<p>What are my chances for getting into a GRAD school at a top school such as Stanford or Harvard??</p>
<p>Here are my stats:
- I attend a top UC school
- cumulative GPA: 3.7
- degree: Bachelor of Science in Management Economics
- Experience:
* interned at Lockheed Martin , Investors Bank , Consulting firm (all before my senior year in college)
* Planning to intern abroad senior year in London at top banking firm
- Vice President of sorority
- academic affairs commission officer for student government
- haven't taken GMAT or anything like that, but I am thinking I will do really well since I did well on the SAT (1390)</p>
<p>Considering you don't know the difference between Grad/B-school and/or GRE/GMAT, I highly doubt it.</p>
<p>I assume you meant business school since you mentioned GMAT. Your academics are fine; no solid work experience though. Internships won't do you much good, especially since they aren't top internships. Get some work experience (preferably in finance). Last note: a 1390 on the SAT isn't that great, since most Harvard and Stanford bschool students, are well, incredibly smart and probably have 1450+. Really try to aim for a GMAT score above 700.</p>
<p>I'm going to assume that you go to UC-Davis. 3.7 isn't that impressive and your work experience is weak. However you are the vice-president of a sorority and Harvard loves that. So you might have a chance there.</p>
<p>A 3.7 is fine. Your GPA won't prevent you from getting in anywhere. Granted, it won't make you a shoo-in anywhere either. Just keep it above a 3.6 and I don't think it'll ever be an issue at most schools. To get in to a HSW type of school, you definitely should be scoring over 700 on the GMAT, but you need much more in terms of work experience. Get 2-3 years and then try applying.</p>
<p>a 3.7 at UC Davis is actually REALLY good. You have to understand that UCD is a state school and a lot of the professors are not very good (especially since we are located in the middle of nowhere). A lot of classes are taught by people who can't teach and don't want to be there and the academics are extremely difficult. I went to a very competitive high school where everyone took AP's and went to Stanford. Sure its easier in college ... if you want to pass your classes. Its much more difficult to get A's.</p>
<p>Actually horrible teachers are the easiest ways to make better grades if you have the aptitude and initiative/work ethic. Understanding something on your own is much more difficult than being spoon fed the answers during class to a future test. </p>
<p>As to the work experience, pretty much what everyone else said... you have to have post Undergrad work experience to really have a shot at a top 10.</p>
<p>And the GMAT - it's really unlike any other test you've taken because it's a CAT. so don't just assume you'll do well.</p>
<p>UCDGirl, your GPA is solid. Your leadership positions are also going to be helpful. MBA programs like people with demonstrated leadership experience. However, top MBA programs will generally want to see at least 2 years (preferably 4-5 years) of real, full-time, post graduate work experience with excellent recommendations and frequent promotions/salary raises. Internships are great, but they do NOT count as. I am talking about full time employment after graduation. You mentioned that you did well on the SAT. You are going to have to do well on the GMAT too. We are talking at least 680 (preferably over 700) if you want a shot at HBS or Stanford.</p>
<p>Finally, with top programs like HBS or Wharton, you are also going to have to write excellent essays, explicitly ad lucidly explaining what you intend to gain from your MBA and how you can add to/enhance the overall atmosphere of the MBA program you will join etc...Of course, doing well on the interview is also very important.</p>