don't worry for them lah. i guess all top school applicants share the same passion to prove and even transcend themselves - the highest level of maslow's hierarchy of needs, no matter they admit it or not. quite a few people only want to climb to the top at whatever price. after you guys enroll in this fall, you'll soon find great peer pressure - fellow students around you will be talking about mc/ib all day long as these jobs offer the most $$. be careful. a harvard mba may bring you wealth, but doesn't necessarily make you a better human being. just as the harvard mba book title implies: don't forget who you are. it's so easy to get lost in 5-star hotels, business class flights, and meeting with key executives, and that's why so many consultants/bankers hate their jobs but can't get out. just my 2 cents.
well, don't get me wrong. i think a top mba still offers great value and can be an eye-opening experience to some people and i do know many decent h/s/w mbas.
back to the point, as this discussion thread suggests, I do agree that anyone should start preparation early if he/she really wants mba. do note that i mean to prepare early, not just to apply early. that's partly why i consider this discussion board to be meaningful. if you applicants proactively introduce these mba-related information and lessens-learned to your college juniors, they will be able to set up a mighty goal early, put in reasonale efforts and thus do a much better job when they apply for mba. excellence is a habit.
i choose to share my thoughts here as i somehow feel a bit regret to apply too late in my career. my opportunity is high and the benefits from a mba degree are marginal. although i got scholarship, my ROI might not be as satisfying as it should have.
thanks for your patience.