Applying in 3-4 years.. what did you wish you knew?

Question

Hi all,

I just graduated college this past May, and will begin working in banking in NY. I only just got into reading about the business school application, and been thinking about the process. Basically, what did you wish you knew 3 years ago that would really benefit your application?

My current stats:

22 years old
Asian male
3.7 GPA from top 20 school in the US

I have yet to take the GMAT, so that's probably my number one priority (aiming for 720+). Considering my workload, I don't have much time for extracurriculars, but I found a volunteer position that meets on the weekend, which I plan on committing to for several years.

What else did you guys wish you did before to maximize your chances for a top B-school? Anything that would have given you a competitive advantage? If some of you could point me to some helpful threads on this subject, that would be great too. Thanks in advance for any help.

bb · Answer

Great question! I will be happy to kick it off with a few links to consider:
in-retrospect-113284.html - great overview by Rhyme about the bschool rat race

I would say start thinking about what you will need for a great MBA application:
1. Letters of recommendation - make sure your boss loves you and wants the best for you (this may or may not be possible)
2. Extra curricular experience and activities - get involved with what you like - be active, more personable, and involved in SOMETHING
3. Be good at what you do - whatever that is
4. Be interesting. Don't be a boring computer gamer who is terrible at games. Instead consider trying new hobbies, improving your speaking skills with Toast Masters, overcoming your weaknesses, and doing bold things
5. Take risks at work so you can write an essay about successes and failures
6. Review some of the topics for essays for the top schools you are considering and think about what examples you could bring up (save those questions somewhere and review them every month or so and see if any of the projects you are working on or offered can help you)
7. Offers others help
8. Learn to say no politely
9. Read some books mba-books-good-books-to-read-prior-to-mba-74557.html - a bit dated but I feel Ayn Rand's Fountainhead is a must still

oodl · Answer

Here are two essays written by an admission consultant, Alex Chu, that give additional prospective: https://www.mbaapply.com/advice2.htm#positionformba https://www.mbaapply.com/advice2.htm#forrestgump

Applying in 3-4 years.. what did you wish you knew?

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