<p>I'm currently a student at Columbus State University. It's a small and not so well known school, but it was the only one I could really afford just starting off. I'm a double major in Business Management and French (teacher certification track), and i'm taking 24 credit hours this semester. My GPA is a 3.8 as of right now. I am in the Honors Program and the International Club. I am also a Staff Writer for the newspaper on campus, a CSU Ambassador (volunteer hours on campus), and work as a part time caterer for Aramark. Lastly, i'm hoping to become a Resident Assistant for housing next year, and studying abroad in Quebec this summer.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was wondering if there is anything that I should try to do that I am not currently doing? I would really like to get into an excellent graduate school for business. Also, I've been told that I shouldn't do so much because it takes away from my majors. I don't really agree and my grades are consistent, but I don't know what graduate schools are looking for. I'm a sophomore. </p>
<p>One more thing, though I can handle this workload I would prefer not to have to... Is it important to graduate on time in 4 years or would it be alright to graduate in 5 years?</p>
<p>I’ll answer, cause this grad section seems like a bit of a ghost town :D.</p>
<p>I’m new at looking at grad school admissions myself (but plan to apply in about 3 months).</p>
<p>However, I know for PhD type positions, research experience is essential.</p>
<p>For an MBA (standard business masters with ton of specialty sub-fields) - research exp is not expected or necessary at all.</p>
<p>Instead, the GMAT is required instead of the GRE, and is highly important.</p>
<p>Another important thing about an MBA. It’s rare that people apply straight for undergrad. Because you won’t get as much out of it. Most people have 2-6 years, if not more, of business experience. You are essentially ‘bringing your experience’ to the table in an MBA, and will get a lot more out of it if you have work experience, and will probably be able to network more effectively. That’s just what I heard when I looked into it.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for a straight-outta-undergrad masters in a business type program, consider a masters in finance or a masters in accounting.</p>
<p>I agree with most everything TrueAce said and also want you to know that there is another forum for people interested in business (mba) degrees rather than grad degrees (finance, accounting)</p>
<p>You can graduate in more years and it won’t usually harm you, esp if you are working.</p>
<p>@CatSaaQuin Yes, the more you do to distinguish yourself the better your chances of admission to a top school. The kinds of differentiation is between being on the school newspaper staff and being editor in chief. Don’t go for those levels if it hurts your academics, but on the other hand, don’t join lots of activities just to participate. Pick your areas and try to lead within them.</p>
<p>Since you are a sophomore, it is important to plan your summers wisely. Use that time for work experience / internships as much as possible. That will prepare you for interviews in your senior year for post bachelor employment. Combine internship experiences with the grades, majors, and activities you described and you will likely enjoy a strong employment position when you graduate. </p>
<p>I say that because although top business schools sometimes say there is no minimum required work experience (Stanford for example), they strongly prefer work experience and exceptions are rare. So if your goal is a top school, then an appropriate intermediate goal is strong employment after you graduate.</p>