HELP!!! Business School Prospects with Academic Misconduct ON TRANSCRIPT?
So, I messed up. Some background, I'm a current sophomore at an ivy studying economics. I had a PE internship last summer and a BB IB internship this summer (online now, think lower level BB though). I have a semi-solid finance network, I'm diversity of a sort, I'm going to be president of an investment group on campus. I've got an ok GPA, 3.6-3.7. I've got a strong academic interest in finance related political economy research, which I'll be doing research in next year.
I will be upfront. I cheated on a test, got caught. I went through the process, guess the COVID situation didn't change their lack of sympathy. I had some extenuating circumstances, they didn't care. The hearing outcome is both that I fail the class (harsh) and that on my TRANSCRIPT it says I failed the class because of violating the academic code.
I always wanted to go to a top business school since coming to college. I had a very cool former HBS prof. teach a modified HBS class which I took last semester and loved, especially the discussion/case method stuff. I thought with my background this might be possible, if I kept trying my best and stuff. I fear it's all gone down the shitter now. I know in a few years the most competitive business schools are going to be less so, but I don't know.
I don't feel very good about this whole thing, especially with the way everything is going. I've got an alright CV, and I hope I can learn from this and kick ass in my classes the next two years. But this has really been a punch in the gut.
Please be frank, but give me advice.
I think you’ll have two camps of people. one that will say you’re auto dinged and others saying if you go to GS TMT + BX + Elliott etc. 800 GMAT etc. and then apply, maybe you’ll be able to make up for the blemish. in reality who the fuck knows how admissions consultants really view it. ultimately, it can’t be changed now and you’ll have to weigh whether or not you want to go to a tier 2 b-school (assuming they feel differently). I’m not even sure MBA consultants would give it to you straight. there are a couple on WSO that post and maybe they can chime in without being too optimistic.
you can have a fantastic finance career without B School tho. we don’t live in the 80s/90s anymore. the best guys go straight through PE or go to HFs post PE and never look back.
Academic dishonesty is hard to overcome. However, this is your sophomore year. You'll have two more years of school and X years of work experience before you apply. If you keep your nose very clean, take responsibility for a mistake, express sincere remorse, and are highly competitive in other ways, you may still have a chance at a top MBA program.
I'd urge you to apply to more programs than most people when you do apply so that you increase the likelihood that one top schools will bite.
Best, Linda