Hi Akanand,
First of all welcome to PIOP!
As for your question regarding GPA, in my opinion I think that GRE scores, previous research you may have conducted, and/or related job experience you may have could help you to stand out in the application process to professors. In my experience, I-O programs consider applicants not just on one aspect, but on their entire portfolio.
You believe that your GPA might be a weakness in your application, so counter that perceived weakness with strengths. I would advise you to focus on the Management Consulting experience you have, how it has benefited you, and why/how you would like to supplement and expand that experience through a master's program.
I am not familiar with the I-O master's programs in New York. But I can relay advice about applying to I-O programs from a top I-O psychologist in the field.
Below I quote a few of Dr. Spector's (University of Florida) statements on this site. Keep in mind that these quotes are specific to I-O doctoral programs, not Master's, which in many cases have a more demanding application process. But it may give some insight into what professors are looking for when assessing master candidates.
"Top PhD programs look for students who have an outstanding academic record and potential for graduate study. This includes a solid A average (usually junior/senior grades only), a good GRE score, letters of recommendation from your faculty, research and other relevant experience. You can find information about each program’s mean GPAs and GREs on the SIOP website...what matters most (not necessarily in this order) is a solid GPA, a good GRE, research experience, strong letters of recommendation from faculty, and a personal statement that makes sense and fits the philosophy/focus of the program."
"The most important criteria for admission are GPA and GRE scores. These must be solid. Research experience is something programs like to see, but it isn't as important, and I wouldn't say it is an absolute requirement, although it helps. All things equal between two candidates, the one with research experience will probably get the offer, but things are not always equal. Prior work experience if it is relevant to I/O can be a plus, but it is less important than research experience in most cases. Of course, if you worked for a major I/O consulting firm or worked for a practicing I/O psychologist, the experience might help, especially if there was a research component. 4. I/O is a diverse field with bridges to many other fields. If your interest is particularly in I/O, but you wish to bridge it with another field, this could be a good way to go. However, if your interest is really in the other field, but you see some value in I/O, you might do better to get a graduate degree in the other field at a university with an I/O program and minor in I/O. It depends on where you want to put the emphasis."
For another page to visit during the graduate school application process follow this
link.
Good luck and please keep us updated on your application progress.
Sara
