Need Advice on B-School

Here's my dilemma. I went into the military then did my undergrad degree. I just graduated from a state university with a 3.6 GPA. I scored 750 on the GMAT. I'm not settling for some crap MBA program like I had to for my undergrad (before the military I did flunk out of school. With 31 hours of F on my transcript, I had to work my way up just to get into state school). I know that the top programs place significant emphasis on experience, and mine is limited to the enlisted side of the military.
What are your opinions on applying again this year trying to do a better job selling my military experience versus continuing to bust my balls looking for a job where I can get relevant experience?

5 Comments
 

750 GMAT = awesome

Working your way up like this = great essays

If you can get some of the officers to write good recommendations, this should be great!

I like pickles...
 
Best Response
knaegeliHere's my dilemma. I went into the military then did my undergrad degree. I just graduated from a state university with a 3.6 GPA. I scored 750 on the GMAT. I'm not settling for some crap MBA program like I had to for my undergrad (before the military I did flunk out of school. With 31 hours of F on my transcript, I had to work my way up just to get into state school). I know that the top programs place significant emphasis on experience, and mine is limited to the enlisted side of the military.
What are your opinions on applying again this year trying to do a better job selling my military experience versus continuing to bust my balls looking for a job where I can get relevant experience?

Hello

Since you are aiming for top schools then a score above 700 is desirable. So congrats for that. However GMAT alone won’t determine your chances of admission; beyond the academics will also help you in determining your candidature and your work experience plays a vital role as well. In general most of the applicants have a good 4-5 years of work experience. Start thinking what makes you unique and what’s that ‘hook’ that will be key to your application.

Your military background could also be a differentiating factor. Make sure you follow the ‘show rather than tell’ principle so that the admissions committee could really understand your strengths and differentiating factors Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So you need to ensure that in your years of work experience you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for. This could still put in a strong set of essays for you.

Find out where you stand with our Free Assessment Test or drop your resume at [email protected]

 

Related to the OP's question, I'm interested in what people think about military experience as someone who is enlisted vs. an officer. I would've thought that business schools really prefer officers and don't give as much (or maybe even very little?) weight to someone who has been enlisted, but I really have no idea and would be interested to hear thoughts from others.

Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman, damn glad to meet you.
 

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