What do you need to get into HBS?

<p>I was wondering what would be a realistic application for HBS. I know that the average GPA is 3.7 and the average GMAT score is 700-720.</p>

<p>If I graduated UCLA with these stats, what would be my chances?</p>

<p>GPA: 3.7
GMAT: 720
Major: Business Economics</p>

<p>I know that work experience plays a major role in the MBA admissions process. What would you guys suggest I get an internship and job in before applying to HBS? Please, no "just get a job and forget the MBA" messages please.</p>

<p>What business schools would you suggest? I want to go to at least one of the top 20 MBA programs with HBS being my ideal school.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>
[quote]

I know that work experience plays a major role in the MBA admissions process. What would you guys suggest I get an internship and job in before applying to HBS?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You've answered your own question.</p>

<p>So if I get a pretty decent job, would I have a pretty good chance at getting into HBS?</p>

<p>Just a decent job would not be sufficient, you need to have an OUTSTANDING job. Your competition would be from applicants who had just finished a few years in IB, management consulting, entrepreneurs who started a few companies, etc. As they say, successful applicants to HBS are not looking for a transformational degree, they just want a feather in their caps.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help. What do you think schools like UCLA Anderson are looking for?</p>

<p>Those stats would be suitable for any of the top 10 MBA programs and yet you could easily be rejected by all of them. Work experience and aspirations for your career are so much more deterministic. From what I've seen, above say a 3.1 GPA and ~ 660 GMAT you are in range and they really cease to be much of a factor until you get above a 3.8 GPA or 750 GMAT.</p>