<p>I am currently attending Florida Atlantic University for my undergraduate degree as a Finance major. I am aware that this is considered a substandard institution by most, but I had my reasons for choosing it at the time (mainly cost and location). I had a 1370 SAT (out of 1600) although I was homeschooled my whole life.</p>
<p>I am now a junior with 83 credits, and I hold a 4.0 GPA. I would like to know what my opportunities might be for graduate school (either MBA with a focus in Finance or a MS in Finance). Do I have a shot at getting into a worthwhile school, assuming I graduate from FAU with a 3.9 - 4.0 GPA? What schools should I apply to? Is there anything additional I can do to improve my chances?</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>-xandra</p>
<p>Work experience > schooling. You need to go into the workforce for a while before you apply for an MBA, as it’s the only way you’ll get into a top tier (top 15) business school. Having a 4.0 GPA will certainly help you, but GMAT scores and work experience are the most important things for business school admissions.</p>
<p>Another reason you should work before going to graduate school is that you really can’t truly know how any industry runs without working in it for a few years. This will also help give you a better idea of what you want to do down the road in business. You don’t need an MBA to be successful or to have a fulfilling career (as I’m sure you know).</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses. I may consider taking the CFA exam instead of or in addition to a graduate degree. I agree 100% that it is important to work in the field first, for many reasons.</p>
<p>you can try the following…given the fact that many top MBA programs want students with diverse backgrounds, interesting work experiences etc, you can try working in a bunch of foreign countries all around the world…like try workin in europe for a while, then hong kong, then maybe canada…that will make for an interesting resume with a lotta international experience…that can make you stand out from the hundreds of i bankers who are applying from wall street</p>
<p>Funny you should say that…I have already lived a year in a half abroad, studying in France (an unrelated subject, but an interesting experience nonetheless). I have always wanted to go back to Europe, to work or do an internship. I also recently changed my major from Int’l business to Finance, and I am now considering doing a minor in the former. Thanks for your suggestion.</p>