When to apply for MBA

I'm seeking advice on when to apply for MBA programs and my chances of getting into certain universities. 

Here's a bit about my background: I graduated with a double major in Economics and English from a university ranked 30-40. My GPA was 3.68, and my GRE scores were Math 160 and Verbal 161. 

After graduation, I joined a sales rotational program at a company that provides finance ratings. I completed the program last year and have been in my permanent role since then earning around 90k per year.

I'm considering applying for full-time MBA programs for the fall of 2024, which would mean I'll have two years of work experience by the start of applications in fall 2023 and three years by the time I enroll. 

However, I'm currently in a learning and development phase, mainly helping with email outreach, cold calling, analyzing client data to inform sales strategy, and delivering product demos to clients. I expect to start managing my own accounts and earning commission next year. 

I want to work in management consulting, but I'm not sure if I should apply to MBA programs for the fall of 2024 or for the fall of 2025. 

Also, I'm curious about my chances of getting into certain universities, specifically Duke, UVA, UMich, NYU, and Penn. 

One potential concern is that I will have only been in my current role for about nine months at the start of the application cycle, meaning that my current supervisor (who I would ask to write my LORs) will have been my manager for nine months. 

4 Comments
 

My suggestion is that you need to have meaningful accomplishment in your field/career.  When you've done that you'll know you're ready with a good shot at the top schools.  For some people that's 2 years post undergrad, for others it could take 6.  

I'd view this as your one opportunity to step up to MBB so make sure you're taking a high quality shot. And don't forget that if you don't get into your top choice of programs you can always reapply.

Also you didn't mention which rotational program, but if you're at TI or PTC then I'd suggest a good 4 years to show your mark as a top sales rep -- not to slow you down if you're ready now but just saying that's how long it takes many folks to have outstanding contribution.

 
Most Helpful

Est sunt facere sit eos iure aut neque. A dolor voluptas voluptas. Tenetur quis iure ut quia iure itaque. Maxime est sunt harum sit pariatur recusandae. Sed nihil dolores ratione in.

Accusamus et cum laborum magni aliquam architecto adipisci. Quia et fugiat magnam dolorum deleniti.

Rem dolore possimus nobis excepturi ratione eligendi dolore. Sapiente tempora necessitatibus minima quaerat aut. Delectus nisi itaque magnam fugit. Consequatur omnis est atque debitis natus occaecati.

Placeat minima consequuntur et eligendi et accusantium mollitia. Quaerat veritatis ut necessitatibus rem ex est amet labore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”