<p>Hey guys, Im currently a freshman at USC doing a dual degree in Engineering and Business. I really want to get in Harvard's MBA program, and will probably apply as a junior to the 2+2 program. What kind of GPA should I be aiming for (right now I have a 3.75)? What kind of internships look the the best (I'll be interning in UBS singapore this summer), and what kind of ECs should I be doing (My only leadership position right now is in USC Robotics society)? What else should I do now to help my app? </p>
<p>Thanks guys, I know Im only a freshman but exams are finally over and I want to plan ahead early lol</p>
<p>when should I start studying for GMAT?</p>
<p>Should I take one in May 2012 before they change the format??</p>
<p>Christ kid… you’re not a minority, you haven’t started a profitable website, and you don’t go to Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. Harvard does not want you. Go out, join a frat, get laid, then get in line for the arduous but wonderfully meritocratic process of finding a good job and getting in the hard way like the rest of us.</p>
<p>It’s going to be <em>very</em> hard to get into HBS with that profile. You would need a really unique and compelling application, definitely not another “banker” profile, which I infer from your internship at UBS. I’d say as a banker from UBS/USC, you have very little shot.</p>
<p>oh hell naw I have 3 years to shape my resume, should I transfer to another school or apply to other internships? Will recs from respected politicians help?</p>
<p>It all depends on how you frame your app. It has to be a unique profile, with demonstrated leadership. </p>
<p>As a banker, you are going against Harvard College, Yale, Princeton, people who interned at GS, etc. Tough. Plus, these b-schools have a ton of bankers in the regular program so they don’t need anymore.</p>
<p>Now, if you created a non profit that won $3M of funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and deployed AIDS treatment to Africa…then, that is a compelling app!</p>
<p>Okay, so Im guessing going for the bulge bracket for my next two/three summer internships isnt a very good idea? Should I show diversity by like applying to other sectors such as hospitality (e.g. Disney) or consumer goods (e.g. P&G) or tech (e.g.intel)? I can also work under my country’s treasury secretary etc if I want, or ask a relative for a world bank position (more on service, helping LDCs). But Im not sure if these are considered more prestigious than working for renowned MNCs.</p>
<p>At this point I dont think I can create a nonprofit by myself while keeping up stellar grades, thriving in ECs, and eventually studying for GMAT.</p>
<p>Also, are essays/recs as important as professional experience?
Writing truly excellent essays wont be a problem for me (this I **** you not), but Im still scouting for good recommenders (as i said before, some polticians can help with that)</p>
<p>At the end of the day, the goal is for you to be in the job/career of your choice, not get a Harvard MBA. The latter is just a stepping stone.</p>
<p>To answer your question, the essays are the most important, along with professional experience. Recs are important, too. The bottom line is that everything in the app must be cohesive, so in a sense, everything is important as it describes who “you” are, why HBS is essential as the next step to reaching your goals, what you bring to HBS, and why now.</p>
<p>Also I just browsed the charlesrivereditors website, if you can tell me anything else thats not on the site thats useful please do lol. When do you recommend I start using this service (e.g. just when Im about to start my app)?</p>
<p>I see you charge a steep fee (and honestly Im gonna dig around your competitors stuff too lol) but hey, if I end up being convinced that your consultations are the best, I see my money as a worthy investment in my future</p>
<p>I would suggest using the service before you start your application. So much of the success of the app depends on how you spin yourself. That in turn means that the ECs, essays, recs, etc. must all be cohesive and that your application components all resonate together. Basically, it’s easy to tell an app that’s “all over the place” from one that’s focused and pitches a strong candidate.</p>
<p>When is “before you start the app” exactly - A month before? 2 months? Now?</p>