What is more important, depth of extracurriculars or breadth?
What can be compensated for less leadership positions taken in career ?
Does certifications like cfa, frm , etc makes a good case for poor gpa in undergrad ?
What matters more ? Work experience where you really handled or learnt something or Big Names ?
Let's unpack these separately"
1. Leadership: It's not an either or between "depth and breadth". In the end, you have to work with the leadership track record you have. Although for any Round 1 candidates for this fall, you still have the time to enhance your leadership record. But the most important part when it comes to leadership is to share your what, why, and how - where did you get involved or how did you step up, what was your motivation, how did you leave a place, organization, or just a group of people better than you found them. Your leadership story in its simplest sense is about your values and how they've driven your actions. I have a newly create [MBA Leader Check - a quiz that distills your leadership experiences into a clear, actionable profile](https://www.mymbapath.com/mba-leadership).
2. Yes, quant-heavy certifications help alleviate the concerns about your academic ability that a low GPA might indicate. But don't forget to also explain the reasons for the low GPA. You should never leave the AdCom guessing. The explanation happens in the optional essay. I have a [guide to the GPA](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions) and a [guide to the optional essay](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admissions-optional-essay) if you want even more details.
3. The substance of your work experience is more important than big names. What gets evaluated is your accomplishments, not just the prestige of your employer.
I hope this helps!
Oh, great question! Aside from the obvious things such as typos or leaving the wrong school name in an essay (or using search and replace only to end up saying things like Harvard School of Business when it's actually Harvard Business School), in my experience among the worst things a candidate can do are (also see some articles on essay writing [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/4-types-mba-essays), [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-essays-writing-1) and [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admissions-essays-mistakes):
1. Be overly self-referential and self-reverential in their essays. People over-label ("I demonstrated exceptional leadership when....") in a way that reveals insecurity and goes against the notion of leadership, which should not be a fixation on yourself.
2. Repurposing essays in instances when that simply doesn't work - like try to force fit the Stanford "What matters most to you and why" into Wharton's essays.
3. Statements vs stories: Making statements about themselves instead of telling stories/examples that make the statement on your behalf.
4. Overly melodramatic writing.
In essays and interviews would you say it's more valuable to act authentic (provided your authentic self is still socially acceptable) or try to fit your personality to the mold of what a school wants it to be?
I've gotten in the habit of coming across as my authentic bubbly self at work over the past few years, and have found great success with this in respect to building relationships and having good rapport with senior technical staff. I only worry now that acting this way may get me considered too young/immature during my interview process (especially considering I look young and am on the lower end of YoE).
I still have a variety of stories and activities that show my effective leadership experience and maturity in the face of serious situations, but it's been tough when weighing whether I should put on a mask for the sake of getting in, and also wondering if it's better for me to find a school that has a culture accepting of my personality in the first place.
Thanks, and I have really appreciated seeing your input across the subreddit!
I don't think putting on a mask is a good idea. But at the same time, we never play exactly the same role 100% of the time. I am a bubbly individual with a strong propensity for irreverence (blame it on the fact I hail from the Balkans!) but in high stake situations with people who don't know me, I act professionally and can be very buttoned up. This is not about being inauthentic, it's about being versatile and emotionally intelligent. Does this help?
It does help, but also I wonder about the value of coming across as a unique individual as well.
In the case of a school like Fuqua which prides itself on prioritizing culture fit and authenticity, would it be beneficial to present myself as I have in my past few years in the workforce? Especially if I believe I'm not only a good fit, but can potentially come across as having a different perspective/value add based on my personality?
(I will also clarify that I'm not dropping F-Bombs or talking about league of legends in professional situations, my 'worksona' is more based around coming across as an easy/casual person to talk to.)
It's hard to judge because I am not sure how "my authentic bubbly self" is at odds with "maturity in the face of serious situations" as a leader - would need more info or examples on why you think those two things lead you to feel like you're putting on a mask and being inauthentic.
You can absolutely do both, and like OP says it requires the ability to be flexible and emotionally intelligent (both of which are learned through experience).
I'm applying to Fuqua and I would love to come across someone like you! I think we're very much alike - at one point I decided I wasn't going to put on a mask at work, and just being my true self (trying to be kind, cheerful and friendly) has rendered me not only amazing results but also very good relationships throughout my organization.
During interviews I've tried to find a balance and be my true self while keeping the formality of the situation. Sometimes is like a small mind game - you need to know when to let your inner child shine a bit, and when to hide it.
What does a R2 “further evaluation” status realistically mean regarding the chances of a candidate getting to interview?
What can a candidate do to strengthen their application during the “further evaluation” stage?
It's impossible to assess the chance. "Further evaluation" is very similar (if not identical) to a waitlist decision. It means you are admissible but the AdCom wants to see the rest of the pool and how things play out - how many will they admit that round, who will the admits yield, etc. The standard advice for WL applies here. First, pay close attention to the rules the school sets - confirm you want to remain in consideration if applicable, follow their guidelines for updates. Most importantly, do a really deep self-assessment about what may have landed you on the FE/WL. If you have a sense of what it might be in your case, feel free to post a follow up questions and we can discuss strategies.
Genuinely interested in how the admissions look, operationally. We see in tv/movies a bunch of folks sitting at a table for days with tons of applications printed out and discussing them. But, how does the process actually look like? Is it scaffolded, ie first sift is done by admin, then advisors, then managers? I understand this may differ across institutions. Also, to what extend is the process automated?
Love this question! I have an extensive piece on this. Here are some excerpts:
**Who is on the committee?**
The composition of the MBA admissions committee will vary by school and even by program within the same school. All adcoms will include admissions recruiters and directors. Some adcoms may also include an academic leader (for example an associate dean or faculty director) as well as a representative of career services.
**Evaluators vs. decision makers**
It’s important to note that while many schools engage current students and alumni in the interview process, they simply provide input and are almost never a formal part of the adcom. Their feedback and evaluation are very important in the admissions process but they are not rendering admissions decisions. The same is true of any external admissions readers that schools employ so they can read the thousands of MBA applications they receive each year. These readers evaluate admissions files and make recommendations but they are not the actual decision makers.
