High GRE/GPA, little work experience- what tier should I apply to?

Question

Hi there,

Basically, I would like to get an idea of whether the top tier MBA programs (Stanford, HBS, Columbia) are realistic or if I would be wiser to ration out application fees among more moderate schools.
 
The stats:
-Graduated from undergrad in May '13. 3.75 GPA, honors psych, deans list, GPA top 10% graduating class. GRE: 164Q, 170V
-For the past 14 months working as the primary data analyst for a high volume emergency room. First author on a publication in a nursing journal.
 
Thanks!

phlaym39 · Answer

1. You should really start off by asking yourself what you want to achieve with / get out of an MBA, instead of which schools your credentials might get you into. Once you've clarified your goal, then determine which programs best suit you. Maybe there's something other than an MBA that works.

2. Since you graduated in '13, you're probably quite young (I'm guessing 21-24). Very few people go to B-school at that age, and you still have time to strengthen your work experience over the next 2 years or so before applying, in case you were interested in top tier schools.

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi Blandman,

I completely agree with the points raised above by phlaym39.

Your score translates to a 750 on GMAT (used the ETS conversion tool). This score is quite fantastic.

But the story goes beyond the GMAT/ GRE. Every MBA out there evaluates you on a range of criteria- academic capability, career progression, impact on organization, leadership potential, overall personality development, sense of career direction- these are the key ones. You are on track for academic capability, but the other components need some more work. Delay your MBA plans by another 2-3 years, and develop those fronts.

Career direction involves not just knowing what you want from your career a few years from now, but also how the MBA will help you achieve that, and how an MBA from a particular school will help. I suggest that you read up more about individual b-schools and visit them when you can. This kind of research is required to know whether its a Stanford, HBS, CBS or another b-school.

Hope that helps,

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

One more quick point on this. I totally agree on the comments above, they are 100% on point. One thing to really consider with these schools is that in an odd way being numerically qualified carries a little less weight than some of the other lower ranked programs. These schools could literally fill an entire class with people with similar schools, but they don't. Really look at the application process as a holistic package and focus on what make you and your candidacy unique and try and build a package around these elements to create a truly differentiated application. You have to stand out at these schools and the numbers alone will not do it. Again, i agree with most of the responses above, I would recommend waiting a few years to apply.

Hope this helps!

Hope this helps!

Blandman121 · Answer

Thanks for the responses everyone! I've come to agree with the consensus here that though my scores might put me in the "second glance" pile of applications, I don't have a rounded enough package to seriously complete with the older candidates, who likely have similar scores and much more experience.

High GRE/GPA, little work experience- what tier should I apply to?

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