Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

I am writing to seek your expert opinion and guidance to understand how to tackle the break in my work experience. I have 3 years of work exp and recently quit my job to prepare for the GMAT and applications (a sabbatical wasn't working out due to client commitments). I want to utilize this break to really do things that I haven'd had the chance to like travel. However, I am unsure if this is something that an Adcom would appreciate. I also intend to work with an NGO more for personal reasons. In a nutshell, I took this conscious break to fulfill personal ambitions whilst studying for GMAT and filling out applications but I don't know if this works for an Adcom and how can I best justify my reasons/not let this impact my chances, especially since colleges count work experience until the date of class commencement? Please help!

Hello,

It's better not to have the break - it's best to apply to MBA programs while fully employed if possible. If you left work to pursue GMAT studies, actually I don't think that adcoms will be too impressed by that. Since it's done, you should try to make as productive use of your time as possible. If the NGO work will be related to your goals, it will help, but if you have nothing volunteering-related previously and suddenly are assisting an NGO, it could raise questions. I don't think that there is a way to present it that wouldn't impact your chances - but I can't tell how much with the little information I have. And indeed there is also the possibility that it wouldn't, depending on other factors in your overall story that I don't know. Again, since it's done, you should make the best of it, perhaps by indicating that you made a difficult decision, taking an unconventional step for compelling reasons, etc.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com