BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep
NEWSWEEK READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2026

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

GMATLiveTeach Starts Oct 17
Chris Peckover, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Chris Peckover, 100th-Percentile GMAT Scorer

Oct 17 · Chris Peckover
Sat · 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET
Oct 20 · Chris Peckover
Tue, Thu · 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Oct 25 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 1:00 to 4:00 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemand 5 seats left Start anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

What is the best plan for me to get into a top MBA?

Launched April 26, 2006
Expert replies
by mushinkan » Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:12 pm
I am graduating this semester with a 3.4 GPA. My school is ranked around the 80s by the US News for its undergraduate business program. I double majored in Accounting and Finance. My goal is to get into a top 10 MBA program, not necessarily Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton, but Kellogg, Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan, Columbia, or UCLA will do the job. Now, what can I do right now to land such an admission?

I am contemplating a couple of options:
1) One option is to get an MSF (Masters of Science in Finance) right now and then work for a couple of years, then go back and apply for the MBA;
2) Another option is start working right now and then apply for the MBA.

So, would an MSF + 2 years of experience be better (or same as or less advantageous) than 3 years of experience?

Please tell me how can maximize on my chances on getting into a Top MBA? Would passing 1 or 2 levels of the CFA help?

Also, what kind of work experience would help me the most? I can land a job in a Sovereign Fund, but also have the chance to work in PWC or E&Y on the advisory side. Which would be better for admission folks at the top schools? Are there other better types of jobs that can help out more? What are the preferences of admission committees?

Side Notes: During this time, I will work hard to ace the GMAT and get a score above 680. Additionally, I will not have to pay for either degrees for I have a scholarship.

I realize that, if getting into a top MBA is a goal, preplanning is needed so that later I would not be going: "Oh, I wish I had done that!" Please advise me on which route that would best serve me to reach my goal.
Join the discussion
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

by Lisa Anderson » Sun Sep 27, 2009 1:20 pm
Dear mushinkhan,

There is no preferred background in business school admissions. It is what you have achieved and accomplished in your career that matters. Whether or not you should get a MS in Finance depends on whether or not you believe you need it for the career path you wish to pursue at this point in time. Getting a MS in Finance is not necessarily an advantage or disadvantage in relation to MBA admissions. You need to pursue a career that truly interests you, where you believe you will excel and add value, and where you believe you will progress in the 2-3 years you plan to work prior to applying for your MBA.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Join the discussion