Pre-IB GMAT
I am in my senior year of college, and I will start working at a top BB in this upcoming summer.
For people who have been in my position, do you suggest that I study for and take the GMAT's now or wait until I am a couple of years into banking? There are obviously other things I would rather do in school, but getting this work out of the way for next year may be prudent.
Truthfully, I would rather go into PE after I finish my two years as an analyst. But, in order to "hedge" my career plan, I figured that the GMAT's may come in handy.
Thanks.
Your GMAT score's valid for 5 years, so unless you anticipate going to b-school in more than 5 years, you should take it now. You definitely won't have the time to prep while you're banking, and your general test-taking skills will probably decline. Believe it or not, the best time to take the GMAT is right after taking the SAT, as the material and questions are very similar in style and difficulty. The sooner you take it, the better.
So if you take gmat toward the end of senior year of college, and want to do b school after 3 years of banking and 2 pe, is that cool? (seems like apps sent out within the 5 year window)
As others have said, the GMAT is good for 5 years. Even if you take it now, work for 2 years as an analyst, then transfer to PE for a year or 2, you will still have plenty of time to decide if B school is for you, and then, if you decide it is, apply. If you think you will have an easier time with the exam now, then by all means take it, and forget about it for a few years. Focus on your career, build your experiences and candidacy, then decide if B school is right for you. If, however, you are a bit tired of studying and ready for a break, you might be better off waiting a year or so, then taking a quick GMAT course, and then sitting for the exam. It's really a matter of where your head is at this time. With a 5 year longevity, you should have ample time to decide if you want to go to B school or not. Good luck and congratulations on the offer.
I'm planning on doing the same thing. Not sure if I want to get an MBA yet (if I get promoted to associate I probably won't do it), but I want to keep my options open. Moreover, everyone will agree that once you'll start working you won't have time to prepare for the test. Scores are valid for 5 years from the moment you take it until the school you're applying to RECEIVES the score, so I'd definitely take it right after I graduate and before I start working.
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