Veritas Prep Admissions Consultant
Joined: 05 Jan 2011
Posts: 29
Re: will you please estimate my chances?
[#permalink]
14 Feb 2011, 06:43
You are correct that it will be challenging to be admitted to a top school without work experience. An MBA is different from other degrees in that you are expected to have real world professional experience. Not only does this make you a better contributor to class discussions, but, Adcoms will also have a hard time believing that you know you want a specific business career when you haven't worked in the business world. Also, because you are (relatively) young, an Adcom might prefer for you to work for at least 2 years and then apply at 26. Another "weakness" or "challenge" will involve your LORs. If you plan on using academic references (or references from volunteer experiences) you will need to have your recommenders focus on your "professional" skills (problem solving ability, leadership potential, management style, teamwork skills, etc.). If your recommenders can do this and if you can write compelling essays about why an MBA and why now, then, sure, I think you could have a shot. Each year, business school programs DO admit a few people without work experience. These spots are often reserved for people with very special circumstances (in my Booth class there was one new graduate who had a 2 year leave from the air force), but, you could be that person!!
Good luck!