EnergyMBA profile and questions

[EnergyMBA]

Masters: Some credits completed for Engineering Management, 1 dropped class, 3.67 GPA

Bachelors: Computer Engineering, 2009 3.34 GPA

GMAT: TBD
Extracurriculars: President of IEEE Chapter during college, youth group leader at church, SAT and math tutor
Industry: Energy

I worked in another industry for 9 months, and then switched into the energy industry where I now do engineering economics type of work.

I am going to apply to a state college MBA program in Spring 2011, with the intent to start Fall 2011.

Here is the kicker. While I am in the state MBA program during Fall 2011, I am planning on applying R1 to the top tier schools H/S/W etc FT programs and the NYU part time, with the intent to start in the Fall 2012.

The state school should be easy enough to get into, but for the top tiers, should I reveal the fact that I started a Masters in Engineering Management and dropped 1 class?

I am using this two pronged approach because I know that I can get into the state school, and hate wasting time. While on the other hand, I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't try to get into a top tier.

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

Your approach is a bit confusing to me - you plan to start an MBA program at one school and then apply to other schools while getting your MBA?? If this is correct, I can tell you that top tier schools will not look on this favorably.

From looking at your profile, I think your challenge for a top school is your lack of work experience. If you want a shot at a top 15 school (including NYU), you would be better off to be employed while you apply. And, you really should have at least 3 years of solid work experience while applying. I assume if you are considering NYU part-time, you already have a job idea/option in New York?

I wouldn't worry at all about dropping a class. You just need to be able to explain the reason (course load was too heavy, other personal issues that were a priority at the time, etc.).

[EnergyMBA]

Jessica, thank you for the advice. I agree with you. My plan was to apply to go to the state school MBA program as a PT student and then apply to the top tiers as a FT.

This was a very bad game plan of trying to hedge my bets. I will not take this route anymore though. I'll apply to all of them at the same time when I have 3 years of work experience.

As far as dropping the class, I am actually considering not finishing the Masters in Engineering Management now because I want to do my MBA and my funds are limited because of my undergraduate student loans.

Will not finishing the Masters in EM look very bad?

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

I don't think that "quitting" the MA program will look bad - you'll just need to have a good explanation (realized you wanted to pursue and MBA and had to reprioritize work and funds, etc.). Of course, if you can finsih your master's with good grades, it can only be helpful for you. I'd try not to worry about finances too much, there are always loans available for business school. You need to look at it as an investment in your future and not just an expense.

I do think that working full time will be helpful - no need to "hedge your bets" - you could try to defer admission to the state school if you want to know you have a back-up, but, otherwise I think you apply everywhere at once and with at least 3 years of solid experience.

Good luck to you! Let me know if you have additional questions.

[EnergyMBA]

How does the rest of my profile look by the way? Are my extracurriculars weak?

I plan on doing medical missions work within a year, but I've been serving in my church ever since 2008.

A part of me feels like I have to cure cancer, run triathlons, and capture Bin Laden to get into a top tier.

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

well, a part of you is right? . But, your extracurriculars look okay. It would be great if you could bulk them up, but, it is also hard for me to gauge the leadership and teamwork (and hours) by the few lines that you provided. Much of it will be how you frame these experiences in your essays, etc.

I don't mean to sound discouraging at all - it is just good to know what you are up against and you have plenty of time to augment your activities! I love the mission plan, etc.!!

[EnergyMBA]

Thanks Jessica, your the hottest MBA consultant ever!