<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>You have impressive academics, and an internship at UBS is a great start! </p>
<p>The one thing I don’t know about that would be vital for a top-tier MBA program is demonstrated leadership in extra-curricular activities. Are there any clubs on campus in which you have taken a <em>significant</em> leadership role (and by this I mean more than just being the treasurer of a club, etc.)?</p>
<p>If not – not a huge deal…because 1) you still have time in the next 2 - 3 years to do significant community service to bolster that part of your application and 2) you might be able to make the argument to the admissions committee that you were so busy getting your degree in 3.5 years that you didn’t have time for extra-currics. </p>
<p>If you don’t have any significant extra-curriculars right now, the <em>ideal</em> thing would be to find SOMETHING that you could be involved with during the upcoming semester and then CARRY OVER into your post-college life, so that you can show true commitment and passion for whatever it is, and also grow into a leadership role in that organization or cause. </p>
<p>In terms of when to take the GMAT…I’m guessing you’ll be too busy once the school-year starts to really focus on it…and yet, the summer is almost over so I’m not sure you could cram it in before the school year starts again. </p>
<p>My advice is to take it sooner rather than later, since 1) if you get a bad score you can then retake later 2) since you are in college now your brain is more in “learning mode” than it will be later on (“real life” makes one soft, ha ha) </p>
<p>Have you taken any practice tests? COULD you fit it in by the end of this summer? when do you go back to school, and does your internship give you a few hours / day of free time (e.g. when you get home at night) to begin to study on your own? If so, heck, maybe try to take it in a couple of months. </p>
<p>If not, then maybe there can be a gap between graduation and your full-time employment starting? I wouldn’t do it when you are starting a new job, since all of your mental energy will be there. </p>
<p>It’s also possible to wait a few years until right before when you apply. That might work out since 1) at that point, you’ll be comfortable enough in your job to be able to juggle studying for the GMAT 2) if necessary, it will be easier for you to afford a review course (though these are not necessary if you are a disciplined self-studier) and 3) heck, you might decide in 3 years that you don’t want/need an MBA!</p>
<p>Does any of this help? Let me know!</p>