Advice/Anecdotes/Insights on improving Academic component of B-school application

Currently an undergraduate at the most non-target of non-target schools... We've had a few graduates end up at HBS, and Yale SOM but my school is the definition of non-target. I am not even a business/economics major, as I discovered this whole world really late.

Headed to management consulting this summer somehow (small firm specialized in my current field of study; a lot of potential of leaps into senior roles fast), but with a pretty mediocre GPA due to first two years (over 3.0) Any advice or insights or anecdotes on improving the academic portion of my application, which would be submitted in about 5 years? Aiming for Top 15. Two options I am considering:

  • Pursuing a one to two years Master's in Management at a target school (This is a relatively new concept but exists at three targets I am looking at, it is essentially covering the first year of an MBA along with the curriculum of a certificate in Intermediate Accounting) to boost GPA, since my courses for my business minor are spiking my grades (good indicator?)

  • Full-time work at the consulting firm, while taking courses in quantitative/business topics as a non-degree student. Looking at statistics, finance, etc.

Any advice? Personal Experiences? Please educate rather than belittle lmao I'm a rookie

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Organic Growth,

Good grades in a MiM at a name school following by solid work experience and a competitive or better GMAT/GRE will do a lot to make up for a weak beginning in college. You don't say what you majored in, but I've seen lots of people with non-quantitative, non-business majors go to top MBA programs.

The second option could also work if combined with a solid test score.

Finally, don't ignore community service and other interests. They can really help.

The following three resources are relevant to your situation:

A lot will depend on what you accomplish between now and when you apply, but you have NO reason to think that you can't go to a top MBA program, based on what you wrote.

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

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