Forum: Application & Admission (6 Comments)
HEC Paris MSc Marketing
Posted by - 2610k - on 23 June 2013 - 11:28am
Hi Thomas!
I need a little advice from you as an expert!
Currently, I am finishing my last year of Bachelor Business Administration at the RSM Erasmus University. However, due my lack of effort in the first year my GPA is quite low (GPA around 2.7-2.8 out of 4). On the other hand, I have done an internship in marketing/sales at Unilever HQ in Rotterdam in my third year (last year) of B.B.A. In my third year, I have received a slightly higher GPA than the previous few years even though I have been working at Unilever on full-time base.
After finishing my last year in this august 2013, I am planning on taking a gap year where I will have an internship at the marketing department of L'Oréal in the Netherlands. In this gap year I would also like to take the GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS test for the Master applications. My preference goes to HEC Paris' Master Marketing (but a Master in Marketing at Warwick Business School, ESCP and Imperial College University are also on my list).
Do you think I should not graduate this year and re-do a few subjects from my bachelor, in order to get a higher GPA (which will be then around 3.0 or 3.05 out of 4)? Or do you think I should just graduate with a lower GPA en try to get a very high GMAT and then apply for HEC? Does my work experience even matter in this situation? Furthermore, do I even have chance to enter HEC with my profile?
I am really doubting about doing another year (4th year) for my bachelor in order to get a higher GPA. Because of my coming internship at L'Oréal, I will probably not be able to focus fully on my 4th year. Then again, my prediction is that I will end the 4th year with only a slighty higher GPA.
What do you think? I really want to enter HEC Paris' Master in Marketing.
Thank you in advance!Posted by - 2610k - on 26 June 2013 - 7:16pm
Hi Thomas!
Thank you for your reply!
Do you know what GPA HEC Paris is expecting from those who are enrolling the program?
Based on my current profile, do you know in which universities I could enroll for a master in marketing? (Other than in the Netherlands) where do I have more chance to enter in September 2014?Please let me know!
Kind regards.
Posted by - Thomas Graf - on 26 June 2013 - 10:25pm
Hi there,
I don't know which GPA they expect and it likely changes every year depending on the other applications. It is important to note that there is no fixed threshold; also, you are not "out". To the contrary, you can and should apply in my opinion.
Also, with respect to other schools: You can apply at all other schools for a Master of Marketing and have chances to get in. So, I recommend you not to worry too much about our GPA now. Clarify for yourself whether you want to keep it as it is or re-invest some time to improve - and then move on with your work at L'Oréal and applications for your most favorite Masters in Marketing (including HEC).
Best wishes
ThomasBy Thomas Graf
Posted by - Thomas Graf - on 25 June 2013 - 3:25pm
Hi there,
thank you for your question. This is a difficult trade-off. Personally, I would only extent your graduation by another year if you see the chance to clearly increase your GPA. If you can only slightly increase it I would graduate as soon as possible and move on.
Work experience is always good and L'Oréal is a big name. Hence, working there for a year is a great opportunity to gain work experience and enrich your cv. Maybe you can even make your job entry there depending on the options that emerge during this year.
If you have the chance to move on jobwise I would always prefer this over a master's degree because you can do a master at any point in your life, whether a master of science or an MBA, whether full-time or part-time.
As for the HEC, I am sure that they will consider your full package (including grades, GMAT, and business exposure). However, due to the strong brand of the school and the selective aplication process it could be - note: I am saying "could", not "will" - that you have a disadvantage. Having said that...
- First, you shouldn't bother too much because it appears that you can't change your GPA strongly anyway - so it may be better just to accept that and move on.
- You may still become accepted for the HEC program.
- If you shouldn't become accepted there are other schools as well.
I also contacted the HEC person that I am connected with and asked for her opinion on this issue. Will let you know as son as I have an answer.
Best wishes
ThomasBy Thomas Graf
Posted by - 2610k - on 25 June 2013 - 6:56pm
Hi Thomas!
Thank you for your opinion! I definitely keep it all in mind!
Please let me know when you hear more from your HEC contactperson. I would like to know her view on this matter.Thank you very much for your help!!!
Kind regards.
Posted by - Thomas Graf - on 26 June 2013 - 5:38pm
Hi there again,
here is the answer from the HEC that confirms what I suggested in my previous post:
"In all cases, maybe he could re-take the course in which he has failed without re-taking the whole year, unless he failed almost the whole year. Good internship and a good GMAT is a big plus but cannot waive a good GPA."
Best wishes
ThomasBy Thomas Graf
