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Ashim88
- Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:01 pm
- Location: San Jose, CA
- Thanked: 8 times
Hello everybody, I've been lurking these forums for a little and decided to sign up! I'm going to start by introducing myself, and then give as much background info as I can- to seek sound advice.
My name is Ashim, and I'm a 21 year old(22 in jan 3rd) college senior. I'm set to graduate this Fall 2010 from California State University: Long Beach; in Psychology, with around a 3.5 GPA.
I registered to take the GMAT on Nov. 24th, and have purchased OG verb 2nd ed., OG quant 2nd ed, the newest OG review, and the 8-pack of MGMAT books. I've got over 20 weeks to study religiously for the GMAT, and I plan on it!
Quantitative background: My mathematical background is very weak in algebra/calculus(the last algebra course I took was Algebra 2 in 2005 and scored a C, and never taken a calc course), but I've taken Elementary Statistics and Intermediate Stats, and received an A and B, respectively.
Work experience: I've had limited work experience in big companies; I was part of the Hulu.com launch team in 2007 and worked there for 5 months(often putting in 70-80 hours a week). I also worked for 20th century fox(in the digital media division) as a temp for two months before quitting(wasn't right for me, was doing white collar work for blue collar pay, $13 an hour)- which is what led me to go back to school full-time.
My future career goals are very high. At the peak of my career, I aspire to be a senior exec(CEO, CIO, VP) of a major tech company, but in the meanwhile I am willing to work at decent, lesser known tech companies that pay well. I'm a very ambitious/hard worker and will give everything I have into my career.
Here's where the problem lies. Assuming I score well on the GMAT, 650+, should I go(right after graduation) to Indiana University's Kelley Direct MBA(online)- a program that is much more affordable(54K), can completed from 2 to 5 years, and is a respected business school.
or, rack up 3 or 4 years of work experience(since the GMAT score is only valid for five years), and THEN apply to some higher ranked business schools(Stanford, UCB, UCLA)?
I feel that option A will allow me to work full-time and receive my MBA when I'm 25 or 26(allowing me to earn more money at a younger age), while option B will not only cost 30-40K more, but I won't get my MBA till I'm 28 or 29(and then there is the hassle of transitioning from full-time work to full-time work + school)- since I don't think I would want to quit my job.
I *know that work experience is critical to all business schools, but I have a feeling I can get accepted into the Kelley Direct MBA(and from my mindset, it would allow me to climb the managerial ladder much faster, than waiting). But, there are just so many variables into play- it seems hard to choose the best decision.
Also, let it be known, if accepted to Kelley School of Business, I would pursue an additional M.S. in Strategic Management for an additional 12 units. So, I'd be getting to masters degrees for 30K less than going to a UC as a fully employed student(idk if that would separate me from other MBAs)
Specific advice would be appreciated.
My name is Ashim, and I'm a 21 year old(22 in jan 3rd) college senior. I'm set to graduate this Fall 2010 from California State University: Long Beach; in Psychology, with around a 3.5 GPA.
I registered to take the GMAT on Nov. 24th, and have purchased OG verb 2nd ed., OG quant 2nd ed, the newest OG review, and the 8-pack of MGMAT books. I've got over 20 weeks to study religiously for the GMAT, and I plan on it!
Quantitative background: My mathematical background is very weak in algebra/calculus(the last algebra course I took was Algebra 2 in 2005 and scored a C, and never taken a calc course), but I've taken Elementary Statistics and Intermediate Stats, and received an A and B, respectively.
Work experience: I've had limited work experience in big companies; I was part of the Hulu.com launch team in 2007 and worked there for 5 months(often putting in 70-80 hours a week). I also worked for 20th century fox(in the digital media division) as a temp for two months before quitting(wasn't right for me, was doing white collar work for blue collar pay, $13 an hour)- which is what led me to go back to school full-time.
My future career goals are very high. At the peak of my career, I aspire to be a senior exec(CEO, CIO, VP) of a major tech company, but in the meanwhile I am willing to work at decent, lesser known tech companies that pay well. I'm a very ambitious/hard worker and will give everything I have into my career.
Here's where the problem lies. Assuming I score well on the GMAT, 650+, should I go(right after graduation) to Indiana University's Kelley Direct MBA(online)- a program that is much more affordable(54K), can completed from 2 to 5 years, and is a respected business school.
or, rack up 3 or 4 years of work experience(since the GMAT score is only valid for five years), and THEN apply to some higher ranked business schools(Stanford, UCB, UCLA)?
I feel that option A will allow me to work full-time and receive my MBA when I'm 25 or 26(allowing me to earn more money at a younger age), while option B will not only cost 30-40K more, but I won't get my MBA till I'm 28 or 29(and then there is the hassle of transitioning from full-time work to full-time work + school)- since I don't think I would want to quit my job.
I *know that work experience is critical to all business schools, but I have a feeling I can get accepted into the Kelley Direct MBA(and from my mindset, it would allow me to climb the managerial ladder much faster, than waiting). But, there are just so many variables into play- it seems hard to choose the best decision.
Also, let it be known, if accepted to Kelley School of Business, I would pursue an additional M.S. in Strategic Management for an additional 12 units. So, I'd be getting to masters degrees for 30K less than going to a UC as a fully employed student(idk if that would separate me from other MBAs)
Specific advice would be appreciated.
Last edited by Ashim88 on Mon Jun 14, 2010 10:36 am, edited 2 times in total.
. For the UC programs, I was comparing their fully employed MBAs with Kelley Directs MBA(part-time or full time). So, I won't be losing two years of income, but they are indeed 30-40K more expensive than a Kelley MBA.
