Undergraduate student applying to top MBA programs.

Question

Hello, I am and undergraduate students enrolled in a Bachelor of International Economics and Management with major in Finance. I am at my first-out-of-three year of bachelor (I am studying in Italy and we have a 3-year bachelor course). 
It may seem a little early to start thinking about the GMAT and MBA admission but this application and this program are TOO IMPORTANT for me to blow it all up. That's why I already bought the Kaplan and the Official GMAT guide : I want to be sure I have done everything possible to succeed when I take the test.
  I have to get accepted!  
However, I know the GMAT is not the only crucial factor in the admission process. 
I have been reading a lot about the required work experiences. 
 IS IT really that IMPORTANT and how should an undergraduate student approach the admission process ? 
What are other important criteria used to select students in the top MBA programs?

mzg · Answer

Hi there,

Each school has its own previous experience requirement. Usually around 2 or 3 years. And yes,  it is usually mandatory! .

Besides, I don't mean to be rude, but one of the most important things from an MBA is to nourish from your classmate experience. It is not just study some statistics or marginal costs, is about understanding business. 
For me it is very hard to think about a non job experience MBA student. How would you stand out in your apps? I mean, there are a lot of applicants who are brilliant students and have a Msc in fincances. Valuable life experiencies migh compensate., like being a high competence athlete or have been in the army.

I am just curious. Why do you HAVE to be accepted now? I presume you are really young....

Even if you would get accepted with no previous experience, I believe that you will truly appreciate and MBA with a few year of being around.

But you know, just my opinion.

Cheers!

mappleby · Answer

You should approach the process by NOT APPLYING. Keep business school in the back of your mind as a goal. Maybe take the GMAT since you are still in test-taking mentality. Then get a job. Work for a minimum of 2 years and then start thinking about applying. That's really the honest truth. You need work experience, period.

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

I agree with the previous poster. Why the rush? Business school will always be there. Plus, it will be far more valuable to go after a few years of experience. You will be able to learn more by having things you can relate class material too. Also, if you want to be competitive for recruiting, companies will want to see a few years of experience on your resume. Should you decide to apply straight away, you will of course have to be top notch in the rest of your profile with an outstanding GMAT score, GPA, extracurriculars and essays.

Admissionado · Answer

Although an MBA is not for candidates without work experience, if you are looking for an alternative Masters that will help you get a "business" job without working first you can look into MiM (Masters in Management) programs, Masters in Finance, Accounting or Economics.

Hope this helps!!!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

To echo the sentiments above work experience is very important and is one of the primary criteria your application will be evaluated against. First step is deciding what your career post-grad will look like and focus on the necessary steps needed to reach these goals. Prepping for the GMAT is something you can do now but I would recommend thinking through your desired career path as another initial step

Undergraduate student applying to top MBA programs.

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