<p>How much of an advantage would I have getting in business schools like Harvard; after being a Captain in the army?
I would do ROTC in Binghamton University, while getting a Bachelors Degree in Management. After my four years in the army I would most likely be a captain. Would the admissions office place a lot of weight on the fact that I am a captain in the United States Army?</p>
<p>I do not know about Harvard in particular. Generally, it would be an advantage but not a huge one. It probably depends on the MBA program. You would be surprised how many MBA students are recent graduates with no real work experience. So, having a few years of work, anywhere, is good. Military experience would not be considered more valuable than any other employment. The biggest factor in getting accepted in to an excellent MBA program are previous grades and your score on the GMAT exam.</p>
<p>For what it is worth, most MBA students majored in something other than business. Engineering is a common major, but many other majors also choose the MBA route. Being good at both math and writing is important.</p>
<p>From the perspective of a service member…</p>
<p>Captains are a dime a dozen in the Army. If you have a pulse, can pass the APFT, and haven’t gotten arrested, you will probably make Captain at some point.</p>
<p>The bottom line is how do you separate yourself from all the other Captains in the Army.</p>
<p>Personally, I think basic branch active duty officers are disadvantaged from their National Guard peers especially when you factor in the significant drawdown the Army is going through right now. I know a lot of Active Duty soldiers rag on the reserve components but look at the big picture. You’re potentially competing against junior officers who have done all the “check the blocks” as you: </p>
<p>-platoon leader, executive officer, battalion staff, company command positions
-cool guy schools such as Ranger, etc.</p>
<p>… on paper, they look just like you. That doesn’t even include these opportunities that you wouldn’t have had on active duty as a junior officer:</p>
<p>-graduated school while having 3-4 years of proven civilian work experience</p>