Profile evaluation + law school transcript queston

[ShiftyPig]

For background, my profile:
GMAT 700 [42Q, 44V, 4 Writing]
UGPA 3.87, Business Admin: Marketing Mgt. + Financial Mgt.
Florida Southern College
Work experience: four years as freelance graphic designer
Also, 3.5 years working for ESPN managing onsite operations at its original programming events

Currently a first-year law student at Florida; 164 LSAT. Hoping to switch to UF's full time MBA program because I did not fully research career paths of a JD v. an MBA and would prefer

Extent of GMAT prep given law courseload consisted of the two exams provided by GMAC for download. No prep for essays, per UF's assertion that it places zero weight on the score. Considering a retake after taking some time to review algebra and geometry and possibly applying to top-tier schools, but I really love Florida (both the state and the school).


I am most interested to learn how an MBA admissions committee will view my law school transcript. The options I am entertaining are 1) taking exams and withdrawing at the end of this semester or 2) withdrawing now. In either case, I will be accepting a job upon withdrawal on the recommendation of my Legal Research & Writing professor. My debate revolves around the value of a decent one-semester GPA at the risk of a subpar GPA versus any stigma associated with having a withdrawal on my record. I have no idea how an MBA admissions counselor would view either.

Thank you for any input.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear ShiftyPig,

Why are you considering retaking your GMAT? You have a 700 which is a great score and more than enough for UF. It is also a competitive score for most MBA programs, so it seems your time might be better spent on other aspects of your applications. The main thing you will need to address in your MBA application will be why you want to go to business school versus completing law school. Since you are planning to leave law school anyway, I don't think it necessarily matters if you earn grades or withdraw at this point. Business school admissions will care more about what you do once you leave law school before you would enter business school.

Good luck,
Lisa

[ShiftyPig]

Thank you so much for the feedback. I have a quick follow-up question: do you think that, from a career perspective, there is a benefit to having grades on a transcript versus W's?

Based on the exam format it is difficult to determine how I will perform, but I would guess that I am not in the bottom third or in the top 10%. In my amateur opinion, I would think that whether I have a 4.0, 2.8 or W's on my transcript, the question (why did you leave?) and the answer (because I discovered an MBA is better suited for my career goals) will be the same.

Thanks again for your insight - your expertise is greatly appreciated.
-Brian

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Brian,

It is hard to say if having W's instead of grades will hurt you. Since you did not finish the degree, the grades are sort of irrelevant. I think you just need to do what you feel is the best course of action at this point. If you want to finish the semester, then finish it and earn the grades. If you want to withdraw, then withdraw.

Regards,
Lisa