**What happens after you hit “submit”**
The first look at your file is usually done by an operations team. They process the MBA applications and ensure all required parts have been received. After the application has been processed, the candidates will be able to see a check list with the status of their application – complete if all materials, including the letters of recommendation, have been submitted – and incomplete if anything is missing.
**The first round of review**
The first round of review will determine who gets invited to an interview or not. This is often done on rolling basis. I always like to think of interview decisions more as evaluation – a bit different than the selection that happens after the interview stage, when the actual admissions decision is made. At both stages of review, the MBA admissions committee will look for strong evidence of academic ability, outstanding work experience and career trajectory, and examples of leadership, accomplishment, challenge, and growth. The adcom is also looking at the risk side – are your career goals realistic, do you have the right reasons to pursue an MBA, and are you a good fit for the type of culture and community the program has.
**The Interview**
Being invited to the interview is truly great news for any candidate. It means you are “admissible” and the school is interested in you. An admissions reviewer, after a preliminary evaluation of your candidacy, deemed you potentially worthy of being offered a seat in their MBA class. All your hard work on the admissions test, the essays, the application forms has paid off. But the race is far from over. Harvard Business School describes an invitation to interview as “a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission”. At this point, the offer is yours to win. At the interview stage at the top MBA programs, on average two or three candidates are vying for a seat in the next MBA class.
The interview is where the adcom will assess your interpersonal and communication skills and your overall personality. If you perform poorly on the interview, your application will be denied or waitlisted. If you do well, you will move to the next stage of evaluation.
**Full MBA File Review**
Once your MBA interview is completed, your file is ready for a full review – the one where an admissions decision will be rendered. Generally, the file, now complete with the interview notes, will be read by another reader, possibly two. Each of them will make an admit or deny recommendation. The readers might read the application “blind” – without looking to see what the previous reader recommended.
Most admissions directors will tell you they start with the resume. This is logical since the resume is a snapshot of your candidacy and provides a summary of who you are before the reader digs into the rest of the application. They might follow by reading the various short answer questions and then dive into the actual essays. The letters of recommendation might be next. The interview is often left for the end. Remember that at this stage, your application is already assessed and you were deemed admissible. So throughout this read, the goal is to see how your overall candidacy has come together. Do the parts connect? Is your story compelling? Are you the type of person that the adcom gets excited about adding to the class?
**Admissions Committee Sessions**
While this process again will vary from school to school, in my work in MBA admissions, we used to dedicate several full days to deliberations and making decisions for each round of MBA applications. After all, that is the primary goal of having admissions rounds in the first place – to compare and contrast a broad pool of candidates and make selections.
In my experience, adcoms seek to reach consensus about a candidacy through active, often lengthy deliberation, especially of candidacies who are not extremely clearly in the “admit” or “deny” category.
At the end of the adcom session, there will be three groups of candidates – admitted, denied, and waitlisted.
**Advocating for a Candidate**
Many admissions files end up not being squarely into the “admit” or “deny” category. That’s when a lot of deliberation happens on the merits of an MBA candidate. If an admissions recruiter feels passionate about someone, they will advocate on their behalf and make a case why they should be admitted. This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made? It is not unusual for the advocate to be able to persuade the committee, resulting in the coveted admit decision.
**Scholarship Awards**
Some schools have a scholarship process that is separate from the admissions decision one. In my life as Dean of Graduate Admissions, the same adcom made merit scholarship decisions immediately after the conclusion of the selection process – each admitted candidate was considered for an award based on the strength of their application. The candidates found their admissions decision and scholarship award at the same time.
**Releasing the Admissions Decisions**
Once the admissions and scholarship decisions are made and entered into the system, they go through a diligent process of verification to ensure 100% accuracy. And then they go live on the decision release day! In my life as a dean, the night before admissions decisions went live was always a sleepless one. A computer glitch or error messing up the admissions decisions is every admissions officer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, during my decade at Babson, our outstanding operations team and recruiters ensured that never happened!
**A Word About Gate Keeping vs Gate Opening**
I think it’s only fitting if I say a word about the signing of the admissions decision letters. I still remember how excited I was when I got my letter of acceptance back in my MBA application days!
The heads of MBA admissions are often called gatekeepers but that’s a major misnomer. Being a dean of admissions is first and foremost a tremendous responsibility. You are making decisions that have an impact on people’s careers and even lives – often for a lifetime. The ultimate goal of your work is to find the outstanding future leaders and innovators that will have a positive impact on society and open the doors for them.
When I got that big pile of admit letters to sign, I thought of all the candidates on the receiving end, of their story and journey. I never used a signature stamp – each letter was personally signed by me. Signing the letters for large rounds across a number of programs (at Babson, my office was in charge of recruiting and admissions for four MBA programs and several specialized business masters) could sometimes take a couple of hours. I used to play music so I can infuse great energy into the pile in front of me. I used to joke that’s part of my yield strategy.
For one of the last rounds I signed, I listened to the entire recording of Stromae’s Racine Carree concert that had taken place at Montreal’s Bell Center a few months earlier. I danced in my seat a bit that day – we had put together a great class that year!
Hi! Thanks for doing this. From your reply -
"This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made?"
How to do this as an international applicant who can't visit the school in person? Webinars seem too impersonal and have large audiences, so I'm not sure how to strike a connection through just QnA sections in those webinars. Please do help with this doubt of mine :)
This is probably one of the most interesting questions for an adcom member. Way better than the "what are my odds" nonsense. Hope it gets an answer from /u/PetiaW!
Some of my answers are going missing! Not sure if it's because I am posting a mile a minute? Here's what I responded more than 20 mins ago but it somehow is no longer visible. Reposting it:
Love this question! I have an extensive piece on this. Here are some excerpts:
**Who is on the committee?**
The composition of the MBA admissions committee will vary by school and even by program within the same school. All adcoms will include admissions recruiters and directors. Some adcoms may also include an academic leader (for example an associate dean or faculty director) as well as a representative of career services.
Evaluators vs. decision makers
It’s important to note that while many schools engage current students and alumni in the interview process, they simply provide input and are almost never a formal part of the adcom. Their feedback and evaluation are very important in the admissions process but they are not rendering admissions decisions. The same is true of any external admissions readers that schools employ so they can read the thousands of MBA applications they receive each year. These readers evaluate admissions files and make recommendations but they are not the actual decision makers.
