Confused whether I should give it a shot?

[PC]

Hi Stancey,
I gave my GMAT today. It was my first attempt.

My score is 660. VA(31), QA(49). Though I was expecting 680-690.

However I srewed my Verbal part and cudnt reach that 80/80 split.
Anyways, I am planning to enrol into MBA by the Fall of next year. And if I give it a second attempt, I won't be able to make it for 2nd Deadline of Applications.
My weak point will be my one year experience which will not be close to an average work-ex.
However I can say that I have substantial work-ex in one year in an IT industry.
My Academic records are pretty ok as I scored 83% marks in my Engineering and got a Bronze medal.

Should I think to apply in any of the following universities or should I wait tiil next year?
1) Darden Business School, University of Virginia
2) Texas A& M University
3) GSB, Chicago
4) UCLA Anderson Business College
5) Michigan State University
6) Fisher Business School, Montreal
7) Ohio State University
8) Arizona State University


Stancey, will look forward to your guidance.

Thanks.

[PC]

Sorry Alex.

I mistakenly addressed it to Stanley.

To add to the post:
As I am reading the posts, I am only seeing people with good amount of experience. That clearly means less or no work-exp is a big disadvantage for a young professional who wants to make it early in his/her life.
Anyways, I would like to give it a chance and would like a practical advice from you.

Thanks...

[MBAApply]

My strong suggestion is to continue working. Don't apply to b-schools now. It's not just because you'll have a harder time getting in (you need to be a superstar in order to compete against more experienced candidates - and "superstar" doesn't just mean academically, but in terms of leadership experience). More importantly, it's because you simply will have a VERY hard time competing against your fellow MBAs for jobs even if you get into b-school. Remember that the job market will continue to be soft for the next 1-3 years, and when that happens -- EXPERIENCE MATTERS. That's what employers really want, especially during down times (and even if you assume that the job market will recover in 2010/2011, the early periods are still about cautious hiring).

Apply in a few years. Not now.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[PC]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion Alex.
You are practically right to point out that job market will always prefer experienced people.

But Alex the point is I seriously want to study MBA right now and want to change my field and start ASAP.
Perhaps it may sound immature reason.
But I am sure that I can confidently carry on with MBA at this time. Moreover I am not much into this finacial, investment sectors making big money.
I am more intesrted to start working with a non-profit making ventures, NGOs and personally want to engage myself into the work I like ASAP.
What's the use working when you find disinterest in your job?

Alex,
I have some family problems as they want me to complete my education ASAP so that I can settle.
So I was just thinking a way out to balance both my professional instincts and personal relations.


Can you suggest me good colleges who can overlook my experience and can give me good space to explore my ideas to venture myself into that field.

I would strongly look forward tp your suggestion.
Thanks a lot.

[MBAApply]

What you mentioned are strong reasons to change jobs, but not strong reasons to do an MBA right now given your level of inexperience.

I will say this again. You are far better off focusing on gaining more work experience before going back. An MBA at this point won't improve your job prospects because you have very little experience - the degree isn't a substitute for experience.

Find another job. You don't need an MBA to do what you want to do (and to say it one last time - an MBA won't help you at this point).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[PC]

Thanks Alex for your strong suggestion.

I agree to ur point. And I would give it a serious thought.
But still I would say I am confident enough to carry it well and follow my instincts to pursue a management degree.

Your repeated responses have made me think like a pessimist.
I was hoping that you would perhaps give me some good colleges where they have no strong reservations for work-ex and If I won't get any, I will continue job.

I agree work experience gives you an edge to think in the right direction in an MBA. But its all about thining in right way, able to analyse things.
And you will agree that its not the amount of work but the quality that matters.

Anyways Alex, I really like your blunt honest replies.

Still would like to ask if you have any idea that collegs like Purdue, VanderBilt, Notre Damn admit students with this background?

Hope you won't take it as my wit and would reply in earnest.

Regards,
PC

[MBAApply]

You are not competitive at this point. Continue working.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[Guest]

My friend got into MIT Sloan with a 610 and no work experience. He was one of two that did. If you want to apply, you should apply. Having someone tell you you aren't competitive and discourage you is probably the wrong advice. The only people that know if you are ready for their school is the admissions committee.

There are plenty of schools that would probably consider you...just not likely to be top 15.

Goodluck

[Guest]

LOL WHY DOESN'T MBA APPLY HAVE A STICKY THREAD?? I LOVE HOW EVERYONE FINALLY REALIZED MBAMISSION IS THE REAL DEAL AND NOT SOME GUY THAT JUST POST AS A USER AND PUTS HIS SIGNATURE AT THE END OF THE EMAIL.

Can he be banned for giving bad advice and telling people they aren't qualified or won't get into school?

[Guest]

LOL WHY DOESN'T MBA APPLY HAVE A STICKY THREAD?? I LOVE HOW EVERYONE FINALLY REALIZED MBAMISSION IS THE REAL DEAL AND NOT SOME GUY THAT JUST POST AS A USER AND PUTS HIS SIGNATURE AT THE END OF THE EMAIL.

Can he be banned for giving bad advice and telling people they aren't qualified or won't get into school?

Guys cm'on. This is not happenig. Alex is just providing his throught and perspective if can't take his advice WHY ASK him? One can always mark the post to a particular person/company.

Well first of all I don't think Alex get anything out of suggesting someone to continue to work? DOes he? I don't think so. It's just his opinion.

I think MOST of us post on the forum to HEAR what we want ot hear. If we don't hear we tell that someone is pessimistic. Absurd!!

You don't need someone to tell WHICH school to apply. If you want to apply by all means APPLY to the school you want and just don't wait for someone to approve it.

Here's my story. In one of the post, based on whatever basic stuff I wrote about myself, an admission consultant adviced me that I shouldn't apply to any of the top 10 B School. However it was the same consultant who also advised me that " if you don't apply your chances are ZERO". I took the advice and move forward.

Any Guess what? I have admit from an Top 10 IVY school, and Interview from other Top 3 IVY school.

No body knows you better than youself so you are your best JUDGE not some consultant/friend/teacher etc. They can just share their perspective on whatever knowledge they have about you which may be correct may not be correct--Remember they have limited knowledge.

So Plz don't accuse anyone here of being pessimistic or anything.

Personally I think Alxe and Jermey from MBA Mission are doing a great Job!

Finally to te last Poster who raised the issue of Banning ALEX--You don't like the advice--SHUT UP AND GET LOST FROM THE FORUM
want to contact me for a fight mail me at steelboy.india@gmail.com

Thanks

SAURABH