I am currently a Senior at a top 10 undergraduate university, and starting next year will be working as an analyst at a bulge bracket investment bank. After working at the bank for two years (as most analysts do), I will most likely either go straight to business school or work in another industry (private equity, etc.) for a year or two and then go to business school. Obviously I have no idea what else will come up, and there is a decent chance that I do not end up going to business school at all. I have a good GPA (approx. 3.7 - probably Cum Laude) and have not yet taken the GMAT (I'm taking it in April) but I did comparatively well on the SAT etc. so hopefully if I study enough I will score well.

I have a very specific question - I am considering writing a senior honors thesis, which would allow me to graduate with distinction (same thing as honors) in Economics. I am wondering if the benefits outweigh the costs as far as B-school admissions are concerned.

It would certainly mean a great deal of added stress and work (especially considering I already have a job) which I would prefer to avoid. However, if business schools view this kind of thing as a possible "difference-maker" in choosing candidates, I would certainly consider putting in the time. Do you think that top business schools will see a senior thesis as extra proof that I am hard-working and intellectually motivated, or will it really not make much of a difference in 2-5 years from now? Other than the the recognition of receiving "distinction" I don't think I would get a whole lot of personal satisfaction out of the process, so MBA admissions' view of senior theses in general is a critical factor in my decision. Any comments are welcome.

Thanks!