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

Redeem

young and confused

Figure out where you wish to apply
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:32 am

young and confused

by Simeon » Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:07 pm
Hello!
I am 20 years old and will finish my undergraduate education (American University - Major in Economics) next year. GPA will range 3 - 3.10. I am concentrating in finance. It seems I have passion for international investments, poftfolio&risk management. I just finished my internship at a small bank before that I was for two weeks in a investment company.
Do you think it is appropriate to take the GMAT so I can apply at a decent university? Am I too young and inexperienced? What universities should I aim? My forecast for GMAT score is around 700.
I will appreciate opinions on the matter. Thank you!
Top
Source: — Research MBA Programs |
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:19 pm
Thanked: 2 times

by vikramslayer » Sun Aug 08, 2010 4:29 pm
First off, its probably not a bad idea to take your GMAT towards the end of your UG. Your chances of scoring well are probably higher around this time. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, so that's plenty of time to build up your profile by the time you apply to B-School.

Secondly, time is on your side. From my own personal experience (In Master's of Science) I am inclined to say the more mature you are by the time you get to Grad/Business school the more you will get out of it. It's no secret that most of the top schools favor students with work experience. Graduate and get some work/real-life experience under your belt and take it from there. Try to build up some leadership experience along the way and aim high.

Good Luck!
Top
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 247
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 am
Location: Houston
Thanked: 52 times
Followed by:42 members
GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Sun Aug 08, 2010 7:01 pm
A GMAT score is generally good for five years (there may be differences at different schools as to whether this is 5 years to application date or 5 years to enrollment and I'm not sure about non-US schools). So, it is perfectly appropriate for you to take your GMAT this year if you feel that you have adequate time to prepare. Many people prefer to take standardized tests closer to graduation because some of the concepts and test taking methods are fresh in your mind.

However, if you hope to go to a decent business school, I would strongly suggest having at least 3 years of work experience before applying. There are a few schools that will take exceptional candidates with less work experience, but, I believe the MBA is a much more valuable degree when you have sufficient real world experience going in.
Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:32 am

by Simeon » Tue Aug 10, 2010 2:37 am
Thank you very much, Jessica!

It seems I was really confused when talking about MBA. Actually, I am pursuing an education in the field of finance. Probably I am looking for a degree like Master of Science in Finance. Does this information change the issue with the minimum work experience requirement?
Top
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 247
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 am
Location: Houston
Thanked: 52 times
Followed by:42 members
GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:53 am
It all depends what it is you plan to do with your degree. Generally, it is more commont to go to MS program straight from undergrad than it would be to get an MBA. If your goal is to stay in academia and pursue a PhD then going straight to school probably makes sense for you. This could also make sense if you plan to have a more research focused job.

If you plan to pursue a professional/business career (in finance) then I might suggest you consider an MBA and consider working for a few years first. If you let me know your goals, I can better advise you. But, if you want to have a "wall street" job then I would suggest looking for an anaylst position after undergraduate (this is the title that most banks give to new non-MBA hires), go through a training program and work for a few years before returing to school for an MBA. This is a very common path for most people who want a career in banking, private equity, hedge fund type jobs after business school. This is also a common path for people who want to work in the finance division of a corporation.

The MBA just tends to be more marketable because companies like to hire people (at that level) with some real world experience. These fields also have positions for pre-MBA candidates (the analyst type role I mentioned above).

I hope this helps!
Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1