Hello,
I've spent the past few months thinking of about an MBA, researching schools, and the various career paths I can leverage with the degree. I have finally now decided this IS what I want to do: I want to get an MBA from a great school and become a Management Consultant in a top firm.
Having made this decision, I'm not sure if I should apply for 2010 or wait for 2011? I really only have about 6 weeks to get everything together before the deadlines (650+ gmat, essays, rec. letters). I personally think its too much to cram into a short period of time, but not impossible I suppose. I'm thinking is giving it a go for 2010 and if i get rejected (e.g. due to low GMAT score), then reapply in the fall for 2011. However, I'm concerned the Adcom will look my 2011 application negatively if this is the case. Is this true? Should I wait until I'm really 100% prepared? The main reason why I'm considering 2010 is because I am currently unemployed and have been for 4 months now after being laid off due to cutbacks from a large consulting firm. Waiting until 2011 may create a larger employment gap if I cannot find a job soon or fill the void with something else and this is something I will have to explain.
My other thought also was why not apply to 1-2 "safe" schools that I know I do not want to go to, but just do it to get experience in writing essays and going through the interview process; that way I will be better prepared for the schools I want to go to. Is this a bad idea other than spending a few hundred dollars on the application?
Quick Profile:
Work Experience: 2 years (IT Consulting), 2 years (R&D), 3 years (Entrepreneurship venture)
Education: Bachelor & Master in Computer Science
GPA: 3.1
GMAT: Unknown (650-670 realistic target)
Target Schools: Ivey, Rotman, Queens (Canada)
---> If I can pull a 700+ GMAT, any chance at Wharton, ESADE, INSEAD, Booth, Duke?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and reply, I appreciate it.
I've spent the past few months thinking of about an MBA, researching schools, and the various career paths I can leverage with the degree. I have finally now decided this IS what I want to do: I want to get an MBA from a great school and become a Management Consultant in a top firm.
Having made this decision, I'm not sure if I should apply for 2010 or wait for 2011? I really only have about 6 weeks to get everything together before the deadlines (650+ gmat, essays, rec. letters). I personally think its too much to cram into a short period of time, but not impossible I suppose. I'm thinking is giving it a go for 2010 and if i get rejected (e.g. due to low GMAT score), then reapply in the fall for 2011. However, I'm concerned the Adcom will look my 2011 application negatively if this is the case. Is this true? Should I wait until I'm really 100% prepared? The main reason why I'm considering 2010 is because I am currently unemployed and have been for 4 months now after being laid off due to cutbacks from a large consulting firm. Waiting until 2011 may create a larger employment gap if I cannot find a job soon or fill the void with something else and this is something I will have to explain.
My other thought also was why not apply to 1-2 "safe" schools that I know I do not want to go to, but just do it to get experience in writing essays and going through the interview process; that way I will be better prepared for the schools I want to go to. Is this a bad idea other than spending a few hundred dollars on the application?
Quick Profile:
Work Experience: 2 years (IT Consulting), 2 years (R&D), 3 years (Entrepreneurship venture)
Education: Bachelor & Master in Computer Science
GPA: 3.1
GMAT: Unknown (650-670 realistic target)
Target Schools: Ivey, Rotman, Queens (Canada)
---> If I can pull a 700+ GMAT, any chance at Wharton, ESADE, INSEAD, Booth, Duke?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and reply, I appreciate it.
