Should I apply to MBA programs this year or wait.

[borschke.spencer]

I am interested in getting my MBA, but I am not sure if I should apply this year or in the the future.

I graduated from UW-Madison in 2008 with a double major in Finance and Economics. I had analytical internships each summer, but nothing really special. I recently scored a 700 on the GMAT. 48Q 37V 6AWA. I plan on retaking it, and I believe I can get a
730+.

I actually have been teaching English in Korea for the past 2 years, and will finish shortly. So, I am not really sure how admission boards would categorize this experience. I do believe it lets me standout since I am interested in international finance and this is an interesting international experience. I have also studied Korean, and can speak it pretty well, and plan on continuing my studies.

Starting in September, I will be working at a middle market investment bank.

Do I have a decent shot of getting into a top-20 or even top-10 school or should I wait to apply?

Thanks,

Spencer

[mbamission]

Hi Spencer,

My advice is to wait. You just made a major career move, and to apply for next year will not allow you to apply the learnings of the banking job, nor allow you to show any real accomplishments/growth. I'd also be concerned that you wouldn't be able to show a strong career goal given the recent change in job.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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