Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for some time but this is my actual first post here (actually I already wrote a post asking info about GMAT prep tests when I was studying for the test a few months ago but I can't seem to log in with my old user name and pw... oh well).

I hope this is the right forum for what I have to ask...

So. Long story short.

- I'm graduating in a few months with a BSc in Economics from an Italian university (ranked 2nd nationally in Economics/Business among public universities, meaning it would be third if private unis, i.e. Bocconi, are taken in consideration; that's not saying much but... yeah), with what I believe is the equivalent of a 1:1 degree (I'm expecting a final grade between 108 and 110, in the case someone knows what I'm talking about ).
- I took the GMAT in December and got a 740 (Q49 V41).
- I'm probably spending the next year (September 2011-June 2012) in the UK, learning some English, seeing some things, doing stuff. I've no relevant work experience/internships.

What do you guys think are my realistic chances for admission to a LSE Management program (e.g. Management and Strategy, Management and Economics, International Management)? I would apply for the 2012/2013 academic year, but I need to know now whether I actually stand some chances... or if it's better to choose another path.
Also: any suggestion regarding other good Master's Degree in Management? Right now I'm considering Cambridge's Mphil in Management (which is cheaper than LSE and... it's freaking Cambridge:P) and Hec Paris' MSc in Managerial Economics (I love Paris:P).
Any help would be appreciated^^

edit: I apologize for the obnoxious avatar, it's Facebook's fault xD

Top business schools around the world weigh work experience heavily when evaluating candidates. The European schools are generally even more concerned with years on the job than are the US schools. That would make your chances not zero, but certainly very low for the schools you target. Also, your plan to take a year off will work against you. Business schools want students who are committed to business careers. Taking a year off for "stuff" definitely gives the wrong impression.

The emphasis on work experience is not arbitrary. A solid career background shows a potential for success in a business environment, indicates that the student would have relevant expertise to contribute in the classroom, and gives the student a foundation on which to build classroom learning.

Your undergraduate degree and GMAT indicate you have potential for success in business, but your chances of admission and your learning from an MBA program will improve significantly if you substantiate that potential by putting together a few years' successful work experience.

Good luck,