MBA after MBA

Thank you guys for honest replies. I really appreciate them.

Just because you can convince yourself it is for your own good does not mean that it is an ethical decision. I can convince myself that it is for my own good to rob every single person weaker than myself as long as I don't get caught, but that is hardly ethical. Doesn't your top 30 school have an ethics requirement?

To get back to your original question, most schools specifically prohibit students who already have US MBAs from applying. You can check their websites and do your own research, but I definitely recall that all the top schools specifically ban applications from people who already hold MBAs. The only exception (as some others have suggested) are certain international MBA programs that are not at the same level (more equivalent to an undergrad business degree or something).

Anyhow, every single top school will ask you to provide details of every single year between getting your college degree and your application. You will have to lie on your application. Don't care what you think about it, it's a lie.

I'm pretty sure none of the top 10 programs will admit someone who already has an MBA. I remember reading the FAQs on the Stanford and Haas webpages that says it. Not sure about UCLA and Kellogg, but I'm pretty sure none of the US schools in general will admit someone with an identical degree from another US school (this applies to MS in Sciences, Engineering, Finance, etc...). Sorry to dash your hopes.

One way is to drop out of your b-school right now (if you've only finished your first year) AFTER asking if the top 3-5 schools will accept you if you didn't complete your MBA.

If you absolutely believe that going back to school is the best option for you, I would recommend looking at an additional MA degree closely related to the field you are interested in. Enviornmental Studies, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Land Development, International Relations...I could go on and on. To be honest, my first thought was that if you just started working right after graduation, two years on you would probably be at the same position, if not higher than you would be coming from a higher ranked school with 2 yrs less WE. Especially if it's indeed top 30...

Michigan does accept prospective students with MBA's. I was doing research last night and came across it.

Q: I already have an MBA. Can I still apply to Ross' MBA Program?
A. We do accept applications from individuals who have an MBA. However, you must explain through your application why you feel you need another MBA degree.

https://www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/Mba ... plying.htm

Definitely worth a shot! Good luck!

You probably already know this.... but just to be sure: a top 5 isn't going to guarantee you an offer at McK/Bain/BCG. At the GSB, they EACH interviewed maybe 100 or so people and I'd venture that between the three there are maybe 50 or so interns. Do the math, its not that great of odds - maybe 20% on the high end. The thing about being in a top 5 that is that you are competing against, literally, 100 or more other people who are ALL smart, accomplished, etc.

Not trying to suggest you shouldn't consider a top 5, just saying you should keep your expectations realistic. For what its worth, if you are flexible on destination, I'm happy to pass your resume to the right people at some firms when the time comes.

Don't worry, everybody gets addicted to gmatclub, no need to favorites

I will insist in what I mentioned before: why don’t you also think about another degree? I have a couple of friends working for these big consulting guys who took other degrees rather than MBAs. Some people got Masters at LSE; I have a friend who just has an undergrad degree, he climbed so fast, that he decided not to attend an MBA.

I know that the MBA, and usually a Top one, is the natural path to Management Consulting, but I do know people who got there from different ways. They for sure are dots out of the curve, but in your situation, you need to be really savvy.

From what I have read, it will be nearly impossible to get accepted into an MBA program if you already have your MBA....especially an MBA from a US school. I know some Indian and international applicants apply to US b-schools when they have MBAs from their home countries, and even they find it nearly impossible to get into top US b-schools.....

yes, I heard that too. but i am still young enough to believe in miracles, or at least to be naive.

are there any particular schools who dislike second mba's?

and what about european schools?

Im not sure. Your best bet would be to contact the schools directly. They should be very honest with their feelings on getting a second MBA.

I dont think its going to happen. If you got an MBA from some place in a foreign country, then it might be a possibility at some schools. However, already having an MBA from a US program pretty much will probably eliminate your ability to be admitted. I would say contact schools to see what they say but it doesnt seem promising.

Agreed with river. Why would a top program give up a spot to somebody who already has an MBA, rather that give it to somebody who doesn't have one?

I personally don't consider not telling a school about mba an ethical issue. it is my choice to spend 2 more years in school, paying the tuition, etc...don't see any harm to school or students. On the other hand, I would not want to start my career from a lie. But I am almost sure I can convince myself that it is for my own good.

the natural step should be the DBA

Why don't you go for an MS? There are shorter programs (1 year) that would open you many doors...

I don't think that the MBA thing will work out - sorry to be that straightforward. I think you need a second plan. What kind of industry do you want?

I believe Michigan (Ross) is a Top School (not 3-5, but Top 10-15) that are accepting of 2nd MBAs. Not positive about this though.

I agree with above, your best bet is a DBA.

~Sam

No, maybe PhD.