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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
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If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
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11 Jun 2016, 13:00
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First off, the bad: I have a 2.4 grade point from undergrad in an easy major at a directional state school. (Think like political science at Southern Illinois) I actually had a downward trend.
The good: I'm currently a rising third year enrolled in a top 30 law school (Minnesota/USC/Emory/Notre Dame/Wisconsin/Indiana) with above a 3.75. On the curve I'm in the top 10-25% of the class. I currently have no work experience but I'll probably have an offer at a biglaw firm and I have a decent shot at MBA type F500 corporate strategy/consulting offers. I have above average extracurriculars from both undergrad and grad school. I also have a 730+ GMAT. I'm also a white male.
The big question. I currently can do a JD/MBA with a top 30 MBA program that will only take an extra year of school right now. Or I can wait and try and apply to business schools in 3-4 years after my degree with pretty good work experience. I'm curious whether with a good application, I'll have the ability to go to a top school?
Other factors: Financially I don't think that a school that doesn't have incredibly good on campus recruiting and name recognition will be worth it in 3-4 years versus going immediately right now. For example I think going to Northwestern in 3-4 years might be worth it since I'll have access to more employers and my average classmates will have more interesting experiences than going to say UNC in 3-4 years. Nothing against the UNC level schools but I'm not sure if financially it will be worth it if I can go to a somewhat comparable school right now for much cheaper.
The good: I'm currently a rising third year enrolled in a top 30 law school (Minnesota/USC/Emory/Notre Dame/Wisconsin/Indiana) with above a 3.75. On the curve I'm in the top 10-25% of the class. I currently have no work experience but I'll probably have an offer at a biglaw firm and I have a decent shot at MBA type F500 corporate strategy/consulting offers. I have above average extracurriculars from both undergrad and grad school. I also have a 730+ GMAT. I'm also a white male.
The big question. I currently can do a JD/MBA with a top 30 MBA program that will only take an extra year of school right now. Or I can wait and try and apply to business schools in 3-4 years after my degree with pretty good work experience. I'm curious whether with a good application, I'll have the ability to go to a top school?
Other factors: Financially I don't think that a school that doesn't have incredibly good on campus recruiting and name recognition will be worth it in 3-4 years versus going immediately right now. For example I think going to Northwestern in 3-4 years might be worth it since I'll have access to more employers and my average classmates will have more interesting experiences than going to say UNC in 3-4 years. Nothing against the UNC level schools but I'm not sure if financially it will be worth it if I can go to a somewhat comparable school right now for much cheaper.
PersonalMBACoach
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Expert reply
11 Jun 2016, 15:33
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Fluidmosaic
Thank you for your detailed post. What do you plan to do with the MBA? I ask because depending on your goals, the work experience may help you get into a better school after a few years. I would say a higher ranked school and some experience will help your career and be worth the wait. One thing to consider when looking at schools is once you are at the school you still have to recruit for jobs and the competition will hurt you more if you don't have as much experience. Combining that with a 20-30 ish ranked school that you mention, you would be better off waiting.
Feel free to email to discuss further. Scott@personalmbacoach.com
www.personalmbacoach.com
Best,
Scott
15 Jun 2016, 15:47
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I would wait, as this will give you a better chance to have a bigger impact on your career. With limited work experience you will not be able to compete against your classmates if you do a JD/MBA program. I would also implore you to really make sure you are balancing the ST with the LT. Don't go into your law career looking immediately to leave. If you eventually want to go into business then try and go into as you mentioned above.
