Hi - I have a Bachelor of Commerce from New Zealand. However, mainly through a lack of effort on my behalf, I didn't get the greatest grades. Would this count against me for say Cass or Imperial, where they ask for a "good first degree"? (I assume this to mean "First Class Honours", which I didn't receive). What other programs are fairly well respected but don;t have strict academic prerequisites? thanks!

Also - I don't think I could get a reference from my previous university, as I didn't really spend enough time there to form a relationship with anyone!

In the UK a "good first degree" usually refers either to a First or 2:1, or equivalent. If your CV reflects the fact that you didn't spend much time at your last university, hopefully the institution in question will recognise as much. I experienced something similar, having moved between a number of institutions internationally over the past few years, but it's always worth contacting a tutor you think might be sympathetic or even a head of department and explain your situation. It would be seriously bad form for them to agree to write a reference if it weren't a positive one. Otherwise, I would consider looking at previous employers, or even any friends in positions which might carry some weight.

Oh, and I forgot to say: If you're concerned that the overall classification of your degree is not as good as it could be, you can always include in your CV a reference to those course modules in which you performed best. Especially if they are in areas you think might be especially relevant to the course you're applying to.

Hi,

I have an ok first degree score, but I think Imperial consider other things as well. I have a high GMAT 680, which should help me - I would focus on this, if you have an average degree score. Also, they will consider your work experience, your activties outside of work, and they carry out an interviews on all applications, so you could shine in the interview!

Good Luck.

Of course all applications are different, I'd like to share my experience. I was admitted to Cass for the MBA programme. I did not have the highest marks in my bachelors programme -in fact, I would say just above average. I did have a a decent mark on the GMAT, and wonderful recommendations from two high ranking professionals in my Fortune 500 company. (no academic references). During my interview, I was asked specifically to comment on what I thought about my undergraduate academic performance (make sure you have a great explanation for average or low scores)

Also think about what makes you unique and how that would add to the MBA programme - How will you stand out? What is interesting about you? - If you would like more information, send me a post.

Good Luck

Hi,

The MBA admisstion office would consider the entire portfolio of you (including your GMAT, working experience, essays submitted at the website, reference letters by professionals, and also the international experience that you bring to the cohort in the coming MBA class).

Let me just eloborate on the GMAT admission requirement:

GMAT - you have to be within the bracket of their admission. For example, if the average GMAT of the previous MBA class is 700. Then they will consider you if you get a GMAT in the range of 660 and above. In this case, scoring a GMAT of 700 and 680 would be no difference because you have already "passed" this criteria. Therefore, do consider to focus on the rest of your portfolio.

Kind regards,
Thomas
Advice to new aspiring MBAs - By a MBA (http://thomaswai.blogspot.com)