You understand the power of an MBA degree. And you’re confident it will give you the knowledge and skills you need to advance your career. But you’re wondering: Is my GPA high enough to be admitted to the schools I want to attend?
Instead of wondering whether your grade point average from college will stand in the way of your plans, you ask the better question: How do you get into a business school with a low GPA?
What is Considered a Low GPA for B-schools?
Almost all business schools request that applicants submit their GPA. In general, the top schools tend to admit students with higher GPAs.
- The average GPA among admitted students at the top seven US business schools in the United State is 3.5 or higher.
- For the top 25 business schools in the United States, the average GPA range among admitted is 3.3 – 3.6.
- For the next tier of US business schools ranked 26–50, the average GPA range among admitted students is 3.16 – 3.52.
For example, at Harvard Business School (HBS) — one of the most selective schools in the country— the GPA for admitted students in the class of 2024 averaged 3.7. That doesn’t necessarily mean that prospective students with lower GPAs won’t be considered for admission. If your application tells a story that showcases your leadership and makes you stand out from your peers, you’ll have a solid chance. Karla Cohen, one of Fortuna’s resident Harvard MBA experts and former assistant director of career services at HBS, explains how and shares her top five tips in “How to Get into Harvard Business School.”
When GPAs fall into the territory of 2.99 or lower, the admissions challenges rise, and opportunities at some schools may narrow. You will find business schools that accept candidates with 2.5 GPAs, and in some cases, top schools will consider candidates with GPAs of 3.0 and below.
How Important is the GPA for Business Schools?
Admissions staff look carefully at two numbers — your test scores and your GPA. One source cites the GPA as the second most important factor in an admissions decision, behind test scores. But admissions directors at top schools also told Fortuna cofounder and director Matt Symonds that they look beyond test scores to get to know candidates more holistically when making their decisions.
Still, for most top-ranked schools, a low GPA may be a deal-breaker, especially if nothing else stands out in a prospective student’s application. If your GPA starts with a 2, your selection of schools may be more limited.
And while work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and a good explanation for your past grades all help to lessen the impact of a low GPA, for many top schools, only an exceptional application may outweigh a low GPA.
Why do Business Schools Care About the GPA?
Business schools pay so much attention to GPAs because it tells them part of your academic story. It gives them some indication how you might perform in graduate school.
Your GPA offers insights into your performance in an academic environment, including your dedication to your studies, time management skills and overall readiness for graduate studies. If you did well in your undergraduate studies, you’ll likely do well with the rigors of the MBA classroom.
They care about these indicators of academic capability because they want you to succeed — and without proven quantitative aptitude, key parts of business school will be a struggle.
Business schools also keep an eye on the average GPA because rankings organizations take that number into consideration as an indicator of the quality of the class and selectiveness of the school. A higher GPA helps a business school gain or maintain a higher ranking, which in turn helps them attract prospective students.
Does a Low GPA Mean You Will Be Rejected?
First, there is no need to despair: While a low GPA may make it more challenging for you to gain admission, especially to top-tier schools, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t get into your first-choice school or to other schools in your list.
Some actions can help you make decisions about where to apply. While researching MBA programs, look for the average GPA of admitted applicants, which tells you if your GPA fits within that school’s range. You can find the average GPA by checking a program’s ranking on U.S. News and World Report, visiting the program’s website, or calling the program’s admissions office.
If your GPA falls short for the schools on your target list, then it’s essential to focus on presenting the strongest application. If you have a really strong career vision and goal, a compelling case for the impact you will make with your MBA, and evidence of achievement and leadership outside of the classroom, these helps factors help outweigh any past academic deficits.
How to Get into Business School with a Low GPA?
Starting to prepare early pays off. It allows you to complete a top-notch application for the first two rounds of MBA program admissions — and early consideration helps increase your chances of selection. Key strategies to strengthen your application follow.
Bolster your GPA if you can
If you are finishing your undergraduate studies, you still have the chance to increase your GPA. You can turn to your professors and advisors for help in improving your academic performance. In your final courses, you’ll want to focus on doing well with midterm tests and final exams. You also might want to consider taking extra classes where you can shine and improve your overall GPA.
Take courses that prepare you for the MBA
You can still enhance your academic record if you have already completed your undergraduate degree. Taking additional courses helps in several ways: It allows you to develop another transcript showing a higher GPA. It can build skills and knowledge in key areas you’ll need for the MBA in a less high-pressure setting. It also shows your commitment to furthering your education and to tackling difficult coursework.
Admission committees look favorably on course work in calculus, microeconomics, statistics, accounting and finance. Community college and universities both offer those courses, and Harvard Business School has developed a pre-MBA online coursework program, CORe.
Aim for a high GMAT score
Because many business schools consider a GMAT score as the most important factor in admissions, a high GMAT score sets you apart from other applicants and helps offset a lower GPA, especially if you score in the 650-700+ range. Even a score of 600-640 can help make a difference with top business schools. GMAT prep courses and a solid test prep strategy can be a big help here.
