xandraa

I am currently attending Florida Atlantic University for my undergraduate degree as a Finance major. I am aware that this is considered a substandard institution by most, but I had my reasons for choosing it at the time (mainly cost and location). I had a 1370 SAT (out of 1600) although I was homeschooled my whole life.

I am now a junior with 83 credits, and I hold a 4.0 GPA. I would like to know what my opportunities might be for graduate school (either MBA with a focus in Finance or a MS in Finance). Do I have a shot at getting into a worthwhile school, assuming I graduate from FAU with a 3.9 - 4.0 GPA? What schools should I apply to? Is there anything additional I can do to improve my chances?

Thank you.

-xandra

tetrishead

Work experience > schooling. You need to go into the workforce for a while before you apply for an MBA, as it's the only way you'll get into a top tier (top 15) business school. Having a 4.0 GPA will certainly help you, but GMAT scores and work experience are the most important things for business school admissions.

Milton Roark

Another reason you should work before going to graduate school is that you really can't truly know how any industry runs without working in it for a few years. This will also help give you a better idea of what you want to do down the road in business. You don't need an MBA to be successful or to have a fulfilling career (as I'm sure you know).

xandraa

Thank you both for your responses. I may consider taking the CFA exam instead of or in addition to a graduate degree. I agree 100% that it is important to work in the field first, for many reasons.

quag_mire

you can try the following....given the fact that many top MBA programs want students with diverse backgrounds, interesting work experiences etc, you can try working in a bunch of foreign countries all around the world....like try workin in europe for a while, then hong kong, then maybe canada....that will make for an interesting resume with a lotta international experience.....that can make you stand out from the hundreds of i bankers who are applying from wall street

xandraa

Funny you should say that...I have already lived a year in a half abroad, studying in France (an unrelated subject, but an interesting experience nonetheless). I have always wanted to go back to Europe, to work or do an internship. I also recently changed my major from Int'l business to Finance, and I am now considering doing a minor in the former. Thanks for your suggestion.