JD/MBA dilemma, Which MBA program to choose with a 710

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Hello,

I am a law student at the University of San Diego. I just took the GMAT because I was planning on going to the USD business school. I did not expect it, but I got a 710 (Verbal-40,Quant-47). I also had a 3.8, magna ###### laude, with two degrees from my undergrad, the University of San Diego. I was in the honors program in undergrad, and wrote a thesis in that program. I was the chairman of the College Republicans for 2 years. I also got department honors from both Business Admin and Political Science deparments (my two majors). As for my resume, I lack work experience. I have done some statistical analysis for my dad (who works for a major insurance company), and a coordination assistant for large events in the same company. I have worked for ballot initiative organizations, and worked to register voters. I am also a decent writer and am capable of getting respected recommendations.

My question is what sort of likelihood do I have of getting into Stanford, UCLA, or USC? I am not sure how all of this works, but I want to explore my options. If I do have a chance of getting into these schools, what sort of chance do I have of a scholarship?

I have to decide whether I should continue with my JD/MBA plans at USD, where I can probably get a hefty scholarship (since it isn't even rated), or if I should finish law school and apply to all of these schools separate from the JD/MBA program.

This all sort of came from nowhere, because I wasn't testing that high on my practice tests, and I really am not sure what MBA admissions are like. I hope someone can help! Thanks!

Chris
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:08 pm
Dear Chris,

Honestly, I don't think a scholarship is a realistic expectation for you at UCLA, Stanford or USC. While you have good numbers (GMAT/GPA), you have no professional work experience and are looking to move straight into another graduate program after law school. That is a tough sell because the first questions you will be expected to answer in your applications are why you want an MBA and how does a JD & MBA fit into your overall career plans.

I do think it is possible you could receive an offer of admission to one of these schools, but that would depend on how strong your essays and recommendations demonstrate your leadership potential and maturity. Even though you will be entering from law school, you will still be compared against applicants coming directly from undergraduate programs and those with less than 2 years of work experience. For these candidates to get in, they generally have strong professional experiences from prestigious internships and/or a family business.

If you feel you will stack up or stand out in this subset of the pool, then you should absolutely apply and see what happens. Even if you aren't sure but wonder about your chances, you should probably apply. Worst case scenario: you stay with your initial plan at USD which is not a bad plan at all.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by happyphish399 » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:21 pm
Hey thanks for the response!

Just a couple of things.
First, how much more (lets say) leverage would it give me if I have 2 years of internship at :
a) a law firm
b) legal department at a business
c) just straight up professional intern/ job
This would be while I am in law, which is what everyone does anyways. Would any or all of these options help put me closer to UCLA USC or Stanford?

Second, if I were to receive a hefty scholarship to USD for their business program now, which means I would do a concurrent JD/MBA program, would it be wiser to take that or to wait and apply to an MBA separately and see where I get in?

Thank you so much!

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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:37 pm
It is best to do an internship that you are excited about and will give you the best opportunity to have an accomplishment(s) you can talk about in subsequent interviews. It is not so much where, but what you do that matters.

I can't answer your second question; only you can make that choice. Think about why you want to do a JD/MBA in the first place and whether UCD fits those goals. Try not to get caught up in the whole rankings/scholarship aspect and focus on why you want to do this and what makes the most sense to achieve your goals.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by happyphish399 » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:13 am
I'm just curious...
What would a 6 on my AWA do for admissions? Do the schools even look at that?

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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:10 am
Some schools do scrutinize the AWA, but most do not pay much attention to it as long as it is >5.0. In other words, it is not a difference maker in terms of your admission decision.

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Lisa
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