Hi
mbaMission,
I was hoping you could help me make sense of my prospects if I entered the application process. I would really like to do an MBA, but I'm not a traditional applicant. I can't work out where I stand and if I should give up on an MBA as an option.
I have a B.A., M.A. and a Phd "all but dissertation" in Modern History. The first two are from a UK University (where I'm from), the latter from a very good US Public School, top ranked in History.
My undergrad GPA is difficult because it's from the UK, but it's comparable to a 3.8-4.0
I'm first generation college, and was not educated in English, though I am fluent.
Alongside school I worked part time jobs including teaching positions and communications in these schools.
I also ran my own small but successful retail business between aged 19 and 26, when I left for the U.S. I had 10-12 employees.
Since leaving the PhD program at aged 28 I have worked a temporary operations position on a political campaign and done some freelance work.
I haven't taken the GMAT (the verbal side will be fine since I aced both the GRE verbal and the LSAT. I think my GRE was something like 170 V 161 Q).
I definitely have some quant catching up to do since Math classes stop earlier in UK high schools. I would have to go to get some precalc and stats and study hard for the quant section of the GMAT.
I would like to work in tech in some capacity (could also be the tech arm of a traditional business), in people operations, marketing or perhaps business operations. I'm not particularly interested in big consultancies or finance.
Am I too atypical/old (31)/ humanities an to be considered by T-20 schools?
Should I try to get a year or two work experience in US corporate before applying? I fear that none of my jobs from the UK look impressive or recognizable to an American adcomm.
If I apply now - or if I apply after getting 1/2 years more experience - what kinds of schools should I look at? [I have a fondness for Anderson after attending their open day. I'm also West Coast]
Should I consider a coach since I clearly have to create a compelling narrative?
Thanks in advance! I've been spinning my wheels for months.