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hopefullygold
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Getting an Early Start? 23 Apr 2010, 17:07
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Hi guys,

Frequent reader, but first time poster. I have learned a great deal from this forum and I was hoping to get some advice on getting a "really early" start. I am currently an undergraduate set to receive my degree in May/June. I will be working at a Bulge Bracket investment bank in a regional office (SF/Chi), but I have a couple months free before I start work.

I am planning to apply to B-school after a 2-3 year analyst stint... but given that I will be pulling 100 hour weeks, I'm worried that I won't have the time to do a lot of ECs and carefully craft 5-7 Bschool applications. I was wondering if any of you who have been through the process had any advice on what I could do right now while I still have time (and sleep).

I have already taken my GMATs (scored 770, 47V 50Q, 6.0 AWA), and am set to graduate summa cum laude (3.9+ GPA) with dual degrees from a top public university. One of my concerns is that investment bankers are ridiculously overrepresented in application pools and I'm not sure what I could do to distinguish myself. I could start visiting schools right now... but will I even remember my campus visits in 2-3 years? I could also start outlining my essays, but for all I know, my career goals could change 180 degrees in 2 years. Should I just focus on volunteering, given that I won't have time to do any once I start work?

Sorry for the relatively long post. Any and all advice greatly appreciated!
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Getting an Early Start? 23 Apr 2010, 21:25
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There are plenty of people on this forum that are more qualified than I am to give you advice, but I think I can give you some words of encouragement.

You have a solid GPA from a good school and a stellar GMAT score. Even as a mediocre analyst, you should be capable of finding a spot at more than one of the top 15 schools. I would imagine that the best way to stand out within the banker applicant pool is to demonstrate above average career progression or special assignments. Non-finance extra-curriculars will obviously help too, but I'm not the right person to suggest EC activities (I don't have many of my own).

Enjoy the banking job and learn as much as you can. Don't forget to have fun :)