Question:

I've spent my entire young life staying ahead of my peers and taking the path less traveled. I ended by my high school career early by dropping out at age 17. I started college early with the help of several high quality references from freelance work. I dropped out of college even though my grades were very high because the financial burden was too high. I'm now in a good job and making good money, but I lack the MBA degree that I need to get to the next level. I've considered enrolling in an MBA program and haven't seen where they require an undergraduate degree, so should I just take the GMAT and apply to MBA programs?

First Answer:

Congratulations on the success you've achieved thus far. It is my understanding that it would be necessary to have an undergraduate degree prior to pursuing a post graduate (MBA) degree. However, there are many schools that offer a combined degree. This program would allow you to complete your undergraduate and graduate degree at an accelerated rate. Before spending the time and money on the GMAT exam, research your options. You can always call the admissions office at the university you are interested in to see what they recommend. Sometimes credits are awarded for life/work experience.

If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20% discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.

-- Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company

Second Answer:

I'm concerned that your desire to skip college and go straight to an MBA program is similar to your desire to skip high school and go straight to college. Do you skip a lot of steps that most people consider to be necessary? Perhaps that's fine in some areas, but if you're often trying to skip steps then perhaps you need to take a step back and ask why. Are you not willing to invest in yourself? Do you see yourself as somehow better than the people around you? Are you often unwilling to pay your dues? Do you change jobs a lot? If the answers to these questions are yes, then you should think about how your lack of dedication reflects on the quality of your character. Inevitably, a lack of character will hold you back more than a lack of an MBA. I hope that I am wrong and that skipping high school and college are isolated instances in your life.

-- Steven Rothberg, President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com

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