I'm curious if it is possible to get into an MBA program like University of Chicago or Northwestern's Kellogg after doing two years as an analyst at a BB. Say you perform well at a top group, 750+ on the GMAT with a 3.7+ GPA from a well-regarded sem-target state school.
I know many people talk about going straight to b-school after working as an analyst, but I'm wondering how realistic it is to do so and get into a top school.
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I think it's very possible
I think it's very possible to get in if you had those quantitative stats, ASSUMING you also had outstanding extracurriculars throughout college and you can craft very compelling essays to make up for your relatively few years of work experience.
Many top schools have been
Many top schools have been trending toward a younger demographic (notably H/S) so with a solid 2 year BB stint, 750 GMAT, and a high GPA you should be a lock at a least one of the M7s (assuming you execute well on the essays and provide a cogent response to the why b-school/why now).
My sister went to Kellogg
My sister went to Kellogg and I think I remember her saying that Kellogg places a greater emphasis on work experience than many of the other top schools. Not sure, but it might be something you want to look into. Regardless your stats are good, so I'd think you have a good shot.
That makes sense for
That makes sense for Kellogg, as Northwestern is known for preferring candidates with more experience for their law school as well.
Yea, Kellogg and Tuck are
Yea, Kellogg and Tuck are well known for favoring the more experienced crowd. Harvard and Stanford really love the young-20s.
I do know a few MBB guys who got into K after 2 years in consulting, but K is also better known for consulting than for finance.
ChicagoGSB
I know it can be done at Chicago, though 2 years is not much experience. As soulmeetsbody says, the key is in crafting your story about your life and work experiences, since most of the people you'll be competing with will be older. The grades and GMAT are fine, but all the top schools reject more people than they accept with top grades and GMAT scores. Its all about the essays.
Yes, it is possible, but
Yes, it is possible, but you'll need some strong extracurricular accomplishments in college (assuming you have the typical IB analyst hours where you have no time to do anything outside of work).
Alex Chu