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730 on the GMAT - Should I Aim for a Better School?

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Toso Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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730 on the GMAT - Should I Aim for a Better School? Post Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:10 pm
I wrote the GMAT last week in order to complete my application to the University of Alberta's part-time MBA program and got a total score of 730 and 5.5 on the essays. Applying for the MBA program was just something I decided on a whim last month when a friend asked if I wanted to join him. Since then my family and friends have been pushing me to apply to some of the top American schools. I have 2 years of work experience as a development engineer and some experience in public relations helping a non-profit organization.

While a degree from one of the top 25 business schools would probably be better than one from my local university, cost is my main concern at the moment. The cost of tuition at the University of Alberta is only $25k, while tuition at all of the top schools in the U.S. seem to be above $100k, and that's not taking into account quitting my job and moving. I only have $60k in savings. If you guys were in my situation, would you aim for a better school or not bother and just go to your local university?

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Bschool2013 Really wants to Beat The GMAT!
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Post Sat Apr 21, 2012 8:30 pm
$60K in savings is a lot better than most students!!! Also, there are loans and other financial aid available - don't be afraid to take on some debt, it's an investment in the rest of your life. I don't want to sound snobby, but a top MBA will open more doors than the Alberta one.

Finally, it can't hurt to apply, and if you decide in the end it's not worth the money, then at least you explored the option. The reason I say this is that with a 730, depending on your undergraduate record, you could be looking at some merit-based scholarships. Maybe not at H/S/W, but some schools ranked 10-20 might throw some cash your way.

Best of luck in making this tough decision!

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Jon@Admissionado MBA Admissions Consultant
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Post Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:42 am
You Family and Friends are very wise. With a 730, you should be able to get into a top 10 program (probably, depends on work experience undergrad grades etc...) but a top 10 diploma will make a COLOSSAL difference, and BSchool2013 is totally on the ball: it's an investment.... and if you aren't yet convinced look on the Financial Times ranking website: http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/global-mba-rankings-2012

At the column with the stats on salary increase, and do the calculations yourself.... it's worth it.

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money9111 GMAT Titan
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Post Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:44 am
I can say that I did NOT have $60k in savings upon entering b-school haha. I wish!!!!!! I actually have a classmate here at Johnson with me who is from Calgary. I can put you in tough with her if you'd like.

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belljason92 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Post Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:05 am
The cost of attending some of the top B-Schools in the US can be astronomical, but there are other great schools that offer an MBA for much less. I would recommend that you compile a list of A) schools in the US that you would consider attending B) their reputation and C) the cost of tuition at each institution. As long as the school is ranking in your industry, you will have tons of MBA career options

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