r/MBA

I think MBA programs (especially in the US) are getting too young.

When the average age is 27/28, many students are smart and ambitious, but they often lack real professional and life experience. The best MBA discussions usually come from people who have spent 10+ years in an industry, managed crises, led teams, and actually lived through corporate reality.

Sometimes MBA programs feel more like an extension of college recruiting culture than a place for experienced professionals.

Honestly, I think MBA cohorts with an average age around 33/34 would create better discussions, stronger peer learning, and more mature networking.

Curious what others think.

Hi all. I'm joining a T15 this year and took the BCG CCA test today as part of BCG unlock requirement.

The quantitative section has 8 questions to be solved in 12 minutes. I am sure I marked one of them wrong​​. How much is this going to impact my chances while recruiting in the fall?

Mba or bkt

Hello Everyone,

I was recently accepted into the Berkeley Haas MBA program but received no scholarship. I’m currently weighing the decision to take out a $200k loan at a 12% interest rate.

I have years of tech experience in Pakistan and am currently working in tech in the Middle East. While Berkeley is a top choice and its $165k average starting salary is appealing, taking on such significant debt feels daunting.

I’d love to hear from those who have been in a similar position:

How has your experience been with loan repayment post-MBA?

What is the current job market like for international students seeking sponsorship?

If I reapply next year with a higher GMAT score, is it realistic to expect a significant scholarship?

Is $200k in debt manageable for this ROI, or should I wait and try for funding next year?

Military vet, 100% GI bill (full ride) to a full time ~T10. Alternative is land an engineering job making $125k and pursue T10 executive MBA (also full ride), and trying to pivot into leadership from there.

Total opportunity cost is about $250k, and while I wouldn’t rule anything out, I can’t see myself in MBB/PE/IB. Would most likely work towards some LDPs.

I’m definitely an overthinker. I know I would have more fun and build a better network with a full time program, but with AI changes, lowering employment rates, and the opportunity cost, I can’t help but wonder if a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.

Interested to hear some thoughts!

I don’t mean just the, getting more money, getting a better job, I mean what are your reasons for doing this holistically? I’m doing it because my boyfriend can’t really hold down a job, but I love him and I want him and I to be able to live comfortably, even if it’s only as comfortably as someone can live on a single income in this economy.
What are your reasons? I just want to know that I might not be the only person doing this for reasons other than money.

I thought joining the startup world in AI would be a good opportunity, but I'm finding it's not for me. Out of LEK I was originally going for PE, but got burnt out and joined a seed-stage startup instead. Regretting the decision right now (just not the right role for me) and kinda down in the dumps about it, so thinking about returning to school. I had interviews at 2 PE firms for a PE Ops opportunity, but got dinged because of the recent startup gig I think...it's hard to explain the story.

I had a 3.3 GPA in college and when I practiced GMAT years ago I got up to a 690...going to push for a 700+.

How practical is it that I get into a T15 or higher? Should I even do this? Genuinely need any advice right now! Thank you! Resume attached.

EDIT: Deleted resume after some friendly advice lol. But it was corp dev at PE Energy Porto for 2.5 years (successful exit) -> ​LEK energy /industrials group for 4.5 years -> AI startup for 6 months

I’m a SWE at Meta and was laid off today as part of their big company wide layoff. I’ll be attending an M7 in the Fall and have already completed the background check. Do I need to report this to the school? Also when recruiting starts in the fall should I be transparent about being laid off?

EMBA

Kellogg (Miami) no scholarship decision yet, yet to apply

Booth $15000 scholarship, came with decision

Haas accepted, yet to apply for scholarships

Waiting on MIT (local), submitted last week. Waiting for yes/no on interview

Submitted Columbia this week.

Deposits are already due for Kellogg and Haas. June 4 decision for Booth

How should I go about making a decision? Can a consultant help? Also, looking for more help on securing more scholarships, any pointers (DMs also welcome)

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/a-masters-degree-isnt-the-job-guarantee-it-used-to-be-53e237aa?st=qLYyKf&reflink=article_imessage_share

Hello guys, how are you doing?

I have a genuine question about how hard it is to break into VC post-MBA.

I’m applying next round to H/S/W. I have been working in investment banking for the last four years: two years at a local bank in Brazil on the DCM team and two years in the investment banking division of a European bank in its Brazil office.

