First time poster, long time lurker - this site is a great resource! Need some advice... In December 2007 I graduated with a BS from UMUC at the age of 30. Back in 1996-1997, I attended Villanova University and dropped out after 3 semesters. My GPA was around 2.5. In 2000, I decided to attend a couple of classes at UMUC, both of which I failed because I was too busy playing in a band and working my day job. Don't ask me why I didn't just withdraw from those classes... Young and dumb I guess. Anyway, flash forward to 2004 as I enter UMUC again - this time I'm in it to win it. I completed my degree with a 3.4 GPA from 2004 on, but my cumulative GPA with UMUC is a 2.76 due to the two F's. So, here I am today contemplating Grad School. Long term, I would like to earn a degree from a "top tier" school. I have always been good at school, I just lacked discipline until now. So, I'm thinking I would like to get an MBA from a "top 25" school. I have a 10+ year work history in project management, marketing and business development. And I think I can do well on the GMAT with some prep. I just worry about my GPA history. So, as a remedy, I have been thinking about earning an less selective, inexpensive RA masters with a good GPA in the mean time to prop up my academic career. I'm zeroing in on the MSSL 60 week program at Mountain State. Besides bolstering my GPA, I think a masters in leadership would complement an MBA. Do well earning a less selective MS and then go for a more selective MBA program - what do you think of this route? Will it allow those in admissions to forgive a poor undergrad GPA? What else can I do over the next few years to better prepare for admission into a top MBA program? (BTW, when I talk top MBA programs, I'm thinking of RH Smith's or Georgetown's part time MBA (I'm in DC), or maybe Fuqua's Cross Continent or Cornell-Queens.)
I would take a shot at the top tier school. You finished your undergrad program strongly, the work experience is there, and your failing grades were 8 years ago... Study up for the GMAT, get good reference etters from your supervisors or clients, and in your interview for b-school, just be honest about what happened. If the top tier MBA school dosn't work out, the Mountain State option is still there. I had a much worse GPA as an undergrad, and I was admitted to an AACSB school for my MBA. Good luck. Shawn
I agree with Dr. CR, you should consider top MBA program first. I have couple F's in my transcript, when I applied to GWU and SMU. They never asked me about it.... You mention about inexpensive. Why's not choosing tier 1 school with inexpensive tuition? The University of Colorado waives GMAT, at least it is 124 in Teir one list.
I think you take your shot at the school of your choice. If they reject the application, then choose your next step. I would not take another Masters Degree simply to help you get into a top tier MBA program. On another note, have you looked at Maryland's tuition for the Robert H. Smith MBA? The eMBA is $94,000. I know because I looked. The part-time MBA runs about $70,000. I live in Maryland and I know UM offers a GREAT business program, but I just don't see dropping that kind of cash. Pug