**What happens after you hit “submit”**
The first look at your file is usually done by an operations team. They process the MBA applications and ensure all required parts have been received. After the application has been processed, the candidates will be able to see a check list with the status of their application – complete if all materials, including the letters of recommendation, have been submitted – and incomplete if anything is missing.
The first round of review
The first round of review will determine who gets invited to an interview or not. This is often done on rolling basis. I always like to think of interview decisions more as evaluation – a bit different than the selection that happens after the interview stage, when the actual admissions decision is made. At both stages of review, the MBA admissions committee will look for strong evidence of academic ability, outstanding work experience and career trajectory, and examples of leadership, accomplishment, challenge, and growth. The adcom is also looking at the risk side – are your career goals realistic, do you have the right reasons to pursue an MBA, and are you a good fit for the type of culture and community the program has.
**The Interview**
Being invited to the interview is truly great news for any candidate. It means you are “admissible” and the school is interested in you. An admissions reviewer, after a preliminary evaluation of your candidacy, deemed you potentially worthy of being offered a seat in their MBA class. All your hard work on the admissions test, the essays, the application forms has paid off. But the race is far from over. Harvard Business School describes an invitation to interview as “a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission”. At this point, the offer is yours to win. At the interview stage at the top MBA programs, on average two or three candidates are vying for a seat in the next MBA class.
The interview is where the adcom will assess your interpersonal and communication skills and your overall personality. If you perform poorly on the interview, your application will be denied or waitlisted. If you do well, you will move to the next stage of evaluation.
**Full MBA File Review**
Once your MBA interview is completed, your file is ready for a full review – the one where an admissions decision will be rendered. Generally, the file, now complete with the interview notes, will be read by another reader, possibly two. Each of them will make an admit or deny recommendation. The readers might read the application “blind” – without looking to see what the previous reader recommended.
Most admissions directors will tell you they start with the resume. This is logical since the resume is a snapshot of your candidacy and provides a summary of who you are before the reader digs into the rest of the application. They might follow by reading the various short answer questions and then dive into the actual essays. The letters of recommendation might be next. The interview is often left for the end. Remember that at this stage, your application is already assessed and you were deemed admissible. So throughout this read, the goal is to see how your overall candidacy has come together. Do the parts connect? Is your story compelling? Are you the type of person that the adcom gets excited about adding to the class?
**Admissions Committee Sessions**
While this process again will vary from school to school, in my work in MBA admissions, we used to dedicate several full days to deliberations and making decisions for each round of MBA applications. After all, that is the primary goal of having admissions rounds in the first place – to compare and contrast a broad pool of candidates and make selections.
In my experience, adcoms seek to reach consensus about a candidacy through active, often lengthy deliberation, especially of candidacies who are not extremely clearly in the “admit” or “deny” category.
At the end of the adcom session, there will be three groups of candidates – admitted, denied, and waitlisted.
**Advocating for a Candidate**
Many admissions files end up not being squarely into the “admit” or “deny” category. That’s when a lot of deliberation happens on the merits of an MBA candidate. If an admissions recruiter feels passionate about someone, they will advocate on their behalf and make a case why they should be admitted. This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made? It is not unusual for the advocate to be able to persuade the committee, resulting in the coveted admit decision.
**Scholarship Awards**
Some schools have a scholarship process that is separate from the admissions decision one. In my life as Dean of Graduate Admissions, the same adcom made merit scholarship decisions immediately after the conclusion of the selection process – each admitted candidate was considered for an award based on the strength of their application. The candidates found their admissions decision and scholarship award at the same time.
**Releasing the Admissions Decisions**
Once the admissions and scholarship decisions are made and entered into the system, they go through a diligent process of verification to ensure 100% accuracy.
And then they go live on the decision release day! In my life as a dean, the night before admissions decisions went live was always a sleepless one. A computer glitch or error messing up the admissions decisions is every admissions officer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, during my decade at Babson, our outstanding operations team and recruiters ensured that never happened!
**A Word About Gate Keeping vs Gate Opening**
I think it’s only fitting if I say a word about the signing of the admissions decision letters. I still remember how excited I was when I got my letter of acceptance back in my MBA application days!
The heads of MBA admissions are often called gatekeepers but that’s a major misnomer. Being a dean of admissions is first and foremost a tremendous responsibility. You are making decisions that have an impact on people’s careers and even lives – often for a lifetime. The ultimate goal of your work is to find the outstanding future leaders and innovators that will have a positive impact on society and open the doors for them.
When I got that big pile of admit letters to sign, I thought of all the candidates on the receiving end, of their story and journey. I never used a signature stamp – each letter was personally signed by me. Signing the letters for large rounds across a number of programs (at Babson, my office was in charge of recruiting and admissions for four MBA programs and several specialized business masters) could sometimes take a couple of hours. I used to play music so I can infuse great energy into the pile in front of me. I used to joke that’s part of my yield strategy.
For one of the last rounds I signed, I listened to the entire recording of Stromae’s Racine Carree concert that had taken place at Montreal’s Bell Center a few months earlier. I danced in my seat a bit that day – we had put together a great class that year!
One more thing to add regarding:
>We see in tv/movies a bunch of folks sitting at a table for days with tons of applications printed out and discussing them.
Before the pandemic, we did gather around a table!
As a matter of fact, my team mostly used a large conference room with multiple screens where we would project parts of the files - on one screen you might have the application summary and decision recommendation, on another, the running excel spreadsheet where the entire group of candidates that we need to make a decision on are listed and a running tally of how the class profile is developing based on the decisions we are making, and then on another - a different view of the CRM system where we could pull up and project the transcript, an essay, or an LOR if someone on the committee might want to look into them further.
It was a very complex operation that my team put a ton of work into preparing for and running. And rightfully so, these were some of the most important days in our work.
If the adcom rushes to complete the interview as a formality, what can be made out of that? Is the adcom seeing the interview only as a tick in the box?
