Should I quit work to study for the GMAT?

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:20 pm
Hi all,

I've been working for the past 4 years with a well-known marketing communications agency servicing Fortune 500's. I'm currently an Account Manager leading 2 big brand accounts and in the last year, my role has expanded to lead a small handful of associates.

My goal is to take the Gmat by the end of this year, and applying for a B-school that starts in Aug 2010.

I've been trying hard to study 2hrs/day during the week, and as many hours as possible over the weekend. However, with full time work at a client service agency, I'm often working back late and have little energy left to focus on my studies...I'm only 1 month into my studies and already I feel exhausted!!

What should I do? If I can afford to quit my job for a couple of months to study for the Gmat prep should I do that? Or will the fact that I'm working full time in a demanding job that involves team and client management greatly improve my application value?

I'm looking at applying for CEIBS or top 20 B-schools in UK/Europe.

Feeling burnt-out :(
trying to stay positive!
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 153
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:48 pm
Location: Ohio
Thanked: 16 times

hmm

by JeffB » Sun Jul 05, 2009 4:17 am
You could always try vacation for a couple weeks?

Take a leave of absence for "personal reasons".

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 193
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:57 pm
Location: Philadelphia
Thanked: 22 times
Followed by:2 members

by Eliot » Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:19 am
Dear China or Europe Bschool,

I agree with JeffB. I strongly suggest that you hold onto your job. If you quit, you will then have to explain why you don't have a job and what steps you are taking to get a new job. Quitting to study for the GMAT is not the best excuse since many applicants manage to apply while still holding onto their job. Meaning, the adcom might question your time management skills.

As JeffB said, you should consider taking some vacation time or a leave of absence to study for the GMAT and work on your applications. This way you will have the time to study for the GMAT while maintaining your job.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC
Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.