Non-Target Undergrad: Business School Advice

Hey all,

Looking for some advice on future career opportunities that could be available with hard work and dedication. I want to know which one might be best to take in getting to Business School.

Background

  • School: non-target state school (Think UC Riverside, U Oregon, Uconn etc.)
  • GPA: 3.5/4 and can reasonably get it to a 3.7 by graduation
  • Class: 2021 GMAT: Haven't taken yet, and understand that it isn't something I should underestimate when it comes to studying.
  • Profile: URM Hispanic Male
  • Extracurriculars: involved in SEO (diversity program to educate and help angle students in breaking into competitive careers) and a couple of organizations on campus that span from investing to working with the local community. Internships: Boutique Consulting firm in Asia (6 months)

Current Ideas to get to Business School

BB IBD/ER -->Business School--> Corporate Strategy/Tech BB IBD/ER-->move up?--> Business School--> Corp. strat/tech TFA (Teach For America)--> Consulting (unsure of how difficult the jump will be)--> B- School--> Corp. strat/tech

Thoughts

All of the above are ideal situations, that I understand will be difficult to get. I know that I can get some interviews through networking (have previously), what I don't know is what idea do you all think would be the best path to get to business school. I was recently contacted by a recruiter for TFA, and after our call I did some research and it seemed like a pretty unique way to get into Business school. I know websites will only market the success stories, but it still seemed like an interesting opportunity with great networking and professional development opportunities, all while giving back. I would like to think I would be a competitive candidate at some top schools if I get a stellar GMAT score. I would like to hear any perspectives, experiences, and suggestions on what I could do to best leverage my chances and what schools you think I could be a competitive applicant at.

Business school list

Reach

  • Harvard
  • Insead
  • MIT
  • Columbia
  • Chicago: Booth

Reasonably competitive at (maybe)

  • Oxford
  • Dartmouth Tuck
  • Duke
  • NYU
  • UCLA

    Any and all input is appreciated!

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If your question is "Given what I've done to date and a competitive GMAT score, will TFA harm my chances at a top MBA program?" the answer is "no." It could actually enhance your chances by being distinctive, showing commitment to your community, and providing excellent leadership opportunities.

Did I answer your question?

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

Accusamus voluptatum voluptas iusto quia. Non necessitatibus aut voluptatem provident sunt a consequatur. Ut aut velit eum. Quia alias perferendis sed nesciunt voluptatem aperiam. Cumque ut sapiente enim ut similique tempora at ut. Est laudantium id voluptas at doloremque rerum. Ipsum facilis temporibus nihil consectetur at dolorem rem sequi.

Corrupti aperiam et aut. Doloremque aliquam facilis consectetur porro nemo et molestias. Cum dolore est cumque enim. Temporibus ducimus laboriosam dolore facilis. Delectus perferendis at consequatur. Omnis deleniti voluptates asperiores repellat inventore natus. Vitae rerum est quis aut dolor nulla. Aperiam quaerat corporis vero.

Id at tenetur animi ut dolores sunt maiores. Rem non et suscipit accusantium cum maiores velit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”