Business School from Boutique Consulting

I was wondering if I wanted to go to a top 10 b-school is going to a boutique consulting firm a no-go? If that is my only offer what are the paths to a top business school. Go boutique for a few years, then go to MBB then b-school?

7 Comments
 

I would assume that it is possible, but I guess that you would have to do something to differentiate yourself from all the other candidates.

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

Totally false - where did you hear that? The GPA is more important than the GMAT, especially when coming from a pretty traditional b-school background (consulting/finance).

 
same0what are some ways to differentiate? it seems like the top schools only want people from MBB. also i have a 3.2 gpa which can end up hurting but I hear they don't really care about gpa if you do well on gmat

I attend a top school and can confirm that there are many people from boutique firms in my class...granted, they all have stellar GPAs, GMAT scores, and work experience.

If you are a rock star at your job and can ace the GMAT (750+), you'll have a decent shot at an M7 despite your low GPA.

 
Best Response

Well, it's not entirely true that they don't care about your GPA if your GMAT is great. HBS for example takes a close look at both.

One way to differentiate yourself is to build good relationships with the seniors in your firm, so that you can approach them for recommendations. The better they know you, the better their letters and the more willing they are to recommend you. Another way may be that you start doing some non-profit stuff on the side to get your extracurriculars in order.

Regarding what schools are actually realistic for you, really depends on your GMAT. Have you taken any practice GMATs? I am pretty sure that you can forget about M7 with a below 700. Was your major a hard or easy one?

I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

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