Hi all,
I have been a long time reader of the forum and have decided I could use a bit of unbiased perspective regarding my possible MBA plans. I will attempt to provide as much color into the scenario without getting excessively personal with anything, but the underlying question is whether it is possible to get into a top 15 MBA program (or M7) given I come from a big four audit background (not consulting). And if so, would you think there is any chance of scholarship/fellowships?
My Background:
Demographic:
* Caucasian male from a blue collar, middle class family. Not under-represented.
Education:
* Finished undergrad with a B.S. in Accounting and a 3.84 GPA (3.92 in program), at a small mid-tier non-target college (ranked somewhere around top 200). Also had a minor in CS if that impacts consideration at all. Held multiple leadership positions including president of my schools Beta Gamma Sigma chapter.
* Finished my M.S. in Accounting from the same school mentioned above with a 4.0 GPA (no GMAT required due to academic status) with top of class honors.
* Passed the CPA exam and have since received my CPA license.
Job (this is what I perceive as my weakness):
* 2.5 years at a Big Four performing mainly audit work aside from the occasional advisory rotation.
* Have been early promoted and have leadership responsibilities but have NO consulting or transaction based work experience.
GMAT:
* Have not yet sat for the official GMAT, but have been scoring in the 700-740 range on the practice exams. However, I have a short work break coming up and I am going to hardcore study and aim for around a 750. So just for argument sake, you can use that number.
Conclusion:
I have always been one to challenge myself, however, I also want to be realistic. After reading some discouraging posts on various websites, I am wondering if my background (specifically coming from a "less targeted" industry), will take me out of the running for a top MBA program. If not, as mentioned earlier, do you think I could be in the running for scholarships/fellowships, which I could desperately use?
Thanks in advance and apologies for the wall of writing, I just wanted to give as much context as possible.