Non-Target Canadian Undergrad to M7 MBA-How to?
I've seen people from UBC,Queens, Ivey and the like get into top MBA programs. What would it take to get into a really good bschool in the US from a non target in Canada? I'm talking about schools like Ryerson, Guelph, Carleton and the like. It seems basically impossible because getting really good work experience from a non target is extremely difficult.
Would a 750+ GMAT and 3.8+ GPA mean anything if the work experience is average and school is not prestigious?
bump
Your question is extremely vague and difficult to answer. What does average work experience even mean? What is average in your eyes? Is that something close to commercial banking, S&T, ER, or consulting at a tier 2 firm? If so, probably not. If your work experience is average it would be pretty hard to break into the M7 even if you went to a semi-target in the USA (never mind a non-target in Canada).
What are your ECs?
How many years have you worked?
Have you been promoted early/multiple times?
Are you a diversity candidate?
Are you the first in your family to graduate from university?
Did you outperform your peers at your "average" job?
So many of the above need to be answered to provide any valuable advice. Best I can say is get some quality ECs, have a good reason as to why you're applying for an MBA, and try to focus on the bottom 4 (aka not H/S/W).
Also - don't discourage yourself - it's not hard to get good work experience from a non-target in Canada if you have 3.8 gpa as you say. Network and study your technicals and you'll be fine.
Thanks for the encouragement. That is actually what I mean by average work experience minus S&T and ER, I don't view that as average. I'm talking about things like commercial banking, credit risk, valuations, and TAS at big 4. Which may be below average in peoples eyes idk. It seems likely I'll end up in one of those roles.
Assuming I do everything right in regards to EC's, outperforming my peers, multiple promotions, and 780+ GMAT(I'm not a genius I just have insane work ethic and I'm really good at test taking). Is it possible from something like commercial banking at CIBC or valuations at Big 4? Would jumping to boutique ib first improve my chances a lot even if its not a "brand name" firm?
M7 would definitely view ER and S&T as average, if not below average.
Big 4 has varying perception. Is it Deloitte? Then you are in a good position. Is it KPMG? Then you are sadly not.
Getting even a 760 GMAT would be in the 99th percentile (a 780 would be in the top 5% accepted to Harvard) so I would be a little conservative as to what you think you might achieve on the GMAT.
CIBC is a great firm in Canada with a great reputation - that is a great place to start.
Commercial banking is not ideal; however, if you can lateral to IB, syndications, financial sponsors, etc., you'll be in a good spot.
If your options are CIBC commercial banking or a non-KPMG big4 valuations role I would accept the latter and not the former if I were in your shoes. Then I would attempt to network and exit to a VC or PE shop in Canada (as VC/PE shops in Canada are very accepting of big4 transaction teams - unlike in the states).
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