Research MBA Programs

Hello,

I would like to know your opinion about my chances getting into an MBA program.
My background:

1. BS International Economics'07 from a foreign country. GPA 3.7
2. Moved to SF, CA, studied at Golden Gate University MS Finance. Studied there for only a year and quit. GPA 3.85
3. Working as an Accounting assistant.
4. GMAT 660. But trying to improve.
5. Some research work and publications on Economics of Medicine. (back in that foreign country)

Shortly, I dont have a professional experience, unfortunately. But i really want to study at top ranked (top 25) MBA programs.

I am hesitating too much now.
I have several options:

1. May be I should get an MS degree first, work for about 3-5 years, and then apply to an MBA program. But honestly, I really don't want to waste my time on that. (I am 25 already, female, and want to have a family!!! there is too much responsibility on me)
I have already been admitted to a MAcc program of two schools in SF (GGU, SFSU), and I am offered a scholarship. However, I don't feel it is a right decision to start school there (job placement is low). Anyways, if there is no other way, I will get an MS degree. But I want to get it from good schools (like BYU or USC)

2. MBA first. I have read a lot of post of guy who have been admitted to really good MBA programs even without a work experience. In this case, I have to improve my GMAT (I have to score at least 740). Still there is no guarantee that I will be admitted.

What would you advise in this situation?

I would really appreciate if you could share your opinions!


Thank you!

you'll need some work experience

money9111 wrote:you'll need some work experience

thanks for the response!

"some" is minimum how many years?

i won't give a straight answer but i'll echo something i heard from an Insead rep a couple months ago

"a major part of business school is learning from your fellow classmates... if you apply and get in with 0 work experience... then you cannot expect that your fellow classmates have any work experience either..."

at that point it just becomes theoretical...

i know that doesn't help at all because you want a straight answer... i know of a couple schools that have explicitly said that they would not even entertain a candidate w/o work experience. i don't know if the number of years counts a much as the quality. i'll send Dmateer a pm because I know he will have more advice to offer on this topic. i personally haven't had to think about this...

I think the first thing you need to think about is "Why do I need an MBA?" Right now, it sounds like you don't know exactly what you want to do. You need to have a good reason for getting an MBA. The "Why Now" question is very important.

Now on to the age. It is possible to get into an MBA program with 0 years of work experience. That said, you must be phenomenal in undergrad to do so. You would need to have significant leadership experience and a lasting impact in undergrad. If you don't have this, then it would be very difficult to get into a top MBA program. Additionally, the adcoms at these MBA programs have to look at what you can contribute to classes. If you don't have any professional experience, then what can you contribute to the class? The other students may view you as immature and not ready for an MBA program.

I would recommend getting a few year of work experience. Now, I know your next question will be what is a "few." There really is no answer to that questions. As money9111 said, it's not about the quantity of work experience, it's about the quality of it. So if you work for a 1.5 year and have significant accomplishments and leadership then that might be the right time for you. I think the one thing to point out is there is a correlation with the number of years of work experience and leadership. That is one reason why most MBA students have between 3-6 years of work experience.

I hope this helps!

Hi Money and Dmateer,

Thanks a lot for your responses!
That is what i was thinking too: "what i can contribute to the class?"
Clearly, it is very important for the top MBA programs.
And myself, I dont feel that i have required leadership experience/skills yet.

Thanks again for sincere and valuable advises.

I think i should take GMAT now, so that i don't bother myself preparing for it in 4-5 years.

orel wrote:
I think i should take GMAT now, so that i don't bother myself preparing for it in 4-5 years.

Agreed 10000000000% I wish I had done this because I've been out of college for 6 years and it's been at least 13 years since I've seen these simple math topics!

orel wrote:Hi Money and Dmateer,

Thanks a lot for your responses!
That is what i was thinking too: "what i can contribute to the class?"
Clearly, it is very important for the top MBA programs.
And myself, I dont feel that i have required leadership experience/skills yet.

Thanks again for sincere and valuable advises.

I think i should take GMAT now, so that i don't bother myself preparing for it in 4-5 years.

If you don't mind potentially wasting 250 and time then yes you should study for the GMAT now. Otherwise, you should only take it if you believe that the probablity of you definitely applying within 5 years of the score is high.

Don't think of it as wasting $250 at all. It's an investment in case you decide to go to B-school within the next 5 years. If you have the time to study definitely do it. It will save you more than $250 in preparation at a later date.