Hi,
I just interacted with the Stanford adcom and they said they generally discourage second MBA applicants. How difficult is it to get in a good school with a 2nd MBA with a strong profile? Which schools would you strongly say not to try and which ones look probable amongst the top 20 if one can work around a way by good reasoning in the essays.
Thanks,
CS.
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Second MBA - a big deal?
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cybersavvy
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milimbamission
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Hi CS,
It really depends where you first MBA is from. If it's from a smaller international school, many U.S. and top international programs are understanding of the difference between their program and your alma mater's. Still, it does require you to make a more compelling case for why you need an MBA from that particular institution given that you already hold one. If your MBA is from a U.S. accredited institution or a well-known international program, it'll be quite difficult to get in anywhere, I think.
I unfortunately don't have a list of programs that are more amenable to 2nd MBA candidates - you'll have to call the programs you are interested in and ask them their position as it's highly case-by-case.
Sorry not to be more helpful!
Mili
It really depends where you first MBA is from. If it's from a smaller international school, many U.S. and top international programs are understanding of the difference between their program and your alma mater's. Still, it does require you to make a more compelling case for why you need an MBA from that particular institution given that you already hold one. If your MBA is from a U.S. accredited institution or a well-known international program, it'll be quite difficult to get in anywhere, I think.
I unfortunately don't have a list of programs that are more amenable to 2nd MBA candidates - you'll have to call the programs you are interested in and ask them their position as it's highly case-by-case.
Sorry not to be more helpful!
Mili
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cybersavvy
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Hey Mili,
Thanks for the reply!
So, just to elaborate - I have an MBA from India - not IIMs but of the top 10 ones there. Post that I started on an entrepreneurial journey and started a company which is grown to a fairly good size now. I also started an early stage venture fund and have done more than a dozen investments with some of them doing really well. Now, before raising my new big fund, i really feel the need to do this another MBA from an IVY league school which will give me exposure to global perspectives, quality education, opportunity to work with globally renowned VC firms etc.
I just don't know how to overcome this whole 2nd MBA thing and work a way around it to prove that there is a lot to gain compared to what I might have during the 1st one.
Also, have you seen a lot of people with similar history getting into the top 3-5 or ones beyond that?
Thanks,
CS.
Thanks for the reply!
So, just to elaborate - I have an MBA from India - not IIMs but of the top 10 ones there. Post that I started on an entrepreneurial journey and started a company which is grown to a fairly good size now. I also started an early stage venture fund and have done more than a dozen investments with some of them doing really well. Now, before raising my new big fund, i really feel the need to do this another MBA from an IVY league school which will give me exposure to global perspectives, quality education, opportunity to work with globally renowned VC firms etc.
I just don't know how to overcome this whole 2nd MBA thing and work a way around it to prove that there is a lot to gain compared to what I might have during the 1st one.
Also, have you seen a lot of people with similar history getting into the top 3-5 or ones beyond that?
Thanks,
CS.
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milimbamission
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It's definitely possible... but it's still a long shot. Especially since you've done quite well for yourself without a top 5 MBA degree. I don't have any stats to offer you regarding candidates that apply with an MBA under their belt - I know it's possible, but I do not know what caliber of school these candidates end up in. I think if you can make a very strong case for why you need the MBA (which, honestly, I think would be difficult given your success!), you could have a chance.
It doesn't hurt to apply to your dream schools and see what happens, though. Perhaps that's the best route to go -- don't read into the 2nd MBA thing too much and just submit the best app you can! Definitely call to make sure each school would consider you, and if they say yes, then go for it.
Good luck,
Mili
It doesn't hurt to apply to your dream schools and see what happens, though. Perhaps that's the best route to go -- don't read into the 2nd MBA thing too much and just submit the best app you can! Definitely call to make sure each school would consider you, and if they say yes, then go for it.
Good luck,
Mili
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cybersavvy
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Thanks Mili.
That truly makes sense. I guess, beyond a point its just a waste of time debating this. I just need to submit the best app that I can and let the schools decide.
Just wondering what should be the approach to work a way around it in the essays / recos.
Also, whats your take on a 720 score in Gmat given that my GPA is average - 3.3ish.. You think i should give the Gmat again if I have to apply to the top schools and may be then apply in round 2 instead of 1?
Thanks,
CS
That truly makes sense. I guess, beyond a point its just a waste of time debating this. I just need to submit the best app that I can and let the schools decide.
Just wondering what should be the approach to work a way around it in the essays / recos.
Also, whats your take on a 720 score in Gmat given that my GPA is average - 3.3ish.. You think i should give the Gmat again if I have to apply to the top schools and may be then apply in round 2 instead of 1?
Thanks,
CS
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milimbamission
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I think a 720 is fine! I don't think a higher score is going to drastically improve your application or make or break it at any school. A 3.3 GPA isn't too bad - pretty average, actually.
Good luck!
Mili
Good luck!
Mili
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VIkramsharma
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Hi Mili,
I am Vikram from Mumbai,India .
