Need advice from someone who got into a top business school

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>I will be attending DePaul University this fall. I will be in their honors college and honors business program (strobel). Anyways, I stopped at Barnes and Noble today to read a book about how to get into top MBA programs. Here is what I learned:</p>

<p>-It is better to participate in several ECs and earn significant positions, preferably leadership positions, rather than being in 10 ECs while not being very involved in them. In other words, show that you're passionate about the club/organization.</p>

<p>-I also know that you must keep a good GPA (at least 3.4ish) and score pretty well on your GMAT (700+).</p>

<p>-Another excerpt from the book that I remember well was the discussion between attending a prestigious undergraduate b-school or an average to above-average undergrad b-school. The author was able to ask admissions directors from the top MBA programs on their opinions of the two and they all agreed that, although an undergrad b-school looks impressive, their are many more important factors to consider. For example, someone who goes to DePaul and takes difficult classes and earns a 3.8 will be favored over a Wharton student who takes easy classes and graduates with a 3.2 GPA.</p>

<p>This book also had essays from applicants who earned acceptances into top business schools (Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, Tuck, Columbia, Booth, etc). I have to admit, the essays were impressive, but I can't say they left me in awe.</p>

<p>Anyhow, what else should be done to help my chances of getting into a top business school? All insight is appreciated, and if you have any questions about my plans thus far, please feel free to ask. Thanks for the help!</p>

<p>Justin</p>

2

<p>How about if the Wharton student below took difficult classes also (which is a more likely scenario)?</p>

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3

<p>The Wharton student would obviously have an edge, but that’s only one factor of many that is considered during the admissions process.</p>

4

<p>Work experience, work experience, work experience.</p>

5

<p>Like Giants92 said, get a good job after school. Your EC’s in college won’t mean jack after you’ve worked for 4-5 years unless you were the student body president or did something that has left a considerable and positive mark on your school/community during your time there. What you can control now is your GPA and your job search (possibly also your GMAT score if you plan on taking it during or directly after college).</p>