Timing of applications, work experience, GMAT. (What’s the standard?)

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>Ok, so I am about a junior in undergrad right now, and I am an engineering major. I currently have been taking a ton of math and stat courses and would like to take the GMAT in the not too distant future because I think that I will do especially well on the quant section with all of the numbers that are freely running through my head… However, I don’t want to jump the gun as I know there’s a 5 year limit on how long the scores are applicable for admissions. </p>

<p>My question: Do MBA programs consider only the work experience that you have at the time that you apply, or do they take into consideration the time between when you apply and when you actually start your MBA? (I would think that would be close to a year for first round apps) I am thinking that if I take the GMAT at the end of my junior year, it will only leave 4 years post graduation while the scores are still good. What are your thoughts on the issue?</p>

2

<p>Most MBA programs consider all work experience POST-college (so no internships or temporary jobs during college). You can take the GMAT before you graduate from college. The scores are good for 5 years. So if you're planning to work for 4 years and apply to MBA schools, your score will still be available.</p>

3

<p>If you had free time to study it between graduation and starting your first job, that would probably be the best time to take it. If you are already planning to get an MBA and are positioning yourself to do so, then taking it after your jr year isn't a killer. It's quite likely you will go back to school before it runs out but you may have to retake it.</p>