Where to get an MBA- Your point of view

[Tiff58]

So, I have gone onto the MBA forums, checked out what people are saying about which school to go to, etc. It seems like so many people are saying that if you do not go to a Top 25 school, it's barely worth it. Now, I know this can't be true. From what I have read, it seems like, yes, it would be hard to get into a top investment banking firm in NYC without going to a top school. But, I don't think that's exactly what I want. I would love to go to a top school, but I just don't think it's going to happen- the three schools that are in my area are Columbia, NYU, and University of Pennsylvania. I have my doubts that I could get into any of those. Even if I did, going to NYU or Columbia would basically be a killer for me, based on where I live. Rutgers seems like a great option- good location for me, great name recognition, BUT it's ranked I think 61 by Business Week.

What are everyone's thoughts on this? Logic tells me that these people are just being pretentious. I looked at the companies that hire Rutgers grads frequently, and there are some great companies that I would love to work for.

[PeakDream]

I did a lot of research on NYC area schools. First thing first, regardless of what school you go to, if you are smart, hard working, you will do fine in your career. With that disclaimer out of the way, yes, it does help you (tremendously) if you go to a TOP school. School Alumni Network will be a huge factor in your career, this has been proven over and over again. What concentration are you shooting for? For finance related, NYU and Columbia are definitely something you should consider. Also, are you doing full time or part time? NYU ranks #1 for PT, and you can do it in two years if you are dedicated.

[Tiff58]

I did a lot of research on NYC area schools. First thing first, regardless of what school you go to, if you are smart, hard working, you will do fine in your career. With that disclaimer out of the way, yes, it does help you (tremendously) if you go to a TOP school. School Alumni Network will be a huge factor in your career, this has been proven over and over again. What concentration are you shooting for? For finance related, NYU and Columbia are definitely something you should consider. Also, are you doing full time or part time? NYU ranks #1 for PT, and you can do it in two years if you are dedicated.

I am actually hoping to do a double major in finance and marketing, although I'm not 100% sure on this. I may decide on one or the other just by itself. I will definitely go part time- my company offers 100% reimbursement. I will definitely try to get into NYU, but my hopes aren't very high. The main thing I have going for me right now is that I work for a great company. My grades in college were 3.1 (but at a school in the top 25). I have no idea what I will get on the GMAT.

[PeakDream]

Don't worry, I have even shittier grade than you. I'm gonna give my best shot at NYU, and a few other schools for finance but non-MBA degrees. Besides, I'm sure good recommendations, good GMAT and good essays will get you in. Good luck!!!

[fearlesss]

I'm gonna give my best shot at NYU, and a few other schools for finance but non-MBA degrees. !


How can you do that since finance would be classified as a MBA degree?

What MBA Forums are you referring too?

[PeakDream]

I want to do a more specialized field. The degree I'm seriously considering is called Master of Financial Engineering, or Computational Finance. It's a very math heavy degree where most of your courses are involved in advanced math. Some schools offer this from their Math department, some from MBA. It's a fairly new program/degree. I personally think that this area has so much growth that for the next 10 - 20 years, with high compensations (starting salary is usually higher than 100K with bonus). It's not as stressful as ibanking, at least that's what I've been told.

[Tiff58]

The forums that I have gone to are business week and I think mbaforum.com. If there are better ones, I would love to know about them.

[PeakDream]

Two sites I ran across and got pretty good information:

http://www.urch.com/forums/

http://www.gmatclub.com/phpbb/index.php

[sondra_finchley]

Ive seen those forums as well. I spoke with my manager when we did my career advisement thing and mentioned that I either was looking to eventually go back to school to do something advanced in operations research/optimization or an MBA with a strategic focus. She suggested a part-time MBA but at Chicago or Northwestern ( both have campuses downtown). How are PT programs viewed? I could probably handle it since its not like my job is THAT mentally heavy, but would still want to do well and get the benefit out of it.

Now, the MBA program at my uni was incredibly crap, but admittedly targeted really at the local population. If you want to be a semi-decent player then I think you need to get into the best program you can for what you are interested in doing. If you have quality peers you will get so much more out of it, especially if you can couple it with some strong background knowledge.

Has anyone thought about taking the CFA at all? Bored at work = I think of stupid personal challenges. Been reviewing the material and if you have any sort of business background its actually not THAT bad. So I say now, but it was an idea for something to keep my mind active since I dont work with numbers too much at the moment ( unfortunately).