Besides that, I’m also the founder and president of a relevant nonprofit focused on the financial industry in Brazil. Our board includes three CEOs of investment banks in Brazil, as well as other senior executives in the industry. I’m also a Forbes Under 30 lister and have been recognized by different organizations for my social work - last month I went to HBS because I was recognized by an Harvard entity.

I have a genuine desire to break into VC post-MBA. Do you think that would be possible given my background? I know it is a bit tricky because I’m a founder, but not in the traditional startup sense. Do you think my experience, combined with a Stanford or Harvard degree, would allow me to make that transition?

Oh, before I forget I’m applying as an international student

I’m starting at an MBA program in mid-August and planning to work up until then. I’m not letting my current employer know that I’ll be leaving until it’s time to give my 2 week notice - if they get wind, I’m worried they’ll let me go early.

My B-school said they can only wait until June and after that, they need Re Vera to contact my current employer and confirm employment.

Through some posts on this sub I’ve learned Re Vera does disclose the reason for their background check to my current employer.

Has anyone faced a similar issue and how did you resolve it? Thanks!

Hey guys, i was waitlisted in R1 pre-interview.

Had my interview about 10 days back. Haven't heard back since. Was expecting a decision today (at this point, i just need a decision. even a reject is fine! just want this wait to fkn end)

I'm based in India so i assumed that if i had to get a call, i would've by now. since i didnt, i checked the portal assuming i would find the rejection letter there given they state they wouldn't roll out rejections in a separate email.

The portal still says waitlisted. Now idk if thats because their portal is glitchy / not updating or im still on WL.

Any other WL candidates hear back?? Im so confused whats going on!!

Applying to mba was grueling and im honestly exhausted. I’ve been admitted to a top program but I dont know if im ready to move, start classes, and recruit for jobs. I really just want a break. Ideally id defer until next year but i know “ avoiding burnout” isn’t valid enough reason to officially defer my admission. I dont want to lose the opportunity, but I also dont know if id be coming into the program as my best self :/

Has anyone tried to negotiate scholarships with Booth twice? The form says only once but is it worth asking for another review?

I submitted the form and got a minimal amount (30k) but could I get them to push it higher? I have competing offers from M7 & T15s, some with scholarships and some without

If you look at Business School rankings over the past 30 years, there’s almost zero movement at the top.
• The same schools have dominated the M7 for decades.
• Very little change in the T15.
• Same story in T20 and even T25.

This level of rigidity is quite unusual compared to other industries or global rankings.

Questions for the community:

1. Is the ranking system so competitive that it’s nearly impossible for schools to break into the top tiers?
2. Are there simply no “vacancies” in the T15/T20 — meaning the top schools are too entrenched?
3. Have the top schools reached some kind of equilibrium where they’re all performing at a similar high level?
4. What would it actually take for a T25 school (e.g., Olin, USC Marshal, Indiana Kelley, etc.) to break into the T15 or even T10?

Would love to hear thoughts from current students, alumni, and admissions consultants. What “extras” do lower-ranked schools need to focus on — research output, employment outcomes, brand building, alumni network strength, or something else?

Posted an AMA yesterday and had many questions about LDPs so I’m sharing a list of companies I considered. Many of these have LDPs but some only hire for regular corporate MBA jobs:

Adobe, AB InBev, American Airlines, American Express, Amazon, AT&T, Bank of America, Caterpillar, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cigna, Citi, ConocoPhillips, DaVita, Dell, Delta, Dick’s Sporting Goods, DTE Energy, Estée Lauder, Fidelity, Google, HP, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan, Kimberly-Clark, Kraft, Marriott, Medtronic, Microsoft, Nike, NRG, PepsiCo, Phillips 66, Target, TIAA, UnitedHealth Group, UPS, Vanguard, Visa, Walmart​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Feel free to add more in the comments. Hope this helps!

Open question to both the cohorts of ‘26 and ‘27 students. Honest take on reality of fancy MBA degree.

Starting an MBA soon and trying to be smart about financing. I know federal loans have protections, but private rates can be lower depending on credit. For people who actually compared options, did you use marketplaces, apply lender by lender, use Juno, or some mix? I’m trying to avoid missing a better rate just because I was lazy.