Teacher Candidate

Question

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I'm interested in going to business school but want to know if I have a realistic shot given my profession. Quick facts:

Undergrad: Texas A&M, Political Science
3.5 gpa
hispanic (first in family to go to college)
GMAT: never taken
Years of Experience: 4 
Years Management Experience: 1?

I have been teaching elementary mathematics for four years. During this time I have earned several awards for outstanding leadership and teaching.

Leadership 
1) responsible for creating assessments and lesson plans for entire school district (37 elementary schools)
2) responsible for supervising teachers and providing feedback
3) responsible for analyzing student performance data and developing strategic plans for school improvement on state assessments

I would like to attend a school in Texas. I just don't know if I would make a good candidate. I have read many of the profiles here and most people have business backgrounds and/or business experience. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

cheetarah1980 · Answer

There are many people with non-business backgrounds in business school, including teachers. Do well on the GMAT, write a logical goals essay that synchs with your background, and you should get in somewhere. What schools in TX are you looking at?

scorpionz · Answer

There is no ideal candidate. You would make a great candidate if you can clearly link your reason for pursuing an MBA with your passions or career goals. There are tons of people from non business backgrounds in business schools. So you don't have to worry on that front at all..

If you think that an MBA can get you where you aspire to be, then stop thinking, start prepping for GMAT and jump headlong into the process. Even if you realize down the line in the process that an MBA is not really meant for you, at least you would've improved your Math skills even more and would have become a better elementary Math teacher..

(Just FYI..I know folks starting school this year with teaching backgrounds..so there's definitely a well set precedent)

josemnz83 · Answer

Thank you both for posting a reply. My dream school would be Texas A&M. I would also consider University of Houston because I live here and would not need to move. I must it is a little intimidating when I read on some of you guys' accomplishments and work experience background. I actually graduated undergrad in 2 years while working through college. One semester I took 21 hours of upper level Poli Sci courses at TAMU and earned a 4.0.

I would like to get an MBA because I would like to work as an administrator (in education). I feel that the MBA would allow me to earn the skills needed to perform such job more effectively, which in turn would help children obtain a better education, etc. That is the gist of my argument.

any thoughts? Anyone here from TAMU?

myEssayReview · Answer

I completely agree with scorpionZ. People change their careers all the time. B-Schools encourage candidates from non- traditional backgrounds.

The key here is you should be articulate about your transferable skills, your goals, the role of MBA to reach your goals ,and your contribution to the program. 
Looks like you have it all planned out. All you need to do is to present a convincing case for your self as to how MBA will help you get to your goal of becoming an administrator in education.

scorpionz · Answer

Sounds good josmnz83..From the gist of what you've written, am sure you can make a compelling argument for your candidacy..

There's a Texas A&M thread for 2012  here . Check it out, reach out to folks who applied and take it forward from there. In the meantime, do start your GMAT prep at the earliest if you're targeting Fall 2013.

Teacher Candidate

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