Didn't get accepted to programs, need advice planning for next year applications please

Hi guys, so I didn’t get accepted to the programs I applied to (it’s all good, I’ll improve for next year), and I’d like to ask for some advice.

Some stats:

  • GPA (undergrad): 4.0 from a low ranked state university; no internships in IBD or consulting
  • GMAT: 660
  • Work experience (2.5 years): financial cooperative / cooperative banking (think of Credit Unions for example) in several analyst positions: business, data, and risk management. I think experience is solid, but I haven’t done any modeling, valuation, etc. that is related to IBD or consulting.
  • Desired career path (as of now), not 100% tho: investment banking or consulting.

I am planning to switch to the GRE after several unsuccessful attempts on the GMAT, and without relevant undergrad internship nor, I assume, relevant work experience, I believe that getting an MBA from M7/T10-15/T20 is an understandable and a logical decision.

But, I want to hear your opinion on the value of getting an MBA from a non M7/T10-15/T20 in my area (East Coast, want to stay here) if I won’t get into M7/T10-15/T20.

Will there be any value in terms of job placements, career advancements, pay, network, etc., in going to one of the schools below? *not an exhaustive, just a reference for relatively decent schools.

NY, NJ, PA, and DC region: Georgetown (DC), Uni of Pittsburgh; Villanova; Penn State (PA); Rochester; Fordham; Syracuse; Baruch College; Yeshiva Uni. (NY); Rutgers; Rowan (NJ)

New England region: Boston College; Boston Uni.; Uni. of Mass; Northeastern; Babson; Bentley; Brandeis (MA); Fairfield; Uni. of Connecticut (CT); Bryant Uni (RI)

OR, will it be better to get an MSF from a top-ranked semi/target school instead? This feels like a very specific career path which I’m not 100% sure about.

Your opinions, feedback, and advice would be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Hey there! First off, don't be too hard on yourself. Not getting accepted on your first try is not the end of the world, it's just a stepping stone to your success.

Now, let's talk about your options. You're considering an MBA from non M7/T10-15/T20 schools on the East Coast. These schools can still provide value in terms of job placements, career advancements, pay, and network. However, the prestige and opportunities might not be as high as those from M7/T10-15/T20 schools.

For example, Georgetown (DC) has a strong reputation, especially in the DC area. It has a solid alumni network and good job placement rates. The same goes for schools like Boston College and Boston University in the New England region.

However, if you're set on a career in investment banking or consulting, you might want to consider an MSF from a top-ranked semi/target school. This could provide you with more specialized knowledge and skills, and potentially better job opportunities in these fields.

In the end, it really depends on your career goals and personal circumstances. If you're not 100% sure about your career path, an MBA might provide more flexibility. But if you're set on investment banking or consulting, an MSF might be a better fit.

Remember, it's not just about the school's ranking. It's also about the fit, the culture, the alumni network, and the specific opportunities that the school can provide.

Keep your chin up and keep pushing forward. You've got this!

Sources: Ask Natalie from Accepted about Business School Admissions, Having serious thoughts about B-school for the first time - can anyone offer any advice?, MBA advice for someone applying in 3 years, What MBA programs should I be looking at?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Man.. this bot actually commented pretty well XD

Why would an MSF from a top program be better for IBD and Consulting than an MBA from a less prestigious program?

 

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