Just got rejected by all of the grad schools I applied to, what to do?

[Anonymous]

I got 3 out 4 rejections for MBA programs. I'm stuck in a dead end job right now and business school was going to be my exit opportunity. I just don't know what to do. Because of my low salary, I can't afford the DC area anymore and my parents live 2 hours away in a rural area where job opportunities are scarce for someone with a BS. I've been applying for positions that I think I'd qualify for based on my experience, but the pay is too low. It's always been a dream of mine to pursue a Masters, but I'm afraid I may not be cut out for this. I'm also 30, so I don't want to wait that much longer to start grad school. My boyfriend has definitely been supportive, but he doesn't agree with the fact that I'll have to take on debt to pursue higher education. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

What happened to the 4th school?

[Anonymous]

This just happened to a co-worker of mine. He's pretty bummed. I advised him to apply to a less prestigious program or one with rolling admissions.

[Anonymous]

Were you aiming too high? Which schools did you apply? Look for a different type of job around here, one with more growth potential, even if it pays lower. What do you consider low pay?

[Anonymous]

How were you planning to pay for school if you are so strapped? Also, tell us the schools and area of study- we can tell you if the degree is worth it.

[Anonymous]

I have a feeling that the 4th school is a ding as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How were you planning to pay for school if you are so strapped? Also, tell us the schools and area of study- we can tell you if the degree is worth it.

I think you're just being nosy and want to judge the schools. How would you be able to tell her if the degree is worth it? It's only your opinion, which isn't worth much since you don't know OP's aspirations and values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How were you planning to pay for school if you are so strapped? Also, tell us the schools and area of study- we can tell you if the degree is worth it.

I think you're just being nosy and want to judge the schools. How would you be able to tell her if the degree is worth it? It's only your opinion, which isn't worth much since you don't know OP's aspirations and values.

There are a lot of people on here who can tell you if an MBA from X college is worth it. And by "worth it" I mean respected and good enough to help land her a decent job.

[Anonymous]

Why were you rejected? What type of program are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

Is GW's MBA program good?

[Anonymous]

OP again, I make between $30-45k a year, I work in financial services in a lower level risk management position. My background isn't quantitative, so I'm looking for a MBA to accelerate my career. I applied to programs in the top 15-50 range. I received a couple of application fee waivers for lower ranked MBA programs, so I may apply to them. I hoped to receive a scholarship to finance grad school, either for risk management or marketing(I have my bachelor's in this area)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How were you planning to pay for school if you are so strapped? Also, tell us the schools and area of study- we can tell you if the degree is worth it.

I think you're just being nosy and want to judge the schools. How would you be able to tell her if the degree is worth it? It's only your opinion, which isn't worth much since you don't know OP's aspirations and values.

NP here. The school definitely matters when it comes to the amount of ROI. Taking on $100k+ of debt for an MBA from George Mason or GWU? Probably not worth it. Taking on $100k+ of debt for an MBA from Wharton? Sure...sounds like it could work out for you. If you're looking for a check in the box, I have a master's....balance cheap and reputable.

[Anonymous]

Most of the top programs require at least 5 years of management experience. Do you have that? Also, how did you do on your GMATs? Did anyone review your application essay? Who wrote your letters of recommendation?

[Anonymous]

I'd take the GRE and look at things other than MBAs where you might get a fellowship or assistantship. Finance, marketing, political science, etc.

I was an econ grad assistant and received tuition and a monthly stipend so I could graduate with no debt. I get a lot of the same job opportunities as people who went to top 15-50 business schools.

[Anonymous]

What's your ultimate goal? What kind of job do you want to get with an advanced degree?

What's your current job? Maybe a lateral move to a company with more upward mobility makes sense? Making an entry level position in another arena makes sense?

If you are in an admin type job, you are stuck. You need to play the game and tweak your resume to highlight project management or some such so you can land a job with upward mobility.

How about consulting?

Honestly, I don't think grad school makes sense for you. I would never advise anyone to incur significant debt on a degree that would be a gamble for you.