<p>Hi, simple question really. I don't want to aim to high and get my expectations out of loop with reality, but at the same time don't want to aim too low for obvious reasons.</p>
<p>STATS
GPA - Will finish between 3.4 and 3.5, BS Business Admin double option Finance/MIS (150 units taken) at CSULB
Work Experience - 4 years military, 2 years Mortgage industry
GMAT - Pending but aiming for 600-700 (easier said then done obviously but one can dream)
Recommendations - Can get a great one from my current supervisor and either a Finance/MIS prof. at school.
Limitations - Only made E-4 in military due to rate being congested but still in supervisor role for 1.5 years of my time. Hard to move up in my current company and no tuition assistance sadly enough. I'm currently 26 years old.</p>
<p>I make 50k a year at my job so looking for part time MBA so I can continue working.</p>
<p>UCLA is obviously out of reach for me, same goes for Stanford and Berkeley.</p>
<p>Wish List -
USC (dream school)
Pepperdine
UC Irvine</p>
<p>If I get a high enough GMAT, do I have a realistic shot at USC? Is USC my ceiling?</p>
<p>Are you sure UCLA is out of reach? UCLA Anderson, Berkeley Haas are doable with a 3.4-3.5 GPA and 700+ GMAT provided you actually did show some significant workplace achievements…</p>
<p>CHD2013 - I did not at all consider the CFA until you brought this up. After a quick google search, I am highly intrigued. 3 Tests each of which costing between 1-2k with a lot of self-study sounds down my alley. In all reality, I would like to get both an MBA and CFA so the more doors would be open to me. Thank you so much for the reply!</p>
<p>Catria - What would be considered significant workplace achievements? I have a NAM (Navy Achievement Medal) which is the highest award junior personnel can achieve in the military but I don’t think it has much pull in the outside world.</p>
<p>OP, I would not advise CFA for you. Even if you pass all 3 tests, you can’t be chartered unless you have 4 years of valuation investment type of experience. There are thousands of candidates who have passed CFA but can’t break into the investment industry. Just read this <a href=“http://www.analystforum.com/”>http://www.analystforum.com/</a>
I think MBA is better for you. Pick one that has a good recruitment track record. If you can score GMAT > 700, you have a shot at all the MBA schools you mentioned. Just make sure you write excellent essays. Good luck.</p>