20y for MBA / Law?

Hello,

I would like to have some advice on my next steps. I recently turned 19 and am about to graduate in June 08 in Europe(advanced 1 year in HS and taking almost double credits in uni now) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Management. Now I am very interested in pursuing a joint mba/law degree as I really enjoy studying business, especially finance and at the same time have a strong passion for studying law. (also been taking law classes in my undergrad program so far with excellent grades)

now I don't have any work experience of course, though some very solid extra curr. experience like student rep, helping with the learning center for students with disabilities, etc. also was tutoring math, econ and stats.

unfortunately i only scored a 640 on my gmat but will very likely graduate with magna/summa.

what do you think are my chances of getting admitted to any top b-school with joint programs like Harvard, Yale, etc.?

Thanks a lot for your help!
Philip

Hello,

sorry I had to shorten it a bit to stick with the 1000 characters :D

Well essentially I would like to know what chances you see for me getting into a good joint MBA/Law program with my background.

Thanks for your help!

Philip

Low GMAT, no work experience, very small chance if any of getting into a top MBA school. When you apply to a joint program you have to get accepted by both departments. I do not see that happening at any of the top schools. Looks like it is time to get some work experience (or just go to law school and then get some experience as a lawyer and then apply to MBA school when you are ready)

I dun understand wat u r talking :D

Not good. Need to up that GMAT score.

First, go to the top b-school websites and see if they REQUIRE work experience. They might.

Secondly, you need to take the LSAT. It's the test for law schools.

Joint MBA/JD programs normally require you to get accepted into both schools. So, you'll need the GMAT and the LSAT.

Lots of law schools and joint programs use a mathematical equation, especially the top ones. They combine the GPA and your standardized tests (GMAT and LSAT) to equal a number that, depending on their standards, will show if you have a chance or not. Some schools, such as NYU, are more grade conscious. Other schools, like Yale, are more LSAT conscious, and will weigh the standardized tests higher. Because your GMAT is, no offense, nothing stellar you'll have to get mid 170's on your LSATs. With that in mind, I hope you're at least taking an LSAT prep course because that will put you well above the top 98% of the people throughout the country who take the LSAT. I don't think that you should confine yourself to the top four schools though, that's a very lofty goal. Might want to look into what're called T14, the top 14 schools that include schools like the U of Penn, U of Virginia, NYU, etc.
Also, for exact numbers, take a look at lawschoolnumbers.com This isn't specific to joint programs but it's a website where you can look up a school of your choice, say Yale, then locate what test scores and GPAs people had who were admitted/waitlisted/and denied admission for.
No one can tell you for sure whether or not you'll get in. Your essay, letters of recommendation, etc will all factor into the school's choice, but I can tell you that being a younger student in law school is not often an advantage. Usually it is regarded as a disadvantage due to the joint stressors of being a first year law student and having to shoulder a joint program. So make sure during any interview/in any essay, you focus on your maturity. Remember, the average law student is 24, so you have some years to make up for.
Good luck!