Studying for GMAT or PE

Thinking about graduating a semester early/being a part-time student my last semester of college. Would studying and taking the GMAT be recommended as I know my score would be valid for 5 years so that I could apply to a deferred MBA program? Or should I just prep for on-cycle PE recruiting as I know the timeline gets earlier every year?

8 Comments
 

Thanks. How many hours a week would you say are typically spent studying for the GMAT? Also would you recommend applying to a deferred MBA program if I wanted to recruit for PE after a few years in IB?

 

It's always better to decline a deferred MBA acceptance in the future than to wish you had an acceptance to decide on

 

Was in the exact same position as you 1 year ago. Only applied hsw - have friends w 725+ gmats, great offers and essays accepted to none or just w. I focused all my time on apps and got my ass kicked when on cycle came around. A top fund significantly helps out when doing mba regardless and as you’ll learn Harvard isn’t looking for another banker / private equity guy in deferred round. I’d recommend focusing on PE prep, becoming strong so when recruiting comes around, you get a top fund and down the line H or S

 

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