past hold you back from embracing the possibilities for your future.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We give them a list of the specific supplemental courses they should take as well as a minimum test score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us link to get the conversation started.

  19. Hello GRAYSON, I m Javed. I have come for applying my admission in Phd program, I have done MBA HRM with 2.82 GPA back home from Pakistan.
    Now I face challenges of TOEFL and low GPA 🙁
    For the last month or so I have been calling, texting different universities but haven’t received any encouraging response. Now I saw your article and found it as a ray of hope, I expect you advise me or guide me well.
    Sincerely!!

    • Congratulations on your decision to apply for a PhD program, Javed! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      You have completed your MBA HRM in Pakistan and begun contacting universities to explore the possibilities of PhD opportunities. Even though your face challenges of TOEFL and a low GPA, you continue to persist. This is wonderful! Do not be discouraged: do not let past grades or challenges determine the frame for your educational future. Paint outside the lines. Helping our people access PhD opportunities outside the lines, we have a decade of experience working with clients with low GPAs receive acceptance into graduate programs. Here is the link to former Client Case Studies. It would be wonderful to assist you too.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  20. Hello, I’ve studied Architecture and I’ve graduated with a GPA 2.0/4.0.
    I found out that the field of Architecture isn’t for me, and I’ve been thinking about career shifting through my college years. Now, that I’ve graduated I got surprised that I need at least GPA of 2.4 (*Good*) to get enrolled into the program (MBA), which is totally disappointing for me.
    How can a university expect a good GPA when I’m trying to shift my career. I thought about getting a diploma in business administration or business management and then trying to get enrolled into the MBA.
    I’d like to have advise from you. Just for your information, I’m from Egypt.

    • Thank you for sharing part of your story with us, Loay! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      You have reflected upon your current experience in the field of architecture, researched MBA program and seen the minimum GPA requirement. Do not be discouraged: do not let past grades paint your educational future. Paint a new picture. Though we are not painters (yet), we have a decade of experience working with clients with low GPAs receive acceptance into MBA programs. Here is the link to former Client Case Studies.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  21. Hi Kaneisha, I have a GPA of 2.4 and I am yet to write the GMAT but my test scores is roughly around 650. I have 4 years of work experience (15 months in government sector and 3 being self employed) after my degree, I also worked part time during undergrad. I served on a number of student boards and have done some voluntary work. I had my worst grades in mostly Quantitative courses calculus and microeconomics and statistics because I was too busy to prepare adequately for exams. I am good quantitatively and get quant scores of 45-48 on the practice tests I have taken. I am applying from Africa. How would you rank my profile and which schools will you recommend? I am not obsessed with a top 10 school.

    • Thank you for your comment, Richard! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      Your experience from working in government (even self-employed) to serving as a member on student boards and volunteering sound wonderful. Do not let your past GPA scores paint the picture of future educational opportunities! In our former Client Case Studies, they received acceptance to a variety of schools based upon how we worked with them to strategically use their profile. We are happy to work with you as well.

      In fact, when clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  22. Hello, thanks for the article! I have a “low” gpa (3.0) and was considering HBX to strengthen my application. However, you mention that an in-person course would be best. Any ideas or suggestions on what courses I could take in Boston and where? I have a Chemical Engineering degree from a school in Latin America.
    Thanks!

    • Thanks for the support, Alejandra! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      There are many possibilities with regardless of a low GPA. It is wonderful to see how you are committed to realizing your graduate school aspirations! We work with clients all the time with a low GPA gain acceptance to top graduate schools. Indeed, taking supplemental course can strengthen your application.

      In fact, when clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

      • OP here. This was over 3 years ago – happy to share I did take HBX and happily got into two top 15 business schools with a full scholarship. I highly recommend taking additional courses if you have a lowish GPA. Good luck!

  23. Hi Kaneisha,
    I am currently studying for the Gmat so I can apply for Fall 2018. I have a 2.9 GPA for my Accounting Major but a 3.6 in my minor which is Marketing. Accounting was never my passion and it showed in my grades. I also have 5 years of experience. If I want to apply for a top 25 school what do you suggest I aim for in my GMAT? Should I even consider applying to a top 25 based on my GPA? Thanks!

    • Thank you for your question, Mari! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      We encourage our clients to not let their past grades paint their future graduate school opportunities. Of course, consider the possibilities, even the top 25 based on your GPA! We work with applicants with low GPAs all the time, who use their unique experiences, to get into amazing graduate schools. MBA and business programs are our most popular programs! The following is the link to former Client Case Studies.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as a minimum GMAT score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us to get the conversation started

  24. Hey Kaneisha,
    So i am in a top M.S. Cyber security program and I finish next spring. Currently I am at a 3.9 gpa. It has an MBA attached, with only regional accreditation. My ugpa was sub 3.0, but I have been able to overcome it through work exp and school. Plus I’m working for a Big 4 company. Would I be able to apply for a top MBA program with a GMAT/GRE waiver, and/or still have a shot to get in?

    • Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far with graduate school and your work experiences, JD! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      We have a decade of experiences assisting clients with low GPAs receive acceptance into the top MBA programs. When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as a minimum test score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to. Receiving a GMAT/GRE waiver depends on the policy of the school that you apply to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us to get the conversation started.

  25. Hello Kaneisha,
    I wish to ask specifically about HBS.
    I am 28 yo Canadian. undergraduate in Canada (Architecture) and graduate school at the Top most prestigious school in Asia (Architecture) Japan. With a full bursary government scholarship. worked for 2.5 years at the top contractors company in the country. Received start up grant from the Chinese government through an intensive selection progress.
    However my GPAs are low.. at 2.9 and 3.1..
    Even if I get a 750+ GMAT, are my chances at Harvard doomed?
    Thank you.
    Samuel

    • Thanks for reaching out, Samuel! Your accomplishments sound wonderful! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Hopefully, this is still helpful for you and someone else in that situation.

      Story matters! We work with applicants with low GPAs all the time, who use their unique experiences from extracurricular activities (you have many), to get into amazing graduate schools. Your chances are not doomed! Just look at our previous client case studies, who received acceptance into top business program (HBS included) with low GPAs. It would be disheartening to see a number from your past hold you back from embracing the possibilities for your future.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We give them a list of the specific supplemental courses they should take as well as a minimum test score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us [link] to get the conversation started.

  26. Hi Kaneisha!
    I’m planning to apply to a B-School next year in time for Fall 2019. My undergrad CGPA is 2.4 what steps should I take to improve my chances on getting into a school? I’m pretty nervous but I’m very serious in applying.
    Hope to hear from you!
    Thanks,
    Lea

    • The journey to applying to B-School begins! Thank you for your question, Lea! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. There are many steps you can take to strengthen your application profile for business school, despite a low GPA. We work with applicants with low GPAs all the time, who use their unique experiences, to get into amazing graduate schools. MBA and business programs are our most popular programs.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  27. Hi I’m an active duty marine pilot. I’ve flown jets for the past 8 years. My undergrad gpa was terribly low 2.55. I’ve taken the gmat and scored a 680 and took an undergrad stat course and received an A. Is there anything else I could do to make myself more attractive to top Mba programs.

    • This sounds amazing, Varun! Thank you for reaching out to us. I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. First, you can still get into the top MBA program with a low GPA. In the past decade, we have been working with applicants with low GPAs, who use their unique experiences, to get into amazing graduate schools. In addition, MBA and business programs are our most popular programs. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

    • Thank you, Margarita for the positive energy and comment! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. We strive to be super helpful with our client to help them reach their graduate education aspirations.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can be helpful to your graduate education journey. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

  29. Hi! I just completed undergraduate degree with CGPA 3.47 and want to get into a good business school. I am not sure to where I apply because of my low grade. Could you please help me in this regard?

    • Congratulations on graduating from undergraduate, Shakil! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. It is wonderful to see that you are beginning to think about the graduate business school application. Do NOT worry about a low GPA. In the past decade, we have been working with applicants with low GPAs, who use their unique experiences, to get into amazing graduate schools. In addition, MBA and business programs are our most popular programs. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as a minimum test score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We offer hourly coaching as well. Here is the link to continue the conversation.

    • Hey Saitej! Thanks for commenting. At this time we do not offer free advice through our blog, but we recommend that you join our free Facebook group. It’s a great resource for those who are applying to grad school as well as those who have already been accepted!

  31. Hi Kaneisha-
    Question for you. I have a 2.5 GPA for undergrad, which I took ten years to complete while working full time in a successful sales career, and I ended UG with an A+ on my senior thesis. I am a non-traditional student, to say the least. (Throw on LGBT, to boot. Oy.)
    I am about to complete a master’s degree from an Ivy League school (don’t ask me how I got in…I still don’t know), where I am maintaining a GPA of around 3.533. My GRE scores are very solid. Do you think it is unrealistic for me to aim for the very top, or is that UG GPA always going to be an albatross? Thanks so much.

    • Hey Jake! Congratulations on your acceptance into an Ivy League school and almost being done with your masters degree. At this time we do not offer any free advice through our blog, but we do encourage you to join our free Facebook group which offers a community of individuals who are both applying to grad school as well as those who have already been accepted. We encourage you to ask your questions in there! Again, congratulations on your acceptance into an Ivy League and almost being done with your masters degree!

  32. I live in New York. I graduated with a very low gpa 7 years ago. I’ve done well on my job and earned a lot of awards. Now I’d like to pursue and mba at a top business school like NYU. I was told I couldn’t take any additional classes because I already have my degree. Do you have any suggestions on how I could take classes? Is this just a state rule?

    • Hey Tiffany! We love that you are working towards your MBA, however at this time we do not provide free advice through our blog. We do encourage you to join our free Facebook group which offers a community of individuals who are both applying to grad school as well as those who have already been accepted. We encourage you to ask your questions there!