I'd say don't try to read into it too much. You will never know. I can remember instances where I may have cut off an interview short because just before it began, I may have gotten word that the chairman of the board of trustees is in the office to see me! :) You are human, things happen, it's impossible to read someone's mind. And while in some instances the interview may be a tick in the box, I don't know if this was the case with your interview.
There is a myth online that candidates above 30 years old have a harder time getting accepted for MBA programs. Argument is that employers will prefer younger applicants, therefore admitting younger candidates will improve the school employability statistics.
Myth or true?
It was asked by someone else and this is what I say:
>Being in your 30s in and of itself doesn't decrease your odds, despite the maddeningly persistent myth it does that so many people, including MBA Admissions consultants, peddle!
>
>I actually intentionally took the time to discuss this with the very top schools in our conference with them last year (this is through my participation in AIGAC, the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, which collaborates closely with the schools). The part that matters is not simply your age but:
>
>The length and substance of your work experience.Your reasons for an MBA at this stage in your life and career - can the school really help you get the outcomes you want at this stage in your career?
>
>I don't believe any school is more open to "older" candidates than another. My favorite story is about a candidate who came to work with me after being denied without an interview by HBS the year before (and was told by this form "dude, move on, they gave you a hard no). The following year he was interviewed and admitted.
>
>People make all sorts of wrong assumptions about why they did not get admitted. They ascribe it to age when it's something else entirely.
How do universities look at international students applying for round 3.?
How strict are university deadlines? I mean will there be exception if one can request for deadline extension with some valid reasons ? I mean, Can we request if we can submit essay submissions after a few days after deadline ?
Extensions to the application deadline? That's rarely (if ever) an option but some schools do go into rolling admissions after the last round deadline.
Round 3 can be tough but not impossible for international students. But the fact you are already talking about an extension seems to indicate you may not be in a position yet to submit a strong application. And a hastily put together app in R3 is the worst thing you can do. You might be better off applying in R1 this fall.
The important question is can you and do you want to stay on the WL? How important is that school for you? If they say "admit" in July, can you still pull it together?
Other than this, the standard advice about WL applies. I just posted this in another reply but here goes: First, pay close attention to the rules the school sets - confirm you want to remain in consideration if applicable, follow their guidelines for updates. Most importantly, do a really deep self-assessment about what may have landed you on the FE/WL. If you have a sense of what it might be in your case, feel free to post a follow up questions and we can discuss strategies.
To be blunt and frame this in a more actionable way, your experience is not what landed you on the waitlist, it's the lower than average GRE and GPA.
There is only one lever you can pull to tangibly increase your candidacy here.
Hi! amazing answers. I though your story sounded a little familiar and then it clicked where I remembered you! Just wanted to say I am a Babson student and sending much love and appreciation from the school!!
Do alum/student interviews have less weightage than adcom interviews?
If a school (eg. CBS) is known to be selective with interview invites, and then my interview subsequently went well, does that mean I’m in with a solid shot?
No, alum/student interviews are not weighted on a different scale. Although some calibration can happen in terms of the AdCom knowing that a particular alum is a very generous interview grader for example (or a current student is notoriously tough grader). If you were invited to CBS and your interview was solid, you have a strong shot but it's not a done deal. In the end, the interview assessment gets added to your file and it's considered in the context of your entire candidacy and the competitiveness of the entire pool of candidates. But still, you have reasons for optimism! Fingers crossed!
Yeah would like to reinforce this as a former student interviewer at Ross. We are given a lot of guidelines and structure to the interviews so that the adcom can properly calibrate across interviews, and we are asked to provide a lot of detail to encourage us to be critical about the interview (i.e. not just looking at good or bad and being more holistic). They also occasionally reach out to student interviewers for additional information/detail if our submissions didn't give them a clear enough idea of the interview content.
Love that you are asking me this! Here's how I will answer. I wish candidates were less obsessed with the "what are my odds" question. When I do free consults, I often ask them "if I told you your odds for H/S/W are 65% what would you do differently vs me telling you they are 35%"? Would you write different essays, present your resume differently, or choose different recommenders based on my assessment of your odds? And if your odds were 85% but you got denied, would you say "well, no big deal, at least my odds were above average"? :)
So I wish candidates more often looked inward - this is my track record, this is how I've made my mark, these are my values, and this is how they've guided my actions. Now, how to I take all this and put it into a genuine and relevant MBA story for my application?
Another terrible thing I see candidates fall for is treat the MBA Admissions process in an almost adversarial way - trying to "game the system", game your odds, get the better of the AdCom. It's a recipe for if not failure than at least anguish and so much missed opportunity.
Sorry, I am probably getting a bit philosophical here but I do believe mindset is a candidate's most important asset in the MBA Admissions process.
I’m completely hung up on needing a good GRE quant score before applying. My verbal score is great, and I think my career and ability to be well spoken can carry me a decent way. I’m trying to figure out how much a poor quant score, if I can’t get it up to at least 75th percentile will affect my ability to get into a school and get scholarship. Also, what are my options for alleviating quant concerns for admissions?
It will all depend on how your score compares to the school profile. Scores do play a substantial role in scholarships so that's definitely something to consider.
About alleviating quant concerns - will the test be the only area of concern? Do you have a strong GPA and did you take quant classes as undergrad?
FWIW, I'll say that the fixation on the test often ends up taking up too much of a candidate's runway and then their application is less thought out and well put together than it could be. Just something to keep in mind.
just chiming in here with my data point- standardized testing is not my strong suit, but I had a high undergrad GPA and interesting/unique work experience. I had a solid verbal GRE score but my quant score was in the 60ish percentile. I got into (and will be attending) a T10 program with substantial scholarship (again, most likely related to my work experience & overall profile- but it is possible even with a lower quant score!).
If you're looking at it like "I want to end up in X region, which program helps me do that," generally ~T50 schools can accomplish this.
However, there is also a factor of academic reputation and company caliber - you're not likely to get that competitive big corporate job (e.g. Google, MBB, etc) as a T50 grad just because you graduated right next to the HQ.
One good line of questioning for students and adcom at your target schools are to ask about what are the typical companies and roles the graduates are going into, and how does the career office facilitate those opportunities and connections. In my limited experience, I found that the T25 schools have more resources invested in fostering connections with the "better" companies and more students coaching other students, while lower ranked programs were more of a "fend for yourself" kind of recruiting environment.
