American JD/MBA Student Here

aclegt

Hi. I'm kind of in the same boat as you, in that I also want to start my own business (before that I just want to be "artner" in a big firm, but after starting law school I changed my mind and decided I just want to work in business).

From what I know of Wharton, it's business school is as highly regarded as Harvard. If you really have an offer from there, I think you should go, just don't care about any other factor. Congratulations!
As far as other degrees from what I hear, they're either specialized in certain areas (like MSF), or almost worthless compared to an MBA (like "leadership" degrees). If you really wanted to specialize in an area, it may be worth considering getting one of those degrees instead of an MBA. However, I think you can specialize through work experience, and an MBA is sort of generally recognized as "very good at business / someone for upper management." Also, certain specializations can be had without another degree, but with a certificate (for example, getting a CFA if you want to enter finance).

I can't say what's right for you, because each person is different. But, if you want a recommendation from me, I totally suggest going to U Penn and getting one of the best MBA degrees on the market. I also checked quickly and it seems U Penn's law school is in the top 10 in the US, so actually you are in a really good position. The great thing about a JD/MBA is the flexibility, while it's true that we spend a lot of time and money in school, it gives us access to two professional fields, and gives us a little advantage in each field over our peers (since we have more broad knowledge).

I wish you the best luck in making your decision. If you're the type of person who can get into two top-ranked schools, I'm sure you'll do very well no matter what option you choose.

daisicong

Hey, I am planning to apply for JD/MBA programme. Boston Univ is one of choices. Cheers

I have gone through many info from different univ showing that the programme is prioritize for those who have work experience (preferably two years or more). However, I am just about to graduate from the university. is it really that hard to get the offer without the work experience? What is your situation when you applied it? And how to enhance the chance? Thank you XD

PS. I am currently studying Sociology in a British Univ and have taken the LSAT already.

aclegt

Hi Daisicong,

Both MBA and JD programs in the US prefer people who have work experience. MBA programs in particular generally "require" 2 years of experience. I've heard that law schools would require it if they could, but most top students don't have work experience.

I can't speak for BU, but in my program, many students do not have 2 years work experience (about 10-15% of the class, including me). Almost all of those do have extensive internship experience or part time work while in school, along with strong qualifications generally (high undergraduate GPA and high scores). Things like extracurricular activities (like running a club or being on a sports team) also help, because they show leadership and / or team skills. I had an interview for my MBA application, and during that interview I talked about how my internships and extracurricular activities played to these skills, and I was able to be admitted.

Therefore, in total I would say it is possible to get a JD/MBA without the traditional "2 years work experience," but it's just a little harder. As long as you have enough internship and part-time work, your scores are good, and you do a good job talking about your skills in the interview (if they have one), then you have a good chance. That's why I say the 2 years is "required," because they generally expect it, but if they see that you're good and have some experience in other ways, they'll admit you.

If you're still in university and want to improve your chances, then the best advice I can give (besides good grades and high score) is to get what experience you can. Join some clubs (become a leader if you can), do internships during your vacation, or take a part-time job. Try and find some things that show you have leadership ability, show that you work well in a team, show that you have some business skill (like if your school has a finance club), or are otherwise related to your interests.

daisicong

Thank you! That really helps a lot!

yhj_8888

Hi, aclegt
For people who have few years project management W/E but have GMAT score only, what's  your suggestions for apply MBA& JD programs?

aclegt

Hm, you would have to check with each program. It seems you're in a good place to apply for the MBA, but not so much the JD. But there may be crossover: for example in my school, if your LSAT is high enough, you can apply for the MBA without the GMAT (I was able to do this). I called the admission office of my school for you: they said you cannot apply for the JD without the LSAT, no matter what your GMAT score is, so this program only goes one way at our school (but I don't know about others).

I will say that, although law schools generally don't require work experience, most of them like to see it. So besides the test issue, having work experience will help you with the JD too, not just the MBA. Especially if you can relate that work experience to why you want to get a JD when you write your application essay (can be something simple like "I saw this problem while working and want to get a JD to try and help solve it," although make it sound nice, haha).

My experience is that the JD/MBA usually works like this: a student applies primarily for the JD, then decides to add the MBA. So I think that's why they waive the GMAT sometimes, but still require the LSAT. It's more like the JD is "primary" and the MBA is "secondary" (although the degrees are full, don't worry about that).

So you should check with some schools, maybe some will allow you to use the GMAT instead of the LSAT, but probably you'll have to take the LSAT as well.

yhj_8888

Thanks aclegt!I am privileged to have youradvice!
Sounds like that take the LSAT is a mustfor my situation.
A couple of more questions:
1, How about LSAT test? Does it more difficult than GMAT ? How?

2, neither my major in college nor my work incurrent company related to law, will this put me in a disadvantaged situation? OrJD is similar to MBA that don’t care previous experience? I know it's a little bit ....but I want a JD/MBA so much....

Thanks again!

aclegt

yhj_8888,

1)
I haven't taken the GMAT, so I can't really compare the two, I'm sorry. My understanding is that the GMAT is half English and half Math, while the LSAT, is 2/3 English and 1/3 "logic games" (like math, but without the math, it's hard to explain but you can check out some sample questions)
In all honesty, the LSAT will probably be more difficult than the GMAT for an international student, because it tests language more heavily. It's also true that you'll need to have a total mastery of English in order to succeed in a JD, and that's one big reason why few international students choose to get one. But, most schools will also understand this challenge and will look at your LSAT score more favorably (because they know English is your second language).If you can understand the questions with some studying (and believe me, it's hard even for native English speakers), then you can give the LSAT a try, it will be a challenge, but you can do it.

2)
It won't put you at a disadvantage. Law school is not like medical school where you need to take certain required courses in college before you apply: you can come to law school with any major and work experience. What I meant to say was, when you're writing the essay to apply, you may want to think about how you can write it to say why you want a JD, and if you can draw upon your experience, it will make your application stronger. But don't worry, having legal experience would help you, but it doesn't have to be legal, any experience is good. A lot of JD applicants in the US (including me) apply for the degree directly after they graduate college, and admissions committees like to see a student who has spent some time in the real world gaining experience and not just studying.


I can't guarantee what I say because I'm only really familiar with my school (I worked in the admissions office before, so I know a bit about their guidelines). Each school is a little different, for instance some schools weigh the LSAT more heavily, and others consider it less important. But this is the best answer I can give you as far as I know, I hope it is at least somewhat helpful

PS:
I quickly searched and found this site with a few sample LSAT questions, I'm sure you can find more:
http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools/sample-lsat-test-questions.aspx

yhj_8888

Thank you very much for your detailed advice! aclegt
Indeed very informative!

HowardRoark

Well, I heard lots of law students died in their first year of law school...