Hi, and thank you so much in advance, I would love your input in what my chances are for the Kellogg PT Weekend MBA, or if I should wait for the Duke Executive MBA (the other program that I am targeting)
About me:
I am a 29-year-male (30-31 at the time of matriculation), South American (Venezuelan) who moved to the US 10 years ago due to my country's political and safety instability. (I am a dual citizen now US/Venezuelan)
Undergrad in Management Information System from a State School, GPA: 3.47 (I worked full time while going to school as a 1st generation college graduate/immigrant without any family support)
Work Experience: 7 Years total 3 years (or 4 at the time of matriculation) post graduation and 4 pre-undergrad where I worked at the same bank I am currently working (I started as a teller> Customer Service Rep> Personal Banker> Licensed Personal Banker 2)
Then Started working in Corporate Risk for the same company (based in Charlotte), Analyst > AVP > Senior AVP (recent promotion)
I am planing to do the PT Weekend MBA as I read, I can do some classes online and others I could travel on weekends (I'm married and father of a toddler, so there is no full-time option for me).
My goal is to growth in the financial industry (I would love a more global role where I can use my international experience).
I am a strong supported of DE&I causes (I am a council member at my current company) and an advocate for increasing diversity in the financial industry sector as I currently lead the DE&I outreach on the early talent program in my area.
Question:
Should I work on my application (Ideally for 2025) without submitting a GMAT (as I qualify for the automatic waiver) or should I spend time and study for either GMAT/ EA (I am somewhat good with test, but bear in mind that English is my second language)
Also, since I am based in Charlotte, and where Duke is a huge brand, but they don't offer a part-time option, only Weekend Executive MBA, should I wait and then do the Weekend Executive MBA there?
I feel that Kellogg is more diverse, and I could thrive there, with better international branding (goal of working in an international banking function), but also it looks much harder to get in, plus the travel time (but I don't mind sleeping in hostels and flying on Spirit to make it happen as I am a very frugal person lol)
Cost Kellogg is cheaper as I qualify for the Accelatred MBA option (127k vs 167k of Duke)
Thanks in advance!