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Apply at the 2 year mark or 3 year mark

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preciseman
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Fresh from undergrad - when should I apply? 17 Dec 2015, 23:04
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Hi guys -

I just recently graduated undergrad from Texas A&M back in May and am looking into MBA programs to apply to in the future. I've always wanted one..but I'm struggling a little on the timeline.

Some of my stats: currently in big 4 on the consulting side, graduated with a BBA in finance with a 3.95. Eventually looking to make a move into finance (I'm already burnt out from all the traveling in consulting after 4 months!). Should I be applying at the 2 year mark for the Aug 2018 start, or at the 3 year mark for the Aug 2019 start? Will 1 year more experience make a ton of difference for top 10 schools?

I haven't started studying for the GMAT..is it recommended to start so far out? I'm not planning on taking it for awhile since I would like to take my time in order to ensure a good score, but not really sure if its a good idea to start planning so far out as I hear MORE preparation can actually hurt you.

Also - realistically, what schools should I be applying to? I'm trying to cultivate a list of schools but would really like input from the community!

Any thoughts and tips would be really helpful!

Thanks guys!
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Fresh from undergrad - when should I apply? 18 Dec 2015, 09:12
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preciseman
Hi guys -

I just recently graduated undergrad from Texas A&M back in May and am looking into MBA programs to apply to in the future. I've always wanted one..but I'm struggling a little on the timeline.

Some of my stats: currently in big 4 on the consulting side, graduated with a BBA in finance with a 3.95. Eventually looking to make a move into finance (I'm already burnt out from all the traveling in consulting after 4 months!). Should I be applying at the 2 year mark for the Aug 2018 start, or at the 3 year mark for the Aug 2019 start? Will 1 year more experience make a ton of difference for top 10 schools?

I haven't started studying for the GMAT..is it recommended to start so far out? I'm not planning on taking it for awhile since I would like to take my time in order to ensure a good score, but not really sure if its a good idea to start planning so far out as I hear MORE preparation can actually hurt you.

Also - realistically, what schools should I be applying to? I'm trying to cultivate a list of schools but would really like input from the community!

Any thoughts and tips would be really helpful!

Thanks guys!
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As a former consultant, I understand the travel schedule! Which firm are you at? That will weigh into my decision on which schools to target, as well as your GMAT score (which you don't have yet) and your post-MBA goals. Basically, we should chat further so I can learn more before giving you advice.

I will say that three years is usually better than two coming from consulting. I work with consultants who go after two years, and if you have the right profile it certainly could work. I would want to know more about your experience, what types of roles you envision yourself getting, firm contribution, extra-curriculars etc. I went to Wharton after three years, though I almost decided to go after two.

Send me an email to discuss further if you don't want to list the details publicly: [email protected]

Best,
Scott
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Fresh from undergrad - when should I apply? 22 Dec 2015, 15:33
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It doesn't hurt to study for / take the GMAT now while your brain is still fresh from school and your study habits are still around. After a year or two of working you might find it hard to get back up to speed like that. The results are good for 5 years and they (truly) only take the top score, so study, take a lot of diagnostics, and take the test. If you wait until you want to apply, it will suck a significant amount of time you could be using then for app / story development.