Shot at HBS/Stanford/Wharton?
I finish my undergrad in fall 2010. Currently, my GPA is 3.7 but I can easily up it to 3.8. The school is a total non-target (Think state university). I interviewed with ML (PWM division) for an internship stint and seems I will get it.
I also compiled a list of different MM boutiques in my area to ask about interning there. The GMAT is not something I am worried about. I took several practice tests and got mid 600's without studying for it. I know i can get some solid recommendations from an employer and a professor. As far as my essay/story, I think my story is compelling (growing up in a war-stricken country, providing for the family, working while going to school, etc).
To recap: GPA: 3.7 (3.8 at graduation) School: Non-Target Work experience: worked since I was 16 (different odd jobs -- nothing business related) GMAT: mid 600's (practice tests -- w/out reviewing for it) Recommendations: two solid recs. Story: see the last sentence of the above paragraph.
Now to my question: I am wondering if I should apply to 1st tier schools (mainly the ones in title)? Or, should I just try to get more experience under my belt? I have an almost guaranteed position at a Fortune 500. Should I take that position or should I try to get something within the MM boutiques? or does it even matter for the B-schools?
Thanks in advance.
You need work experience. I have yet to take the GMAT, but I would figure that scoring in the 650 range with no practice is pretty good. From people I have spoken with it is not only essential, but you will get more out of b-school with a few years of work experience. Why don't you want to work for a few years? Allow yourself to figure out what you may want to do.
"I don't think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." -John D. Rockefeller
I'd say you have no shot without work experience. It is the very unusual student who goes straight to a top 5 program out of college. In my Stanford class there was 1. You will be a much more attractive candidate and get much more out of business school if you get some business-related work experience.
I posted this on a thread yesterday, but here it is again. This is a business school roadmap for people like you who have 1-3 years before you plan on applying. You have time to make your story very strong so that you are a great candidate for those schools. Your Roadmap to a Succesful MBA Application - http://bit.ly/UNlts
Here's another piece of advice on how to think about which schools to apply to that you might want to check out Which MBA Programs Should You Apply To? - http://bit.ly/EZx8F
The target school phenomenon is much less relevant for business schools than IB recruiting as long as the rest of your package is compelling.
Gotta Mentor www.GottaMentor.com Connect to the Advice & People You Need to Achieve Your Career Goals
Dolorem vero quos consequatur est ea perferendis quos optio. Aut sint rem praesentium dolore. Quam esse laboriosam corporis. Quos beatae rem ullam. Est et labore ab a aut ut ducimus. Minima sit adipisci qui voluptate ratione est aliquam. Sint sint modi modi necessitatibus necessitatibus sunt.
Quia impedit sequi tempore qui a accusantium qui minima. Odit facilis vel voluptas sint quia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...