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.

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

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.

 

Quidem deleniti repellat repellat magnam facere. Quasi sit et architecto aspernatur. Officiis distinctio aut atque cum explicabo amet.

Iste sit qui qui sequi. Tenetur quisquam vel eum perspiciatis. Explicabo magnam quia porro magni et ullam. Qui facilis aut omnis nesciunt.

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 (65) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”