Recent College Graduate (Non-target) Hoping for Some Advice on MBAs

Hello WSO,

This is probably a silly post so I apologize in advance.

I am a long way to worry about MBA admissions (roughly 5 yrs), but considering that I recently graduated from a non-target, I would like to make sure that I do the most to improve my chances for a top 25 MBA program. So considering that I have a GPA 3.65, a FT (no name) boutique IB gig, an estimated future GMAT between 680-720, have decent leadership roles in my college, how would you say my chances are for MBA programs like Cornell, Georgetown, Yale, UCLA, Emory, Duke, etc.

This obviously is difficult to determine, since I have not completed my five years of work experience, but I am trying to see where I can make improvements in the future for a application. Thank you.

 
Best Response

Your work experience seems pretty good for Top 25 Business schools. It may be a bit early to evaluate you without that GMAT (there is a pretty big difference between 680 and 720), but you should be able to get into one of those schools. Given that you have plenty of time, try and make sure you get that 720 rather than that 680.

Besides that, think about a few other points: 1. Leadership - try and acquire as much leadership experience as you can. Professionally or non.Other than "official management" you can do this through participating in your firms mentoring and/or recruiting efforts, volunteering to "lead" certain initiatives (like organizing social events), or leading out of work (volunteer work, sports and other activities). 2. Volunteer work - Make sure you have at least one good solid constant community service activity on your resume, preferably with leadership. 3. Other activities - Like sports/hobbies/etc. It's good to have a few of these to broaden your application, and provide you areas to mine for stories when it comes time to apply.

Great that you are getting started so early!!! Good luck on your GMAT.

 

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