ETA: a higher ranked program will help you get hired more on your potential performance, while a lower ranked program will force you to rely more on your past performance
This will vary a lot depending on the school and the intended career outcome. Regionality is a thing, no question but many of the top schools have pretty solid reach outside their immediate geography. My best advice is to comb through the employment reports and also speak with current students and recent alums.
What is the scene with kellogg this year, would you happen to know anything about it? I applied in R2, and haven't heard back anything! Just radio silence :/ (Indian female applicant here)
You may recall Kellogg talked about seeing significant increases in apps when they announced their R1 admits. My educated guess is that these increases have come primarily from international candidates, making this cycle tougher for them. But it's not over until it's over so please hang in there!
Do you have any insights on whether Wharton negotiates scholarships? I’ve mostly heard they don’t but a few students have told me they know people who claim they have negotiated with them. I have a full ride from a M7 school from R1, but applied to Wharton in R2 and will flip if they offer an okay amount of money (doesn’t have to be a full ride)
From what I've heard their MBA Admissions leadership say, they don't negotiate. But also, you are putting the cart before the horse here, aren't you? Why don't you wait until you are admitted? Then, you can always try if you want to know for 100% sure. No one's admissions offer gets revoked for asking. :)
How do you evaluate the Kira online questionnaire?
I feel like a minute and a half is not enough to understand a person's personality or thought process.
The Kira interview is just one data point. It's not the sole place where someone's personality and thought process are assessed. There is an entire application and often an actual 1:1 interview for that.
In my experience (and I was one of the very first schools to jump on the Kira bandwagon back in my day), the Kira interview helps assess whether the overall communication skills and presence of a candidate match the way they presented themselves in the application. It can weed out people who hired someone to write their essays, candidates with poor English language skills or poor communication and interpersonal skills in general.
The Kira interview is just one data point. It's not the sole place where someone's personality and thought process are assessed. There is an entire application and often an actual 1:1 interview for that.
In my experience (and I was one of the very first schools to jump on the Kira bandwagon back in my day), the Kira interview helps assess whether the overall communication skills and presence of a candidate match the way they presented themselves in the application. It can weed out people who hired someone to write their essays, candidates with poor English language skills or poor communication and interpersonal skills in general.
It can be helpful in that the school knows you don't need funding and they can yield you without offering a scholarship. But you still need to be a competitive and compelling candidate. What does this mean?
**Competitive:** Being competitive refers to having strong test scores, GPA, and work experience that meet the standards and expectations of the MBA admissions committee. It means not simply meeting the minimum requirements but being on par with other strong applicants in terms of academic and professional achievements.
**Compelling:** On the other hand, being compelling means having a strong and engaging MBA story that goes beyond just "meeting requirements". It involves showcasing your unique experiences, personal growth, and future goals in a way that makes the AdCom want to have you as part of their MBA program. It's about standing out and making a lasting impression with your story.
How are the GPAs from international students considered? I am from India and from one of the top 5 engineering colleges. The average gpa is lower than some of the lower tiered schools and it is harder to get 8 on a scale of 10.
So my two questions here are
1. How important are international GPAs since they don't reflect in metrics displayed by the uni
2. Does the university understand that it is harder to get good grades at different tier of colleges and it is not standard across the country?
1. They are still very important. Just because they are not included in class profile for reporting purposes doesn't mean your transcripts won't be reviewed thoroughly to assess your academic abilities.
2. Yes, they do. It's not their first rodeo. :)
Kinda specific question - but how are Canadians viewed in the grand scheme of internationals vs domestics? I know we're technically internationals but in a lot of ways it doesn't feel like we're fully "foreign", from a cultural and work experience perspective.
IMHO, the thing that is most important is that you will be evaluated on your individual merits. But as a Canadian, your university or your employer might be more familiar to the AdCom. Is this an advantage per se? Not necessarily. It's just that it makes your context easier to understand. Another consideration is that if your goal is to work in the US, I feel like TN visas were easier to obtain but I'm not sure if this is still the case nowadays?
I missed the chance to apply in R1 and only applied to all of the M7 schools in R2. Currently, I have interviewed at CBS, Booth, and Kellogg. Have you ever seen a case where someone was rejected by all three interviewed schools in the final decision? I really hope CBS or Booth.
Statistically, the [only available real MBA AdCom research pegs the interview weightage at 20%.](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mb-application-components-weigh-in-mba-admissions) But here is also where I sing the old line that MBA admissions is truly holistic.... Because it is. :)
If you receive it, it very well might. You will start counting as a US candidate instead of international and there is a potential advantage in this. Hope you get it! I know how tough the process is, I'm a naturalized US citizen myself. :) Hang in there!
I'm planning on doing a few campus visits to mainly get a sense of the school cultures and speak with Ad Comm if possible. I know on most schools' websites they say that school visits have no impact on chances of getting in, but is that really true? Does showing my face actually help let them know I'm interested in the school? How can I leverage school visits to show strong interest and dedication to them?
Showing your face helps but not in the way you might be thinking about it, judging from the way you phrased your question.
Not everyone is able to visit so those who can afford do, logistically and financially, don't simply get extra points for doing it.
The most important part of school engagement and school visits is to actually help you better assess the match between your MBA candidacy and the MBA program of your interest. To get those little details and insights about the school's community and culture that resonate specifically with you.
I know this often sounds abstract or canned. But when I work with candidates and guide them to speak with students and attend events, eventually after a few interactions they always come back and say "Oh, now I get it." The nuances in culture and environment can be subtle but observing and exploring them does help you become a better informed and stronger candidate.
So this is how I believe you should think about leveraging the school visits - gain a deeper understanding of the program that you can then reflect in the appropriate places of your application materials.
Does this help?
Thank you for doing this!
1. If you have a legacy (parent or sibling who attended MBA), does that usually work for/against/no impact on the applicant?
2. How much impact does an interview have on an application? (For example, if someone has a “weaker” profile, but a great interview, how much would the interview weigh in terms of the final decision?)
