giwook

The reason I'm asking this question is because I messed up a little bit in my undergrad and am behind my peers who have for the most part graduated and are working full-time. I'm 22 years old and finishing up my last semester at community college for an associates degree. I'm applying for a few undergraduate programs to transfer into this Fall, but it would be about 4 full semesters before I could graduate with a bachelors.

I'm wondering what the chances are that I could get into a good/decent b-school (top 30 or 40) without earning a bachelor's first. I've worked the past 6 years at a web design company, generally on a part-time basis. I've had a number of internships, incl. one with the wealth management division at Merrill Lynch, as well as intenrships with 3 or 4 web design firms, and maybe 4 or 5 volunteer experiences.

I'm studying to take either/both the GMAT and/or GRE at the end of the year. I did pretty well on the SAT I's a few years back (1480/1600, or 2180/2400) and am pretty confident that I could do well on the GMAT and/or GRE with ample studying.

I know there are a lot of variables that come into play when applying to b-school, or any grad school. Most of the b-schools I've looked at require "A bachelor's degree, or equivalent" and im just trying to find out what might be able to substitute for a bachelors.

Thanks for reading.

hellojan

As far as I know, and my knowledge on the subject is admittedly limited, this has happened only once. George W. Bush, while in office, pushed for one of his staffers to be admitted to HBS - as an alum and as the POTUS.

I would say that, without this kind of support, you're facing some seriously hard-sledding. Best of luck.

sakky

Apparently the Chicago Booth and Northwestern Kellogg Executive MBA programs will consider applicants who lack bachelor's degrees.

Is it possible to be admitted without a bachelor's degree?

The formal admissions requirements call for a bachelor's degree. However, exceptions have been made with applicants who have displayed an impressive professional and/or personal track record.

Executive MBA Frequently Asked Questions - University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Is it possible to be admitted without a university degree?

Nearly all of our students have a university degree, but those who do not are required to take the GMAT examination.

Executive MBA

angryelf

I don't understand the issue. Assuming it takes you 2 more years to finish and your work for two years before applying, you'd only be 26 when applying to b-schools. This isn't exactly old for a business school candidate.

XaviFM

Sakky ftw!!!

CFB53B

Those programs listed above are Executive MBA programs. So you need about 10 years of experience, a bachelor's degree, and $100,000 to get in anyway.

Their exception is for people like Bill Gates and Michael Dell: never completed college but none-the-less have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of business by building a Fortune 500 company from their garages. A part-time web developer has exceptionally little chance.

If I remember correctly, he was Jenna Bush's ex-boyfriend then became Bush's body man.

giwook

I appreciate the input everyone. Thanks especially to sakky for looking up and providing me with information regarding Booth and Kellogg.

You're right, angryelf, and I guess I should be okay with getting my bachelors before pursuing a masters.

I just wanted to gauge the likelihood of getting in from where I'm at.. I spent about three years at school where I accomplished nothing and I'm regretting my mistakes. But it seems that most people applying to b school are at least 26 or 27 so I guess I'm not too far behind.

Neptun

I think some programs in Europe might let you in without an undergraduate degree.
Also, consider HBS 2+2 program.

moiseskline2012

That’s cool! I didn’t know that getting into a Masters’ program without a Bachelors’ was even remotely possible. I’d say you are really intelligent and have proven yourself with the work experience so give it a shot with the applications. Meanwhile if you’re considering completing a Bachelors’, think of California College San Diego. You can learn more about their accreditation and the programs they offer on their website and read California College San Diego student reviews here.