Intern
Joined: 25 Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Houston
Concentration: M&A, Valuing Companies, Deal Structure, International
Evaluation-Over 40
[#permalink]
25 Jun 2009, 17:49
Hi,
I am unsure what is realistic to target in terms of top business schools and would greatly appreciate your candid feedback. The profile: I am currently 41 years, have a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston Bauer College of Business (1991), was briefly in graduate school shortly thereafter but did not complete the schooling due to personal reasons (my mother passed away). While pursuiting my BBA, I worked -- sometimes 1, 2 or even 3 jobs because my mother was ill. Needless to say, my GPA ended up at about a 2.75 overall 3.1 in Accounting.
The bottom line is that I am at a point in my career in which attaining an MBA would prove quite useful because of my interests. Some people have suggested an Executive MBA but I do not believe that my career thus far has provided me with enough senior level management experience to believe that would be a good fit. On the other hand, pursuiting an MBA just for the coursework is not my ambition. I am really seeking a career change and, more importantly, the full experience an MBA has to offer at one of the better, top schools.
Recent senior level managment I have worked with have suggested I apply to Rice University in Houston, among others. In looking into Rice, it did not appear there was enough emphasis on leadership. Finally, the aforementioned managers all graduated from top tier schools; specifically, Harvard, Northwestern and The University of Texas and Rice. A few will be writing recommendations.
Given the above, and a GMAT score of 700, is it even realistic to apply to an institution such as Harvard?
Thank you.