From Pre-Med to Business...Is it crazy?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am currently a sophomore Management major concentrating in finance at Case Western Reserve. I have thus far taken primarily pre-med pre-reqs and will be done by the end of this year. I plan on taking the MCATs early next summer. </p>

<p>HOWEVER…I want to be doing business. Desperately. </p>

<p>I have a 3.9, I’m VP of my Class (~1100), VP of two major student orgs, part of a Fraternity, and overall very involved on campus (volunteering, IM sports, etc). I have excellent rapport with several profs (econ dept, sciences dept)</p>

<p>I am currently doing research in global health and disease, and will probs be published within the year. (4th authorship)</p>

<p>I am also a free-lance graphic designer and may be starting a small partnership in advertising. Fairly local stuff catering to small-midsize business. </p>

<p>In HS, I had intense extra-currics (pres of student body, several orgs, etc.), high test scores (34 ACT, ~2200 SAT), but mediocre grades. I was rejected from the schools with B-programs (UPENN, G-Town, UVA-McIntire).</p>

<p>But here I am again, ready to take that leap to transfer to Wharton, or Sloan, or at least a top five undergraduate B-program. </p>

<p>IS IT WORTH THE TRY?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your feedback. You have no idea how much I value it.</p>

2

<p>If you want to be doing business, what is wrong with finishing the program at Case? It looks to me like you are very happy there. What is the job placement like for the undergraduate business/management program at Case? If it is decent, I’d say stay there, get good grades and recs., and after you’ve worked for a few years try for a top MBA program.</p>

3

<p>The job placement for Weatherhead graduates is fairly regional (Key, National City, Progressive, etc.). Placement is also heavy for biomedical firms for students graduating from MEM (management and engineering). In addition, the accounting program is strong at Weatherhead (top 15), so the Big Four hire accountants. I, however, want to focus on finance, and specifically on global investments/research. </p>

<p>That’s why I’m looking to Wharton, specifically.</p>

4

<p>"I, however, want to focus on finance, and specifically on global investments/research.</p>

<p>That’s why I’m looking to Wharton, specifically."</p>

<p>I think you’ve got the answer to your “Should I try this?” question right there. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>^^ Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. That being said, do you think you could give me an objective assessment as per my chances at getting into Wharton? </p>

<p>Thus far I’ve heard the “magic-number” is 3.8. But I have also heard that its a 3.8 for internal transfers!</p>

6

<p>The best advice for would-be transfers is to do your very best in school & write thoughtful essays. Because there are no guarantees in admissions - and even fewer in transfer admissions - no one can tell you your chances. Your job is to do your best. Try to relax, because you can’t do anything more than your best.</p>

<p>My personal feeling is that you’d be better off staying at Case for undergrad. You seem to be taking advantage of what is offered & making connections that will be valuable for grad school recs. Why not concentrate on getting ready for the next step? Why not get the Wharton MBA, rather than the BA? It’s something to think about.</p>