I was wondering what you thought of my chances of getting into my target schools: Harvard, Wharton, Stanford or Booth based on my stats:
I am an Indian male 26 years old
GMAT- 730
MBA-Finance(2011) : 3.0/4.0
B.E (IT)(2009) : 62%
XII (2005) : 71%
X (2003) : 78%
CFA Level III Candidate.
Extra curriculum activities : Mountaineering, Field Sports, Have a started a NGO , which is into Education and Family upliftment. NGO has impacted life of more than 100 people in India since its inception in 2009.
Letter of Recommendations from 3 CFOs of Large Corporates are expected.
Work Experience: 3 Yrs in Leading Financial Services Company with a focus on Debt/Mezzanine funding.Part of Credit Appraisal team.
Do you think i am strong candidate for these schools,given the fact this is my second MBA attempt within 2-3 years of passing out from the first one. Or can u suggest a few B-Schools where I can have better chance of making it.
Thanks
Vikram
I am Vikram from Mumbai,India .
I was wondering what you thought of my chances of getting into my target schools: Harvard, Wharton, Stanford or Booth based on my stats:
I am an Indian male 26 years old
GMAT- 730
MBA-Finance(2011) : 3.0/4.0
B.E (IT)(2009) : 62%
XII (2005) : 71%
X (2003) : 78%
CFA Level III Candidate.
Extra curriculum activities : Mountaineering, Field Sports, Have a started a NGO , which is into Education and Family upliftment. NGO has impacted life of more than 100 people in India since its inception in 2009.
Letter of Recommendations from 3 CFOs of Large Corporates are expected.
Work Experience: 3 Yrs in Leading Financial Services Company with a focus on Debt/Mezzanine funding.Part of Credit Appraisal team.
Do you think i am strong candidate for these schools,given the fact this is my second MBA attempt within 2-3 years of passing out from the first one. Or can u suggest a few B-Schools where I can have better chance of making it.
Thanks
Vikram
milimbamission wrote:I think a 720 is fine! I don't think a higher score is going to drastically improve your application or make or break it at any school. A 3.3 GPA isn't too bad - pretty average, actually.
Good luck!
Mili
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milimbamission
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Hi Vikram,
I think it's going to be tough given that you already have an MBA. You do have strong professional, community and leadership experience, though, so it is possible. Harvard and Stanford are always reaches... Booth is more realistic. I would research thoroughly which programs are open to second MBAs are which aren't.
Good luck,
Mili
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I think it's going to be tough given that you already have an MBA. You do have strong professional, community and leadership experience, though, so it is possible. Harvard and Stanford are always reaches... Booth is more realistic. I would research thoroughly which programs are open to second MBAs are which aren't.
Good luck,
Mili
Mili Mittal
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Mili Mittal
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haribuvanesh
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HI Milli,
Were you able to check teh list of Bschools actually accepting applicants doing their second MBA in US?
I did my MBA in India in a Top 25 B-school. Im planning for my second MBA in US. So, your answer will be really helpful for me.
Also, what other academic options do people like me having aspirations to study in US can consider?
Can you please throw some light?
Regards,
Hari
Were you able to check teh list of Bschools actually accepting applicants doing their second MBA in US?
I did my MBA in India in a Top 25 B-school. Im planning for my second MBA in US. So, your answer will be really helpful for me.
Also, what other academic options do people like me having aspirations to study in US can consider?
Can you please throw some light?
Regards,
Hari
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mbaMissionJenK
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Hi Hari,
Thanks for posting. Unfortunately there is no quick-easy list per se... even if we drew up a list of schools that didn't turn away applications from those who already have an MBA... that is NOT the same as actually ADMITTING someone for a 2nd MBA. Schools may say, sure you can apply... but they will still see how you stack up against all of the other competitive applicants, many of whom can make a very strong case for why they NEED this degree, and they may all gain acceptance over someone who already has an MBA, at least at the more competitive schools. So in summary, it is very difficult to successfully gain acceptance for a 2nd MBA degree at a top school. Has it happened, yes. In rare cases and with a VERY compelling explanation of why you need the 2nd degree, with such a strong applicant profile that the school does not want to pass you up. Have come across examples at LBS, Columbia, Ross, Wisconsin. But that doesn't necessarily say as much about the schools as it would about the particular applicants. At the end of the day think about what YOUR needs and goals are, and then think about the best way to get there. Good luck to you!
Thanks for posting. Unfortunately there is no quick-easy list per se... even if we drew up a list of schools that didn't turn away applications from those who already have an MBA... that is NOT the same as actually ADMITTING someone for a 2nd MBA. Schools may say, sure you can apply... but they will still see how you stack up against all of the other competitive applicants, many of whom can make a very strong case for why they NEED this degree, and they may all gain acceptance over someone who already has an MBA, at least at the more competitive schools. So in summary, it is very difficult to successfully gain acceptance for a 2nd MBA degree at a top school. Has it happened, yes. In rare cases and with a VERY compelling explanation of why you need the 2nd degree, with such a strong applicant profile that the school does not want to pass you up. Have come across examples at LBS, Columbia, Ross, Wisconsin. But that doesn't necessarily say as much about the schools as it would about the particular applicants. At the end of the day think about what YOUR needs and goals are, and then think about the best way to get there. Good luck to you!
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