summer preparations

[**=)**]

I'm currently in my penultimate year at one of the top universities in London and would like to apply to the top business schools (in the US) as a college senior in the next academic year.

I was wondering, apart from preparing for the GMAT, which would help strengthen my application more - a summer internship with BCG or attending Stanford's Summer Institute program? (Keeping in mind that I have previously interned at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, so I am not exactly lacking in 'work experience', but still wondered if they're enough)

Thank you very much in advance for any of your help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear **=)**,

Gaining admission directly from undergraduate studies to a top 40 US program is a large hurdle. You will need to demonstrate your maturity as well as provide a strong rationale for why you want a MBA immediately versus working for 2-3 years. Whether or not the Stanford Summer Institute is better than an internship at BCG is hard to say without knowing the details of your application. I think gaining more professional experience is a better choice since you desire to go straight to business school. Depending on your GPA, GMAT score, and other aspects of your profile, the Stanford program might be a better option or it might not really make a difference which you choose.

Good luck,
Lisa

[**=)**]

Lisa,

Thank you very much for your reply.

Does Stacy Blackman help with initial consulting about plans to apply before an applicant confirms their decision and then seek for help? I would be really interested in the service.