Seven Ways to Offset a Low GPA When Applying for an MBA

Your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is an important indicator of how well you may do in an MBA program, so many universities consider it when deciding whether to admit candidates or not. As MBA students tend to be academically engaged and motivated people, and many programs are competitive, high GPAs are common.¹

However, if your college years left you with a less-than-stellar GPA for whatever reason, this doesn’t have to mean an end to your MBA aspirations. Many programs, even competitive ones, take a holistic approach to admissions, and being strong in other areas can compensate for a low undergraduate GPA.¹

Essentially, you’ll need to demonstrate that your GPA isn’t an accurate reflection of your ability or your potential. This blog will explore seven strategies for how to get into an MBA program with a low GPA.

1. Highlighting professional achievements

For some students, particularly those applying to MBA programs directly after finishing their undergraduate studies, GPA is an excellent indicator of how well they’ll handle rigorous graduate coursework. However, if it’s been a few years since you graduated and you’ve had professional success in the meantime, you can use this to compensate for a low undergrad GPA.²

Showcase your career progression and highlight your leadership to show admissions officers that you can excel in the professional world. This will help shift the focus from your GPA to your professional accomplishments. When listing your accomplishments, use metrics to quantify your impact on your organization. This gives more context to your experience and makes for a more impressive application.²

2. Excelling on standardized tests

A strong GMAT or GRE score can show admissions officers that you have the aptitude to do well in their MBA program. Both the GMAT and the GRE test your quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities, so high scores can demonstrate that you’re ready for the academic rigor of a challenging program. To make up for a low GPA, aim for a score that’s around 20 to 30 points over the average on the GMAT or four to five points higher than the average on the GRE for the school you're applying to. This will be particularly helpful if your test score is more recent than your GPA, and it can improve the class profile.²

3. Crafting a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to explain your low GPA. Many MBA programs ask for a 600- to 800-word statement of purpose (SOP) as part of your application. The SOP helps admissions officers understand why you’re applying to their program and learn more about your non-academic background.³

Take advantage of the SOP to highlight your achievements and provide context for your low GPA. If it was due to extenuating circumstances, such as having to support your family or a traumatic event, you can provide the details. However, it is essential to be honest—don’t invent a tragedy to explain your GPA. Instead, emphasize how the lessons you’ve learned since then will drive your success as an MBA student.³

4. Securing impressive letters of recommendation

Your letters of recommendation provide another opportunity to show off your skills and potential. Be frank with the people you ask to write these letters so they can help mitigate concerns about your academic performance. Your recommenders can speak to skills they’ve seen you demonstrate at work and highlight your successes. This, combined with an otherwise strong application package, can demonstrate that you (or your circumstances) have changed and that you’ll succeed academically going forward.⁴

5. Demonstrating academic readiness

Your undergraduate coursework isn’t your only opportunity to demonstrate your academic excellence. If you’ve completed additional classes, particularly in business-related subjects, and earned top grades, make sure to highlight that on your applications. Any certifications you’ve earned since graduating from college will also prove that you’re dedicated to advancing your career and not afraid of taking on new challenges.⁴

6. Leveraging work experience

Some MBA programs prioritize work experience over college courses, particularly if it’s been a while since you graduated. Focusing on these programs can give you an advantage. Connect your current work experience to your MBA goals and explain how it’s helped you prepare in your applications.⁵

If you’re currently working in the industry where you plan to focus your MBA studies, highlighting this can be a highly effective strategy. If you have several years of experience, it will be all the more persuasive.⁵

7. Targeting the right MBA programs

Finally, make sure you target the right programs. This doesn’t mean you need to settle for any MBA program that accepts a low GPA. While it’s true that you’ll have a harder time getting a coveted spot in an ultra-competitive business school with a low GPA, it’s not impossible. If your application is otherwise strong and you can show the admissions officers a compelling reason why you’d make a great fit for their school, it’s still possible to gain admission.⁵

That said, you are likely to do better at schools that take a holistic approach to admissions. Research each school and craft a tailored application to show why you chose it, why it’s a good fit for your career aspirations, and how you can bring value to the class.⁵

Leverage Your Strengths to Advance Your Career

The online MBA program at the University of Kansas offers you the opportunity to make meaningful professional connections while you develop deep business expertise. Whether you want to start your own business or join the C-suite of a Fortune 500 company, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to navigate today’s complex global business challenges. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, explore the admissions process and reach out to one of our admissions outreach advisors today.