<p>I plan on applying to the top 5 MBA programs (plus some safety schools) this Fall, and I was just wondering what my chances are. </p>
<p>My GPA is 4.0, but I go to a pretty mediocre school (Washington State University). I'm taking the GMAT this summer, and practice tests indicate that I will score in the mid 700's. I'm 26, and my job for the past 4-years has been Campus Security Officer. The 4-years before that I was in the Marines. I was a sniper team leader and section ATL during the assault on Fallujah, and I received numerous awards and citations, as well as a promotion to Sergeant based upon my performance during the assault.</p>
<p>I would just like to get an idea of where I stand among other potential applicants. I know my school is mediocre, and I have no valid experience outside of the military, but I have developed a pretty unique perspective as a result of my time in the Marines, and I know that I can write an honest, compelling set of entrance essays. </p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>OnlyNameNotTaken</p>
<p>I would say that you need some more substantial work experience on the civilian side. This is not to say that your 4 years of experience in the Marines isn’t compelling. But the fact is you’re competitors will most likely be military officers with deployment experience as well. And not all of them will be accepted to a top MBA program either.</p>
<p>I would say probably a 70/30 shot at getting in vs. not getting in to a top 10 school, more like 40/60 to a top 5 school. Definitely worth shooting for (no pun intended) and I wouldn’t be surprised if you get in. A 4.0 from WASU is nothing to wave a stick at (my sister went to Univ. of Idaho) and I for one always like working with ex-military, very professional and goal oriented.</p>
<p>[Military</a> Officer and MBA Alum Featured on MBA.com : Stories : Full-Time MBA : Eller MBA Programs : Eller College of Management : The University of Arizona](<a href=“http://www.mba.eller.arizona.edu/fulltime/stories/2009/mba_com_greg_goodman.asp]Military”>http://www.mba.eller.arizona.edu/fulltime/stories/2009/mba_com_greg_goodman.asp)</p>
<p>I was similar to you when applying…came across stories on mba.com and found this above…also some great articles on mba.com about military officers and b schools.
Nate</p>
<p>The fact that your work experience is military, rather than civilian… your military experience <em>totally</em> counts as work experience. It is not an issue. In fact, it could be a benefit, if your military experience was solid and involved leadership. </p>
<p>I do not see it hampering your ability to get into a strong MBA program at all. </p>
<p>I’ve interviewed several MBAs coming out of Harvard whose only work experience was in the military. It’s not going to be an issue.</p>
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I just wanted to thank all of you for the feedback. I’ll definitely apply to the top schools and see what happens. It’s not going to be cheap, and writing all of those essays will take a considerable amount of time, but I think it’s worth a shot. Besides, I’m pretty sure the world isn’t going to end if I don’t get into a top school.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>OnlyNameNotTaken</p>
<p>Help me understand - did you spend 4 years as a campus security officer while you were going to school, or was that after you left the military, or what? Give me the timeline here.</p>
<p>I agree with Denzera. The timeline can make a significant difference. Were you in the military before college ?</p>