The Application Process

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 1:40 am Post subject: Dilemma - 1yr/ 2yr MBA program

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Hi All,

Although i am yet to give my GMAT, but i am in process on shortlisting colleges to which i plan to apply

Ideally, i should be going for a 1 yr course, since opporuntiy cost will be very high for me, however not all good colleges offer 1 yr program

I intend go to only top 20 schools or no further studies for me. Therefore, wanted views on

- Should i stop looking at 2 yr courses (some of friends say - if u make it to a good school - 2yr course is worth it)

- Some colleges, offer shorter version of the course (without summer internship). Should i look at course with or without internship, since its a matter of 3 months

More questions to follow

Thanks,
SM

My Profile
Above 80% in both 10th and 12th standard
Graduation in commerce - 60% (from India)
MBA (2002 to 2004)- 3.00/4.33 (in Marketing, B+ category Bschool in India)

Work Exp - Post mid 2004 (~4 yrs), Currently, working as a Assistant Manager with on of the big 4.

edit: cleared

Hi Suraj,

Yes, there are pros/cons to both. I would say that if you go to a top program, you should go for two years and get the full experience. Moreover, are you planning to go back to your current field? Or are you trying to make a career switch. If you are trying to switch careers, that might take a little longer (internships are great to make a career switch).

BTW - If you are shooting for a top 25 school, there are only a handful of schools with 1year programs, and they are fairly competitive. And since you are in a highly competitive applicant field (Applicants from India), its going to be tough to get in period. Therefore, I would consider both 1yr and 2yr programs and focus on which schools are a better fit for your background. I would also urge you to consider top regional schools that are not necessarily in the top 25 (i.e. USC, Emory)

Sorry, not trying to be discouraging, but top programs are very competitive these days.

Best of luck!

NP