  33. I recently applied at Varna University of Management, Bulgaria to study MBA. Their MBA programme is in #7 place in Central and Eastern Europe by Eduniversal Best Masters. Varna University of Management prides itself for being one of the best colleges in Easter Europe thanks to their double degree programmes. You can graduate with a British and Bulgarian degree, thanks to VUM’s partnership with a UK university. You also can get scholarships, depending on your performance. Most of the graduates manage to find work right after they have graduated, thanks to VUM’s double degree programmes!

  34. I am going to complete my undergrad in 2019 sodo i have any chance of getting into the college without any work experience and a cgpa of 6.4/10.
    I am an indian student studying in University of Delhi.

    • Thanks for reaching out, Ananya! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. I hope that is still helpful:

      It is possible to get into Business School with a low GPA! In fact, we have a decade of experience working with applicants with low GPAs get into amazing business schools. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies. Do not let a low GPA or limited work experience close the opportunity of business school education.

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. We have hourly coaching available. Contact us [link] to get the conversation started

  35. Hi , I’m international student and I want to get into top business school like Stanford and Wharton. Will taking above courses online on coursera offered by Stanford and Wharton will improve my chances to get into these schools.

    • Hey RJ, we work with applicants all over the world to help them get into their dream school. We would love to help; you can complete the Breakthrough Call pre-call form and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to schedule a 90-minute Breakthrough Call! Our experts will help you understand more about supplemental courses and how they fit in to your application plan.

  36. Hello,

    Are you still recommending taking supplemental coursework at a community college or university, versus HBX COREx? What’s the advantage of taking HBX COREx (if any, or if it’s the same)?

    Thanks so much!

    • Thank you for your comment, Amanda! We are glad to hear that you have been reading the previous posts. I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. Whether taking classes at community college and universities in-person or enrolling online with the HBS CORe bundle, both offer opportunities to solidify your foundational knowledge pre-MBA. Though HBX CORe is helpful with specialized learning content through storytelling, it will not necessarily give you an edge in the application process.

      To find out which is the best course of action for you, it is important to ask yourself how you best learn. This is where we come in. When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We help them reflect and provide a list of the specific supplemental courses both online and in-person they should take to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us [link] to get the conversation started.

  37. Hi,

    I have a very low GPA 3.0. which B-Schools will be good for me to apply and also i have not given GMAT, I am hoping toh get 650 or above. I have total 1 year of experience and hoping to apply when i get 2 year of experience. Can you recommend what next shoul i do.

    Thanks,
    Kartik

    • Thank you for your question, Kartik! I am Noah, a consultant with The Art of Applying. It is great to see that you are beginning the application process. We work with applicants with low GPAs all the time, who use their unique experiences, to get into amazing graduate schools. In addition, MBA and business programs are our most popular programs. The following is the link to former Client Case Studies

      When clients join our Application Accelerator, each person has an Assessment Call with our team. We listen to them to help create a list of potential schools that cater to their previous experiences and goals as well as a minimum test score they should endeavor to achieve in order to be competitive for the schools they’re applying to.

      While we don’t provide free 1:1 advice via our blog, we’d love to chat more with you about your application process, and how we can help. Contact us to get the conversation started

    • Thank you for your comment! Finance and business are indeed closely connected. Feel free to explore more of our blog for insights on business school admissions. Let us know if you have any specific questions!

  40. Hi,

    I have an undergrad low GPA score of 2.7 and have no work experience. I am preparing for the GMAT exam and if I get a good score of above 700 is there a chance to get admission to top 25 b-schools in USA.

  41. Hi. Do the top MBA schools care about the ranking of my undergraduate school? Does it make a difference? Should I go to a low ranking in state college or go to a higher ranking out of state college? My goal is to be admitted by a top b-school after graduation. Thank you and your prompt reply will be appreciated.

  42. Hi,
    Is double majoring in Business Finance and Data Science with a 3.0 cumulative GPA good enough to be considered as a strong applicant for Graduate school in Mathematical Finance? I have a strong GRE score of 332.

    Thank you,
    Anonymous

  43. Hi,

    I dun have an excellent undergrad GPA but I am a chartered CFA also a law student, will that higher my chance to get into a top business school like HBS? Thank you so much in advance.

  45. Hi, I have 43% in bachelor’ s . I have gap of 20 years. I have tried to get admission in pre masters in Burnel but failed.

    I have budget around USD 25,000 . Can u suggest me to get admission in good B school.

  46. Hi.
    I have a 2.3 undergraduate GPA caused by an illness and a physical disability, my doctor had to change my medication two times which affected me. I earned this low GPA back in 2014.
    However, in 2023 I earned a master’s degree from Harvard University, HES with a 3.7 GPA.
    My goal is to apply to the PhD at Harvard Business School.
    My GMAT is about 730.
    I also have 10 years of work experience.
    What are my chances?

  47. Hi.

    My name is Donia. In 2014, I earned a bachelor’s degree with a 2.3 GPA because of a severe illness and a disability that affected me.

    However, in 2022, I earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University HES with a 3.7 GPA. I also have 10 years of professional experience. I want to apply to a PhD at Harvard Business School. But I am nervous because of my undergraduate GPA. Thank you.

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