Hello everyone - I recently realized that I want to apply for MBA programs in a year or two and was wondering about my chances at these top programs. Previously, I had been thinking about a PhD, but I think that an MBA is more up my alley and will help me achieve my career goals. I apologize for the length, I'm not usually one to keep things brief, which is probably something I should work on...
I was wondering what kind of places I should be looking into in the future - do I have a chance at HSW? If not, other M7s? CBS/Booth/Kellogg? Yale SOM? Princeton MFin? I'm a little concerned about my work experience not being exactly what some of these places look for.
Thanks in advance for everyone taking the time.
I've outlined my bio below:
I'm currently working as a derivatives trader at a highly regarded quantitative options market making firm in Chicago, working on some small quant/coding projects on the side (experience in Python, R, Matlab). I'm planning to have 2-4 years of experience under my belt by the time I matriculate. In addition, I spent my junior summer interning in investment banking at a top BB (GS/MS/JPM), but elected not to return to IB as I decided it wasn't for me.
GRE: 334; Quant 170 (97%) Verbal 164 (94%) Writing 4.5 (82%)
I graduated from a top-20 undergrad with a major in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Economics, ending with a 3.7 GPA (if it makes any difference, I had above a 3.8 through my junior year then did significantly worse my senior year). I also completed a concentration in physical sciences, taking classes in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
In terms of EC's:
Undergrad: Co-President of the Investment Banking Club for 1 year, as well as Captain of a club sports team for 3 (did very well in this sport in high school - had several d1 offers but elected not to pursue in college). Additionally, I competed with a team in a start-up challenge put on by a major corporation at our school in which we took 1st place out of ~30 teams and actually had the opportunity to receive funding, but chose not to pursue the opportunity (I can go into more detail if necessary). I was also in a fraternity and was pretty involved, but not directly through leadership positions.
Postgrad: I only graduated this past Spring (trying to look as far as I can into the future) but I engage in a significant amount of volunteering/community service, some through my company and some on my own time.
An additional couple of questions:
Is it worth me taking the GMAT if I want to apply to business school? I've heard some schools prefer it but I've taken and scored well on the GRE already.
Post-MBA, would it be realistic for me to get a job at a hedge fund like Elliott, Bridgewater, Citadel, etc. given my pre-MBA experience? What other options might I have?
Thanks a lot! Really appreciate you taking the time.