Hello everybody I am working on my applications to get into an MBA program in 2018. I have one main concern about my applications and that is my undergraduate GPA was only 3.0. I started out poorly but by the end of the degree my grades were better. This was a couple of years ago (I graduated in 2009) and I have not done any schooling since then.

I would like to get into a good MBA program - Cornell, Duke, and NYU are my top three choices.

Based on my choices I was aiming for a GMAT score of 700, but the more I read the more I think that my undergraduate performance might be a problem. Should I aim higher? What kind of GMAT score would make me competitive?

2009 is a long time ago, so depending on how valuable you are to the cohort you might get by at Cornell, since the average GPA there is under 3.4. I think you should consider safer, lower GPA, options like UC Davis, Georgia Tech, UTA, Emory and Tepper. At NYU, I think it's hard: its average GPA is slightly higher than Columbia and UCLA, so GPA is obviously something that matters to them.

Yes, NYU would be hard. However, to some degree a higher than average GMAT score can help to offset a lower GPA.

And especially that you finished your undergrad eight years ago, and (presumably) can demonstrate solid work experience and a career arc. Strong career growth over that time will help to alleviate their concerns that your lower GPA might indicate.

in the most recent NYU full time MBA class, the lowest GPA was 2.76. Middle 80% goes down to 3.12.

Still, I'd suggest aiming higher for your GMAT (740+) if possible and also treating NYU as a reach school. Consider applying to one or two safety schools as well.

Thanks...740 would be a stretch, but we will see.

Hi, similar situation here, 700 GMAT score + a 2.9 GPA. I didn't do to well in undergrad but my work experience is pretty strong (5 years including promotion to senior staff.) Any advice on whether I can get into a top business school?