Too Boring for 2+2?
Hi guys,
Currently a senior deciding whether to bother with the 2+2. It seems like an enormous investment of time, and wasn't even considering it until getting my GMAT back. I think I will have a pretty bread and butter profile for MBA apps in 2 years, and am wondering if there's any added value of going through the hassle of applying, getting recs, and writing essays now. My understanding is that they are mostly looking for STEM candidates - would my chances be better if I waited till later?
Stats -
School: Strong undergraduate business school (non-Wharton)
GMAT: 750 SAT: 2340
GPA: 3.8+
Full-Time: Headed to MBB
Previous internship experience: Startup, government, IBD
EC's: Mediocre - member in a few clubs.
Non-URM
No idea what I want to do going forward, but I shouldn't have too much issue writing an essay, besides the time involved. I know the firm I'm going to will provide assistance with applications - should I just wait until then?
Thanks!
Sweet Jesus you're modest. I think your environment may be giving you a false sense of 'bread and butter' profiles. You should easily get into the school you want to.
P.S.- fuck STEM... those kids are pussies.
worst reasons ever.
but you are truthful.
I wonder what you consider exciting.
Bud, get your 2 years in at MBB, and walk into HBS/GSB. You're a shoo-in (if you don't fuck it up).
You got a 2340 on the SATs -- what in the world were you expecting your GMAT to be? I don't get it.
Mods, don't let Brady see this thread.
No need. You will need to put in substantial effort to soul search and find a fire to drive your essays to get in (or fake it, which is actually harder to do in a believable and internally consistent way, especially without history of ECs or something to "prove" your story).
If you can get in now, you can get in in 2 years with good experience. Only people I know who did 2+2 successfully were resume rockstars (I'm talking Ivy valedictorian, frat president, great job lined up) who didn't put a ton of effort in (because they didn't need to) or very strong STEM / URM candidates with limited business experience that were going to roles that might have pigeonholed them otherwise and put a ton of effort in.
Also, you lose the optionality of year 3 externships or international exchanges (which is a big benefit of MBB) as well as make it tougher to go buyside if you want (need pre-MBA experience to get the great roles post-MBA).
I agree with meabric. Great points. There really isn't a strong case for you to apply now versus in 2-3 years. Your profile will likely improve and the place you're going to work is one of the best feeders in the world for HBS.
That said, I see where you're coming from about not standing out. While you have incredibly impressive stats, there are a TON of kids out there with similarly competitive stats. I used to think that stats like yours were one of a kind, until I came to b-school. Almost every one of my classmates had a great GPA and 750+ GMATs are a dime a dozen. Tons of kids went to ivy league schools. The ex-MBB kids aren't hailed as the "most accomplished" in the class -- nor are the private equity people.
What seems to differentiate people is their story. Traveled abroad to Russia, learned the local language and worked for the American embassy ... with side hobbies that include professional dancing and performances. That's the kind of stuff that turns heads in business school. While I think you'll likely get into HBS from MBB, you should think about ways in which you can pursue interests and develop yourself on a personal level rather than a professional one.
Was just reading this: http://poetsandquants.com/2013/12/11/let-sandy-tell-you-why-you-were-di…
Some people with extraordinary profiles were rejected without an interview. May be worth a look, especially as a 2+2 prospective candidate coming from a finance-oriented background. Apply (doesn't hurt) but probably you will have a greater chance in a couple of years.
Most of the profiles in the comments section are so emasculating.
I hate to compare, but damn.
Some anecdotal thoughts from a recent admit, YMMV - There's a very strong preference for early applicants (summer and R1). That's not to say it's impossible in later rounds, but a sizable portion of the 2+2 class has already been filled by the time R2 rolls around (look up HBS admissions materials; they state this quite explicitly) - STEM preference remains, though not quite as strong as the first few cohorts. From the other kids who have more 'typical' business experience, they were able to differentiate based on personal story (pig-farming family) or extracurriculars (teaching personal finance to homeless people and starting a non-profit for Indian girls) - Stronger emphasis on GPA than 'normal' MBA admits (again, this is publicly stated on the HBS website) - Also a slight preference for females
As someone said before, unfortunately, >3.7 GPA + >750 GMAT (and even + Ivy/S/M/D) profiles are quite common in the 2+2 pool. What did you do in government? Was your startup a social enterprise or your standard iPhone-app venture? Do you do any volunteer work? Do you have a good reason for why the 2+2 program will influence how you want to achieve your goals?
If you were a junior with a compelling story, I'd say go for the summer round. Otherwise, do well at MBB, try to get involved in projects that you could talk meaningfully about in interviews/personal story. and you'll have a good shot after two or so years on the job. Plenty of people don't get into 2+2 as an undergrad but sail in (figuratively) once they've hit the real world and crafted an application that better reflects their potential.
Good luck.
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