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Social Sciences Major applying for MBA

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Social Sciences Major applying for MBA

by rajpdsouza » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:46 am
Hi,

I graduated with a degree in psychology three years ago and my only course work in business was an International Economics course (which I aced). I was wondering if I should take Micro and Macro Economics before applying to MBA programs. Will completing these courses (with good grades obviously) have an effect on my admissions status?
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by rajpdsouza » Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:26 am
I don't feel like clogging up the forum, so I'll just ask a second question here. My parents started a healthcare management company in 1989 and we have grown to about 50 employees. Since I was old enough to work I started working there and have slowly gained more responsibilities. I am now in charge of the second largest account we manage and also the director of IT.

Anyways, since it is the only REAL job I have worked at my whole life, is it alright to use the president (my mother) for a letter of reccommendation? My father has a MBA and PhD (in finance) degree and is the vice president of the company. Would it be better to ask him for a recommendation? Both know my accomplishments in regards to the company equally. Or is it better to get a reccomendation from a client who may not have first-hand, day-to-day knowledge of all the tasks I do? The client would know about my skills in handling their account but would not have much knowledge about the amount of time I spend on our IT network infrastructure.

I also have a professor who I took 6+ months of night classes with for IT that knows me on a professional level (helped me understand IT concepts and programs in relationship to the family company). Would it be acceptable to ask him for a letter of recommendation?
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by Stacy Blackman » Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:40 pm
Have you taken a Calculus course? I would be more concerned with proving that you can handle the quant than with taking business courses. In order of importance, here are my recommendations: Calculus, Statistics, Accounting.

You should not ask your mother for a recommendation. It will not have credibility and a lot of schools would just throw that away. Other options that are not perfect, but that are better: client, business partner, employee, peer, investor, board member, mentor... Insights into interpersonal relationships will be much more valuable than insight into your IT work.

I generally do not recommend professors, but in this case the professor might be a good option. You should not focus on the academics - he would need to comment on the professional aspect of your relationship. He would be positioned as a mentor.
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by rajpdsouza » Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:03 pm
Stacy Blackman wrote:Have you taken a Calculus course? I would be more concerned with proving that you can handle the quant than with taking business courses. In order of importance, here are my recommendations: Calculus, Statistics, Accounting.

You should not ask your mother for a recommendation. It will not have credibility and a lot of schools would just throw that away. Other options that are not perfect, but that are better: client, business partner, employee, peer, investor, board member, mentor... Insights into interpersonal relationships will be much more valuable than insight into your IT work.

I generally do not recommend professors, but in this case the professor might be a good option. You should not focus on the academics - he would need to comment on the professional aspect of your relationship. He would be positioned as a mentor.
I passed the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC tests in high school and therefore received college credit for calculus classes. I also received college credit for passing the AP Statistics test. I took a Psychology Statistics course in college as well. Is this sufficient for top schools or should I look into taking some college courses in these areas?

If none of those options are perfect, who WOULD be the perfect person to ask for a recommendation?
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by Amy » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:26 am
Hi rajpdsouza,

It sounds like you don't need a calculus course (unless it helps to refresh you for the GMAT) and I wouldn't suggest Economics since you took it in college. Statistics (the next priority on Stacy's list) could help you if you have the time to take a class.

The perfect recommendation is not an option for you as you describe your work situation. The perfect recommendation is a direct supervisor who is not a relative! However, there are plenty of MBAs who came from family businesses, so it is certainly not a huge problem. Anyone that Stacy suggested would be great if they know you well and can comment on your management abilities, leadership skills and interpersonal skills.

Good luck!

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by rajpdsouza » Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:24 am
Thanks for your help Stacy and Amy! I am looking at taking an accounting course in the fall. I have a few clients that could definitely comment on all of the above as they meet with me bi-weekly and since we've had their accounts for years...we must be doing a good job! If Stacy or you have time, I would appreciate a profile evaluation. Also, if you could tell me where my MBA application would be weak, I would appreciate it!

GPA: 3.2, Psychology, University of Delaware. I graduated in 3 years because of a considerable amount of AP credits (including calculus, history, environmental science, physics and statistics) earned in high school. The grades I earned the last two years of college were considerably better than the first year (as shown by being on the dean's list the last two years of college).

GMAT: Haven't taken it yet. But am looking to score above 700.

Work Experience: Worked part-time in the accounting department of the Healthcare Management company my parents started, D'Souza & Associates until I graduated from college. Promoted to Account Manager of the company's 2nd largest account, which has a revenue of $50+ million/year two years ago. Was recently also promoted to Director of IT. I plan, implement, maintain, and secure the company's network.

Extracurricular activities: I was a member of a co-ed a capella group all 3 years of college and I was elected as the group's president my senior year. I also volunteered with Blue/Gold (a local foundation to help mentally challenged youth) and Special Olympics.

Awards: Dean's List last 4 semesters of college, University of Delaware Scholarship Award, Psi Chi member (Psychology National Honor Society)

My schools of choice are the regulars you most often hear: Wharton, NYU, Columbia, Cornell, etc.

Thank you for your time. :D
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by Amy » Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:14 am
Hi rajpdsouza,

Of course, as we say every time, the process is holistic and we can't tell you exactly what your chances are at those schools. It's important right now to focus on what your goals are, and explaining the trajectory from your past to your present to your future. It's also important to choose your schools wisely in the context of your professional and personal goals, not just from the rankings.

It sounds like you have some good extracurricular experiences in college to talk about, as well as nice work experience.

I would work on having some more recent volunteer activities, which could have the added benefit of giving you additional leadership opportunities outside of your family business.

Dean's list for the last two years of college is good, the overall GPA isn't amazing but is probably fine. I would spend some time on the GMAT as well.

Good luck!

Amy
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