<p>I’m a junior student at michigan-ann arbor double majoring in math(pure) and economics.</p>
<p>Even though I enjoy learning difficult or abstract stuff, from 4 years of experience I concluded that I’m not that smart to pursue Ph.D program in math or econ. So as of this moment, I’m thinking about getting master degree in applied math, entering the firm and apply for MBA program 2-3 years later. This means I will finish learning serious stuff at the master’s level and fianlly end my hard life.</p>
<p>I’ve been looking at some postings here and learned something like:</p>
<li>The title of school where you finish Undergrad study is not that important.</li>
<li>Work experience and GMAT score are more important than GPA but GPA is still important.</li>
</ol>
<p>But it’s a bit hard to find the info what I’m really looking for such as:</p>
<li>Should I enjoy rest of my undergrad semesters by taking some easy classes trying to get higher GPA(My major GPA is slightly above 3.3) or would it be ok to continue my hard life?(ex.taking Probability Theory, differential equations at grad level)</li>
</ol>
<p>Are hard courses(or upper level courses) going to be valued more than less rigorous courses in the admission process?</p>
<p>Would there be any admission officers who will rub their hands looking at my serious course works?</p>
<li><p>If the name of the school you got out of is not that important, what about the name of the firm? Is getting into a prestigious firm going to promise the higher chance to get into the top MBA prgram(say, top 5)?</p></li>
<li><p>Would letters of recommendation from a person who did MBA in the school I’m applying for significantly boost the chance?</p></li>
<li><p>Finally, is receiving a Ph.D degree in business the only way I can do teaching at the college level? </p></li>
<li><p>In terms of the academic depth, would business Ph.D be valued at the level of economics Ph.D or other serious academic fields?(In your subjective viewpoints)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>
[quote]
Are hard courses(or upper level courses) going to be valued more than less rigorous courses in the admission process?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not if you get the same degree regardless of course selection. I would suggest taking "easy" courses to not only help your gpa, but to explore some options since it appears you are still unsure what you would like. Maybe some econ or stuff on game theory?</p>
<p>
[quote]
If the name of the school you got out of is not that important, what about the name of the firm? Is getting into a prestigious firm going to promise the higher chance to get into the top MBA prgram(say, top 5)?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I wouldn't think so. However, if there are a lot of grads from a particular school there they might be able to help get into a more prestigious school.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Would letters of recommendation from a person who did MBA in the school I'm applying for significantly boost the chance?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I think so.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Finally, is receiving a Ph.D degree in business the only way I can do teaching at the college level?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No idea.</p>
<p>
[quote]
In terms of the academic depth, would business Ph.D be valued at the level of economics Ph.D or other serious academic fields?(In your subjective viewpoints)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I'm impressed by anyone with a PhD. However, I think economics is a less subjective subject than something as general as business so I would probably think that the academic material is less rigourous for business. That's the only presumption I would make. I've know very smart science managers who have BAs in history, but have a passion for the science and have thus done very well.</p>
<p>It's really time for you to look at what career path you'd like to pursue instead of planning the path to get additional credentials. You are no longer at the point where a high school junior would review his/her course work to satisfy college admissions requirements. You are a college junior and at this point should really focus on your career after college, not some distant dream.</p>
<p>Take the classes that you'd think would enhance your skills to make yourself more marketable to employers. I wouldn't pursue more grad school (especially MBA, which requires several years of work experience) unless you have a clear career objective.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If the name of the school you got out of is not that important, what about the name of the firm? Is getting into a prestigious firm going to promise the higher chance to get into the top MBA prgram(say, top 5)?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The school brand will only tip the balance.</p>
<p>Some "prestigious" firms sent more people to the top MBA programs because they are feeder firms. Kind of like prep-school for MBA. But if you look at it the other way, they reason they sent more people is because more people per capita from the firm apply for the top MBA programs or they went to work for the firm with the intention to apply for the top MBA program. Thus nominally, it looks like you have a better chance in getting in a top MBA program for the firm, but in reality the competition is fiercer. Top MBA programs want diversity, they don't want a bunch of people from the same company at the school. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Would letters of recommendation from a person who did MBA in the school I'm applying for significantly boost the chance?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I don't think it would "significantly" boost your chance, but it will to a certain degree, because the person would have a better idea of what the school is looking for thus write a better recommendation. The school would trust the recommendation a bit more it assessing your fit for the school</p>