BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATBootcamp Starts Sep 21
Chris Peckover, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE BOOTCAMP

Live Online Bootcamp Class with Top GMAT Expert Chris Peckover

Sep 21 to Oct 9, 2026

Schedule
Mon to Fri · 7:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
Live classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Boost your GMAT score in less than one month in a live online class
  • 6 months access to TTP OnDemand video courses included
View bootcamp & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 559 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

My MBA Dilemma - Please help

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:26 am
GMAT Score:640
by MBA_Dilemma » Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:44 am
Hello All,
I am admitted to top 30 parttime MBA program (Robert H Smith School of Business at UMD). This is good news. The bad news is it has a price tag of $72k.

In order to help me resolve my dilemma, let me give you a brief overview of background.
I am 31 years old ( have been in US for the past 6 years)
BS - computer science - 2000
MS - Computer Science - 2006
Salary - 110K
Company pays - 3k (9k in three years)
No mortgage - Live in apartment with my wife and 2 month old son.

My dilemma is does this investment worth it? Should I save this money for my son's college?

I am not 100% sure what I want to do after graduation but most likely open my own business or focus on finance and land investment banking opportunity.

Given my situation, I would like some opinion from experts if I am making a wise investment. Class is starting on 1st week of September.
Thanks
Last edited by MBA_Dilemma on Fri Aug 20, 2010 12:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 247
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 amFollowed by: 42 members
Location: Houston
Thanked: 52 times
GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:07 am
In purely economic terms, it may not be worth it to attend a non-first tier MBA program. However, the value of education and the experience is not an easy ROI to calculate. You need to think about whether or not you need the degree/education to accomplish your goals. I wouldn't be scared of a little debt if this is important to you. But, you already have one advanced degree and you may be able to accomplish your goals without $150k in additional debt.

Also, part time programs are not usually as geared to job changers so the recruiting and job placement may not be what you are expecting. You could ask the office of career placement if they send students to investment banking programs after graduation, etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide!
Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 1090
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 amFollowed by: 68 members
Thanked: 175 times
GMAT Score:750

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:46 am
I agree with everything Jessica said--great advice. I too would question the potential return of the MBA for you, especially given that you already make more than the average salary of most post-MBA positions. If you want to start your own business, perhaps you can just take some courses to supplement the gaps in your knowledge base (such as accounting or finance or decision making, etc.) this would be far cheaper and perhaps would give you the jump start you need in terms of how to run your own business. On the other hand, the MBA is a very marketable degree and is internationally recognized. So for the longer term, it could be something you pull out every time you apply for a new job and would help you stand out of the applicant pool for those positions. I know the decision is not easy, but if you are looking for a pure return on investment play, you may be better off plowing ahead without the MBA (by the way congrats on achieving such a high level of income without it!)
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:26 am
GMAT Score:640

by MBA_Dilemma » Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:19 am
Jessica and Bryant - Thanks much for your input.
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:43 am
Dear MBA_Dilemma,

Jessica and Bryant are spot on in their posts; you really should think about and question whether or not you will be able to achieve your goals from this program. That might mean you question the administrators there and do some research this week. In my experience, it is very difficult for folks in a part-time MBA program (especially online) to make a career change into investment banking. Investment banking is a traditional MBA field that is quite particular about not only how you earn your MBA (i.e., full-time v. part-time), but also what school you attend. I would not say it has never happened, but it is very difficult. If you want to start your own firm, the program might offer what you need in terms of education to make that happen, but you need to scrutinize the curriculum and resources to make sure. There are many business schools that offer short courses and certificate programs that might be just as helpful for you--yet cost less and take less time. The only difference is you would not have an MBA; however, if you are going to be an entrepreneur, you might not necessarily need the degree. MBAs are an investment and worthwhile--but only if they allow you to achieve the goals you have in mind when you set out to earn the degree. For a $72K price tag, I think it is worth some additional research on your part to make sure you are entering the program that is right for you.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:26 am
GMAT Score:640

by MBA_Dilemma » Fri Aug 20, 2010 11:54 am
Thank you Lisa,

May be I should be open a little bit about the school if it changes your view. I am accepted to Robert H Smith School of Business at University of Maryland.
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 368
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:18 pmFollowed by: 13 members
Location: Los Angeles CA
Thanked: 30 times

by Linda Abraham » Fri Aug 20, 2010 12:58 pm
MBA_Dilemma wrote:Thank you Lisa,

May be I should be open a little bit about the school if it changes your view. I am accepted to Robert H Smith School of Business at University of Maryland.
I agree with the other respondents that you need to do more research. Do many grads from Smith's part-time program switch fields? What kind of increase in salary do they see after they graduate? The school should have these stats. Can you speak to recent alumni of Smith's part-time program. Ask to contact alumni who have gone into their own business.

I think it would also help you if you knew better how exactly you want to use the MBA. Then you would have a better sense of whether the ROI is there. Since you are unclear on your direction, it is harder to assess the potential rewards.

Best,
Linda
Linda Abraham
Accepted.com -- Helping You Write Your Best!
310.815.9553
Accepted Blog
Accepted on Twitter
Accepted on Facebook
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2011 3:34 am

by matu007 » Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:17 am
Hi MBA_Dilemma -

What did you decide upon - eventually?

I am sailing in the same exact boat. The only difference is:

1) I make(actually used to make) 80K instead of 110K.
2) I will be returning to work after a 1 year career break due to personal reasons. ( I have explained this in my optional essay).

The decision on my application is pending - but what should I do -

my desired post MBA field of work is Strategy and Operations....in the IT sector.

Thanks for sharing your experience
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1