<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I wanted to apply to the PSU online MBA, also known as iMBA program. I was thinking of retaking the GMAT (I scored horribly low, 550; but I did not study at all, so I expect this to increase significantly). My undergrad was at Penn State UPark with a 3.65 GPA. I currently work at Lockheed Martin (1.5 yrs work experience) and have worked at Penn State as a teaching assistant for their largest business course for two semesters. My letters of recommendation come from two distinguished Smeal College of Business Professors both of which I have done research with. </p>
<p>Question A: Do you think that retaking the GMATs is a must? I didn't study the first, so I do expect my score to increase. But I'd rather not have to deal with the hassle/payment if I can get in without retaking.
Question B: Compared to the regular MBA program, what are the requirements for the iMBA program (GPA, GMAT/GRE)? Or are they the same? I didn't think that they would be, considering that a satellite campus(Erie?) offers an MBA course with lower req's than UPark.
Question C: What would be my chances?</p>
<p>Thanks for any input/assistance</p>
<p>I would check the median GMAT score, if you are at or above the median for the iMBA program, I would not retake. If you are below the median, I would consider retaking. Again, the median for the iMBA might be lower than the traditional program, so do some research. I looked into the iMBA at PSU, but decided to attend Auburn’s EMBA program. Similar in structure, but I didn’t need the GMAT. I took the GMAT in 2003 and the score was aged by the time I decided to apply to b-school. I didn’t want to go through the hassle of the GMAT. </p>
<p>I would consider alternatives to PSU. With a PSU undergrad degree, it might be nice to get a different perspective. Auburn was a great experience and they have a highly rated online MBA program. Not “plugging” Auburn, but I can only speak to what I know and it was a good program and significantly cheaper (AACSB too).</p>
<p>First off, an online MBA will NOT advance you as well as a regular MBA. Being a current MBA student, I feel I am learning more than my online MBA counterparts. Then again, depends on your situation. If you plan on working while doing the online MBA, it’s good, but it will suck up most of your free time.</p>
<p>I would also not advise the GREs. All business schools accept the GMATs, but your score is very low. I would retake, unless you do attend a branch campus for Penn State which accepts lower scores. And I agree with uicgrad1, being diverse in your graduate school is important. Perhaps search into universities closer to your workplace?</p>
<p>Overall, grad school is a big move. Definitely outweigh the reasons why you want to go to graduate school because it is 100x harder than an undergrad. Most of my days are spent working on group projects and reading, reading, reading! If you don’t like reading, with large vocabulary, it’s not the path for you. Since you are working, you are in no rush to gain that degree. What is your end goal in your career?</p>
<p>I disagree that it is 100 times harder. I attend Northwestern University as a graduate student prior to going to Auburn, and I did not find either school “100 times” harder than my undergrad experience at lowly UIC. I honestly found undergrad more grueling. It’s just different. 100 times more different than undergrad is probably a more accurate statement.</p>
<p>uicgrad1. Unfortunately, you’re comparing Northwestern to Auburn. That’s like comparing an apple to an orange. Northwestern, by far is a top 15 university overall, let alone with one of the best business schools. Perhaps, the way they present the material at Northwestern is more efficient and easier to digest. I think it really varies as far as where you go, but across the board, it will be different from your undergrad. The main problem my friends and I find is the lack of time. It seems like you are always working on something and constantly reading. </p>
<p>That depends: my endgoal in the career path that I am on now is manager at some point. However looking further down the road I’d like to get my Phd at PSU and teach there as well. But that’s looking way further ahead. And I tried finding the median for the online program but could not find any.</p>
<p>Manager would be a better choice. Being a professor is strenuous and stressful and the pay isn’t as glamorous as you may think. As a manager, there are far more perks and pay. Ever since the study from last year came out saying being a professor is the least stressful job, you see everybody rushing to get their phd. Here are some great articles with information to the job description:</p>
<p><a href=“Top 10 Reasons Being A University Professor Is A Stressful Job”>http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidkroll/2013/01/05/top-10-reasons-being-a-university-professor-is-a-stressful-job/</a></p>
<p><a href=“What Are the Downsides of Being a Professor? | HuffPost College”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost;
<p><a href=“Negatives to Being a Professor | Work - Chron.com”>http://work.chron.com/negatives-being-professor-15339.html</a></p>