Hi All!

I've recently began studying for my GMAT, and I'm looking to begin an online MBA program in the Fall of 2013, after my wedding. I've researched this for a few months, and I thought I'd get the question out to some experts.

I have 3.5 years of full time work experience, and am hoping for a GMAT score of 600-650 (scoring 550 or so on practice exams). I live and work in NYC, but will moving to NJ in May. With a wedding, new home purchase, and a full time job on my plate, I thought the idea of an online MBA would be excellent!

Here's the caveat, I was caught cheating (plagiarism) in my senior year of college and suspended for four (4) semesters. This was a decision I highly regret, and it's obviously severely hindered any possibility of being admitted to a top graduate program. During my suspension, I became involved in Hillel (Jewish organization), worked two jobs to keep myself in Orlando, FL, and lost about 60 pounds. Since I utilized my suspension to make positive changes in my life, the suspension was cut in half, and I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

I've tried to distance myself from my earlier discretion, and am hoping my work experience, GMAT score, recommendations, and essays will still allow my the opportunity to go back to school.

My first question is, do I have a chance of getting into an AASCB school? I applied to Nova Southeastern University and was admitted, but based on it's reputation, I'm not sure if I would even waste my time.

I plan on applying to Florida State University (my parents' alma mater), Rowan University in NJ, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and SE Missouri State (cheapest option).

Do I have a legitimate chance of getting into any of these programs? I began to work on an application to UNC, but I can't imagine I'd get in, plus it's about 90K.

Money isn't a huge issue, as I'd like to get into the best school possible. I'm open to doing a part time, in class MBA at Seton Hall or Fairleigh Dickinson, but would rather do the online option. I'm most interested in Business Analytics/Project Management, and am going for my MBA to open up new job opportunities, as I'm currently an Account Executive at a direct marketing agency and would like to get out of sales, and more into a management/analyst role.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but I'd REALLY appreciate anyone's insight and/or advice. Thank you in advance!

Why are you more interested in an online option? If a part-time, in-class MBA could fit your schedule, then the experience, networking, completion rate and outcomes will be much more secure.

Sefton Hall's good, but if you'll be in NJ why not look at the Rutgers Flex MBA in Newark? That's a great school. http://www.business.rutgers.edu/mba/flex

While I'm open to the in-class MBA, it would be very, very hard to make the commute, as I work in NYC and normally until 6pm. I would certainly ask my employer to make a special consideration, but I don't believe they would go for it, as I plan on getting an MBA to change my career path, and I think they know that. Are you averse to an online program, or is the in-class MBA just that much of a better option?

Can I reasonably expect to be admitted to some of these programs with my background?

Rutgers is good because you can opt to take weekend classes. Same thing at NYU Stern's part-time program (one of the best in the nation, in my opinion.)

Also, if you live in Long Island, Adelphi's got a great Saturday-only MBA program that's affordable.

Great suggestions from Ezra. Weekend classes are much better than evenings for most people.

I do think an in-person course is normally better. With the exception of the Cornell-type programmes with synchronous discussions, the online courses correctly trade at a discount.

I really appreciate the suggestions. As for NYU, I doubt I'd have any chance of getting into a program like that with my history and undergrad GPA, which is why I'm applying to some of the "not so prestigious schools".

Long Island University also has a Saturdays-only MBA program - you can complete the program in 23 months, or 12 months if you have an undergraduate degree in business. It's AACSB-accredited - and might be worth looking into for an alternative.