College freshman with questions

Question

Hello.

I am only a freshman in college right now, but I am trying to plan a little. I go to a non-target but top 50 school (state school). I would like to gain admission to a top business school in a long time.

I am concerned that graduating from a state school will hinder my admission chances. I realize that the school itself is not that important, but the work experience is. My work experience will probably be worse experience than that of someone coming from a target school and a top company. I have some questions about how I can stand a chance against all the competitive applicants from esteemed pedigrees. It seems like a large percent of MBA class profiles are from banking and high finance - is this because more apply or b-schools favor them?

1. Other than earn a high GPA and GMAT, are there other areas of my application I could think about at this point?

2. Does my major matter? I am studying accounting at the moment. My school also offers finance and economics (BA or BS in economics). It seems business schools favor social sciences applicants.

3. If I completed a program where I graduate with an MSF at the same time or shortly after my undergraduate degree and use it to land a better job, will business schools view getting an MBA as redundant? My school offers a 3/2 MAcc program as well (for the CPA).

4. Is the reason MBA classes often are made up of many people in the industry "consulting" because many of these individuals apply or because the business schools like these applicants?

I realize my questions are kind of persnickety, I am sorry for that. I am the anxious, nervous type.

Thanks.

hopalong · Answer

1. Other than earn a high GPA and GMAT, are there other areas of my application I could think about at this point?

2. Does my major matter? I am studying accounting at the moment. My school also offers finance and economics (BA or BS in economics). It seems business schools favor social sciences applicants.

3. If I completed a program where I graduate with an MSF at the same time or shortly after my undergraduate degree and use it to land a better job, will business schools view getting an MBA as redundant?

4. Is the reason MBA classes often are made up of many people in the industry "consulting" because many of these individuals apply or because the business schools like these applicants?

1. - Sounds like you are pretty early in the game, if you already know where you want your career to take you, than focus on things that will help make that better. Work with student organizations, make contacts in local business, etc...

2. Technically no, but it cant hurt to have a major applicable to the field you want to move into after getting your MBA.

3. NO. An MBA is a different animal entirely.

4. I will have to defer that question to someone else...

cwhs · Answer

Hi,

It's great to see that you're already thinking way into the future (I wish I had done that!). I graduated from a state school and have a very non-flashy job record. Don't worry about the names of schools you've studied in or places you've worked at, just focus on your story.

1. High GPA/GMAT is important, and they can offset each other. If you have a quant heavy degree and a good GPA (and a quant related job), you don't have to worry as much about the quant section of GMAT. If you studied Art History, your quant score better be really good. Besides the GPA, do tons of extra-curricular activities in and out of school. This will help you a lot!

2. Your major doesn't matter as long as you've done something good (with it) post-graduation. If you study art history and then open up a very successful art gallery, the fact that you had an unrelated undergrad degree won't matter at all. There are also other folks who have art history backgrounds, who did not get involved in business, and who get into top business schools because they tell a great story and the business schools want a diversified class.

3. No.

4. Consultants tend to be picked because they are exposed to a number of industries/companies/experiences, so they probably have good stories to tell. At the same time they tend to be more flexible people since they deal with great variance in their careers. (Also a lot of them have been in good schools, work for good companies, and b-schools want to maintain relationships with those companies so they have to hire these folks (same as IB)).

method · Answer

Don't worry about coming from a state school! And actually, if it gets to you at some point, don't forget you can attempt to transfer to another program.

1. Work on building leadership experiences. Start a social venture or organization from scratch. Look for ways to challenge yourself by getting into opportunities that you thought were beyond yourself. Beyond building a resume, you need to develop as a person!

2. Accounting is a great major and one of the easiest ways to get into a top brand company. Big 4 firms are always hiring from state schools. If you stick with this track, make sure you do Beta Alpha Psi, preferably in a leadership position. However, keep in mind that accounting classes can be quite rigorous beyond the intros.

3. 5th year masters = no problem. In fact, you may need a 5th year masters anyway with accounting to sit for the CPA exam (check your state requirements or talk to your accounting advisor.)

4. Not sure, I never got the impression that MBA programs were consultant heavy. More like financial services heavy, but I'll echo the other person that said consultants bring a wider perspective with them. Auditors are similar in that they'll see a lot of different companies.

Good luck! Definitely keep the grades up!

jw · Answer

So I will be fine even if I earn a Macc and CPA before MBA admissions? That is a relief.

jw · Answer

Hello. I have another question regarding selection of classes.

For my accounting major I really do not need any science classes other than the general education requirements. I will end up needing two science classes to fulfill the credits that I need.

If I take some easy classes, such as "Plants, Plagues, and People" or a class called "Man's Food", will the admissions people know what is or is not easy? Should I take physics or chemistry just to prove my academic capability, or are these random science classes for easier A's alright for MBA admissions?

Thanks.

thisguy310 · Answer

"My work experience will probably be worse experience than that of someone coming from a target school and a top company."

- Aim high. You're starting the process very very early! What's not to say you won't land your dream internship this upcoming summer?

Most importantly, what method said
"1. Work on building leadership experiences. Start a social venture or organization from scratch. Look for ways to challenge yourself by getting into opportunities that you thought were beyond yourself. Beyond building a resume, you need to develop as a person!" - This is so true. Don't focus on building the 'ideal b-school' profile, but truly seek out what motivates and inspires you. Surround yourself with positive people, enjoy undergrad (it passes by quickly), and make the most of every day.

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