GPA (Grade Point Average)
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. Grade Point Average system is an American standard used to evaluate the academic performance of a candidate. There is no definite rule of the acceptability measure of GPA for applications. The following points below elaborate the importance and evaluation method of GPA:- Quantifying GPA: The minimum required GPA varies according to the college admission criteria and profile of the candidate. As a general rule, higher the ranking of the graduate school; the higher is the minimum requirement of the GPA.
- Measure of Character Strength: The GPA criterion does not only reflect your performance in academics but it also measures competency and consistency in grades. By evaluating your GPA, admission committee is able to judge the self-discipline and perseverance with which you have performed in your studies. Consistently good GPA marks out the candidate as a highly focused individual who is serious and dedicated to academics. This also demonstrates keenness in continuing the academic career. Such candidates are shown preference in contrast to the ones with inconsistent academic records.
- Collecting mark sheets for GPA evaluation: In order to critically evaluate your academic performance, you must provide with the mark sheet of each degree attained after your secondary school education. Usually, colleges prefer mark sheets officially sealed by the college registrar where you have completed the particular degree. Your mark sheet must display the degree name and date on which it is awarded. If not, then submit an official certificate of the degree awarded. For degrees from international institutions, records must be in the original language of the institution attended, and accompanied by official english translations.
In the section below is the minimum accepted GPA threshold for some of the major business school MBA programs:
| Gradudate School | Accepted GPA |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 3.32 |
| Columbia Business School | 3.40 |
| Cornell University | 3.31 |
| Dartmouth College | 3.46 |
| Duke University | 3.38 |
| Harvard Business School | 3.63 |
| Michigan State University | 3.30 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 3.50 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | 3.50 |
| Stanford University | 3.61 |
| University of Chicago | 3.50 |
