What schools should I look at?

Question

Please give me some advice on what schools I have a realistic chance of getting into.

Profile

Age: 21
Gender: M

GPA 3.7 in Economics from Centre College (KY), some extracurricular activities. I have made Dean's list and I am in the economics honor society. I also did not take one joke class in undergrad.

660 GMAT. 5.5 AWA, 39 Quant, 41 Verbal. 

2 internships at CSX Transportation.

ZERO full-time work experience.

Again, what schools do I have a good shot at that are below the Mason Dixon line and east of the Mississippi? 

I am not looking to get into a super elite program but is William & Mary an option?

goblman · Answer

Also, would a MAcc be a good back up plan? What type of programs could I get into?

riverripper · Answer

I am not Paul but I have a question that may actually help him give you some schools that are suited for you.

Today, MBAs are generally aimed at people with work experience, most good schools accept a very small percentage of students with less than 2 years experience and one a few individuals with none and those are usually stars. You are coming right out of school, why do you need an MBA at this point? What are you planning on doing? 

Something to consider; the level of school you attend means a great deal in the MBA world. Someone coming for a top 10 school is going to have far more opportunities than someone coming out of a far less recognized school. Just look at the companies and starting salaries from a top school and then some unranked state school, a top school will have an average comp package nearly double the other and at the best companies. 

You have a good GPA, your verbal on the GMAT is solid and the Quant is the easier score to raise...if you get 3 or 4 years solid work experience and then aim at higher tier schools you will be much better off career wise in the long term.

Accepted.com · Answer

goblman,

I generally agree with riverripper's comments: usually people without work experience are only admitted if they have outstanding profiles. So my advice would be to wait a couple of years since you seem to have the makings of a strong applicant some day. Don't let your undergrad school worry you too much. As long as your GMAT score is high and you show good leadership across the board (work, extracurriculars, community) you'll be fine. But if you're dead set on applying now then the following schools meet your criteria, and you may have a shot at them if your Why MBA story is good:

--Georgia Inst. of Tech.
--Tulane
--Virginia Tech
--U. South Carolina
--U. of Georgia
--Wake Forest

Good luck,

goblman · Answer

Thanks for the advice. I will not pursue a MBA yet.

I have decided to look at schools that offer a MSA degree.

Right now I have cut down my list to these schools:
North Carolina
Vanderbilt
William & Mary
Wake Forest

Do you think I have a decent shot at gaining admission at these schools?

Accepted.com · Answer

goblman,

Sorry for the late reply. I am not well versed on the admission requirements of MSA programs, but given your undergrad GPA and solid GMAT score (both as indications of your intellectual ability to handle these programs) my guess is you would be competitive at all four of those schools.

Good luck,

What schools should I look at?

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