Currently in an MBA program, but considering dropping out and attending a better MBA program for next year?

So I'm in a personal dilemma here. I'm a current 1st year MBA candidate at a non-target school (I went to this school because I got a full-ride rather than focusing on the opportunities that a better MBA would have, as I've never been in debt and didn't want to. But now I'm having second thoughts and having the prestige of a better school on my resume is something that I'm interested in) and wondering if it's possible to quit from a program and pursue a higher-ranked/target school? (Not transferring, but starting over again). I was thinking of applying for round 2 and if I get accepted in Fall 2022, to drop out of my current MBA program.

I have a solid GMAT (above +700) and I believe that I can get into a much better MBA program with my work experience and essays (I have 3.5 years of work experience in asset management), but what would be the disadvantages of leaving an MBA program halfway through? Would you recommend doing this, why or why not? I'm only 25, so I'm on the younger side and I'm ok with taking this extra year off as I'll still be under the average age of an MBA candidate

 

No chance and huge red flag - every adcom will want to know wtf you dropped out of your program and you're not going to be able to bullshit a compelling response. Your only shot is to drop out and go do something meaningful for a year and then reapply but the opportunity costs are so huge that I just can't fathom that it'd be worth it. Post MBA i-banking is fairly easy to get into these days so even at a non-target, I'd think you'd be able to get some interviews if you put forth some effort.

 

The only thing you can do if you really want to do it, is dropout fast and drop of it from your CV. Find a job and replace it fast to have a small gap....

 

You are having second thoughts about your current situation because you want to attend a prestigious school.

What about having second thoughts when you attend a prestigious school and you are regretting giving up that full-ride scholarship?

What matters the most to you?

 
Most Helpful

Hic odit ad cupiditate et. Maiores quidem numquam eum aut ex.

Quia asperiores ullam sed nostrum. Quia nisi ut quasi ipsum.

Est ab sunt sit perferendis est. Doloremque atque autem vel excepturi et accusantium. Dolores quae quidem autem magnam et. Sed velit impedit enim ducimus error assumenda. Suscipit labore ad nemo.

Quaerat porro quia et odio facilis eos. Maxime aut eaque non vitae. Fugiat eaque in voluptas necessitatibus corporis placeat sit. Possimus non corporis accusamus exercitationem natus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 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

May 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

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (90) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”