Best path to a top business school?

[JeffGuy12]

<p>Hey, everyone! </p>

<p>So, I am just now in the process of sending out my college applications to the best universities I could get into given my credentials and high school history. </p>

<p>I would love to attend Notre Dame, but unfortunately I do not think I'm competitive enough. The most lacking thing is my ACT score (darn it). </p>

<p>But all else aside, I have been a very good and involved high school student. I, most likely, will be attending one of my in-state universities due to the high-paying scholarships I will be receiving. I will most likely go for an MIS and marketing major (planning to dual major). </p>

<p>Since I am not able to afford/get into a top undergrad university, what is the best path from here if I want to get into Harvard/Stanford/Wharton business school after my undergrad? The only obvious things to me are doing the best that I can do in my undergrad years (try to get a 4.0, stay too of my class, make as many connections as possible) and get the best possible job placement after school for work experience. </p>

<p>Obviously, I don't have a leg up due to the non-prestigious university that I'll be attending. So, what is the recommended path from here?</p>

<p>Thanks guys!</p>

[NextElement]

<p><strong><em>This is quoted from someone who replied to a similar thread I posted, and I think makes some good points</em></strong>*</p>

<p>

I’ve seen many business students from unranked and lower ranked universities struggle to find a job outside of entry-level sales positions. However, the one thing they seem to have in common is a lack of drive. None of them did anything particularly impressive in college and so it was not a surprise that they did not obtain impressive positions. </p>

<p>I think that a student going to a lower tier school can greatly increase their employment prospects by 1) networking with business professionals, such as current or previous employers, attending public lectures/presentations/conferences, etc.; 2) look for leadership opportunities, such as president of a school organization, leading in a volunteer organization outside of school; 3) seek out internships early and work hard to build your resume prior to applying; and 4) developing your communication skills so that you can present yourself well in interviews, networking, and elsewhere.</p>

<p>These are mostly all “extras” that are not required for graduation. Pursuing them will give you an edge; after all, job searching is less about hunting through job listings and more about who you know and what they think of you. Build a favorable reputation and carry that outside of the classroom.

</p>