ACNguy wrote:
Alright, I've read all of this and really need to chime in here because there's a lot of poor information going on here.
1). If you're looking to CHANGE careers (ie from your "retail" job to consulting or finance) you really need to go to a Full Time program. They provide the necessary summer internships, networking opportunities, and access to all of the recruiting services offered at these programs. Most PT students do NOT have access to this.
2). You say you work for T-Mobile in retail and not at a HQ. If that means you work in a T-Mobile store selling phones/plans you really are going to have a hard time spinning your previous work experience into anything truly meaningful. I don't mean to be harsh and you may actually not be doing this but that's what I interpretted.
3). You can't say I want to go into finance or consulting. These are two TOTALLY different things. B-School admissions are about having a clear idea of where you've been and exactly where you want to go and how that specific school can help you get there.
4). To the poster that did the supposed breakdowns of each school, for the most part you have some really big mistakes that you've made. UChicago, for example is not known for management or entrepreneurship, but finance. Also, it's really hard to deny that despite school's supposed "specialty" schools like Harvard or Stanford open up all doors as well.
5). I really hope you have a better reason for wanting to get into consulting because you make a lot of money and because you "feel you'd be really good in a management type role."
6). Not going to a FT program because you don't have 100K saved up doesn't make sense. Barely anyone has that money saved up and if they do they certainly aren't blowing it all on school. Many people max out the full amount on loans or very close to it for a FT program (And think closer to 150K, not 100K...)
7). Not to burst your bubble but unlike Law School, b-schools aren't completely hung up on only GPA and GMAT scores. So by simply looking at the schools average GMAT and GPA and saying "I have a pretty good shot at all 3" is a little foolish.
Again, I'm sorry if I came off as harsh I just want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what you're getting into and the amount of work necessary to get into top programs and the exepcations of you to get there and what you can get out of it. Best of luck, make sure to read up on many of the posts that are made on this site by those that came before you, it's really invaluable advice.
I would rather get the truth no matter how harsh it may be =)
In response to number:
1) No one has pointed out with such clarity the differences between PT and FT. Most people say it is the same thing. The only school that I have come across from my research, (at least an obvious difference) is Stern. I never thought of summer internships...hmmmm...as far as career services go, can't you access the same things as FT students?
2) I am a manager for T-Mobile, not just a sales rep. If I needed to transfer to any part of the US and had to demote myself (assuming I get in a Top tiered program) I would. I was a district manager for (back in the day when it was Cingular) AT&T. Prior to joining T-Mobile (which is what made me realize I need to go back to school) I was in charge of a pool company’s sales division. I would say I realized my true potential while doing this job. I created a compensation plan, implemented new procedures and computer systems, etc… basically brought my knowledge of the corporate world to a small sized company with about 50 employees. I will definitely stress my experience from this position.
3) As far as the 2 fields, I put what I truly would like to do. Management consulting first, then finance. I still have a few months to decide, however consulting seems to be a better fit for me since I am a social person.
5) What else should I take into consideration? I think it is a fair assumption that most people get their MBA for better opportunities = more money. I feel that I would be good in that field, so it seems a right fit
6) Realistically I would not be able to afford going FT. The maximum that you can possibly borrow (given the credit crunch) is realistically not going to be higher than 100k. (Taking into consideration federal limits then adding private loans which depend on your debt to income ratio) I have a mortgage (cant sell house, upside down, cant foreclose because then I won’tt be able to get loans) I would have to pay rent if I move, add in car payment for something reliable bills etc… I will be at $2000 a month conservatively. Unless you know of any loan programs that I am not aware of, I think my affordability does play a role.
7) With my personal essays and accomplishments that I achieved at a young age I am sure I will be able to get in (dependent upon GMAT score). Yes I understand there are people with 4.0 GPAs and 800 scores that get shot down from Harvard, Stanford, etc… but I truly feel my life story is a positive one given the obstacles that I have had to overcome throughout my life.
Thanks for your input; I will definitely look into the summer internships you spoke of.
If the spelling/grammar is off, it is because the screen keeps jumping up and down as I enter text into the field.
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24 Jul 2010, 17:16
As of right now I am getting High 600s on practice GMATs and just recently started studying for verbal i.e. today. My verbal sucks! English was the 4th language I learned,(I was 10 when we came here 29 now), not to use it as an excuse because it has been so long, however I never took English class seriously, and I am paying for it now. 
