Hello, I have just completed undergrad last year and I am aiming to do an MBA in the future, 2021 at the earliest. I am looking for advice about how to secure a spot at a top school. About me:

- BBA from a regional school known for finance
- Internship with HP, worked with a finance team
- Graduated with honors
- Since graduation I have been working as a financial analysis associate

I have thought about doing a Master in Finance but I really would rather skip that and go straight to an MBA. What can I do to make this possible?

Three years of work experience would be rather low to apply to a top school. Certainly, schools recruit candidates with this little work experience, but they tend to be a minority in the classes. Typically the average work experience at the top programs is in the 5-6 year range.

For a 2021 intake you'd want to have something else that significantly sets you apart from the rest of the class. An exceptional GMAT score, for instance, because at schools like Harvard and Stanford the *average* is 730+. Getting a 760+ could be worth something.

But they'll also look closely at your work experience. In that brief time period, how many promotions will you have had? Setting a course for strong growth early on could help.

If I were you though I'd wait until you'd have at least 4 years of strong work experience at intake.

Waiting for another year is an option too. 2021 would be the earliest. In the meantime I will focus on my career and start getting ready for the GMAT.

Is there anything else you suggest? If I pursue online learning or certificates, can this help?

Thanks!