Top MBA Chance?
Hey everyone,
I have a unique story (or so I think). I’m 33 and work in enterprise sales for a large prominent technology company. Finance is my passion and I’m ready to go forth. About 7 years total experience in the workforce out of college. Great accomplishments I could demonstrate in my current line of work. Earlier last year, I decided to start a masters degree from the Harvard Extension School (finance concentration). I’m now a fully matriculated student 50% done with the degree, but I feel it’s lacking as I want full cohort experience.
. My undergrad GPA was a 2.86. Harvard’s GPA is 3.8. I want a top level school. No need to quit what I’m doing now if I don’t stand a chance. What advice might you have for someone in my shoes? Are my dreams too optimistic? I’m interested in corporate finance and strategy.
Hi John,
A few questions before I respond:
Basically given the time that has elapsed, your record of professional achievement, and the Harvard extension GPA, I'm optimistic, but your answers to the above questions could make me more or less optimistic. You will also need a very strong GMAT/GRE and an excellent app that reflects your story. Finally, aim at programs that have higher starting ages at matriculation.
For more info, please see:
5 As for Your Low GPA
Applying to Top MBA Programs with a Low GPA
Applying to Regular Full-Time MBA Programs as an Older Applicant
Thanks for your reply.
1) My undergrad GPA started low (issues beyond my control), but ramped up significantly towards the middle/end of my undergrad. My last year was 20+ credit hours per semester, I made deans honor roll for the fall and spring.
2) I honestly have no idea. I’m going to enroll in Princeton’s test prep (or whatever you recommend).
Hi John,
An upward trend helps a lot. As I indicated a competitive GMAT/GRE is going to be very important, given your UGPA.
In terms of test prep options, I don't have enough info to really make a recommendation. Whatever you do , choose an option that works with your schedule. There are traditional in-class courses. There is one-on-one tutoring. There are online courses and online tutoring. Start with a practice test, which you can take from most test-prep companies. See how you score and how far away you are from where you want to be. If far away, then seriously consider tutoring. If fairly close, then perhaps a course is the way to go. if you are self-motivated, online may work well. If you need the discipline of a traditional course, go that route. It's individual.
Regarding the circumstances over which you had no control at the beginning of college, let the schools know about them in a brief statement. Don't blame or whine; just state what and happened and point to your senior year and extension grades as evidence of what you're really capable of academically.
Best, Linda
Also, why did you go to Harvard Extension School? Were you hoping to land a Finance job after it?
I heard from some friends that Master's from Extension School is sometimes viewed negatively as it is extremely easy to get to and rarely provides you with any job opportunities, yet has unbelievable professors.
Which college did you attend for undergrad?
Thanks for the advice. That’s very kind of you to take your time advising me.
I started the Harvard extension because it was the best thing available to me while working full time and my company paid for it. I’m at zero out of pocket cost for an amazing education. The program is really top-notch. I don’t understand why people are critical of it. It’s the only 100% merit based program. This is especially important with the college cheating scandal that has come to light.
That's amazing that the company fully reimbursed you for expenses. I am not very familiar with Extension School (other than what HBS friends told me about it as I mentioned), could you please clarify about the 100% merit based approach? Is the admission based on the GPA that you receive after attending 3 classes at Harvard Business Core program? Is the master's program fully online as well?
Yes it’s completely a merit based program. they don’t care about your past academic history or test scores. It’s open enrollment. If you pass your first three gatekeeper classes (which are very rigorous) with a 3.33 average, you are allowed to apply for full admittance. They require an essay and past transcripts to verify you have a bachelors degree (for the masters programs) and also a resume.
People on the internet argue that it’s “easier” Harvard. But I call bullshit on that. it’s extremely demanding and not for the faint of heart. It’s just more flexible because you can attend lectures remotely for 70% of the program. The remaining 30% has a on-campus requirement.
If anyone is considering it, I highly recommend but be ready to work your tail off and not get the recognition or networking opportunity you should, but you will definetly gain the knowledge and know-how, which is what higher education is all about. I’m also told that it has an amazing reputation with other schools, so if your in my shoes, it will really help with your next educational opportunity.
It's sad that the school is not getting the recognition or networking opportunities in-line with its rigorous educational requirements. On the other hand, it can be argued that the selectivity of the school is still in question (regardless of 3.33 GPA requirement), as the acceptance standards are still lower than many other Masters degrees (especially from top schools), and the HBX Core candidate pool is not that competitive. The school appears to position itself as an amazing learning place but does not seem to provide anything more than that.
I inquired from my HBS friends about the program in the past, as I was also thinking whether it would boost my chances for MBA. I am not sure if the school would have helped my chances at HBS (got rejected), but I was accepted at Wharton, Columbia, and Booth, and will start at Wharton in the fall.
If you are fully committed to go for an MBA, you should pick up the GMAT books right away and start studying. That's one of the most important parts of your application. Score a 740 or more and you should be competitive at lower top 25 schools. With good undergrad GPA, recommendations, extra. activities, HES Master's, you should be able to get into Top10-15 as well.
If you study for GMAT by yourself, I suggest learning strategies and formulas with Manhattan GMAT books and solving questions from Official GMAT Guides. Official GMAT Guides' questions are similar in format to the official GMAT exam.
Let me know if you have any questions on the process.
Recusandae voluptates est et quis rerum quisquam. Et iure dolores rerum. Natus consequatur est in non distinctio est enim. Autem adipisci vel et eaque quos numquam repellat. Temporibus molestiae et ad sit. Quia sint et laborum.
Voluptas numquam quo suscipit et. Nulla modi minima officia sed. Numquam in rem voluptas quidem odit voluptas aut.
In totam in sed voluptas perspiciatis cupiditate ex. Et doloremque aut cum aliquam pariatur sint. Et et a quasi non illum quis voluptatem. Accusantium dolorem expedita eos consectetur. Eos neque nesciunt eum itaque hic eos voluptatem repellat. Vitae modi praesentium inventore delectus. Quo perferendis qui quibusdam hic nam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...