Recent College Graduate (Non-target) Hoping for Some Advice on MBAs

Hello WSO,

This is probably a silly post so I apologize in advance.

I am a long way to worry about MBA admissions (roughly 5 yrs), but considering that I recently graduated from a non-target, I would like to make sure that I do the most to improve my chances for a top 25 MBA program. So considering that I have a GPA 3.65, a FT (no name) boutique IB gig, an estimated future GMAT between 680-720, have decent leadership roles in my college, how would you say my chances are for MBA programs like Cornell, Georgetown, Yale, UCLA, Emory, Duke, etc.

This obviously is difficult to determine, since I have not completed my five years of work experience, but I am trying to see where I can make improvements in the future for a application. Thank you.

 
Best Response

Your work experience seems pretty good for Top 25 Business schools. It may be a bit early to evaluate you without that GMAT (there is a pretty big difference between 680 and 720), but you should be able to get into one of those schools. Given that you have plenty of time, try and make sure you get that 720 rather than that 680.

Besides that, think about a few other points: 1. Leadership - try and acquire as much leadership experience as you can. Professionally or non.Other than "official management" you can do this through participating in your firms mentoring and/or recruiting efforts, volunteering to "lead" certain initiatives (like organizing social events), or leading out of work (volunteer work, sports and other activities). 2. Volunteer work - Make sure you have at least one good solid constant community service activity on your resume, preferably with leadership. 3. Other activities - Like sports/hobbies/etc. It's good to have a few of these to broaden your application, and provide you areas to mine for stories when it comes time to apply.

Great that you are getting started so early!!! Good luck on your GMAT.

 

Ipsum alias et sapiente blanditiis blanditiis eum maiores. Vitae autem ut aut similique placeat et veniam. Distinctio labore beatae atque minus.

Quasi velit quam ea sunt quis aut. Quia dignissimos eaque rerum saepe aut. Voluptate et sunt doloribus illo. Facere omnis harum hic in quo.

Ipsum officia molestias sunt quis itaque temporibus. Nisi molestiae aut molestiae dolorem ex cumque magnam. Nostrum facere sit ut excepturi. Qui molestiae ex eaque optio rerum sequi sapiente. Ipsam distinctio ut quibusdam ab provident est. Et qui voluptas doloremque aut laboriosam aut temporibus. Qui ullam temporibus eum alias.

Ut nulla et a sit rerum consequuntur qui. Vitae sunt dignissimos temporibus ex. Nam recusandae fugiat qui et hic ad.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”