Google/Apple or Goldman Sachs/McKinsey best for MBA?

So I'm a CS major who is a senior at a Big 10 school who just got an offer for a software engineering job at Apple and I'm flying out to Google next week. I've got a 3.55 GPA and I'm pretty sure that I could get a 720+ on my GMAT (I got a 34 on the ACT). I've done some really cool projects with tons of leadership while in undergrad and I really want to get into Harvard or Stanford for B-School.

However, I'm also hearing back from recruiters at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey for analysts positions. I don't really have a strong preference for particular industries, and I'm willing to put up with the I-banking or consulting lifestyle for two years if that would substantially help my MBA chances. McKinsey is probably a long shot, but would I be better served by going with Goldman Sachs/BCG/Bain & Co if I wanted to eventually get into Harvard B-School?

I know that Apple and Google are really good, but it seems like B-School prefers Consultants and I-bankers. What do you guys think? What are my odds Harvard B-School and Stanford GSB with these companies and industries?

 
Best Response

You're opening yourself up to a real circle-jerk of what business schools look for/accept. Bottom line is that if you go for any 4 of those you have a significant chance of getting into H/S/W (granted you're doing worthwhile work in Apple/Google) in regards to the job (which is only a portion of the application, I can't stress that enough). Goldman and McKinsey may offer a more "linear" path (Analyst) but the top B-schools aren't limited to any of those options - they're all top-shelf companies.

I'd tell you to do what makes you least miserable the next two years, work on being recognized/promoted, and if you're not a minority candidate better raise that GMAT from a 720 if you're at a 3.55.

I've been on that path for the past 5 years (gearing a profile for MBA) so I've done extensive research, but take my advice for what it's worth.

 

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