how to get into a top business school?

Question

ok so im an undergrad at UC Berkeley. I was a pre-med for awhile but then i have recently changed my mind to go to International business. What should I do to become a competitive applicant? would the business schools only look at my econ courses' grades or the pre-med ones too? help please. i need some advice in what to do.
thanks much

Answer 1

They will look at all of your grades, along with your GMAT score. The problem you have is that you are still an undergrad, and with every top business school I know of (with an exception at the University of Chicago, which has a small highly quantitative program for recent college graduates) there is a requirement of an absolute minimum of 3 years of full-time post-baccalaureate work experience before they will accept you.

Answer 2

Hey I went to Cal too (graduated 05). Yeah we beat Tennessee!!!!

OK, on a more serious note, business schools will look at all your grades. Yes, business/econ courses are more relevant, but not necessarily so important that it would be an obstacle to getting into a top b-school if you haven't taken that many.

Most of the application process is looking at your application as a whole. What kind of work experience do you have? (This, by the way, is one of the best things you can have going for you, especially if you have 2+ years experience). What is your GMAT score? What is your GPA? What are your essays like? How is your overall presentation?

Grades and GMAT will be heavy factors. Actual relevant coursework shows you have an interest in business, but you can convey your aptitude for business in many other ways. Why international finance? Have you shown through other ways (starting a business, working in entry-level international finance, etc.) that you have a passion for this?

The best way to get to the answer to these questions is to research! Go talk to counselors, talk to peers, talk to admissions committee members, read books, go online, hire an admissions coach, etc. You're from Berkeley, you are smart, you can do it.

GO BEARS BABY!