| Topic Name: |
Making up for poor grades |
| Message Name: |
aggressive |
| Date Posted: |
01/05/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
Okay,
I have managed to get an interview with a midsize strategy firm. The jubillance i was feeling quickly dissipated when I was asked to bring a transcript with me.
For anyone who hasn't read the entire thread, my grades were pretty awful. Hence, I am worried about presenting my transcript.
My questions are:
1.) If I've been given an interview based on my resume, cover letter and GMAT score alone, are my bad grades enough to destroy my chances regardless of how well the interview goes?
2.) How do I present my grades? Do I try to just sweep them under the rug? Adress them aggressively? (Again, for those who haven't read the entire thread, I don't have any traumatic events to blame my grades on just sheer unadulterated laziness and boredom.)
Thanks, your input is much appreciated.
BCGWannabe |
| Message: |
Following are my opinions on how to deal with this situation:
1) The low grades could possibly get you automatically rejected, but if you ace the interview and handle 2) well, you probably will survive the round.
2) Address the issue aggressively, but make sure to spin it correctly. As some collegues and I said earlier in the thread, a low GPA signifies an inability or unwillingness to focus on the top priority in your life. It also signals a lack of maturity, especially if you claim that you didn't know how crucial grades would be in your job search. Given that the chief barrier that a 21'ish consultant will face is a physical appearance of immaturity, demonstrating a behaviorial trend towards immaturity would be a death-knell.
My solution would be to echo back all of the above concerns to the interviewer both to preempt them and to show that you understand the issues, and then stress that you suffered from a lack of foresight as an immature 18 year-old, but you have since rectified the situation and as a result have vastly improved your ability to concentrate on and execute your goals. Present as evidence of this trait your improved grades (hopefully they have improved) and you diligent job search.
Given that their number one concern once they see the grades will be your maturity level (not your intelligence, assuming you do well on the case and show them your GMAT schore), the most important thing for you will be to speak clearly and logically, act 10 years older than you are, and humbly admit your past mistakes and shortcomings and what you have learned from them.
I hope this helps and good luck.
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