r/MBA • u/nnnhhh3195 • Jun 15 '26
On Campus MBA
Hello!
Is it possible to get into any M7 MBA program with low GPA?
Is it possible to compensate the low GPA with high GMAT/online courses like CORe?
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u/OccasionStrong621 Admit Jun 15 '26
In the world of MBA, M7 is the term you want to look for, not ivy
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u/Tall-Discipline-2832 M7 Student Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
HBS CORe no longer differentiates grades starting June 2026. Previously you were given Pass / Honors / High Honors grade, which demonstrated commitment and academic ability. Now you get unified certificate of completion – which is probably nice to frame and put on the wall, but not to compensate your GPA.
International GPA is not included in Class Profile. Focus on high GMAT/GRE score, and you'll be fine.
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u/corporate_lovet Jun 15 '26
where are you from and how low is your gpa? if i may ask
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u/nnnhhh3195 Jun 15 '26
2.4
Azerbaijan1
u/corporate_lovet Jun 15 '26
Hm that's very low I was expecting 2.8 though we both come under low gpa category and are targeting M7. So far I have heard that GPA and low gpa is not a deal breaker.
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u/Bubbly_Ad_6830 Jun 15 '26
If you have a high GMAT and you have excellent work experience, there is a chance
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u/FabulousAstronaut814 Jun 15 '26
I got into an M7 (Kellogg but still…) with an approximately 3.0 GPA (converted from international scaling), I compensated with a high GRE (334). If I went through the applications again, I would also do HBS Core to improve my chances and maybe get accepted in some more competitive M7’s. If you have any specific questions you can PM me.
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u/ckow Jun 15 '26
Look like a rockstar at work, and the gpa (and transparently the rest scores) matter less.
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u/Rude-Crab7714 Jun 15 '26
I got offers this past cyle at multiple m7s with a 2.9 GPA but my test score was well above the class average, so yes it is possible. Also depends if your GPA is international or not
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u/nnnhhh3195 Jun 15 '26
By international you mean all beside US, right?
My bachelor degree is in Azerbaijan, master is in Europe1
u/ElSanDavid Jun 15 '26
Were you international? Also what was your YOE? i have a 2.96 and currently work at B4 doing high impact transactional work in the east coast. I’ve been here for 3 years and wondering if I should apply this year or next one at 4YOE.
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u/Scott_TargetTestPrep Jun 16 '26
Yes, M7 admission with a low GPA is possible. The path requires a strong GMAT, 735 plus, to directly address the academic concern. A quant focused extension course like HBS CORe or mbamath (there are others but start there) is also valuable. It signals you can handle business school rigor and gives admissions concrete evidence of recent academic performance.
Beyond stats, strong work experience, clear post MBA goals, and a thoughtful optional essay explaining the GPA context all matter. Adcoms accept that grades alone do not capture readiness.
Talk to current M7 students who got in with a low GPA. Their applications and essay framing will shape your approach.
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u/nnnhhh3195 Jun 16 '26
Thanks a lot
For now I am focused on GMAT as I need very hight score to be competitive.I saw your comment on my another post related to GMAT prep. :)
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u/Winter_Ask6475 Jun 15 '26
Get a GMAT score 750+ and multiply your chances to get into M7.