Issues of Low Grades and Specializations at IIMA

I received scores of queries on low CG and prospects of entering IIMA. In fact, I searched for a person with CG as low as 7. And Yes, I got 3 students out of 10 I randomly questioned with CGs hovering around 7 mark. So, in a way stop worrying about low CGs and concentrate on your CAT scores and interview. You never know what the professors are looking for in interviews. Though the list is not authoritative, but my experience tells if we do a priority list for CAT, the rankings would be:

1. CAT score: the higher the better. We all know that!
2. GD-Interviews: It's a make or brake story here. So, very vital.
3. Your extra-curriculars: Gives a sample of the talent you have or how creative you are. It's not a necessity but if you've it's always better!
4. Your CG: Does not matter if you're rich in the above 3 points.

In response to Abhijit's question, Entrepreneurial Experience is too good for the interviews - nothing like it! In fact, one CA two batches had a CAT score lower than others; he got selected primarily because he managed a CA firm for 2 years (even though the returns were not that great). Hence, stop worrying about everything else and concentrate on CAT. Try to get interview calls. No one can stop you in interviews - your entrepreneurial experience will sail you through there along with your IIT tag! Given your entrepreneurial experience you need not to worry about minor changes in your CAT score - you just need interview calls!

Regarding Rohit's question: Yeah, IIMA's policy is not to offer specialized degrees on marketing or finance. Instead second year students are given options to choose finance or marketing courses or both through a bidding system. So, in a way, you can learn both or focus solely on finance or marketing. Majority guys/gals concentrate on both - to keep options open. If you need, I can provide you people with a list of courses offered by IIMA.

Keep mugging!
Boss