Hey guys, I just wanted to know what my chances are of getting into HBS in 2-3 years. I will be a 1st year analyst next year at a top BB and so far I am graduating from a semi-target (think Brown/Northwestern/Notre Dame/UVA) with a 3.5 GPA. Would I need to really nail the GMAT and write a brilliant essay? What else would it really depend on? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
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Haha - it really depends on everything you do from now on over the next 4-5 years. From what I've heard, you're probably not getting in straight out of banking, top-tier programs like HBS like to see more experience. And you have to ace the GMAT. And a brilliant essay. Get to work.
I disagree in part with Captk's comment regarding more experience. Many schools, notably HBS, are actually trending younger and years of W/E is decreasing. With that said, focus your next 2-3 on becoming a well rounded individual (outside of banking) and a top performer in yoru group. If you can crack 700 on your GMAT you should be comp.
You're smart to be thinking about it this early. You have time to create the experiences and data points that will help you distinguish your application. Some of the top schools in fact are trending younger in their acceptance, but generally to capture folks they have a hard time attracting if they wait too long (military, tech folks, some women, etc).
You'll be very busy with your job, but pick 1 thing outside your job where you can distinguish yourself. Choose something that really interests you. Study for and take your gmat right after you graduate. Make sure to build at least 2-3 great relationships at your job.
Here is more detail for someone like you with 1-3 years to prepare for MBA applications: Your Roadmap to a Succesful MBA Application - http://bit.ly/UNlts
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Hey thanks a lot for the comments guys. I really want to start preparing now to have a shot at HBS, although it's hard to predict where banking will take me in 2-3 years. Thanks for highlighting great points formerMD, I'll definitely take them into consideration!
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