Can You Earn an MBA with a Low GPA?

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can have a positive professional impact. The education you’ll receive during an MBA program can provide you with greater awareness of the global market, expand your professional network, and increase your job opportunities, according to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School  [1]. While Harvard Business School Online reports that the degree can improve your technical and workplace skills, potentially increase your salary, and provide you with real-world practice for solving business challenges [2]. 

There are many reasons why an MBA may be worthwhile; however, applying to MBA programs can be competitive and grades are often an important factor in the admissions process. If you earned lower grades while pursuing your bachelor’s degree, you can still apply to MBA programs. In this article, we’ll discuss applying to MBAs with a low GPA and how to strengthen your application. 

Can you earn an MBA with a low GPA?   

Yes. If you have a low GPA, you can still earn an MBA. Many MBA programs expect you to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, while many top-tier schools prefer that you have a 3.5 GPA or higher. That being said, some schools are willing to overlook a low GPA in favor of other factors, such as the types of courses you took in college or the amount of professional experience you’ve gained. 

For instance, a school may accept a lower GPA—say around 2.7—if you can show on your resume and personal statement that you have professional experience. In other cases, bolstering your application with an essay that explains your previous academic performance and what you intend to do differently in a graduate program can help address any concerns an admissions committee may have. 

Researching MBA programs with a low GPA

When you’re interested in earning a graduate degree, like an MBA, it’s a good idea to research relevant programs that fit your needs and goals. Knowing that you have a lower GPA, you may want to focus more exclusively on programs that make accommodations for that requirement, either by expecting a lower minimum GPA by taking your professional experience into account. 

That’s not to say you shouldn’t also go for more competitive programs, but since MBA applications take time to pull together and often cost money, identifying the programs where you will be a strong candidate and get the most out of your education will be important. Keep a list of MBA programs that have less strict GPA requirements. Also, because GPA requirements can vary from school to school, you'll want to check with the college or university before applying to see if you qualify or what you can do in lieu of a high GPA if you don't meet the requirements.   

Major requirements for applying to MBA programs 

Every school may have distinct MBA admission requirements, but you can expect most programs to look for all or most of the following in their candidates:  

• Bachelor’s degree: In order to qualify for an MBA program, you first need to have earned your bachelor’s degree. While your bachelor’s can be in a different subject, you’ll want to use your personal statement to explain why you’re interested in studying business at the graduate level. 

• Years of professional experience: Not all MBA programs make professional experience a hard requirement, but many applicants tend to have several years of working experience. And if you have concerns about your GPA, more experience can be helpful. 

As for the application itself, you’ll likely need to submit: 

• Graduate school resume

• College transcripts (with proof of bachelor’s degree)

• Personal statement

• Letters of recommendations

• GMAT scores

• Proof of English proficiency (for international candidates) 

Take note, if a school is interested in offering you admission, you may also be expected to complete an interview with the admissions board or admissions committee. The purpose of the conversation is for the committee to get to know you better and to understand your goals and how their program might (or might not) be a good fit. 

7 ways to strengthen your MBA application with a low GPA

There are ways to strengthen your MBA application if you have a low GPA. Let’s go over some of them: 

1. Build your case in your personal statement. 

A personal essay is your opportunity to tell your story, including why you feel you're still an excellent candidate for an MBA program. Spend a portion of your personal statement explaining your low grades in college and what you intend to do differently in an MBA. If your low grades were due to an external reason, such as a tough financial situation or the death of a parent, share what you feel comfortable.  

2. Do well on the GMAT—or consider retaking it to improve your scores. 

Most business schools require you to submit standardized test scores after taking the GMAT. They also tend to publicize the average scores for each incoming class. Take time to research what kinds of scores accepted students tend to receive. If you can meet them or score higher, you’ll likely be a competitive applicant. If you didn’t score as well as you would’ve liked on the GMAT, consider retaking them to improve your score.

Remember that your GPA gives the school insight into your past, but your GMAT score can be more of an indication about who you are right now and prove you can handle the workload that comes with earning an MBA. 

3. Emphasize your professional experience. 

Your professional work experience can sometimes override a low GPA. Use your various application materials, such as your resume, personal statement, and even interview, to highlight your experience. Perhaps you work for a well-known company. Perhaps you've been promoted to a leadership position, or maybe you've won an award or have made major contributions to your company or industry. Any of these experiences could help override a low GPA. 

4. Use letters of recommendation.

Many schools require letters of recommendation for admittance, so make sure you have strong ones. Choose people in your professional life, especially supervisors and managers, who are willing to talk about your strengths and why you're an asset to their team. This lends credibility to your skills, character, and potential. 

5. Highlight activities that show off your leadership skills.

Extracurricular activities can play a role in your application. Present them on your resume or in your personal statement, especially if they demonstrate leadership skills or business acumen. For example, maybe you work with a charity and you helped organize a food drive. Perhaps you're a member of a social or professional club and hold a leadership position. 

6. Take additional courses.

Consider earning a Professional Certificate or enrolling in a course to strengthen your business knowledge. This kind of additional education can show that you are dedicated and driven when it comes to furthering your knowledge. 

7. Excel in your interview.

Some schools request an interview before accepting you into their programs, which is an opportunity to demonstrate your fit in the program. It’s also an opportunity to explain your low GPA and anything you've accomplished since then. 

Tips for doing well during your interview include:   

• Prepare a list of your greatest achievements and don't be afraid to talk about them.

• Be yourself and avoid using too much business jargon. 

• Remain confident, even when talking about your low GPA.

• Prepare a strong answer for why you want to attend that particular school.

• Treat video interviews like you would in-person interviews.

• Avoid long-winded answers. 

Earn your MBA through Coursera 

Earn an MBA through an esteemed university partner on Coursera without applying. Thanks to performance-based admission programs, you’ll gain full admission when you take and pass a select number of courses as part of each program’s required coursework. Learn more about Illinois’ iMBA and Illinois Tech’s MBA—or get started in one of their open courses to see if either could be a good fit.