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

Redeem

Profile Consultation / Advice on the Future

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:40 pm

Profile Consultation / Advice on the Future

by big_K » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:41 pm
Hi everyone,
I am a recent Kinesiology graduate from a local State School with an abysmal GPA of 2.1, I was a goof ball my first few semesters and didn't really try. Nevertheless I finished my last two semesters with a 3.0, and then a 4.0.

I want to go into an MBA program, but I know its not time yet. My question is, what should I do / concentrate on in order to up my chances in the later future for a decent MBA program? I am going to start slowly studying for the GMAT with a goal score of 750. I am looking for a job in my field currently, or thinking of starting my own business, perhaps going abroad... I have read about Alternate Transcripts, I have quite a few extracurricular activities.
But I just have this feeling like I have to do something great, or land a good job at which I will really move forward in, in order to make an impression for the adcom.
So what would be more beneficial, trying to intern for a financial company or stay within my field? Perhaps going into a Masters program to show my ability to handle the course work.

Sorry for the convoluted post, I appreciate any responses and input!
Top
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 290
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:36 pm
Location: Washington, DC
Thanked: 28 times
Followed by:2 members

by Paxton Helms - Kaplan » Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:23 am
Hello and thanks for your post. Congratulations on your greatly improved GPA and your starting to plan for an MBA now rather than a few months before you need to start applying.
I am going to start slowly studying for the GMAT with a goal score of 750.
Starting with your first thought, getting a 750 on your GMAT is not "starting small." That would be an extraordinary score...a more logical approach might be to take a practice test (call your local Kaplan center), get a rough sense of where your skills are, and then go from there. I'm not saying don't shoot high, I'm just saying that getting a 750 puts you in a pretty exclusive club.

I am looking for a job in my field currently, or thinking of starting my own business, perhaps going abroad... I have read about Alternate Transcripts, I have quite a few extracurricular activities.
Business school is not, as I never tire of pointing out, a goal unto itself --it is, ideally, a means to an end. If right now you are considering these various options then it may be that your ultimate end (to which an MBA is the means) is not quite focused enough. It probably makes sense for you to get a job doing something that interests you, do well in that job (and get a promotion, or change companies, etc., if that's how your career develops), and then use what you have learned to craft a great MBA application.
But I just have this feeling like I have to do something great, or land a good job at which I will really move forward in, in order to make an impression for the adcom.
Your primary goal right now should not be "greatness" (it's a fine goal, don't get me wrong) but figuring out a plan for the next two or three years.
So what would be more beneficial, trying to intern for a financial company
or stay within my field? Perhaps going into a Masters program to show my ability to handle the course work.
Again, this is really treating an MBA as an end instead of a means. And, more generally, it doesn't matter what I (or anybody else) says about whether you should stay in kinesiology or finance --what matters is what you want.


To sum all of this up, I suggest that you get clear on what you want to do professionally then, in a few years, decide if an MBA will help you achieve that goal.

Good Luck!

Paxton
Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.

Paxton



Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at [email protected].

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions- ... lting.html
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1