College Senior Applying for MBA

Hello,

I am currently a senior that will begin an IB analyst role at a MM next fall. In considering my options looking into the future, I know that I would like to pursue a MBA after I finish my 2 year stint as an analyst rather than continue in IB or PE. I also understand that this may be difficult because I would not only be competing with those who have BB and MBB analyst experiences, in addition to those who have a greater amount of work experience elsewhere. The reason I would like to attend a MBA program would be attain a role at a MBB after graduating. I would be able to then gain experience as a consultant, in addition to my previous experience in IB, to prepare for a more management-focused career in the long-term versus staying in finance.

Now having said that, would it be worth my time preparing for the GMAT now so that I can apply early to some of the top programs (HSW, Tuck, Kellogg, Chicago, Columbia) this coming spring and defer my admission for 2 years? I understand that many of the top programs give college seniors this option. Would it be looked for favorably upon since I can guarantee them that I will be working and gaining experience? Or would it not matter if I just applied in two years time? Please let me know what you think. Thanks for your help.

 

no one will let you defer for that reason. It's not like law school. Deferrals are extremely rare for b school. Moreover, your chance of admission to a top 30 program, much less those you mentioned, straight out of college, is slim to none.

Nothing wrong with prepping for/taking the GMAT right now while you have free time, but plan on applying during the fall prior to your intended matriculation (submitting apps Fall 2012 for 2013 matriculation at the very earliest).

 
Best Response

I very seriously considered doing this, so I know that it is actually possible to apply straight from undergrad and get a deferral. In fact, it's becoming more and more common. That being said, there are only a few schools that will let you do this:

  • HBS = they really do "lock in" the top students with a 2 year deferral; these offers are actually pretty common
  • Stanford = you have to be an absolute rockstar, but it does happen every once in a while
  • MIT = rarer than HBS, but not as rare as Stanford
  • UVA = just started doing this so I don't have any data, but I know they're happy to defer
  • Dartmouth = will theoretically defer but I haven't actually heard of anyone doing it

Again, I thought about doing this, but then I realized what a bad idea it was. Your MBA is like a "get out of jail free" card, so why would you want to limit where you escape to? Your desires may change in two years, so just apply then. You're not going to be more likely to get in as a college senior, so don't waste your time.

 
yourdreamtheater:
I very seriously considered doing this, so I know that it is actually possible to apply straight from undergrad and get a deferral. In fact, it's becoming more and more common. That being said, there are only a few schools that will let you do this:
  • HBS = they really do "lock in" the top students with a 2 year deferral; these offers are actually pretty common
  • Stanford = you have to be an absolute rockstar, but it does happen every once in a while
  • MIT = rarer than HBS, but not as rare as Stanford
  • UVA = just started doing this so I don't have any data, but I know they're happy to defer
  • Dartmouth = will theoretically defer but I haven't actually heard of anyone doing it

Again, I thought about doing this, but then I realized what a bad idea it was. Your MBA is like a "get out of jail free" card, so why would you want to limit where you escape to? Your desires may change in two years, so just apply then. You're not going to be more likely to get in as a college senior, so don't waste your time.

The HBS program you're referring to is the 2+2 program and they have already finished interviewing, accepting, etc.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
happypantsmcgee:
The HBS program you're referring to is the 2+2 program and they have already finished interviewing, accepting, etc.

The 2+2 program is for rising college seniors. This program usually accepts around 100 people and gives them deferred admission.

On TOP of that program, college seniors can apply and defer admissions for two years. Last year, I was told by someone very close to admissions (and one of these accepted seniors) that HBS admitted a significant number of seniors and deferred them in addition to the 2+2 kids.

 

^^Another reason why I think HBS gets a little too much credit for what it is. Yes, a great program, but I thought a big part of an MBA was having a class of experienced individuals, not kids with 2 years in a junior role with little life experience. I think Wharton is better, they have a much higher average number years work experience per student.

 

Velit fuga in ad consequatur iure. Nemo dolores dolor porro voluptatem aut nihil.

Cupiditate eaque perferendis voluptatibus eligendi et. Laudantium mollitia sed repellat et cupiditate. Minima in voluptatibus eum labore voluptatum et. Aliquid sunt recusandae laboriosam laboriosam ipsum optio facilis. Nostrum rem a et. Qui dolor quas qui esse. Illum perspiciatis non hic nesciunt.

Voluptas nobis ea ullam eligendi accusamus corrupti. Et numquam vitae cum magnam vero est ea. Earum dolorem voluptatem in dolorum quibusdam. Pariatur consequuntur expedita molestiae omnis placeat et. Consequatur veniam velit ratione dolorem et repellendus nam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”