Now or later?

jw139 · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:07 am Post subject: Now or later?

Hi, I am a 26 year old male looking to apply to top 15 schools. I have a 3.3 undergraduate GPA where i worked part time at a top 20 bank and had several leadership positions, a 4.0 MS in finance, and i worked for the Peace Corps developing businesses in a small city. I have a 760 GMAT, and i was wondering if you think i stand a good chance if I apply now, or should i perhaps get a job stateside for a year or two and then apply?

Amy · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 10:20 am Post subject:

Hi jw139,

I don't see an objective reason for you to wait to apply, but you need to think about whether now is the right time for you to pursue an MBA in your career and your personal life.

You didn't specify what your goals are, so I'm not sure whether working for another year or not would be helpful for you.

Good luck!

Amy

jw139 · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 10:37 am Post subject:

Hi Amy,
Thanks for the response. I feel an MBA is the right option for me because the MS course in finance was comprehensive in finance but not much else. While I enjoy finance, I would very much like to broaden my horizons academically and I feel that with my international experience, I can be a great asset to an MBA class and earn much more from that than i could by simply adding work experience. My goals are to pursue a career in international business and also to continue not-for-profit work.

Amy · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:03 pm Post subject:

Hi jw139,

That all sounds reasonable - I think it would make sense for you to apply this year.

Good luck!

Amy

jw139 · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:12 pm Post subject:

Do you think Top 10 schools are realistic for me?

Amy · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject:

Hi jw139,

Without much detail beyond your stats, I can't say what your chances would be at a top 10. I think you have a very strong GMAT, and with your combined GPAs will have a decent academic profile overall.

The other areas you need to think about are clearly articulating your goals and how the MBA will help you, what you will bring to the program, and showing how your unique work experience will benefit your future goals and your classmates.

Good luck!

Amy