I went to a small school for my undergraduate degree and graduated with a 2.7 GPA (embarrassing, I know). After graduating I really started taking my professional career seriously and worked hard, owning my own e-com business and moving from consulting at a small digital agency into an Account Management role at ActiveCampaign. Right now I'd really like to be able to get my MBA online from USC in order to squarely wipe away my past academics and have a stellar resume as I move forward. I'm not able to take the GMAT right now due to the virus, but USC has waived that from their admissions process. What chances do I have at getting in the program and what could I do to boost my chances?
Aim for a 700+ gmat or GRE equivalent. That will help offset the GPA and show you are taking this seriously. Be sure to use your optional essay to explain your low undergrad gpa and make sure every other component of your application (essays, recs, etc.) are solid. Good luck!
Not what you're asking, but don't waste your time and money with an online MBA. Take some MOOCs and read a few books instead. They'll be basically free in comparison and you might actually learn more.
Don't let the USC sticker trick you. That online MBA is useless.
Useless for what? Really think people overestimate the value of making connections in person. People get MBAs to go into management consulting. USC’s online MBA will get you your MBB interview just the same as any other. Not to mention, every degree is being forced online right now. So it’s not like there’s really a choice between in person and online anyways
I knew a guy in a similar spot. In undergrad he goofed off. In his early 20s something “clicked” and he had a very steep career trajectory in top companies by late 20s due to work ethic. He got a great GRE score and he retook a bunch of the undergrad courses he flubbed a decade before for credit at various accredited colleges online. Basically, he filled in the gaps in his transcript. He made sure to ace every class. Then he stapled these supplemental transcripts to his shitty undergrad transcript with a personal note explaining why he wasn’t focused in college and why he’s focused now. Keep in mind that even with all this he had to apply to decent programs multiple times. Top programs will never want to accept you even if you’re perfectly capable of paying and completing the program because they have to report things like average GPA of admitted applicants. Your 2.7 brings down the average (significantly) and lowers their stupid ranking, so they may still avoid you. If you have a program that you have your heart set on, be prepared to apply multiple time. You’re a full grade point below average admitted GPA at USC, most likely. I would recommend going wide - apply to 15+ programs every semester until someone lets you in