Recent College Graduate Stuck in Transitioning

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Hi Linda and the Accepted.com team! First of all, I wanted to say thanks in advance for answering my question. I've been a lurker on Accepted.com for years, and the chats have provided invaluable insight during my college years.

I never thought about business school until HBS came to my campus and tugged at my heartstrings, saying that it could happen so why not apply?

My worry has always been about the money since I could only afford to go to a state school and now, it's even tough to start my life. But now, I realize even if I have to take loans and find creative ways to pay for a MBA, I need this education because there are so many barriers employers put up, when I know I am qualified for the job. It's been a humbling experience to apply to jobs 12 hours a day, knowing I am at a disadvantage because of non-target status and all-around competition.

My question is, what's a recent college graduate to do? Which programs besides Harvard (a dream come true) recruit young college graduates? I'm not eligible for programs like Yale SOM Silver Scholars and Harvard 2+2 because I graduated, and I'm not eligible for programs such as UChicago, Wharton, etc. because of no post-graduate work experience.

My dream has always been a top-5 MBA program since high school, but I know one cannot have 2 MBA's (one now, one later). But I also feel employers will take me more seriously with a MBA, rather than a BA in Communication.

If it helps, my resume helps explain my background a little:
https://noidonthaveanoffer.com/resumes/Z ... mherst.pdf

Thanks everyone! I appreciate this very much.
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:12 am
Hello, James,

You don't mention your specific goals or how your current work is related to your goals, so it's hard to assess your positioning as a younger applicant. Goals are the "backbone" of the MBA application.

Many or most top schools will at least seriously consider younger applicants if they are fundamentally qualified and if they make a strong and convincing case for (1) why they need the MBA now (not just overall career advancement but in relation to a specific goal) and (2) why/how they will contribute to the program/classmates as much as someone with more experience. Schools that are unlikely to consider such applicants include Kellogg, Darden.

Please review my website article for younger applicants; I believe it will help you determine your chances and develop a strategy for applying.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com