Should I apply to MBA 2+2?

Hey everyone, quick question. So I'm heading into my last semester of college at a target state school. Have a 3.9+ GPA, strong extracurriculars, and am heading into IB/PE analyst position post-grad. I've been thinking seriously about applying to 2+2 programs at M7 schools this spring. Have taken a couple GMAT practice tests and am scoring mid 700s. Before I put a lot of hours into essays, recommendations, etc., I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Should I put the work into applying to 2+2 this semester, or should I aim to end up in a PE firm with strong H/S/W placement and apply regularly? With the added competitiveness of 2+2 at H/S/W, it's likely I may end up at a lower M7 through this process. So, how much does being at a PE firm with strong b-school track record actually help - trying to see how different my odds would be going 2+2 vs. the regular process later in my career.To be clear, my goal is likely be in PE in the long-term (post-MBA). What do you guys think? Appreciate any advice.

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If you already put hours into essays, GMAT and rec letters then you already did most of the work why would you not apply now. Deferred programs have 0 risk because if you don't get in you apply later on.

One thing to note is that your GPA, GMAT and IB/PE job seem great but it won't get you in to H/S/W alone (maybe Wharton). These 2+2 programs are extremely competitive and they already focus/target STEM kids. The finance kids that get in are exceptional in other ways, leadership, EC's, entrepreneurship etc. That being said, coming out of top IB -> MF PE would be easier and give you a better chance but even then there are people from MFPE that get rejected so the emphasis on those aspects are still there but just less so. 

Also, if your career goal is PE then I would think hard about an MBA and whether you even want to do it, you most certainly will not get into H/S/W with PE as your MBA goal for 2+2, they know you will apply later so why take you now? MBA is no longer needed for PE.

 

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