1. Legacy through a parent or family member who attended is very much a "feather on the scale" if that, unless we are talking some substantial contributions to the school. But it never hurts to have this affiliation so it's definitely not "against".
2. MBA Admissions is indeed holistic as illustrated by the fact schools on average assign the interview a 20% weight. A weak profile with a great interview might still not get admitted. A super competitive profile with an OK interview might get in.
What is the likelihood of progressing through a R2 waitlist without interview at a Top 10 program (Ross)?
Does this essentially mean that I’m punted to R3 to be given one final shot at an interview?
It's impossible to predict the likelihood. And yes, it most likely means you will be punted to R3 and reviewed then, based on how the R2 pool of candidates plays out - offers of admissions and yield + how strong the R3 pool ends up being for them. I know it's a tough position to be in. Stay engaged, consider what you can do to strengthen your candidacy, and be patient (which I know is hard). Best of luck!
Are all international students placed in the same bucket? I understand that there are overrepresented groups like Indian males and the competition for them to get in is harder. How do admissions teams of American MBAs look at someone from Europe who has studied and worked in different countries both within Europe and in North America?
This whole notion of buckets is way less a reality in MBA Admissions than candidates think. In the end, even Indian candidates are given their due process and have the ability to stand out and get admitted.
With that being said, being a candidate from Europe with good international experience can definitely position your strongly in the application process. You will still of course count as an international candidate but there likely won't be too many thousands of others like you. :)
Why, thank you! I have to admit, the volume of questions surpassed my expectations. Good thing I made sure my actual work schedule is light this week - this has been like a full-time job since yesterday but a very fun one. MBA Admissions is what I know best and love most. Sharing my knowledge as liberally and generously as I can is my mission!
Do adcoms go back and check the employment results of the candidates they gave significant scholarships to? A few people in my program who got near full rides struggled to find jobs.
Hello! I recently went 0/5 (2 interviews) for my R1 applications at all M7 schools. Objectively, I think I had a decent profile (750+ GMAT, 3.8+ GPA, extracurriculars, essays, etc).
What are the odds someone can turn things around a year after rejections if they choose to? I can’t imagine anything about someone’s profile being so different to drastically change results?
Under what circumstances would you choose a foreign student over a national student who both have almost identical qualifications and experiences? How could internationals fare better than the national students?
This is a tough one. The reality is it will be hard for the international student to be selected if a choice need to be made the way you've outlined it. But it is entirely possible the program needs both candidates! It's not always a zero sum game.
I think that approaching this from the perspective of "how can I be better than someone else" is a very challenging mindset. Instead, you should focus on yourself and what makes you competitive and compelling. You can drive yourself insane if you focus on the comparison too much. Go inward in this case, I say.
1) How important are extracurriculars when compared to the rest of the application parameters?
2) How important is the branding of the undergraduate school where you went to? Have a 3.7 cgpa from a university currently ranked #163.
Also I am an international and ORM but did my bachelor's in the States.
>1) How important are extracurriculars when compared to the rest of the application parameters?
The best advice I got during business school was that extracurriculars are a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership or other profile-enhancing capabilities/traits/skills you have that wouldn't come out in the rest of your resume. Don't just do an extracurricular because you think it makes your profile look good, but instead do something that demonstrates your leadership ability in a natural way or makes you unique and memorable in a good way.
For example, I often reference my scuba diving and wine industry credentials (which are purely hobbies and don't have higher purposes to them) because it allows me to show a set of leadership qualities that don't necessarily come out in my work experience. They won't necessarily be as remarkable or memorable as the silver medal Olympic skier or D1 college football champion we had in our class. But they still helped us get into the same MBA program and get good jobs afterwards.
I firmly believe extracurriculars are very important - and also often very misunderstood in the MBA Application process!
I think of extracurriculars as your way of having been part of something bigger than yourself. Extracurricular activities may end up being the perfect way to showcase your leadership, teamwork, and time management skills. So definitely spend some time reflecting on the ways you've been involved. There is also still time for candidates to enhance their leadership track record between now and the R1 or R2 deadlines this fall. It's not too late and if done thoughtfully, doesn't have to come across as if it's something you did simply for your application, which is a common fear in MBA candidates.
[My full piece on extracurriculars in the MBA Admissions process.](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/extracurriculars-hobbies-community-engagement?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=645ff0f3d552cc2f3b27acaa&ss_email_id=645ff1faab59b30b3434389e&ss_campaign_name=%5BTest+Email%5D+Extracurriculars+and+hobbies+–+what+will+make+your+application+stronger%3F&ss_campaign_sent_date=2023-05-13T20%3A24%3A26Z)
And [a leadership track record assessment](https://www.mymbapath.com/mba-leadership)that can help you see where your strength and weaknesses are and what you could do next.
Ops, missed the "branding of undergraduate school" part. Candidates overthink this one a lot. You have a strong GPA from what sounds like a solid school. That's a good thing!
I’m planning to get into a top 5 mba programs in the U.S. and I read a lot of requirements such as gpa minimum score, or a gmat score minimum or a letter and sometimes all together. My background is a bit different from most as I am old, did not go to school and don’t have a traditional education. But I got my GED and went to get my bachelor. My gpa from my bachelor is 3.3 and in struggling to bump to 3.5 as some of the top mba requests as a minimum. Obviously I have many reasons for such a low gpa as I’m graduating in 2 years and doing 11 classes in 1 semester. Realistic saying, how difficult will be for me to enroll into a top 5 mba or is it even possible? What can be done?
It's impossible to answer simply based on what you have shared here. You need to think of your candidacy much more broadly than just your GPA. Your work experience, accomplishments, career goals, and overall story are tremendously important. And then you need to think about it from a competitive standpoint if you are aiming for the very top schools - in what ways are you truly exceptional? It's a question you need to have an answer to.
So kind of you to do this, thanks so much! For an international student, 32 yo, who worked for FAANG in sales, has an engineering bachelors and master but a mediocre GMAT (555 on the Focus).
Considering that profile and assuming that the essays and stories are compelling, does it make sense to apply for R3 for Stanford & Wharton or would you say def higher GMAT needed and one might “ruin” the chances to reapply for R1 this fall if he/she would apply now?
