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UNCBOUND
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BD1231
Thanks StratusMBACounselor! Very thoughtful and helpful response. Cheers.

You are welcome! So glad it was helpful and I do wish you the best as you go through this process!
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Ok StratusMBACounselor , follow up question. Would you recommend applying for 2017 intake or 2018 intake? I have a friend that is starting at Fuqua in the fall and he’s recommending I don’t wait any longer. This has got me thinking that I really don’t want to wait 2+ years to start a program.
If I applied for 2017 intake: I’d likely stay in the same role I’m in now. Post MBA career goal would be to do strategy consulting for companies in healthcare industry. I’d be 26 entering the program. My fear is that I wouldn’t have enough experience to reach post-MBA career goal. I’d have less time to save for the MBA program, but I’d be making a better salary sooner in life so it would make up for it.
If I applied for 2018 intake: I’d likely find a job for larger consulting firm NOW, that way I can increase the likelihood of convincing ADCOM that my post-MBA career goals are within reach. Assuming this job switch is overall beneficial and is not out of left field. I’d have more time to prepare for the program(savings, etc.)

Given my profile, how do you think both routes would affect my admission chances at the target schools given(if at all)? Thanks again!
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BD1231
I agree with your friend at Duke. I would not suggest switching jobs again so soon to applying for B School as you'd then have 3 jobs in your 5 yrs and while you probably can position that, it would need to be managed. With the money you will be gaining with a higher starting salary sooner- you may want to look into a counselor like our experts at Stratus Prep - shameless plug :) Because we help people tell their most compelling story and most of your competition is seeking help. (Recent survey done by Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants says that less than 20% of those applying to B school do so on their own- with friends, consultants and family the groups most likely to be helping. )We have counselors with strong healthcare backgrounds and school specific expertise that can help you best position yourself. Truly, if you want to have your best shot at R1 2017 you should be working on your messaging and applications NOW... I have clients currently doing essay outlines for R1 already. So do consider getting a free consult on our website. There isn't an official "right" or "wrong" here for all the reasons you outlined. But honestly 26 is a great age to start an MBA- just under most avgs but enough experience usually that work experience is not the driving issue in the admissions decision. I think for many of the schools you are targeting, R1 now is an option for you.
Hope that helps!

BD1231
Ok StratusMBACounselor , follow up question. Would you recommend applying for 2017 intake or 2018 intake? I have a friend that is starting at Fuqua in the fall and he’s recommending I don’t wait any longer. This has got me thinking that I really don’t want to wait 2+ years to start a program.
If I applied for 2017 intake: I’d likely stay in the same role I’m in now. Post MBA career goal would be to do strategy consulting for companies in healthcare industry. I’d be 26 entering the program. My fear is that I wouldn’t have enough experience to reach post-MBA career goal. I’d have less time to save for the MBA program, but I’d be making a better salary sooner in life so it would make up for it.
If I applied for 2018 intake: I’d likely find a job for larger consulting firm NOW, that way I can increase the likelihood of convincing ADCOM that my post-MBA career goals are within reach. Assuming this job switch is overall beneficial and is not out of left field. I’d have more time to prepare for the program(savings, etc.)

Given my profile, how do you think both routes would affect my admission chances at the target schools given(if at all)? Thanks again!