JD/MBA:Applying 1L v. Applying straight as an JD/MBA Forum

[stompa]

I was wondering is there a difference in general and also as far as admissions goes when applying for the JD/MBA as a first year law student or applying straight through a schools JD/MBA Program?

[echamberlin8]

I'm also curious what people have to say about this. Apparently at least a few schools have easier admissions for their business schools if you are already a current law school student there. Can't confirm which ones, though.

[jjrialva]

Check each law school site.

Ex. Duke you can apply freely once you're attending their law school.
U Michigan you have to apply to the MBA school separately and meet their demands. Here you will pay either law or MBA school tuition which ever is higher for about 4 years. So you might save a bit if you study your ass off.

[wiseguy]

bump... also curious

[Ajax666]

Bump as well, curious about Columbia and NYU.

[echamberlin8]

Heh, I kinda like how two Patrick Batemans seem to be interested in JD/MBAs. I guess it makes sense....

[AlanShore]

This depends.

Do you have the sufficient work experience that MBA adcoms usually look for? If so, it shouldn't make too much difference. Some schools allow you to apply to the MBA in 1L and I've heard that they give a bump (albeit probably small) if you are already a 1L. However, MBA adcoms are on the lookout for applicants that are using the MBA as a plan B and they have no problem rejecting you if you don't seem to have any work experience or legitimate reason for wanting a JD/MBA. If you do have the right experience then you may get a bump if you apply once you're already in law school. However, if you really are aiming for the JD/MBA, you may want to apply to both right now otherwise you'll be putting all your eggs in one basket and really hoping the school you attend doesn't reject you.. then you're sol for a JD/MBA.

Also, the vast majority of JD/MBA programs require the GMAT in addition to LSAT.

[No13baby]

Also, the vast majority of JD/MBA programs require the GMAT in addition to LSAT.

At most if not all business schools you can take the GRE instead of the GMAT.

[TTTehehe]

Schools vary with their application procedures and requirements. For instance, some schools will not let you do an official joint JD/MBA program after you've started your 2nd year of law school, while others could care less. Furthermore, it's possible - but not cheap - to attend your law school while attending ANOTHER school's MBA program.

From personal experience, you better be poop hot during your interviews. MBA interviewers will want to know WHY you want to go there when you are already a law student. This is ESPECIALLY the case at top programs; "lesser" schools may not really care.

[AlanShore]

Also, the vast majority of JD/MBA programs require the GMAT in addition to LSAT.

At most if not all business schools you can take the GRE instead of the GMAT.

True. I should have said that most bschools won't accept only the LSAT for admission.

[Borg]

This depends.

Do you have the sufficient work experience that MBA adcoms usually look for? If so, it shouldn't make too much difference. Some schools allow you to apply to the MBA in 1L and I've heard that they give a bump (albeit probably small) if you are already a 1L. However, MBA adcoms are on the lookout for applicants that are using the MBA as a plan B and they have no problem rejecting you if you don't seem to have any work experience or legitimate reason for wanting a JD/MBA. If you do have the right experience then you may get a bump if you apply once you're already in law school. However, if you really are aiming for the JD/MBA, you may want to apply to both right now otherwise you'll be putting all your eggs in one basket and really hoping the school you attend doesn't reject you.. then you're sol for a JD/MBA.

Also, the vast majority of JD/MBA programs require the GMAT in addition to LSAT.

This is all good advice. You're not going to be able to get in as a law student with no work experience, and applying before attending does give you another potential shot if you don't get in the first time. Also, if you get an interview you need to prepare a lot as it's much more important than your GMAT or your grades in the ultimate outcome.