I want to apply to an MBA at a top US school (H/S/W) starting in 2021 or 2022. I was hoping you could give me some guidance as to whether you think I should wait to apply until my potential promotion to VP in the fall of 2021? Or should I apply for the 2021 in-take as an associate in order not to be considered "too experienced"?
Any thoughts on my overall chances to H/S and my application strengths/weaknesses would also be greatly appreciated.
**Background: **
26 year old male from Europe
Work experience: currently working as an associate at top European PE fund in New York since a year back. Previously spent 3.5-4 years with a top BB (GS / MS / JPM) in London and New York. I started as analyst in London and was then offered to move over to New York as part of my associate promotion.
Extracurriculars: On the junior advisory board of a charity mentoring disadvantaged kids. Regular volunteering at a food pantry donating to elderly care homes (particularly during Covid-19). Run marathons and fundraise for different charity organisations
Education: UK target school with a BSc. in Finance (first class degree / 4.0 equivalent if I understand correctly). It is not a feeder to the top US MBA programs I listed above however. Will this hold me back?
GMAT: 730 (Q: 49 / V: 40), IR=8
Hey man, no advice to offer really but I think you should try to anonymise your data a little bit, no need to go into as much detail (say UK target, top Euro fund, etc. without dropping names), I think you are easily identifiable.
Best of luck with your applications!
Thanks! Anonymized a bit
What's the thought process behind going for an MBA, if I can ask? The funds you named are both top notch and promote without requiring an MBA, which would be becoming a VP as you mentioned. Your background is clearly strong enough for top MBA programs, but if you're applying as a VP, you'll need to make sure it is clear why you need an MBA, particularly if the goal is to move back to PE.
Not fully decided if I will apply but my thought process is that it can become increasingly important at a later point in my career if I stay in the US
Yes, that is fair, particularly if your undergrad is in the UK (if it is Oxford / Cambridge probably less important though) having a good US brand MBA would be helpful. Do you get the promotion after 2 years or after 3 -- if it is EQT I thought they had a 3 year associate program. Honestly, I don't think it makes a huge difference in terms of strength of application, just apply when you're ready. Given the application cycle this year + deferrals and everything happening, all else being equal I would wait a year and then apply. I would try to get your GMAT up a bit (at least 740/750). 730 is right at the average for the schools you're looking at, and as a IB/PE candidate, the bar is slightly higher.
You mentioned you're worried about having too much experience, but I think having earned the VP promote would give you a significant advantage. The trend among schools is that they clearly are favoring candidates with more experience. If you are fairly confident in earning the promotion, I think that makes you far more competitive for both admissions and then recruiting after school.
Additionally, I disagree with the GMAT comment above. Since you're a 730 you won't hurt the schools' stats. There is such little ROI on working hard to increase your score slightly, and I seriously don't think any difference really matters unless you can hit, say, a 770.
when did you take the GMAT - during uni?
in between banking and PE (had some time off)
If your a minority or a woman, you’re a slam dunk for acceptance. If you’re a white or Asian male, better apply to some safety schools!
I got in to HBS / GSB as a white male luckily :)
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