U5UWZLP5
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.
Thanks for the detailed post and congrats on an incredible GMAT score. Clearly your stats are great so now we just have to focus on crafting the right profile so that you are ready once it is time to apply. I suggest working for a year before applying (and then matriculating with 3.5 years of experience). It is on the earlier side, but with your background it should be doable. The applicants I am working with now who have social experience are usually focused on one specific area so it would be great to dive into your background more and help you craft the right story. I often work with applicants 1-3 years away from applying to start the brainstorming process. Reach out if you want to discuss further.
scott@personalmbacoach.com To answer your question about schools:
1. Yale - Great chance
2. Harvard - Very good chance (I have a couple similar applicants interviewing now with lower stats, working on various social initiatives)
3. Wharton - Very good chance
4. Cornell (My dad did law school here but I doubt there's any legacy tradition) - Great chance
5. Georgetown - Great chance (you could get into a better school if you wanted)
6. Columbia - Great chance
7. UVA (sister did undergrad here; I may become an in-state resident) Great chance (you could get into a better school if you wanted)
8. UT Great chance (you could get into a better school if you wanted)
Best,
Scott