<p>Hi, I am currently an undergrad engineering student at an Ivy League Institution with an aspiration to one day attend HBS, Wharton or hopefully Kellogg. I am not quite sure how the process works but I hear that work experience and GMATs probably play the largest role. So, please help me answer maybe a few of the questions below.</p>
<p>1) If I pursue a degree in computer science while minoring in a business related discipline, would this work to my advantage? ie 2+2 program.
2) If I intern at a bulge bracket bank, how much of an advantage does it put me at?
3) How similar is the process to college admissions? Is ethnicity as much of a factor? International, URM, etc?
4) Engineering GPA tends to be lower on average... what range should I shoot for in a school that has little grade inflation (aka not harvard)? 3.8-4.0?
5) Does attending an ivy league school actually put me at an advantage?
6) Do extra curricular activities really matter?</p>
<p>As far as I am concerned, GPA plays little part.It`s not like law schools.Once you hit 3.5, getting any more isnt that helpful.People say WE is the most important factor</p>
<p>1) that would be a good combo
2) very big advantage, especially if you are applying during or within 2 years of u-grad
3) ethnicity/diversity is huge factor
4) as overachiever said, 3.5+
5) yes. they like brand name schools, AND it should set you up for prestigious business experience afterwords (aim for top consulting or banking)
6. yes. they especially like leadership and community service. student govt is a good option as well. they would rather take the 3.5 student body president than the 3.9 school-only person.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses guys.</p>
<p>1) Leadership = president of organizations, student body participation, organizing events, etc?
2) How exactly is diversity and ethnicity still a factor? Affirmative action? or more emphasis on internationals?
3) Is it feasible to get a job at a consulting or financial firm with a degree in Computer Science (minor in business related field) if I have an internship at say, Credit Suisse?</p>
<p>1) that’s right. student gov’t, leader of clubs, athletics are all great. </p>
<p>2) ethnicity is a factor, as well as prior background/experience. ex they don’t want a class full of 770/ IIT Indian/IT Worker which they could surely generate. they have fairly strict quotas of 1/3 bankers, 1/3 mgmt consultants, 1/3 other.</p>
<p>3) those employers like engineering/science experience, so your chances should be pretty good. try to parlay your internship into a full time offer by inquiring about such a possibility towards the end.</p>
<p>boston thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.</p>