MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 2226
Location: Chicago, IL
Re: A few questions...
[#permalink]
12 Aug 2014, 12:01
Hey there,
Thanks so much for posting and for all the background. It's a bit of a novel (:)) but I love it. Gives me context to get to your questions! So here we go...
1) Domestically or abroad, schools view feeder schools in tiers. And Tier 1 doesn't only include Ivy. It is based on schools they value or from where they consistently pull quality candidates. For example, Georgia Tech is a significant feeder to almost every top program out there but it's not an Ivy by any stretch of the imagination. Same goes for international schools. You're in a Tier II bracket.
2) A masters program is definitely considered but a startup you worked at doesn't touch your academic profile. Apples and oranges. Crushing the GMAT and taking additional courses will help.
3) Neutral. If it makes sense for you - that's all that matters! And it's still a business-y major so that's good.
4) To a certain degree, yes. You would be applying to MBA programs in your early 30s which is pretty old. That's going to count against you. And you don't have a super compelling reason as to why. So yes, getting your MSc and then going for your MBA is going to raise some eyebrows and, honestly, is probably a bit of overkill.
5) Your background isn't great when it comes to your earlier career. There's no way around that. You also can't do much about it now.
6) As to your plan. #1 & 2 are musts. #3 definitely get involved but only start a company if it makes sense for you. #4 you should probably know what's happening in the world but I don't see why that should be a part of your "plan". #5 There are opportunity costs to learning languages. This should be deprioritized. #6 - 8 are good ideas. #6 is a must. #9 - see above.
I hope this helps and let me know if you need me to clarify anything or if you have any other questions!
Bhavik