Ur input needed guys.....

Question

I am currently doing my masters in econ. I am applyin for MBA fall 2007. Fall 2007 is also my last semester at my current program. I always wanted to do my MBA. Because of some circumstances I had to apply for masters of econ. After my undergrad program, I was plannin to get a job and take a year off before I apply for my MBA. Unfortunately, I could not find a job. I had to pick: Either go back home ( I was on J1 visa at the time) or apply to a new program. Is it a good idea to mention this in my interview and my essays? What do you guys think about it?

pelihu · Answer

I wouldn't talk about that. Makes it sound as if you have no direction.

rhyme · Answer

NO, do not put it this way at all. The immediate thought I would have as an adcom is "So, uhm, is the MBA just another way to keep his visa status then?"

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

How should I put it? I have taken couple MBA and Quant classes so far. Is it a good idea to mention it? WHat do you think is an answer to the question: " Why do you want to quit ur program?" is?

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

Another possible question from the adcom: Why in the first place did you start this program?

lepium · Answer

It will be tough, but you may be able to crack it with research and hard work. 

Career focus issue: Either you changed plans or realized that an MBA will be much better. Serious research needed here: talk to people in the industry / position, talk to alumni from both programs and figure out the differences, etc. Changing plans is somehow more risky. Even when MBA grads do change all the time (I wonder how many actually do what they commit in their apps!) it will sound as if you change your mind about important things quite easily and adcoms won't like that.

Course waivers / 1 yr programs: try to focus on 1yr. programs that will waive courses (eg: Kellogg's). You may stand a better chance there as it might make more sense.

Stats: Make sure your stats look competitive. If they were competitive when you applied to MS, then even better. If not, retake GMAT and ace classes.

Other than that, i suggest you get as much help as you can. 

Try to connect with alumni who have followed a similar path (i.e.: MS and then MBA) and get advice. I've heard they do exist in relevant (albeit far from majority) numbers.

To finalize, I would recommend an admissions consultant to help you on the strategy for your specific situation.

Hope it helps. Cheers.
L.

Hjort · Answer

Is there any way to accelerate the Masters of Econ so you can finish it before the MBA program would begin?

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

I have only one core class left which is only taught in the fall

There is no way I can finish the program this summer

dukes · Answer

Why don't you take some time to work between your MA and MBA?

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

My undergrad is in international studies, but the area I wanna work in is financial analysis. It is kind of tough to get a job in finance without a degree.

EconGirl · Answer

I think that lepium and duke's advice are sound. Understand that most MBA programs value work experience and the fact that you will have none will be an issue.

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

Can't other areas like GMAT and GPA cover the lack in work exp?

jaynayak · Answer

It would to some extent if you have say GMAT > 750 and GPA > 3.8.
Even then if you have to show strong leadership and community experience while in college.

dukes · Answer

You don't think you can get a finance job with an MA in economics?

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

Not in Nebraska :cry:

Dilshod · Answer

What is overall length of your full-time WE? What are you target schools?

dukes · Answer

No offense, but the fact that you keep staying in school because a) you want to maintain US residency, and b) you're not able to land you dream job in Nebraska, isn't going to win you alot of sympathy points.

EconGirl · Answer

It is also important to consider what is the type of school where you would like to get your MBA. If it is not a top ranked program than you will probably be OK without much work experience.

Tajik4GMAT · Answer

I do not quite get what you mean by this.

Dilshod: I do not have that much experience in the field I wanna be. Iam only applyin to one school

Econ girl: The school that I am applyin to is Near Elite Frontier.

Ur input needed guys.....

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