I think I have a great academics, and if available I should be one of the strongest candidates to receive a merit-based scholarship. I have a decent - above avg but not stellar - work exp of 6 yrs. I am planning to apply in MIT and Harvard for full-time MBA this year, and if dinged then Kellogg and Booth for part-time MBA early next year - "hoping" to start MBA spring-fall next year. I would not qualify for need-based, so I am looking for just the merit-based options. Also I have heard there are third party programs to help students looking for scholarships.
I have few questions:
1) If I get in MIT or Harvard full-time MBA, where can I apply for scholarships?
2) If I get in Booth or Kellogg part-time MBA, where can I apply for scholarships?
3) Is it true that the chances of getting scholarship from anywhere are slim in part-time programs?
4) What %age of the tuition do you think one can get, if merit-based scholarships are awarded for these top tier programs? I have heard that the chances of these schools giving scholarships is close to none. Is that true?
5) If I get in a part-time program, do you think I can try to change my job and see if there is an employer willing to pay for my part-time MBA? I have asked my current employer, but they don't support such programs as mine is a small company. Do people change their job to seek financial aid (sponsorship) like this? What gotchas should I be careful if I tried to do so?
Thanks and looking forward to replies.