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Moxmith
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Timing of Applications 17 Sep 2013, 03:37
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Hi guys -

I took the GMAT this past weekend. Now that I have that out of the way, I can turn my focus to my applications. I am hoping to get some advice regarding when the best time to apply will be. First, I'll give a summary of my profile.

- 740 GMAT: 48Q 44V
- 3.50 undergrad GPA at top 5 school
- BA in economics
- Played varsity football
- 8 months work experience in supply chain finance at a consumer products company

I am very excited to start business school, and want to do so as soon as possible. A the same time, I understand that my relative lack of work experience is the weak point on my resume. I do not want to jeopardize my chances of getting into a top school by applying too early. The options I am considering are applying now for a fall 2014 start, or waiting another ~year and applying to start in 2015. Any advice or suggestions on the best path would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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missxmelon
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Timing of Applications 17 Sep 2013, 07:35
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8 months of WE is very little; you'd have less than two years under your belt if you were to start fall 2014. I would wait at least another year to apply and develop your extra-curricular activities, as well as work towards a promotion. Is there a reason why you want to start business school so soon, i.e. are your career goals well defined?
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Moxmith
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Timing of Applications 17 Sep 2013, 18:09
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Thanks for the reply. There are a number of reasons, but primarily it is because I do not feel challenged enough in my current role. I feel that going to business school will enable me to reach that point where I do feel sufficiently challenged that much sooner.

Ultimately I would like to work in either investment banking or consulting, but to answer your question, no, I do not have a clearly defined career path at this point.
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missxmelon
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Timing of Applications 17 Sep 2013, 19:41
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Would it be possible for you to get a job in investment banking or consulting soon? I know you want to go to business school to get into those fields, but with your background you could easily secure an entry-level position without an MBA. I only ask because if you're not being challenged in your current role, you may not have good work examples to write about in your essays. Switching into investment banking or consulting now and working for a year or two would significantly strengthen your application. The work experience in those fields would also help you define your career goals better for when you do apply.

Business school is definitely challenging, but it sounds like you need a more challenging work, not academic, environment.
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CriticalSquare
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Timing of Applications 18 Sep 2013, 15:41
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Hey there,

Short answer is to definitely wait. 8 months really just isn't enough work experience. 2 years is generally the lower end cut off and that's when applicants come from an accelerated career path. I know another poster mentioned trying to get into banking or consulting now and, not to appear rude - they're just trying to help, that's going to be incredibly difficult for you. At your age, jobs in both those industries are filled directly out of undergrad with very little, if any, direct hiring. You lack the expertise and, because you didn't start there, the abilities to succeed and generate an ROI worth their time.

That's just the honesty of the situation.

That said, however, you have an amazing GMAT score along with a variety of other things going for you (undergrad reputation, extracurriculars, sports, etc.). If you're not challenged where you're currently employed, explore realistic opportunities to improve your profile. Keep in mind, your story will need to still make sense when you apply even if it doesn't tie too accurately with your personal goals. By that I mean if you're in supply chain now and then move to real estate but state you want to do banking, it's going to appear a little all over the place.

If you'd like to chat more about what lies ahead, don't hesitate to reach out - I'd be happy to chat with you about this.

Bhavik