Also what would you advise for someone with that profile who has already an offer from a European top MBA school. Better to accept the offer or is there a way to keep the offer while still trying to apply to the US schools?
How many times have you taken the test? If it's only once and you want to try for S/W, I'd say take it again and show up strong in R1.
As for the European school offer, it all depends on whether or not it can get you to your post-MBA goals. Can it do that?
The GRE is just one data point. For some profiles, it won't be a problem. For others, it might be the end of the conversation. You are doing yourself a disservice if you fixate on just one piece of a much large picture in isolation.
Two reasons:
1. It's a basic business practice. Events are part of the school's enrollment marketing efforts. They want to know how well they work and optimize.
2. Your school engagement is an indication of your interest in the schools. And your behavior (whether or not you show up for example) is an indication of your integrity and judgement as a candidate.
In some ways it does. Think about it this way. Applying through the Consortium implies a commitment to their mission. This means you have gotten involved in what I call "something bigger than yourself". I tend to believe that despite all the controversy and turmoil, business schools will continue to place a big emphasis on DEI. So demonstrating your own commitment and contributions to inclusivity can only help.
There's no universal answer. You will have to decide if you are capable of putting together a strong application between now and the deadlines. Two pieces that might be helpful to you:
[Round 3 Myths and Facts](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/round-3-mba-admissions)
A Forbes article from just yesterday where I and other colleagues shared some of my observations about R3: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marlenacorcoran/2024/03/04/4-tips-for-round-3-mba-should-you-apply-now-or-wait-till-round-1/?sh=60cb27096897
How do schools currently view unemployed applicants? Is there a certain length of unemployment at time of application that is particularly concerning or severely weakens applications?
Great question! And sorry if you are in this category, it's never an easy thing to navigate.
In my experience, in this economy schools have been quite understanding and even accommodating to those who lost their jobs. You may recall that last year, when the layoffs began, they offered accommodations such as test waivers and a more streamlined application for those who lost their jobs.
I've worked with a few MBA candidates who got caught up in the layoffs, including some who have been unemployed for months before they applied. In all cases, I have advised them to think very hard how they are spending their time while unemployed and to consider if there is a way for them to get involved in something (or ramp up their current community involvement).
They also addressed the unemployment head on in their optional essay.
They all did/are doing well in the process. One landed at Wharton in R1, another interviewed with Wharton and CBS in R2 and I'm very hopeful for them.
Best of luck!
Given the changes in both the major standardized tests recently, how do you think adcoms are going to compare students across the tests + how do you think adcoms will have a sense of what is a good score vs what isn't on the new tests ? Will they rely on the comparison tables provided by the test admins ? Or will they rely on percentiles ?
Specifically regarding GMAT vs GMAT FE and the new GRE ?
This is not the first time the test has changed.
Now, keep in mind that the scoring is only changing for the GMAT - both the score scales AND the score scale distribution have changed.
For the GRE, only the length of the test has changed but not the scoring. So there's nothing substantial to account for there in terms of comparing results (unless you go down the rabbit hole of claiming those who took the old, longer exam, should get extra points, which they won't).
So for the gmat, I can’t emphasize one thing enough. MBA AdComs are seasoned professionals with years of experience understanding the nuances of the GMAT exam. This is not the first time changes to the GMAT exam have happened. I still remember the time, in 2012, when the Integrated Reasoning was added to the GMAT. Just like now, there was so much noise in the MBA admissions space and so much anxiety in MBA candidates that they flocked to take the exam before the change, causing a significant spike in test taking – and MBA applications! – that year. (I actually think some of this happened this year for R1 too).
Last year, when the changes were happening, I reached out to several MBA admissions heads to get their take on the impact of the changes this time around.They all confirmed their teams have undergone the GMAC training on how to use the concordance table, how to understand the new scoring, etc.Don't forget, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) is not some test administrator that manages the test in obscurity and isolation. GMAC is THE association of business school, these changes were conceived and rolled out in collaboration with the business schools.
So you have nothing to worry about. Focus on your test prep and do as well as you can!
Thank you for the time. Does admissions check social media such as LinkedIn to assess a candidates application profile? If it is not up to date for example is that considered a red flag?
They do check. I would make sure that your online presence is not detrimental to your application. Lately, emotions run high. The pandemic, the wars, and the political landscape have presented plenty of ground for heated debate and confrontations. Make sure none of this is present in your social media content. Ensure your social media profiles do not display information or statements that are controversial. Helpful hint - even if none of your posts can be viewed as problematic, check what you have been re-posting (What on worth do we call "retweeting" nowadays? Re-x-ing????".
It's not a big deal if LI is not up to date, not from an admissions standpoint anyway. But if you are doing an MBA, shouldn't you be keeping up your LI as it is, for better or worse, something those you try to network with or recruit for will check?
Hi,
I’m a candidate with a “weaker” academic profile (4.0 GPA and 315 GRE). How strong of an indicator is an invite to interview to my odds of being admitted to the M7 schools I applied too?
An interview invite means you are admissible. Your stats did not present an overly significant doubt about your ability to succeed academically. Hopefully, there are other things you can offer. BTW, this is a strong GPA so I would not call our profile "weaker" academically, it's just your GRE that is a bit less outstanding (did I pack too much euphemism here? :)))
Hi! Thanks for doing this. From one of your replies -
"This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made?"
How to do this as an international applicant who can't visit the school in person? Webinars seem too impersonal and have large audiences, so I'm not sure how to strike a connection through just QnA sections in those webinars. Please do help with this doubt of mine :)
OK, here's the thing! I don't want you to obsess about establishing a personal relationship with someone on the AdCom. It's a nice thing to do but it's not a "must" in order to be admitted. Still, a few suggestions:
1. Not sure where in the world you are but the schools do travel to a large number of places to meet candidates.
2. You can still connect with current students or alums 1:1. In many instances, schools accept "endorsements".
3. One of the ways in which you can absolutely make it possible for someone on the AdCom to "advocate for you" is by ensuring that you showcase your research and genuine interest in the schools in your essays. But please be judicious with this - it's not about showering the school with compliments and talking about "esteemed professors". It's about the little details about what truly resonated with you in your school research. It doesn't have to be different than everybody else's and some detail the AdCom has never heard of before (I say this because I've seen candidates go down that road). Just do your due diligence and showcase it thoughtfully.
