Pre MBA coursework guidance

Question

Hello:

I live in Los Angeles and have a degree in classical music, and would like to apply in the fall or winter to some Top 20 full time programs.

Since i didn't take math as a music major, I'd like to take some courses this summer and fall in order to beef up my quant background. I scored a 157 quant on the GRE, and a 158 Verbal.

I noticed UCLA offers extension courses in accounting and statistics, but they do not issue a transcript upon completion, I just learned.

Would it still be acceptable to some top B schools to complete some kind of extension coursework with no transcript to help demonstrate my quant ability, or should I go to a community college instead where I will be issued a grade and transcript for the class? Does it make any difference?

I also found a company online called MBA Math, which does issue a completion transcript with grades for various core classes... Is this an acceptable form of preliminary coursework in the eyes of Adcoms?

Thanks for the input.

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hello! Good for you for thinking ahead. Generally it's best to have a course where they give you a grade. Otherwise schools have no idea how well you did. I generally recommend local community colleges, they are a great source. Extension courses online or MBAmath are good options too, as long as you get a grade. I've had clients use MBAmath so it is definitely acceptable. I thought that UCLA Extension did offer transcripts, I think you just need to pay for them - see here: https://www.uclaextension.edu/Pages/str ... ripts.aspx. If that doesn't work out then you may want to check out Berkeley's online courses.

Hope this helps and good luck!!

rd4740 · Answer

Thank you for the quick reply... I will double check the UCLA info.

May I ask your opinion on whether I have a decent shot at a Top 20 school with good pre MBA coursework grades, 158 Verbal / 157 Quant GRE scores, a 3.05 undergrad and 3.66 grad GPA (bachelor and master in music from USC), and 4 yrs of a full time day job at a major television network?

I'm interested in a management or consulting track in media or career switching into Real Estate.

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Sure, I'd be happy to weigh in. I think top 10 may be tough, but top 20 seems reasonable, perhaps dipping into the 20-30 range for one safety option. I always encourage applying to a range of programs to diversity your chances.

I'd say your academic track record, particularly your Quant skills, is the only real concern. But it sounds like you're taking the right steps to take supplemental Quant courses. Is it possible for you to retake the GRE? That would be another option, to try to boost your Quant score up to the mid 160s.

Working at a TV network may give you an edge because that's not a very common pre-MBA role and schools are always looking for diverse classes. Just make sure you've got examples of the skills b-schools are looking for such as leadership (of people or projects), curiosity, initiative, teamwork, critical thinking, etc. In particular make sure you can demonstrate that although you have a non-business background, you still have a business mindset (e.g., you understand how your role impacts the network's bottom line, you've participated in strategic decision making related to the network's vision, etc.).

I think the other area for you to think some more about is your career goal story. Schools are open to career switchers but it may be a more logical story to tell in your applications to focus on the media angle. You could still be open to opportunities in real estate once you get in but schools may see you as less of a risk if they know that your immediate post-MBA goals relate more closely to your experience so far. Just something to think about.

Good luck with the process and keep us posted if we can help!

rd4740 · Answer

Hi again:

Thank you so much for the advice... I am definitely open to continuing to work in media, so that perhaps is a good starting choice like you say.

If I completed the MBA Math review course this summer, do you feel that will be a sufficient boost to my quant background, or should I also do a comm college course? I found a good Math for Management course through UCLA extension... I'd like to apply in Round 1, and want to show proficiency as much as i can before applying, which is why MBA Math appealed to me.

Do you think it makes a difference which I start with?

Thanks again for your input.

mbaMissionKate · Answer

I don't think the order matters that much. So if the MBAmath option appeals to you, I'd say start there and see how it goes. It should give you pretty broad exposure to Math concepts and then you can decide if you want to go deeper after that. I'm not sure that the Math for Management course you mention would add a whole lot more - perhaps try something like Business Stats or Accounting if you want to supplement the MBAmath option. I think if you were to just take MBAmath that would help to address concerns. It's hard to say whether that would be sufficient though as taking more courses can't really hurt. It's also hard for me to judge how much time you have too - the essays and applications will take up a fair amount of time. You can always plan to start another course around the time you apply, write in your application that you plan to take it, and then update the school later once you complete it (before they release their decisions of course

). Hope this helps!

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