SMU Cox MBA News

Haas is part-time. Rest are FT. Curious as what the best option is for both ROI and long-term value.

-Currently make $200k+ TC.
-BS in STEM (3.20) low rank state school
-MS in Management (3.9+) low rank private school
-Good ECs/Volunteering/Hobbies -- Founded an org that is still ongoing. On the private school's alumni relations board.
-Good story for personal statements and interviews. First-gen everything, low income.

Goals (in order of best to worst case):
1) co-founding a startup and running with it (e.g. vc funding, fellowships, etc.)
2) Chief of Staff at a start up --> Head of Dept or C-level
3) Back into another LDP in the area of interest

Studying for GRE and estimated around 320 in mocks. Is a 320 GRE better than 700 GMAT (classic)?

3.5 GPA with a B.S. in Molecular Biology from a small, private, non-target school. Graduating in 2025 but I'm looking to apply to a top MBA program in the next 3-5 years. I currently have a role lined up with a top 5 pharmaceutical company in clinical operations but my end goal would be to pivot into strategy or business development at a pharma company or consulting for life sciences. I have already taken GMAT FE (605 score) but I don't count this as I plan to retake and study (ideal score would be 675+, this will hopefully be achievable). If you have any additional advice I can implement in the next 3-5 years it would be greatly appreciated.

Academics: Neuroscience major at large state school, initially struggled with mental health issues in undergrad failing about 6 classes and got academically suspended, able to retake 2 of my failed classes, very strong upward trend after getting life together.
Impact/growth at work: Worked as an EMT for 3 years full time while attending school, went to paramedic school for a year, then promoted to work as a medic for another 2 years finishing my undergrad. Had the opportunity to help save some lives and hopefully make their lives better. Left medical field about a year ago, now working in state government in an environmental compliance role.
Activities: Writing/mixing/producing music, rock climbing, long distance running, volunteer crisis counselor for suicide hotline.
Interested in MBB Consulting, Healthcare management, Biotech, and eventually starting my own business.
Plan on taking GMAT early August for R1 application, looking to score around 700

Had quite a few extracurriculars in undergrad years and first two years of career, then all ECs are mostly at my job (like conducting training, mentorship program, etc.)

Don't know if this is relevant, but I was born and grew up in Central Asia (think Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, etc.)