Develop a personal statement of purpose
Writing down the reasons that motivate you to pursue an MBA helps you clarify what an MBA education means to you and what you hope to gain from the experience — all of which can help you craft a more meaningful and impactful application.
Showcase your success on the job
Business schools want to place their students in competitive positions and appreciate prospective students who hit the job market with strategy and enthusiasm. If you struggled with course work, your ability to excel and thrive in a competitive job shows the kind of initiative that supports a successful MBA experience. You may very well impress the admission committee with demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills in the workplace..
Pay special attention to your resume
A crisp, informative, information-rich resume can impress even the most skeptical of admission committees. It demonstrates to them a fuller picture of what you can bring to the program and showcases your communication skills. Committees often use resumes as the starting point for discussion in interviews.
One important point to note: MBA resumes and professional resumes differ, with MBA resumes focusing more on academic or college achievements, extracurricular experiences, and volunteer activities. Be sure to highlight those activities and achievements as a key part of who you are and what you will bring to the admitted MBA class. Check out 5 MBA Resume Tips: How to Stand Out to learn more about the art of creating an MBA resume.
Tell your story in a compelling essay
Your essay is your chance to shine and show off your skills, experiences, values, achievements and ambitions — in short, to tell the admissions committee that you are much more than your low GPA number. You should seize this opportunity to share how your experiences on the job, as a volunteer, or a leader in extracurricular activities demonstrate your readiness for the MBA classroom. You also may want to use the optional essay to explain the reasons behind your low GPA, including any extenuating circumstances, to take responsibility, and to talk about your growth and commitment with specific examples. Honesty and authenticity count and will make your essay more memorable to reviewers.
Make a case that you’re a great fit
Schools are looking to admit a class of students who will align with their values, benefit from their unique culture, contribute to their community and go on to make an impact. Your application will resonate with reviewers if you take care to show that you understand the school culture and the kind of student they are looking for, and then show — not tell — that you fit that profile.
Select references who write great letters of recommendation
Select references who can speak to your professionalism and suitability for an MBA. and prepare them to share examples and stories that show you are smart and strategic with potential to succeed. It never hurts if you know a business leader with an impressive record who can vouch for your strengths and abilities.
Work with experts
Experts can help guide you in preparing the strongest application possible for your target schools. Fortuna Admissions coaches all have insider experience reviewing thousands of applications and making MBA admissions decisions for top schools. They can work with you to hone your story and put together an application package that highlights your strengths while adroitly managing the GPA score.
A List of Schools That Welcome Low GPA by Default
With a low GPA, you have more choices than you think. The following list of schools offer MBA programs with low GPA requirements:
| SCHOOL | MINIMUM GPA |
| University of South Carolina–Aiken | 2.25 |
| Wright State University Main Campus | 2.5 |
| University of Southern Indiana | 2.5 |
| Marshall University | 2.5 |
| Northern Kentucky University | 2.5 |
| Longwood University – Shreveport | 2.5 |
| East Tennessee State University | 2.5 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | 2.5 |
| Emporia State University | 2.5 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 2.5 |
| Sam Houston State University | 2.5 |
| Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky | 2.5 |
| Prairie View A&M University | 2.5 |
| Rowan University | 2.5 |
| Kent State University at Kent | 2.5 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | 2.5 |
| McNeese State University | 2.5 |
| University of Central Arkansas | 2.7 |
| Jacksonville State University | 2.7 |
| Wichita State University | 2.75 |
| Western Kentucky University | 2.75 |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | 2.75 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | 2.75 |
| Saint Cloud State University | 2.75 |
| Lamar University | 2.75 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | 2.75 |
| University of Wisconsin – Whitewater | 2.75 |
| Radford University | 2.75 |
| South Carolina State University | 2.75 |
| University of Wyoming | 3.0 |
| The University of Texas the Permian Basin | 3.0 |
| Black Hills State University | 3.0 |
| Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi | 3.0 |
| Niagara University | 3.0 |
| Northern Arizona University | 3.0 |
| Samford University | 3.0 |
| Arkansas State University – Main Campus | 3.0 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 3.0 |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 3.0 |
| University of Cincinnati Main Campus | 3.0 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | 3.0 |
| Drury University Springfield, MO | 3.0 |
| Eastern Washington University | 3.0 |
| Yeshiva University | 3.0 |
| Minnesota State University | 3.0 |
| Mississippi College | 3.0 |
| Clarion University of Pennsylvania | 3.3 |
Final Thoughts
Yes, GPA matters, but there are good solutions to the problem of how to get into a business school with a low GPA. Most likely, you can’t change your GPA, but there is much you can do to increase your odds of a successful application, even to top business schools. To recap:
- Research target schools and make a case that you fit
- Do well on the GMAT
- Fill any gaps in coursework
Pursue work, volunteer, and extracurricular experiences demonstrating your readiness to pursue an MBA education.
- Prepare a strong application package with a well-executed resume, compelling essays, and persuasive letters of recommendation.
Remember, you are not alone, and experts can help make the journey to reaching your goal of an MBA education a smoother one. Fortuna consultants understand the challenges and ways to overcome obstacles. Book a free consultation to talk with our pros and find out how they can guide you.