Need advice

[Gmat_user]

Hi !

I am a 22 year-old french student looking for an mba admission program in a top10 US university (if possible). I still did not graduate but I will get a Msc of Finance of a French B-school in 2009 (ranked in the top10 of FT european B-school ranking). I took the gmat 1 year ago and scored a 710 (Q50, V36). I will have 15 months of professional experience (only internships) including 11 months in Investment Banking. As regards extra-curricular activities, I have been involved in charitative associations but without a leadership role.

Today I would like to attend an mba program to gain leadership, networking, know new experiences, open myself to new horizons... Do I have some chances ? I think I might be lacking some professional experience. Do I have to retake the GMAT ? Does a >750 gmat (if i can get it) improve my chances to be admitted (or at least invited for interviews) ?
Please feel free to advise me !
Thx a lot for your answers.

[Amy]

Hi Gmat_user,

There is definitely a trend towards accepting applicants without work experience into MBA programs. HBS, Wharton and Columbia all allow applicants directly from undergraduate. I would investigate each school's policy, as it seems that the schools allowing undergraduates to apply are increasing every year.

I would definitely take the time to think about your decision given that you already have an undergraduate business degree. You may find that working, traveling, or volunteering in a non-business area can also help you to gain leadership, network, experience new things and open yourself to new horizons. Undoubtably, the coursework in an MBA program is going to be very familiar to you.

Good luck!

Amy