MBA after MBA

Question

Hello fellow GMATers!

I am a second year int-l student (from former ussr member country) in a US b-school which is currently ranked in the bottom of top 30 by usnews. I am relatively young - will turn 25 by the time I get my MBA degree. However, I realized that my school's mba would not provide me with the keys to all doors, and by the time I did, it was too late. I might go for non-profit after I graduate, retake a gmat (my current score is over 700), and do whatever it takes me to build a strong resume.

I am aiming only at top 3-5.

What do you guys/gals think, how adcoms generally perceive candidates who decide to go for a second exact same degree?

Thank you

Raabend · Answer

From what I have read, it will be nearly impossible to get accepted into an MBA program if you already have your MBA....especially an MBA from a US school. I know some Indian and international applicants apply to US b-schools when they have MBAs from their home countries, and even they find it nearly impossible to get into top US b-schools.....

Daler · Answer

yes, I heard that too. but i am still young enough to believe in miracles, or at least to be naive.

are there any particular schools who dislike second mba's?

and what about european schools?

Raabend · Answer

Im not sure. Your best bet would be to contact the schools directly. They should be very honest with their feelings on getting a second MBA.

dox · Answer

Your question would be better phrased as "are there any particular schools who DON'T dislike second mba's?" I do not know of any that would admit a student with a preexisting MBA from a US program, although it's not something that I have specifically researched.

You could take the ethically dubious route of not telling the school about your existing MBA (explaining that two year gap in work experience would be difficult) or not completing your current MBA, but those sorts of drastic steps would be counter-productive IMO. If you have what it takes to get in to the top 3-5 MBA programs, I doubt that you need one of those programs to get wherever it is that you wish to be given that you already have an MBA. You would be better served spending the two years gaining valuable work experience towards your long-term goal.

riverripper · Answer

I dont think its going to happen. If you got an MBA from some place in a foreign country, then it might be a possibility at some schools. However, already having an MBA from a US program pretty much will probably eliminate your ability to be admitted. I would say contact schools to see what they say but it doesnt seem promising.

sonibubu · Answer

Agreed with river. Why would a top program give up a spot to somebody who already has an MBA, rather that give it to somebody who doesn't have one?

Daler · Answer

I personally don't consider not telling a school about mba an ethical issue. it is my choice to spend 2 more years in school, paying the tuition, etc...don't see any harm to school or students. On the other hand, I would not want to start my career from a lie. But I am almost sure I can convince myself that it is for my own good. :-D

riverripper · Answer

If a school asks you what you have been doing for the last two years and you dont confess going to school for your MBA then they find out you will get kicked out for an honor code violation. If you dont address your last two years in your resume then you would have to write about why you have a work gap in your essays or you wont have any chance of getting into a good school. So either you lie and probably get caught at which point you can be booted out at anytime including a week before graduation...or you tell the truth and they wont accept you.

I say you ask adcoms at a few schools and see what they say. Some may tell you that its a holistic process and you will have a shot just to get you to apply. Personally I dont think you have a chance. You are better off spending your time and efforts into chasing jobs.

I say you ask adcoms at a few schools and see what they say. Some may tell you that its a holistic process and you will have a shot just to get you to apply. Personally I dont think you have a chance. You are better off spending your time and efforts into chasing jobs.

togafoot · Answer

the natural step should be the DBA

Daler · Answer

Thank you guys for honest replies. I really appreciate them.

pelihu · Answer

Just because you can convince yourself it is for your own good does not mean that it is an ethical decision. I can convince myself that it is for my own good to rob every single person weaker than myself as long as I don't get caught, but that is hardly ethical. Doesn't your top 30 school have an ethics requirement?

To get back to your original question, most schools specifically prohibit students who already have US MBAs from applying. You can check their websites and do your own research, but I definitely recall that all the top schools specifically ban applications from people who already hold MBAs. The only exception (as some others have suggested) are certain international MBA programs that are not at the same level (more equivalent to an undergrad business degree or something).

Anyhow, every single top school will ask you to provide details of every single year between getting your college degree and your application. You will have to lie on your application. Don't care what you think about it, it's a lie.

kwam · Answer

Why don't you go for an MS? There are shorter programs (1 year) that would open you many doors...

I don't think that the MBA thing will work out - sorry to be that straightforward. I think you need a second plan. What kind of industry do you want?

kryzak · Answer

I'm pretty sure none of the top 10 programs will admit someone who already has an MBA. I remember reading the FAQs on the Stanford and Haas webpages that says it. Not sure about UCLA and Kellogg, but I'm pretty sure none of the US schools in general will admit someone with an identical degree from another US school (this applies to MS in Sciences, Engineering, Finance, etc...). Sorry to dash your hopes.

One way is to drop out of your b-school right now (if you've only finished your first year) AFTER asking if the top 3-5 schools will accept you if you didn't complete your MBA.

One way is to drop out of your b-school right now (if you've only finished your first year) AFTER asking if the top 3-5 schools will accept you if you didn't complete your MBA.

sam77sam7 · Answer

I believe Michigan (Ross) is a Top School (not 3-5, but Top 10-15) that are accepting of 2nd MBAs. Not positive about this though.

I agree with above, your best bet is a DBA.

~Sam

VictoryMBA · Answer

If you absolutely believe that going back to school is the best option for you, I would recommend looking at an additional MA degree closely related to the field you are interested in. Enviornmental Studies, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Land Development, International Relations...I could go on and on. To be honest, my first thought was that if you just started working right after graduation, two years on you would probably be at the same position, if not higher than you would be coming from a higher ranked school with 2 yrs less WE. Especially if it's indeed top 30...

lanter1 · Answer

No, maybe PhD.

Daler · Answer

Interesting. Can you give me the source, please?

anyways, I am not considering Michigan. In my situation, it is worth quitting my current MBA only for the sake of top 5. 
I have another option: dropping the program before the beginning of the classes.

P.S.:The field I want to enter is very competitive, and based on my experience, solid mba is the shortest way to get in.

Thanks guys, really appreciate your insights.

-Regards,

cpgmba · Answer

Michigan does accept prospective students with MBA's. I was doing research last night and came across it.

Q: I already have an MBA. Can I still apply to Ross' MBA Program?
A. We do accept applications from individuals who have an MBA. However, you must explain through your application why you feel you need another MBA degree.

https://www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/Mba ... plying.htm

Definitely worth a shot! Good luck!

Daler · Answer

Why was I so stupid not to find this kind of forums earlier?! 
I've been browsing the forum for about an hour, and already got many answers to my questions. thank you all!

added to favorites.

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