Grad school plans

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PCMarine

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2002
3,277
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Hey all,

So it's getting to be that time to start thinking about grad school and test taking (GRE, GMAT), and I'd like to get a plan nailed down.

Background info: I'm in my junior year at Michigan Tech with a major in mechanical engineering, and a minor in economics. I will be graduating next spring (done in 4 years), with a GPA most likely around 3.0-3.2. This summer I will be an intern at one of the big three automakers.

I am very much interested in obtaining a master's degree, particularly a MBA. An engineering master's doesn't really interest me much. I have always had a keen interest in finance and how markets/businesses work, maybe more so than engineering (hence the econ minor). It is my understanding, that you need at least 2-3 years of professional work experience before upper tier business schools will accept you. I think this would actually work to my advantage, as I'd like to work and earn some dough before starting a grad degree

Now I guess my main questions are:

When should I take my GMAT? Since they are good for five years, I would think to take it later than sooner, so it's valid longer after I graduate.

Should I take the GRE too? Just in case I need a backup plan?

Given my major/minor/gpa (obviously I don't know my GMAT score yet), what kind of schools should I be looking at?

Any other advice from engineers turned MBAs would be appreciated.

Thanks,
pcmarine





 
C

Cattlegod

Diamond Member
May 22, 2001
8,687
1
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What auto company? I work at ford, graduated from MTU and am currently getting my MBA from the University of Michigan after 3 years of professional work. If you end up working at Ford, feel free to contact me and I can give you plenty of information.

In any event, to answer your questions and other comments:

Take your GMAT when you will be slow in life. You may want to target taking the GMAT after you graduate if you have 1-3 months between graduation and your full time job.
Study for 2-3 months for your GMAT.
Go to ONLY a top 10 school.
GMAT is only part of the package.

Your GPA is a little low, but you should be OK if the rest of your application is top notch.
 
G

gotsmack

Diamond Member
Mar 4, 2001
5,768
0
71
All of the hot chicks are in law school. It is going to be slim picking in the MBA program, most of them are married.

Go to the best school you can get into that is in an area you want to live in.

Schools only consider GMAT scores taken in the past 3 years and the GMAT cost goes up every year. when I took it in 03 it was $200.

you need like 4-6 years to get in at a top tier school. Your work might have a deal with a business school where it might be easier for you to get in.

 
F

Finalnight

Golden Member
Mar 5, 2003
1,891
1
76
gre is not needed for biz school, gmat only.

Also, full time MBA is worthless unless you have no work experience, and it is generally designed for people straight out of college, the entire 2nd year is pretty much for networking/interviewing. If you have some work experience, do a part time program.

Also, GPA's are usually lower for part time applicants as well. With a 700 GMAT you will get into pretty much any decent MBA program.

you don't need to study 2-3 months for your gmat unless you have been out of school for a while and are not feeling that sharp. a month will be fine.

I am graduating from University of Minnesota this spring and will be starting my MBA or JD/MBA in the fall.
 
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