Hi--
This is a really good question because it goes to some issues that are deeper than just the mechanics of getting into school. You are wise to be asking it now.
There are three possible issues with applying to just one or two schools: two have to do with commitment to getting an MBA and one has to do with chances.
If you are only applying to one or two schools, it may be worth asking yourself, how committed am I to getting this degree? There are many very very good programs out there and if you can only find one or two that appeal to you that may be a red flag that there is something else going on that you need to pay attention to.
The second issue is that there is some imposition on others involved in getting your application together. You do not want to go to your boss (and / or other recommenders), get them to write recs, have them shift you into the "she's going to b-school" mental compartment, and then not go for another few years. Furthermore, in a few years, they will probably be willing to write recommendations for you but they may not be as enthusiastic.
Finally, and this is kind of related to the first reason, MBA admissions are, even for outstanding candidates, never a sure bet. I have had clients shock me with both where they got in and where they got turned down. Even with your very good credentials (and they are very good), if you apply to just two top-ten programs you are leaving yourself open to not getting in anywhere.
You might say to yourself, "Well, I don't want to go to a school that's not a top ten school." Fair enough. But consider this: In my mind, there are about twenty schools in the proverbial top-ten after which there is a significant drop-off. Within that top twenty, you are going to get a very good credential and a very good education. Furthermore, at some of those "lesser" top-ten schools you have a good chance of getting some free money in the forms of grants, fellowships, etc. It may not seem like it now, but it is very nice to have options, even if your first choice does come through.
I hear you about the city change and this does change the calculus of the above somewhat (you will likely change jobs, get new recommenders, etc.) but I still think that it would be wortwhile to think carefully about your commitment. An MBA is great but it's even greater for people who are 100% ready and committed to the whole "MBA process" of networking, job searching, learning technical skills, etc.
Please let me know if I can provide further thoughts--
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
