Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hi Consultants,

My targets are Stern Langone and/or Haas Evening & Weekend MBA.

How do admissions committees feel about part-time applicants who aren't currently working traditional full-time jobs... but rather, working on an entrepreneurial venture? Do you happen to know of any cases of students enrolled in part-time programs, whose "full-time" work consists SOLELY of working on his/her own early-stage startup?

Keep in mind, if this is the case, my reported salary could very well be ZERO, or some other minimal number just for subsistence. Would that affect my admission?

Thanks!

That would depend on the school. Some schools see their part-time programs as merely means to form links with the employers in their community. Stern and Haas are both extremely competitive and you would need to show business experience other than your own start-up. You would also need exceptional GMAT and GPA metrics and outstanding references and essays. You are looking at schools that turn down nearly 90% of the applicants to their full-time programs. The stats on part-time are not much more encouraging. Nevertheless, I have seen entrepreneurs get accepted. Much will depend on the quality of your entrepreneurial effort and the rest of your material. You also need to think seriously about the demands on your time from your start-up and how those would mesh with an intensive academic program.

A seasoned admissions consultant could help you weigh the pros and cons of different programs and guide you in positioning your experience.

Good luck,