Looking For your Opinion

Dear Sohrab,

There are some distinct differences between a MS degree and a MBA degree with regard to curriculum, cost, and program length. Whether or not to forgo your opportunity at Cranfield to apply for an MBA is not a decision to make lightly. I think you need to evaluate what you want from your graduate program on many levels--the courses, the career opportunities, the peer group, etc. Once you have a good understanding of what you expect from your graduate program, then evaluate the MS against that criteria. If the MS offers what you seek, then it might be worth proceeding as you can start now. However, if a MBA program is a stronger match to your criteria list, then you will need to weigh the cost of giving up your place at Cranfield against any additional benefits you feel the MBA will offer over the MS. While you have competitive test scores, your profile is very common in the global MBA applicant pool and thus you will need to be strategic in devising your target school list. Also, you will need to distinguish your application from the many similar applicants. In terms of your gap year, it might help to distinguish your application IF you have substance to the next year in terms of your activities. By substance, I mean you are gaining skills relevant to your future career and serving in leadership roles. If you are just volunteering here and there, taking some language classes, and playing drums, then that gap year might actually hurt your application.

Good luck,
Lisa