U5UWZLP5 wrote:
Thanks very much for your help! I took the GMAT last week and got a 780 (Q50 V8). I am planning to go into nonprofit management and would like to apply to an MBA program sometime in the next five years, but because my work experience is relatively limited, I'm trying to figure out what would be the best year for me to apply.
Demographics: 25-year-old white guy
Undergrad: Top 5 liberal arts college; 3.63 GPA, B.A. in Psychology
I'm currently in a Master of Social Work program at a school in Texas.
Experience: 1.5 years as an AmeriCorps VISTA member--I spoke to faith communities about unaccompanied minors fleeing to the US from Central America and preared an educational toolkit on forced migration.
I'll complete 1,000 hours as a social work intern as part of my program (so maybe half a year full-time equivalent?).
I spent a year in a Catholic religious order, but realized I was not called to celibacy--thus the transition to social work.
Following my graduation from the MSW in 2018, I plan to work in the social services/mental health sector. I would ultimately wish to work as an administrator in this field, which is why I'm interested in an MBA.
My questions are: (1 What year should I apply to enter an MBA program the following year, assuming I work full-time after graduating? I know that experience is my weak spot right now. I'd like to apply sooner rather than later, but I also wouldn't want to jeopardize my chances.
(2 What would my chances be at these schools (I may narrow this list down as time goes on):
1. Yale
2. Harvard
3. Wharton
4. Cornell (My dad did law school here but I doubt there's any legacy tradition)
5. Georgetown
6. Columbia
7. UVA (sister did undergrad here; I may become an in-state resident)
8. UT
Thanks again! P.S. I'm typing from a phone, so apologies for any typos.
780!! Why so low dude?
Look, with your background and goals, it would be folly for you to apply outside of Top 10, not unless you prefer these schools and are aiming for full scholarship. I'd also add Stanford to your list if you want, they really like profiles like yours and have some good social entrepreneurship/NGO guys.
On a side note, a nice thing about Yale is that if you work in non-profit and make less than 75K a year (I think) a couple of years after graduation, there's tuition forgiveness...
You are right though that you need more work experience. I'd saying having two years in the bag is the absolute minimum. Three can be better, but it depends upon what you are doing.
Just keep up the social work, and find something that hopefully goes in the direction you are looking at.
Best of luck,
and if you have any other questions, drop a line!
Best,
JF
close
14 Nov 2016, 14:10
