Getting into top MPP & MBA programs with poor econ grade

[jwalker8]

I am applying to a number of the top MPP programs, as well as MBA programs. I am really worried about my chances because my senior year I got a C- in developmental econ. It was during the semester I was taking two additional honors courses and had pass/failed the econ course but did not hit the C minimum I needed to keep it pass/fail so the C- ended up on my transcript. Does this take me out of the running for top-5 MPP or MBA programs? Should I take a micro course to prove I can do the math required? Should I write a supplement to explain the grade? That grade brought my GPA down to a 3.47 but otherwise I have a 3.7 in my major and graduated with honors in Political Science from a top-3 liberal arts college and have been working in bank regulatory policy for the past year.

 

Any input is appreciated - thanks!

Edited October 6, 2015 by jwalker8
addition to title

[cooperstreet]

wrong thread

[jwalker8]

What's a better thread for this? I posted here because of the MPP programs I am applying to.

[UVaSpades]

Government Affairs, under Professional Programs, would be the place to check out.

[GradSchoolTruther]

No one here knows if it will hurt you.

[Shamon]

I am applying to a number of the top MPP programs, as well as MBA programs. I am really worried about my chances because my senior year I got a C- in developmental econ. It was during the semester I was taking two additional honors courses and had pass/failed the econ course but did not hit the C minimum I needed to keep it pass/fail so the C- ended up on my transcript. Does this take me out of the running for top-5 MPP or MBA programs? Should I take a micro course to prove I can do the math required? Should I write a supplement to explain the grade? That grade brought my GPA down to a 3.47 but otherwise I have a 3.7 in my major and graduated with honors in Political Science from a top-3 liberal arts college and have been working in bank regulatory policy for the past year.

 

Any input is appreciated - thanks!

Hello jwalker,

So I graduated from one of the top MPP programs and I came with a much lower GPA than you in a completely unrelated undergraduate program (STEM field). What helped me was about 3 years work experience. I did not work in a stellar organization but I built a great story in my SoP by drawing profound insights from little details.

I wouldn't give up on a top MPP program solely for the econ grade, especially with a major GPA of 3.7 from a top tier liberal arts college. You may want to explain the econ grade in an essay; the micro course is an even better idea. I'm wondering if you have the time to pull that off before the application season this fall though. You can consider taking a math subject test.

To be honest, very likely you would be taking econ classes in an MPP program anyway. People rarely waiver out of it. And sometimes people will apply to an MPP in order to boost their quant skills so that can be one of your intentions for joining an MPP program in the first place.

My advice is build a persuasive story that tells why you are a great candidate for a program that values public service. I'm sure there's a lot to share from your year-long experience in bank regulatory policy, in addition to your four undergraduate years.

Best of luck.