Should I pursue an MBA straight out of undergrad?

[clm4tsg]

I'm in somewhat of a unique situation. I began my undergraduate career in the Fall of 2001 and continued until 2004 when I was forced to withdraw due to health issues. That said, for the next year and a half I worked a number of menial jobs to support myself, before I joined the Navy reserves in the Spring of 2006.
In the Fall of 2007, I resumed my studies at a different university and am scheduled to graduate next Spring.

Since 2007 I have worked 37 hours a week as a research analyst for my university's admissions department (where I have received several promotions). Until recently, I have been primarily interested in pursuing a JD, but am now thinking that it is probably in my best interest to obtain an MBA first.

When I graduate next spring I will be 27 about to turn 28, will business programs understand my desire to immediately pursue an MBA after completing my undergraduate work?

Stats: URM, 3.72 gpa (liberal arts major) and I have yet to take the GMAT.

Schools of interest: Harvard, Wharton, Michigan, UVA, Duke and Texas.

[mbamission]

Hi -

Thanks for the inquiry.

Some schools are more "open" to taking students right out of college and/or at least guaranteeing them a spot after some work experience. For example, HBS 2+2 program offers admission to rising college seniors who work for two years before matriculating to the program. Chicago also dedicated a section of its website to discuss selection criteria for college students. Other schools, i.e. Tuck, say on their website that it is very rare for them to accept someone right out of school.

In your case, you will need to clearly articulate why and MBA is right now. Further, schools will also want to see demostrated leadership in the community, extracurriclars and in your work experience. This is in addition to a strong GMAT and GPA.

Lastly, perhaps you could consider a JD/MBA program given your interest in the JD?

Best,
Erin Schuhmacher
mbaMission

[clm4tsg]

Thank you for your response.

Do you know of any other programs that are more willing to admitt someone directly out of undergrad? Specifically the following programs: Wharton, UVA, Michigan, Duke and Texas.

Thank you again for your reply.

[mbamission]

It's hard to categorize or rank who is "more willing to admit" someone out of undergraduate as schools have differing criteria and programs targeted for such candidates.

My best advice would be to research each school as well as attend an info session and/or call the admissions office. This will not only give you a sense of their views but will also provide you with a thorough review of what qualities/requirements are expected.

Best,
Erin Schuhmacher
mbaMission