Average applicant (Pre-GMAT) Seeking Advice

Note: I am completely new to the forums. I am not sure which particular section of the forum people go to seek general advice, but I thought this area was most relevant. I am a PRE-GMAT individual looking for guidance on how to go about tackling this whole beast (GMAT + MBA admissions).

1) Basic demographic info: Just turned 28, male, South Asian

2) Educational Background: Smaller branch of a large state school. BBA in Finance. Took about 12 additional hours of Accounting courses while working (to advance my knowledge/possibly open myself up to the CPA route if I choose to pursue that down the line.. although I would still need to finish about 5 more courses to become CPA eligible. Not sure if I should do that at this point, since that's not my career's focus.). Overall GPA was a 3.3, GPA in my major was a 3.4.

3) Work experience: I have been working for about 3-4 solid years. My job situation hasn't been the greatest mainly due to layoffs that have occured at my previous companies. Longest position that I've had was about a year or so, but I am hoping that with my current job I stick it out longer and *hopefully* can get a promotion down the road. Currently been in my current position for about 6 months and I work as a Financial/Revenue Analayst for a very large hospital mangement company.

4) Extracurriculars: My extracurriculars have mainly been while in college. I was co-captain of a cultural dance team that competed at local/regional levels, played intramural soccer all four years, and was VP of our school's only Finance organization. Other than that, I do work help out with Youth Activities at a religious center that I am part of.

5) Short/Long term goals: I want to specialize in Healthcare Finance (since I love working in the field & that's where I have most of my experience). Possibly considering a joint MBA-MHA program if I can get into a good program. I would like to work for a healthcare organization at either the corporate level (preferred) or at the hospital level.

6) Schools: Seeing as I have yet to even begin studying for my GMAT, I have no idea about particular schools/programs. Definitely not looking into applying to any of the top schools, because after reading through some other people's profiles here, I'm probably "average" at best. lol.

I have read on the forums & read reviews that the "Manhattan GMAT Guide" is an excellent resource so I have ordered that eight book guide. I also read that the "Official Guide for the GMAT Review" is a great resource for sample questions, so I'll probably be ordering that soon.

I have no idea when I should apply to a MBA. Due to my work experience more broken apart than I like, I definitely want to build up more work experience at my current job so definitely not until at least another year (or more), but what should I be doing in the meantime? When do most people generally apply & how long does the whole application process take?

I just don't know where to start, how I stack up, or when I should be applying. If anyone can offer some general advice. As I've been reading a few sections of the forums, this entire process seeing quite daunting to say the least. Please guide me if you can!

~ Im2bz2p345

Well I can tell you that you've come to the right place. The whole process can be very overwhelming to start out, so just take it one step at a time.

I would recommend that you spend some time on your GMAT to start and over those months you can start looking around at programs. I'm familiar with the MBA-MHA duel programs, and it does sound like something that would be perfect for someone in your position. You may also consider an MHA only (will be much cheaper, but won't have the business aspect, and won't be as prestigious). That will be up to you to decide, but remember, for an MHA, I believe you will need a GRE score... but they may accept GMAT also. You will have to check your targeted schools.

The general recommendation is approx 3 months of prep time for GMAT to achieve your best result. With a GMAT in hand, or more of an idea of what you'd be able to score, you're going to know better which schools and programs to target. Since it appears that you are going to miss this years applications (unless you're willing to apply in the next couple months which would be very challenging) then you will have ample time to apply Round 1 of next year. Here is a list of top school's deadlines this year: http://gmatclub.com/blog/2011/11/busine ... and-dates/ most have 3 rounds of applications (including schools outside of this list), and it is advised that you apply round 1 or 2 b/c they tend to be less competative. Next year's deadline may be slightly different, but generally close. Find the schools you may be interested in, and take a look at their deadlines and stats. You should try to score as high as possible, or take a look at class profiles for schools you might be interested in (you'll find this on the school's website) to see what their average GMAT is.

To start your studying, I would also recommend that you take a look at this study plan: gmat-study-plan-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html and also order the OG12 ASAP, b/c you will need that book with your 8 Manhattan GMAT books. The 8 guides refer directly to the OG12 for their practice problems.

For all other questions, this is the place to be. Look around, ask questions when needed, and everyone here will be glad to help. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the quick and thorough reply GMATLA! It has been very helpful.

Considering that I want to establish more stable work experience and I have yet to prepare for the GMAT, I think that trying to apply for R1 (Round 1) admissions toward the end of this year (2012), will be achievable. By that time, I'm sure my manager could give me a good recommendation letter as well.

Besides preparing for the GMAT over the next several months, what types of extracurricular activities should I be focusing on? "Giving back to the community" always is a nice thing that B-schools like, so I guess what sorts of things have others done or that you know of others doing?

First and foremost, I guess that I should be focused on doing well on my GMAT, right? Thanks!

~ Im2bz2p345

Not a problem! Glad to help... It is my advice that you not only consider your GMAT, but also try to start improving your profile. No big changes in your profile happen overnight. So this would include promotions, extra curriculars, thinking about recommenders, consider essay topics, taking on projects at work, thinking about leadership roles available, etc... anything that you think will boost your application. You cant change the past though, so don't worry about your GPA and old work experience. At this point, you roll with what you have... If for some reason you do poorly on the Quantitative portion of your GMAT, or have poor undergraduate Quant skills, then I would also recommend taking 1 or 2 math classes (online or in class) at your local college or extension program to help off set low GPA or bad quant skills. make sure to get "A's". This will also show you are serious, b/c the MBA program is very Quant intensive. If you are good at math, and have demonstrated it in your GMAT and Undergrad, do not worry about this last step.

As far as EC's that might be good... consider doing some volunteer work or joining a professional networking club in the field that you are interrested in. So this would include anything in the healthcare industry. See if any of your coworkers know of anything, or search the web for groups in your city. If there are none, then consider just professional networking clubs, or volunteer opportunities that would allow you to give back or even better, take on some type of leadership role.

Good luck with your journey!