No Work experience but I want to go to med/law school after

[cmoheima]

Hello!

First off I want to thank you for offering advice to so many people!

My profile:

I have 3.9 GPA undergrad and a 600 GMAT and I finished school in 3 years. So I am actually 20 years old.

Work experience:

Although I have not worked full time, I have conducted stem cell research for 3 years with a famous professor on my campus.


I am also a Division 1 NCAA athlete swimmer at my school.

I am applying to UC Irvine and USC for my MBA because both schools athletics programs will allow me to continue compete (I still have 2 years of college eligibility) should i mention this? or keep it hush?

Also What are my chances getting into UC Irvine and USC MBA program?


My problem main problem:

Both school essays ask me about my post-MBA short-term goals. Should I tell them that I want to go to med/law school after and as of now I am unsure which one I want to do? Will they look down on it since I am not looking to be employed after my MBA but go back to school?. As of now, I am still unsure of what field want to enter. Will that be bad if I put that in my essay?

The main reason I want to get my MBA is because I know what ever field I do choose an MBA will allow me to start my own pratice and be better prepared

Thank you for your time!


P.S I attached my resume if I forgot to add something in my profile

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear cmoheima:

I think you need to seriously think about why you are applying to MBA programs. MBA programs do not really offer you the time you will need for a division I athletic schedule. MBA programs are usually lock-step, meaning you are given your schedule which is usually class Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm. Then you will have lots of team meetings, extracurricular functions, and homework to complete outside of those hours. Perhaps you should consider some Master of Science programs instead?

I realize your thought process in the MBA being versatile and value-added for one day running your own practice. I just don't know that the MBA is something you will be able to do if you still want to compete.

That is my 2 cents,
Lisa

[cmoheima]

Lisa,

I agree completely with you, I am not going to go pro in my sport so I would gladly give it up if my MBA course load is to rigorous.

my 2 main questions were not answered:

1. What are my chances getting into UC Irvine and USC MBA program with my current profile and my lack of work experience although I want to go to med/law school after?


2. Both school essays ask me about my post-MBA short-term goals. Should I tell them that I want to go to med/law school after and as of now I am unsure which one I want to do? Will they look down on it since I am not looking to be employed after my MBA but go back to school?. Also, As of now, I am still unsure of what field want to enter. Will that be bad if I put that in my essay?


Thank you for your reply!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear cmoheima:

I think your chances of getting into USC and UC Irvine are pretty slim with no work experience, a below average GMAT, and no clear career goals that require a MBA. Admissions committees want to know you have thought about what the MBA is, why it makes sense for you, and that you are motivated to fully participate in the program (i.e., recruiting, extracurriculars, etc.). If your goal is to go on to law or medical school, they will question why you are even applying. A MBA program is a huge investement of time and money on your part--you need to be sure it is what you want and makes sense for your career.

I'm not trying to be harsh; you asked the question and I want to be honest and direct in my answer. Should you decide to apply, you need to be honest in your essays and communicate a solid rationale for why the MBA makes sense with your plan to go onto another professional program upon graduation. You certainly would not be the first (or last) person to go on to law school after completing a MBA.

Best of luck to you,
Lisa