What MBA programs should I be looking at?
I know it's a little early but I'm going to be applying to MBA programs for the class of 2021. I've been researching programs and I'm still a little unsure of which ones I would be a good fit for and that I should target. My goal is to get into IB to help me break into corporate development. I'll list my stats/background below.
Work Experience: I did two years as an FP&A analyst before moving to senior analyst at a F200 biotech company. May will be three total years, I'll have a total of about 3.5 years experience before applying.
Undergrad: Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.93 GPA from an ultra non-target (F500 didn't even recruit there) as a finance major and economics minor.
700 GMAT score.
Letters of Recommendation: I'm going to be asking my manager and director. I'm confident they'll both write me solid letters.
EC's: Some community service and clubs. Nothing crazy.
So I know my work experience isn't as prestigous for most MBA programs, and my undergrad doesn't have any name recognition so I'm trying to be at least semi realistic with this.
The programs I've been thinking about are:
UVA, Carnegie Mellon, UNC Chapel Hill, UT Austin, and I was thinking about taking a shot at Ross or Cornell.
Darden, Ross, Johnson, McDonough, and one of UNC/UT
Not sure how many times you've taken the GMAT, but I might try one more. Bumping that 700 to a 720 (which shouldn't be terribly difficult to do with all the time you have until you apply) will go a long way at the schools you mentioned. Nothing absolutely stellar about your profile but these schools will take a kid with a 3.9 and a 720 more times than not.
I only took the GMAT once, I wasn't really planning on taking it again but if it'll help with UVA, Cornell, or Ross it's certainly something I can do.
I'll have to look into studying again for 3-4 months and taking it in May/June.
I tell everyone I know to take it at least twice. I got a 720 on my first attempt, took it again three weeks later and got a 780. I didn't change much about how I studied. I think I just lucked out and got a test that fit my strengths well. It also helps having a decent score in the bag to fall back on so the pressure isn't as high.
Agree. If it's one attempt, try boosting that score. You'd be an outside chance at an M7 with 740+ and a lock for at least one of your target schools with 720+, depending on your recs and essay.
Hi You might try with the grades and experience. GMAT score also a value added for your profile to get better choice in top schools. You try with LSBF, LSB and Edology.
I'd say you have a good chance at your target schools. If you get your GMAT 730+ you can probably get into a Top 10, as well.
It's actually not too early for Class of 2021 prep - honestly it's a good time to start getting things together (EC's, GMAT, planning recommendations) if you're shooting for R1. As I'm sure you're aware, applications will be available in the summer (end of May/June) and R1 deadline is in the fall.
I'd say UVA, UNC, McCombs, Ross, Darden, Fuqua, Johnson are a good list for your profile and IBD goals.
Yeah the consensus seems to be I should retake the GMAT and aim for at least a 720. I'll probably start studying again in a couple weeks and retake it in May/June.
I only took it once and really wasn't planning on doing it again, but if it'll help with UVA, Cornell, Ross, or even Fuqua then I can definitely suck it up for a couple months.
it will definitely help and I agree that if you crush it (740+) you have an outside shot at M7/T9 and may get scholarships from the T15 schools you're targeting.
Hello I would suggest checking the entry requirements of each top business schools to and pass through before you apply. If you want to get into top schools, then you should get
MBA Hopeful321,
Your school choices are realistic, but a higher GMAT will help you especially at Ross, Cornell, and UVA. And as someone mentioned, a higher GMAT may also make scholarships more likely.
Best, Linda
Top 100 MBA for the win!
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