Steps to reach an MBA?

I just graduated high school last year and am currently in a community college. I hope to eventually get into an MBA program and a top school such as Univ. Penn, Harvard, Stanford, or something close to me like UCLA or USC.

I am completely confused about the steps I need to take to get an MBA. After a 2 year transfer from community college, can I apply to these schools? Do I need an undergraduate first? Can I get an undergraduate from one of these schools first and then get an MBA?
Thanks

 

To get into an MBA program at one of the top schools you mentioned, you will need to first earn a bachelor's degree. You will need to earn exceptional grades and also take the GMAT and earn a very high score.

 

Go to the website of the schools you are interested in and look up the admissions criteria as well as the statistics for the incoming class. Most folks don't go directly into an MBA from the bachelors and some schools require a minimum amount of work experience prior to applying.

Best of luck with your studies.

 

Thanks for the responses

Do most schools that have an MBA program also have a bachelor's degree for the same subject?

Does the bachelor's degree need to be the of the same program? IE: Bachelor's in entrepreneurship, and then getting a master's in entrepreneurship

 

It helps to get a Bachelors degree in the same discipline that you want your MBA to be in because it helps to meet cognate requirements (which means that once you enroll in an MBA program, you don't have to take special classes to "catch you up" with the other students).

 

No, look at my sig block. You will need to complete prerequisites if you don't have a sufficient "academic" background for an MBA program. In fact it might be beneficial to have another type of background to broaden your perspective. But, having a business bachelors will cut your time to completion down on the MBA.

 

What is your current career goal?

 

elliot - whoever you might be and wherever you go to school there is an office in your school that exists expressly for the purpose of answering such questions. pay them a visit. they will help you move toward your goal.

 

I would recommend an undergraduate degree in one discipline and a different concentration for an MBA. This will demonstrate a diverse knowledge. Perhaps if you can plan from the beginning, get a BS in Biology with a minor in accounting then an MBA in Accounting. This way the minor will fulfill the admission requirements and do get the most out the work you must do.

 

Elliot,

First of all, it's great that you have such high aspirations - with such ambition you will do well.

Having said that, don't even think about doing an MBA for a while. It really is, or should be, a degree for practising managers. Get your Bachelors and some good work experience under your belt first, and start firming up your longer-term career goals. You can then use the MBA as a stepping stone towards senior management by getting your company to sponsor the process. I am 32 (sounds old right!) and just finishing mine off, I really feel this was the right time to do it.

Good luck!

Dave C.

 

I agree with the last two posts (Randell and Dave. C). Get a degree that is related to the field you want to enter (e.g. engineering, chemistry, agriculture, computer science, quality assurance, travel, whatever), get a job in that field, then go on to get an MBA (you may find that a different masters degree will give you more opportunity - it did for me). A pure business degree will not get you far in many occupations but a combination will get you far.
For your bachelor degree you could either have a double major or take business classes as free electives.

 

I will be turning 41 this summer and will be starting my MBA in the fall.

Pug

 

I would take it one step at a time. Get really good grades now and at the universit after you transfer. Work on writing, verbal and analytical skills so that you can ace the GMAT.

Then I would suggest working 3-4 years. Most of the folks I know that got their MBA around 24-25 years old were able to maximize that for their career trajectory. If you wait too late- depending on the field - it may hold you back. I started mine at 29 but voluntarily stopped to start a family. The family I wouldn't trade, but I advise getting the MBA before life gets in the way.

One friend had a perfect 4.0 from UW with a double major and was given a free ride to Wharton. She deferred for 3-4 years and went after completing a management training program and working for 2 years. Working first is a great idea.

 

The only problem is that an undergrad degree alone may not be enough to get you even an entry level job in this environment, unless it's in something that's in very high demand.

Hopefully, things will be better in a few years.

 

Some additional ideas: Having supportive parents to finance an internship in a foreign country might also be a plus, as well as spending the summers to intern at the top companies in major cities in relevant fields. And also start looking for ways to show your leadership capabilities in your life, community and social environment. You need to develop a unique storyline which shows your potential to become a leader of tomorrow...

 

Not to steal the thread, but if someone had the time and money would it be beneficial to get the BS/BA in Business Management, then get a MA/MS in Mangement (human resources, etc) to make you more competitive. Then after working a few years, and gaining exp. and contacts, move onto the MBA?

 

As a business teacher at a community college, I would say...it depends.

While your plan is a good plan, as other posters have stated, there is also a strong case to be made for having a bachelors degree in one field - working in the field for a few years, and then earning the MBA (or similar credential). My communications/journalism BA was a godsend in my MBA program because I could write.

Your major should be where your passion and skills lie - excel in your field --and then look at the Masters.

Good luck!

Shawn

 

What if your passion is business?