should I apply or not?

Question

Hi,
I am not sure if I have a good chance to be accepted to HBS right after I finish my undergrad. degree. I am 24. I am a senior majoring in Finance and Economics with 4.0 GPA at Simmons College (Boston, MA). I donâ€™t have any full time experience, but I have 2 years of part-time experience in the Investment Consulting industry. Additionally, I own and operate a B&B in Boston. I have two 6-month internships (index research & brokerage). I have many extracurricular activities and some volunteer work. I have not taken GMAT yet, but I hope to get around 700-710. If I get 710 on the GMAT, should I try to apply to Harvard or should I wait?
Thanks. :-D

Accepted.com · Answer

Do your extra-curricular activities have leadership experience? Could you give an example or two?

nadia0410 · Answer

Hi Linda,

Thank you very much for your reply. My extra-curricular activities have some leadership experience. I am not sure if it is enough to be accepted to HBS though.
By the time I graduate in May 2005:
I will have been a co-president in my school's investment club for two years. My duties include helping new members become more familiar with the investment field (specifically personal investments), managing the clubâ€™s funds (we have real money!), organizing marketing and advertising campaigns and signing trades.

I was a volunteer tutor at a local youth organization (for 6 month). I taught disadvantaged kids math and science.

I did fundraising research for a local homeless shelter (for 6 month).

I was a photographer and later an assistant business manager for my schoolâ€™s yearbook (1.5 years total).

I was a tutor for computer science and economics classes while I was taking those classes (2 semesters total).

I was a volunteer usher at my school Annual Womenâ€™s Leadership Conference with Carly Fiorina, Whoopy Goldberg and Jane Fonda (1 semester total including workshops)

Could you please let me know if this extra-curricular work is good enough to apply to HBS?

Thanks, Nadia

Hjort · Answer

Hi,

Please address why NOW is the optimal time for an MBA instead of a few years later?

Hjort

nadia0410 · Answer

Hi Hjort,
Thanks for your question. Going to HBS has been my dream for four years now. I have been working hard to succeed in an American college, take on some leadership opportunities both at school and at work, and develop a solid reputation among my peers.

I am planning to continue developing myself as a person, a scholar and a business woman, so I guess in that sense I will be a better candidate in the eyes of the HBS admissions committee two or three years from now. However, I strongly believe that I can bring a unique and valuable experience in its classroom now. Additionally, I think that getting the HBS experience sooner rather than later will only further my personal and career growth.
Thanks, Nadia

Hjort · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for responding. From the outset, it is important to note that I am a strong proponent of chronological diversity in MBA programs. Indeed, the fewer nongermane restrictions we place on education, the better off we are as a society. While I appreciate your comments I would like to see a "sharper" rationale for admission directly from college. Specifically, what is the marginal utility of attending now relative to attending three or four years later? How we you make use of your education in the next few years that makes attending "early" especially valuable in your case?
Is attending HBS an end or a means to some other end?

Hjort

nadia0410 · Answer

Hi Hjort,

I have certain goals for my business career. I see little benefit in waiting to 2-3 years to start working on achieving these goals.

So, do you think I have a reasonable chance of being accepted to HBS one year after college? 
Thanks, Nadia

Accepted.com · Answer

Nadia,

Your extra-curriculars are fine and do evidence leadership, especially your co-presidency of the schools' investment club. Obviously, I can't say for sure if your work experience and extra-curriculars are good enough to get you into Harvard straight out of college. I can say that if HBS will accept someone straight out of college, it will be someone like you -- extensive internships, extra-curricular leadership role(s), high GPA, and a competitive GMAT. 

At the same time I have to issue the following caveat, if you apply now and are rejected, then I would advise you to wait two years to reapply to HBS. 

Good luck!

nadia0410 · Answer

Hi Linda,

Thank you very much for your reply. 

Sincerely, Nadia

Hjort · Answer

Hi,

I obviously cannot tell you what to do, but based on the profile and interests you described I would throw the dice and see what happens.

Hjort

nadia0410 · Answer

Thanks Hjort! :wink:

should I apply or not?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards