Hello,
I'm a sophomore in college and will be finishing my AA degree with about a 3.5 GPA this Spring. I'll be transferring to a state university and after getting my BA in Business, I'd like to apply to either Harvard Business and/or Sloan. However, I'm a little uninformed as to how I would meet their expectations of students. I will be expecting to get about a 3.75 GPA at the university I'll be attending, and I'm looking into a faculty-led trip to China during my latter college years there, but what else can I do to make myself "stand out" from the nearly 80% of applicants that are rejected? I've looked into the GMAT and although I haven't taken a practice test or anything of that sort, I plan on studying (and taking multiple tests, if necessary) to score above the 700 mark. Any other suggestions that would tip the scale in my favor? Thanks!

ebaines

You might want to get a job first and apply after a year or two experience in the business world. Harvard or any of the top B schools want students who can bring their work experiences to class. That's why the average age of the incoming business school class is around 27 or so (maybe higher? I'm not sure the exact number). Try and build a strong resume that shows elements of leadership, ability to work with people, and some success in the business world.

tarini

you look so desperate for Howard and Sloan, that’s a good thing but apart from GMAT score what matters is your profile. It includes your work experience, your academic background, your achievements and many more. You have yourself mentioned 80% application got rejected so you can imagine how unpredictable it is. I thing in this regards you should concert some experts of the fields like MBA PROGRAMS or contact them FOR MORE INFORMATION .

SBU

You are too early in your college career to limit yourself to Harvard and Sloan. First decide what you want to do and then make a decision. If you want to be a young CEO immediately out of college with a small to medium sized business go to Harvard or UMass. If you want to get into international business go to Thunderbird (yes, its legit and an excellent school). If you want to become an executive right out of college go to Northwestern. While having a plan is necessary make sure your decisions are well informed and legit, and maybe they are and you have already decided what you want to do in which case good for you and I hope you get in to either Harvard or Sloan. But otherwise you are inhibiting yourself. I am going to be graduating soon and I have changed my major twice and changed my desired career paths over and over again. However, all of these changes have still been within my original goals.

Also realize that these elite schools are looking for work experience. If you can get in while you are in school than great, if not than get a good job for a year or two. Realize that every legit applicant to these schools already has a great GPA and high GMAT scores and even lots of extra curriculars with relevant organizations. These things do not make you unique. It all comes down to two things: what you know and who you know. During my college years I have tried to develop both of these things. Don't just look for the great internships. I am studying Entrepreneurial Management. To build my resume` I have been independently consulting small businesses for free. This accomplishes three things: Builds my network, creates great references, and gives me the necessary experience. I am even working with an angel investor to start a small business of my own to get even more experience. I would recommend you do similar things that apply to your major or what you want to do. Sure, I have no time for myself and get very little sleep, but who sleep's in college anyways? If you want to read more I actually was blogging about this yesterday here Resume` Building.

Anyways, sorry if the answer was lengthy I just feel passionately that a lot of business students are hurting themselves by not realizing that it is more than an education and good GPA you need to truly reach your potential. Good Luck and if you have anymore questions just ask here or comment on my blog.