blessyouboys wrote:
Hello, I'm brand new here and wanted to get some thoughts on how I might fare in applying to MBA programs next year or the year after.
I should start by saying that I haven't taken the GMAT or GRE yet - part of the reason I want input is to see whether it's worth it for me to try.
Age: 25
UG: Small Liberal Arts College, studied Social Sciences and Philosophy
GPA: 3.89/4.00
Extracurriculars: Interned for the CFO at my College one summer, served as a student representative to the Board of Trustees and on the faculty search committee.
After UG I took the LSAT, got a 167 and did a year of law school at a top 25 school before deciding I wasn't crazy about the idea and practice of law. I got a 3.75 during my year there.
Since leaving, I've worked at law firms for about a year and a half (easiest thing to do when leaving law school) and now work in fundraising at a major public university. Probably about 18-20 months of full time employment so far.
I don't really know how scholarship assistance works at business schools. I had great scholarships in UG and at law school and would like to go that way again, but if paying sticker price meant I could go to a vastly superior school I'd certainly consider it. What sort of GRE/GMAT score would I need to perform well in the applications and what schools am I best off looking at? Is there any disadvantage to taking the GRE instead of the GMAT? I feel stronger about my qualitative/verbal than quantitative skills.
Thanks in advance!
Hello hello,
Well you have a miiighty interesting profile there. Quite different from a lot of candidates, and it's a good thing.
So first thing's first... when to apply? Now is too early. Next year would make a LOT more sense. I mean you are really on the low side of work experience, and the majority of people going to Bschool with your level of experience are coming from either consulting or finance, so take your time, gain your experience, advance at work. One year will fly by.
Next, GRE vs. GMAT: You can take whichever is easier/better for you. Regarding your quant though, do keep in mind that one way or another the schools will want to be sure anyhow that you have some quant skills, so if you don't have anything in your liberal arts degree, you may want to take some coursework.
Finally, since you have plenty of time, I'd say start to think NOW about what you can do over the next 15 months or so to IMPROVE your profile - getting promoted, taking on leadership, volunteering more, etc. etc. whatever it is your profile lacks, now is a great time to work on that as well.
If you have any other Qs don't hesitate,
Best,
JF