Applying to MBA programs while in college

Question

Hi all,

I am an undergraduate at an Ivy League school, and I am interested in attending Business school directly after graduation. I realize that the chances of acceptance to a top program are low without work experience, but I am looking into combined JD/MBA programs. I am currently preparing to take the GMAT, and am wondering if I would have a realistic chance at a top B-school after undergrad? Thank you very much.

coaks · Answer

I think you do. Many B-school adcoms mention that JD/MBAs, in particular, are given more slack in terms of work experience because your future employers will give you more slack. That is, since the companies you might want to work for with your JD/MBA are more comfortable hiring you without work experience, the business schools that depend on those companies' recruiting are, in turn, more comfortable admitting you without work experience.

Definitely make sure your stats are good for the programs to which you're applying and do some good research for what you want to both specifically with the MBA and with the joint degree. Focus on that and your interview skills and you should be good.

Rila · Answer

Thank you for your reply.

My passion is not corporate law, though I could see myself doing that. I am interested in operations and technology management, and have several specific areas of focus on the legal side. How important is it to apply early within the rounds? Also, how are rounds spaced out (e.g. one round - September, October)? What is the time frame between applying within the round, receiving an interview, and getting a decision?

lawgonebusiness · Answer

Go work for a couple of years, unless you can't find a job, then you will sound desperate to apply to b-school.

Jerz · Answer

Your chances of getting admitted to a top school are pretty slim right out of school. Even at schools like HBS, which definitely trends younger, there's very, very few people right out of school. At Kellogg, which is an "older" school, while there's not an outright minimum work experience required, the adcom does not look favorably on anyone who doesn't have at least 2 years experience. As far as I know, there's nobody at Kellogg who came right out of undergrad. As a student, I'd question how much anyone right out of undergrad could really contribute to the discussions in an MBA program, since so much of the discussions are based on or heavily influenced by the experiences we've had in the workforce. I think you'd be much better off getting a few years experience under your belt then applying.

Rila · Answer

Thanks again for the replies. I know two people out of my school at YBS (one is a friend), and as far as I've been informed it wouldn't be a problem if one has clearly detailed goals. Ofc, it depends on the numbers and summer internships as well.

merkin · Answer

I assume YBS is...Yale (YSOM)?

I would encourage you to look at your priorities. Many of the "skills" one acquires in an MBA can be had through far easier and less expensive routes than an MBA. You go for the networking, career shifting, etc ability.

Personally, I've never understood the JD/MBA except in the case of entrepreneurs who will need to do a lot of their own legwork. No law firm cares if you have a an MBA, and (unless being hired for a counsel role) not many businesses would care about the JD (again, lest they want to exploit your bar membership for some legal work in addition to your other duties). If you want to be a lawyer, get a JD, which can be readily had straight out of undergrad. If you need a little business boost, pick up some books. Conversely, if you're looking at a business route, an MBA isnt going to do much for your hiring prospects in a lot of industries without more (full-time) work experience. Sure people get them straight out of undergrad, or with 1 year of experience, but at 22, 23, I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do long term (though i was cocksure had you asked me at the time). I'd say go to law school or go to work, then reassess.

Just my 2c.

Rila · Answer

Hm....
I am more interested in law, but I think the MBA skill set is more practical and develops a different way of thinking. I am also certain I want to earn both degrees as they fit my professional interests, and I would much rather do it now than later when I have been out of school for a while.

Applying to MBA programs while in college

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