Hello,

I recently graduated from Seton Hall University with B.S in computer science with a low GPA (2.34). I am planning on going to MBA school.....I was wondering what are my odds that i would get accepted in an average business school...i know with my low GPA, its not realistic to get into good business school...im from NJ, im looking to go to school somewhere in the east coast.....

i'd appreciate if someone would point me where should I start....and what's the minimum GMAT score....

Thank You

Hi DJ,

MBA programs require work experience. If you don't have any, you don't have any chance of getting into a decent program. You should look for what people call "pre-experience masters". Look for an institution that's prestigious and offers this type of programs. The Association of MBAs, one of the big accrediting agencies for MBA programs, has recently started to accredit pre-experience masters in management. You can check their web page (http://www.mbaworld.com) to see which schools are accredited.

I would strongly suggest that you take some time after school to get some work experience in. I only took one year off before applying so I know that it is going to take more effort on my part to find a decent job. The more work experience that you have before you go into a MBA program, the better your job prospects will be after you get out of the program. It is possible to get into a b-school in the US without much job experience, but the more job experience you have, even if it is not directly connected to the field you want to be in after your MBA, the less you will have to stress about it during school.
As for the GMAT, the higher you can get it, the better. A high GMAT will help offset your low GPA. I would suggest that you do a lot of studying for the GMAT. When you find the schools you want to apply to ask the admissions staff about your low GPA and if they will work with you about it.
As for looking for a school, sit down and look at what you want first. It's likely a similar process you did when you decided on your undergraduate school. You know that you want to go to a school on the east coast, do you want a big school or small school? Do you want the chance to take internet or evening classes? Full time or part time? What kind of classes do you want to take? There are many, many kinds (or flavors) of MBA's, do you want to major in finance, marketing or something more unique? What schools are the best in that field? What do you want to be doing after school? Do you want to be a top executive for a Fortune 500 company or do you want to open your own company?
I know that this seems like a rather huge list, but don't get discouraged. I would recommend taking at least a year off to look at schools and investigate. Sit down and talk to the career advisors at your school. Every school that I've heard of offers job help to alumni. Get the alumni catalogue or ask to be put in touch with alumni in the area(s) you are interested in. Don't approach them for jobs, but ask them information about their jobs. If they have an MBA ask them about their schools. Talk to your professors, mentors, friends and parents. You never know who is going to know somebody who went to the school you are looking into or has the job you want.
I know that this reply is rather long, and I can?t give you any hard names of schools. I suggest that you take the time to look around and explore what you want.