Applying to MBA while at SAIS/HKS

[Revolution]

This year I applied to top MBA programs as well as SAIS and HKS. It looks like judging from the results so far, MBA will not work out for me this year. If I'm lucky enough to get into sais or hks, i wonder if being a first-year there will help my MBA chances if i decide to re-apply? Has anyone had experience with this?

[vincehoward]

This year I applied to top MBA programs as well as SAIS and HKS. It looks like judging from the results so far, MBA will not work out for me this year. If I'm lucky enough to get into sais or hks, i wonder if being a first-year there will help my MBA chances if i decide to re-apply? Has anyone had experience with this?

You can't apply to HBS while you're a student at HKS so you would need to wait until your second year. You could apply to other b-schools during your first year but you'd need to have a good rationale for pursuing two masters degrees. Also you should think about whether the added debt and opportunity cost of another expensive masters degree would be worth it.

[Revolution]

You can't apply to HBS while you're a student at HKS so you would need to wait until your second year. You could apply to other b-schools during your first year but you'd need to have a good rationale for pursuing two masters degrees. Also you should think about whether the added debt and opportunity cost of another expensive masters degree would be worth it.

 

Yes, I'm aware of that. Not planning on applying to HBS.

 

My career goals are macro investment research or world bank/ny fed type of econ policy jobs. A joint degree would have been great, but top mba admissions is brutal. I'm very worried though about doing just a policy degree since I might have a very tough time getting a job coming out, especially in the areas i'm interested in.

[adollarninetynine]

It won't increase your chances that much. After all, you are still the same applicant you were this cycle with no improvements in work experience, grades, test scores, or recommendations. The only thing added would be an additional degree that top MBA programs wouldn't really care about. Even HLS students don't receive a noticeable boost at HBS. Same with UPenn Law students at Wharton. The only way you are getting in since it seems like you got shut out this cycle is significant improvements to your work experience or test scores if they are low. 

[Revolution]

My test scores and work experience are fine. My recs, extracurriculars, and essays were rock solid as well. A few trusted sources including a good friend at a top b-school read my essays and thought they were awesome. They are all stunned at my admission results thus far. I still have a few mba programs to hear back from as well as hks and sais. We'll see what happens then.

 

I wish I knew more about private sector placement out of hks and sais but not much info on that front.

 

 

It won't increase your chances that much. After all, you are still the same applicant you were this cycle with no improvements in work experience, grades, test scores, or recommendations. The only thing added would be an additional degree that top MBA programs wouldn't really care about. Even HLS students don't receive a noticeable boost at HBS. Same with UPenn Law students at Wharton. The only way you are getting in since it seems like you got shut out this cycle is significant improvements to your work experience or test scores if they are low. 

[pete-mc]

Revolution, do you mind sharing with us your educational and professional background?

 

Which business schools did you apply to and which replied to you already? With or without interview?

 

Then I can try to give you my opinion. In terms of private sector placement, what I know is that consulting firms like McK etc. do recruit HKS grads and at SAIS you'd have a pretty good shot at WB/IMF/IFC due to the econ heavy course load.

 

I have seen people who applied to a joint degree after entering a program, and either combined it with their current program or added it on after graduating.

 

It would depend on your age, college degree, Gmat/Gre results (maybe you need to retake if not 700+), previous work experince, post graduation plans etc. whether an additioanl master's makes sense or not. What about a PhD?

 

The financing is surely also an issue but if you are a US citizen I believe you have more access to public funding than international students. And you could come back for an Executive MBA or similar later. Why "waste" 4 years now (unless it would be a JD) if you can go out there and get experience and earn money.

[Revolution]

I will send you a private message with the information. Don't feel comfortable posting this on a public forum.

 

Thanks.

 

Revolution, do you mind sharing with us your educational and professional background?

 

Which business schools did you apply to and which replied to you already? With or without interview?

 

Then I can try to give you my opinion. In terms of private sector placement, what I know is that consulting firms like McK etc. do recruit HKS grads and at SAIS you'd have a pretty good shot at WB/IMF/IFC due to the econ heavy course load.

 

I have seen people who applied to a joint degree after entering a program, and either combined it with their current program or added it on after graduating.

 

It would depend on your age, college degree, Gmat/Gre results (maybe you need to retake if not 700+), previous work experince, post graduation plans etc. whether an additioanl master's makes sense or not. What about a PhD?

 

The financing is surely also an issue but if you are a US citizen I believe you have more access to public funding than international students. And you could come back for an Executive MBA or similar later. Why "waste" 4 years now (unless it would be a JD) if you can go out there and get experience and earn money.

[Revolution]

BUMP. Would be interested to hear others' thoughts on this.