[PeakDream]

Almost all of my MBA friends are taking CFA, however, I know only a few of them will actually finish it. From my friends' view, unless you are working in investment side, then no reason why you need it. Marketing and general finance don't require CFA. I personally is gonna go for CFA level I at least after my GMAT study, so it'll help boost my application.

[Tiff58]

Peakdream, the second link you posted was great! That forum is really useful. After a lot of thought, I think I am either going to go for Rutgers or Temple. Temple most likely. Their locations with relation to where I work and live are much better than NYU, which I would be killing myself to get into and then killing myself to actually go there (distance-wise).

I have thought before about taking the CFA, but I don't think I will do it before I apply to b-school. Also, I'm not hoping to go into investment banking.

[PeakDream]

Tiff, I'm not sure if you know. NYU has a weekend program in the city, and you can graduate in 2.5 years. I'm not knocking Temple or Rugters, but if you can get in NYU, I would seriously consider it. The pedigree is recognized world wide. Regardless, I hope you get into the program you want. Get cranking already, GMAT and Essays will kill us.

[Tiff58]

Tiff, I'm not sure if you know. NYU has a weekend program in the city, and you can graduate in 2.5 years. I'm not knocking Temple or Rugters, but if you can get in NYU, I would seriously consider it. The pedigree is recognized world wide. Regardless, I hope you get into the program you want. Get cranking already, GMAT and Essays will kill us.

I'm going to take my GMAT at the end of August and see what happens. If my score is SUPERB, I will apply to NYU. I guess that after thinking about my goals (move back to the South, working for either a large company or for myself), I don't think that NYU is neccessary, you know? I don't know if that makes sense. Either way, we'll see after the GMAT. My mind could EASILY change if I get a 750. :heehee: :haha:

[PeakDream]

I know exactly what you are saying, you absolutely have to get an education that you feel comfortable with. I brought it up because a lot of people didn't really how flexible NYU program really is. Anyway, regardless of what school you gonna apply, get the GMAT out first :) GOOD LUCK!!!

[crystal_dance]

Just to bring this thread up, do any of you have a shitty undergrad gpa like I do?

What steps are you taking to mitigate the damage done? I'm extremely interested in Stern and I'm wondering 2 things:

1) Should I take some foundation undergrad courses in calculus, stats, econ and corporate finance, score A's and show that I am capable of handling finance/math

or

2) Get a Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis/Portfolio Management at a continuing education school?

Option 2 sounds like a better choice both career wise and mba admissions wise however, the problem with #2 is that most Professional Certifications consist of very job oriented non-credit coursework which may not go well with the admissions committee at these schools. They just might think it was easy given that the material was not for credit.

What would you guys do?

[sondra_finchley]

Define shitty.

I went to a state school that isnt even that recognized in most fields and got a 3.3 in anthro. Then got a masters in econ with hell, I dont even remember what the gpa was. Then I did more work in applied econ ( both for and not for credit) as a "second bachelors", but that was more to get student loan money than anything else.

Id love to go to a really decent mba program for something in strategy or international business, but i dont know if my work history ( helped lots of start-ups etc) helps mitigate the not-so-hot ( hey, i was bored and angry) academics.

eh, think Im getting too old for a full-time program now though.

[Tiff58]

I have heard a lot of people recommend going back to take more analytical courses like you have mentioned, getting good grades in those, in order to get into a good program. I'm sure that the professional certification would be great as well, though. I would imagine that either thing would help your chances. Just do whichever you have more interest in, I think. One pro for the professional certification is that it may help to separate you from other applicants.

[crystal_dance]

Define shitty.


2.7 gpa

[pjsmarties03]

I am currently doing an MBA online from Keller (Part of Devry) and you can do that from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. It's fairly structured, which I like, and it was easy to apply/get in. I couldn't tell you about pre-reqs because I already have an MPH degre (master's in public health). There's a bunch of tracts you can do for certificates..I'm doing health services mgmt since that's what I'm interested in. The school is fairly well known (based in my hometown of Chicago). Check it out and see what ya think...www.keller.edu

I should mention that I hadn't taken one business class prior to starting this degree in January. I skipped the entrance stuff because of my MPH and I am doing absolutely fine..all A's. Don't let prior lack of business experience be a deterrant.

[SpaceMonkey]

Hollywood Upstairs Medical School. Yes, they do MBAs as well.