Applying too early?

Question

Concerns :

I only have 2 years of "bleh" working experience (2 start up companies and though a likely promotion between now and matriculation if not application, the 2nd job was a lateral move). I also have no extra curriculars since graduating college, though I plan on starting now that I'm settled back in the US (on a side note should I not mention this because it will look like I'm sucking up to admin officers by starting volunteer stuff so close to applications?). I also have a 3.13 gpa (though good upward trajectory and 3.7 in major).

At least I have :

That said I do have a solid GMAT score, a very defined career path and goal within a particular industry, and my work experience is along that path. So my stats outside of the GMAT aren't great (not even really good to some degree) but the narrative, career path, and why an MBA is what I need to progress my career all tie in well.

Question :

So because I know that an MBA from say a Kellogg is exactly what I need I plan on going ahead and applying this year knowing it's a serious reach right now and if I don't get in then by this time next year I'll have done all the updates with a promotion, extra curriculars, possible alternative transcript, etc.

Seems generally schools are okay with reapplicants as long as they've addressed their weaknesses but I wonder if I am hurting my real chance next year by taking a small chance this year and wanted to get your opinions on it.

Vibranture · Answer

Hi Redfield,

Although your start-up experience looks interesting and could be a potential differentiator, if you believe your profile will dramatically improve next year, then waiting for a year and applying with greater confidence would be a much better decision.

Reapplicants do not stand at a disadvantageous position, however, when you apply also reflects your judgement and the schools evaluate you on that aspect as well.

I can review your profile in greater detail if you like. You can sign up for a  Free Consultation

Good luck!

redfield · Answer

Thank you for the response. That's the hard part for me, I know I'll be a better (possibly much better) candidate in a year's time but I also know exactly what I want to do and exactly why an MBA from my target schools is a prerequisite for that happening. So while I'm a much weaker candidate this go around I need an MBA from those target schools at some point and the sooner I can get it (now that I do have some professional experience and now where I'm going) the better.

I just hate to think I'm hurting myself by trying to get what needs to be done a year too early even though I know it needs to happen in relation to my career goals.

StratusDonna · Answer

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

Thanks for sharing.

From what you have shared, waiting a year could be the course of action. Focus on developing yourself at work and with your extracurricular activities. Aside from helping your chances, you would also benefit more from the MBA with more experiences and exposure under your belt.

Wish you all the best!

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

You may also find some of the tips from our blog entry below helpful:
https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2016/05 ... -6-months/

Steps to a Stronger MBA Profile in 6 Months

Once you have finally decided to pursue an MBA, you will naturally start assessing your chances of actually being admitted. Undergraduate academics and GMAT score aside, most business school applicants will fret as to whether their extracurricular activities and overall profile are impressive enough for their dream schools, especially as these aspects of an applicant’s profile are not as straightforward to quantify and compare.

How then can you improve your profile in the last six months?
Should you rush to get registered in additional community organizations? Should you learn a new language or a musical instrument? Should you go on a trip to the wilderness or join a religious mission?

As a rule, the Admissions Committee will consider the length of time and level of involvement with the activities you participate in when they weigh these as part of your profile (just as any potential employer would during a job interview). On your end, you should consider the limited time remaining towards the deadline, and the demands of polishing up your whole application package while focusing on fulfilling your current work and personal responsibilities.

Below are some practical tips to strengthen your profile:

1) Do More with Current Involvements
You may feel that your current activities are not as impressive as they really are and, thus, do not make you stand out as an applicant. One way to address this is to look for the chance to introduce something new to your profile that would make your potential future contributions to the school unique.

For instance, you may be the leader of your undergraduate alumni branch – from this, you can find an innovative way to link up across other chapters, and strengthen alumni engagement and knowledge transfers across your entire network. Or, you may be involved with donation drives for the less fortunate; try to find new ways to boost your funds or at least organize activities that can better showcase your leadership and teamwork skills.

Initiatives such as these give more credence and value to your current activities, without having to start from scratch.

2) Do the Same Thing for a Different Audience
This should be relatively easy to do – look for some opportunities to leverage your long-running interest or hobby to demonstrate more involvement and impact on the community. As an example, you may be singer who performs regularly at a club. You may use this talent and volunteer to sing for several worthwhile causes. In this way, you can enrich your stories about your singing talent (or at the very least, the audacity to perform in front of an audience!) and make them more interesting for the Admissions Committee.

Taking this point further, let’s say your lack of international exposure is perceived to be a weakness – look for ways to at least show how open-minded and internationally aware you are by getting involved with the expatriate community, nearby refugee camps, or by performing with multi-cultural groups.

Use these tips to help strengthen your business school applications and set your current activities apart from those of other MBA candidates, and to further your own personal development, as well.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the forum. In short, I support the notion of waiting a year. It may seem as though you're just pushing off the inevitable, but we truly believe that you should only apply when you think you're truly ready. Given that you see a significant boost in your profile over the next 8-10 months, waiting is the best option. Even in this scenario, you'll be one of the younger applicants, so don't sweat the timeline too much.

Given that you're looking at the likes of Kellogg and other top programs, be sure to demonstrate your leadership in everything you do. Things like your GPA and past work experience won't change, but finding activities and initiatives that you love and are truly passionate about is still within reach. Find something you can be remembered for. Do this both at work and in your community involvement and you'll have a good shot next year.

In the meantime, see if you can make use of  our free resources . Over time, it's good to get comfortable with the school profiles and other general tips so that application season will be familiar to you. Best of luck!

Applying too early?

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