Hi Guys,

I have been admitted to J-term class 2022 at CBS. I initially planned to do the normal 2 year program but due to Covid decided to wait a couple of more months. I applied very late and CBS was the only option back then due to timing. I want to apply to value investing program at CBS.

My profile:
- 4 years working experience: 2 years in M&A IBD at Bulge Bracket Bank in London and then moved to McK as Corporate Finance Consultant
- Post MBA Goal: HedgeFund or PE in the United States
- McK would sponsor me but I do not plan to stay with the firm post MBA
- Strong academic background in business: graduated among top 1% of my bachelor and master in European Top Business School
- Scored in Executive Assessment 164, I would need to retake GMAT (only have old score of 700 from 4 years ago), feel optimistic to score above 720 within next 6 weeks
- Already 31 years old, German

Now I am doubting my decision and would like to get your feedback. I see two options currently both with advantages and disadvantages:

Option 1: Go with the J-term
Advantages: I do not lose one more year given my age, I do not necessarily need summer internship given I am quite experienced, less expenses, clear plan for the next months
Disadvantages: given I want to break into different industries (PE, HF) i would need to do semester internships, due to covid no real b-school experience at least for spring semester, not sure if J-term is regarded as prestigious as regular 2 year program, i have no previous working experience in public and private equity investing

Option 2: Wait until September 2021 (also apply to HBS and Wharton)
Advantages: Covid hopefully over by then, Regular 2 year program makes it easier to change industry, could also apply to Wharton and HBS, potentially could get some working experience in PE, Investing prior to MBA
Disadvantages: Lose 1 more year, more expensive, no clear plan on what to do until September 2021 (stay with McK versus interviewing with PE and HF in Europe)

I am kind of lost with my decision. I am obviously concerned about my age also. I know I want to break into public or private investing. My profile allows me to get interviews at tier 1 funds here in Europe. I am currently in a couple of process with both HFs and PEs to have optionality.

I am looking forward to your feedback guys. Thanks so much!

Would you be selected at HBS? Would Wharton be a more likely path to your goals? 

Thanks for your answer.

I think nobody can assume to be selected at HBS with 100%. I think I have chances, likewise for Wharton. Wharton would certainly make my case stronger for PE recruiting. 

The real question is though whether the J-term CBS entry makes sense for someone looking to change industry and geography? Certainly it is an disadvantage but I cannot decide whether loosing one more year is worse for me.

I don't think the J-Term works for you, since it's perfect for people who don't have a built-in network or extensive experience in your industry in the US. There are, I guess, good opportunities for networking in NYC and part-time internships but... in the first half of next year.... maybe not. 

I think the other factors with HBS and Wharton are scale and culture. HBS feels like a bit of a lonely, cutthroat place to many Europeans, and Wharton has a nicer setting. 

I would think the internship / summer period would be a critical time for networking with the PE firms you want to work in. 

Congrats! What did you end up deciding on?