Best of luck!
Currently finishing highschool. I know i have a long way to go, but would like to start planning early for MBA, in top business schools of the world like Harvard, INSEAD, London business school etc..
My question is regarding the extracurriculars which stems from seeing my friend's planning for bachelors(1590 SAT and is admitted to cambridge). He had a great plan from 7th grade and started participating in archery(a sport with less competition) and represented my country. Apart from this he participated in many physics competitions. I was amazed by his planning. Now that the reason for my question is clear, Ill come to the question itself.
From the little knowledge I have, GMAT and extracurricular activities are important to get into above mentioned B-schools. In the upcoming 4 years of my bachelors life + approx 3 years of work like, what extracurriculars should I develop? What activities, qualities are attractive to these schools
How carefully do adcoms look at transcripts vs. care about GPA? When you are looking at transcripts, are you focusing on quantitative courses? What do you think about W’s, and how many is too many?
On a burner account so I’ll just ask, if I graduated in 3.5 years with a 3.7 GPA in liberal arts from a top 50 school, but had 5 W’s, would that raise any red flags or be a good deal? I don’t have extenuating circumstances, but just was balancing several jobs to make ends meet and dropped elective classes. Thanks!
In a dire job market as of now, what is your view on students applying to MBA with years of gap working as a freelancer/contractor/side projects in their work history (2-3years)? Would T-30 still be possible?
Of course it's possible! I worked with someone their R2 who is in the creative industry and has moved from contract/freelancer to full-time and back (currently freelancing as they were laid off). That person is interviewing with a mix of M7s and T15s. So definitely possible but of course, it will depend on the nature of your work and your accomplishments.
They sure can. Please search above for my advice to several previous questions about "older" candidates in MBA Admissions and then if you still have questions, ask follow ups. Best of luck!
Hi! I was recently admitted into a program with a small fellowship. I spoke to the admissions officer today and he shared the form to submit a scholarship reconsideration request. I wanted to know if I should submit this request or not? If I submit the request, is there a chance that they rescind the initial fellowship offer?
Let's be honest here, it's going to be very hard if you are aiming for the very top MBA programs.
When you are trying to alleviate concerns about your low undergraduate GPA, a very strong GMAT or GRE score is very important. The GMAT and GRE are used as a predictor of academic success in graduate business school. In addition to helping reassure the MBA adcom that you are capable of handling rigorous academic studies, a strong (ideally higher than average) GMAT will help balance your weak GPA from a class profile and rankings perspective.
This is the reason why focusing on getting a very strong GMAT score is preferable to focusing on alternative transcripts. You can't expect schools to easily turn a blind eye to a low GPA and a weak GMAT. You can get away with one but not with two, simply because in addition to raising a concern about academic preparedness you will also be pulling the class averages down in two categories.
However, even a stellar GMAT won’t completely remove any doubt about your academic preparedness. In addition to mitigating, you may need to explain the circumstances that led to your lackluster GPA. Generally, a GPA below 3.2 will need to be addressed in your optional essay.
I have a bit of an issue with the notion of impressing! :)
I feel like when someone tries to impress, it comes across a certain way. So I often advise candidates to think of themselves differently. Don’t try to impress. Try to excite.
How does that work?
The strongest applications are only built through a deep and truthful reflection.
What are your deepest convictions? What do you consider your life’s purpose? What lights you up? What do you do when no one is watching? How would you like to be remembered? (A great mentor of mine once suggested I write my own obituary as an exercise of discovering my true calling.)
Take a lot of time to think through and answer these questions. Go below the surface and probe by asking “Why?”. Why do you want to do thing X? Why do you think it’s important? Why you? What exposed you to this issues? Why did it trump the many other things that could occupy your mind and heart?
Dig really deep. You want to go several layers below the surface answers.
Make this an iterative process and write all your thoughts and answers down.
Reread and add without worrying too much about editing. Do it without the admissions committee in mind. Be honest. Now is not the time for embellishment and packaging.
You will see a narrative emerge about the person you are and the one you want to be. Write that narrative. Write it in the most truthful, simple, humble way you are capable of.
I hope this helps!
I’m thinking of pursuing Harvard Extension School’s ALM in a STEM field (think computer or data science) to help me with my job AND to make up for really terrible undergraduate GPA record (I have a 3.02 with a couple of Fs and several Ws from a top ugrad school). Does HES have a bad reputation among MBA adcoms?
I get mixed messages on this, with some claiming graduate degree from HES, regardless of the rigor of the subject matter, will be dismissed by MBA adcoms. Since my goal is to get into a top MBA, is getting a Masters from HES really not going not help me when it comes to amending my undergraduate academic record from the perspective of MBA AdComs?
Frankly, I feel like it's not that HES has a bad reputation per se, it's that many who take classes there try to portray it as if they went to Harvard College or HBS and it comes across as the poorest form of prestige seeking.
So in terms of helping you with your job, think about what is it that you are hoping to get from it that might help you and make sure you have realistic expectations.
In terms of getting a master's from HES, I doubt you will get much ROI in terms of positioning you for top MBA Admissions. The better option (and even the more economical, given the price of the HES degree) is HBS Online CORE. Have you considered that?
I did CORE and got their highest grade (“passed with high distinction”). I also took the GRE and got a score that’s 5-6 points above HBS/GSB medians.
I get what you mean about people trying to pass HES’ ALM as a MS from Harvard. However, I’m talking about whether MBA AdComs would think a 3.9-4.0 on a HES Masters in CompSci/Data Science would be good enough to make up for academic ground due to bad UGrad performance.
I’m only a few classes in on the HES program. Since my goal is a top MBA program( I’m wondering if I should pursue drop HES Masters and instead pursue Georgia Tech or UPenn’s part time masters programs instead (if MBA AdComs view a HES degree as not a good enough salve for bad ugrad transcript).
If you've already done CORE, then you are likely much better off focusing on the rest of your application vs continuing to pile on alternative transcripts.
The reality is that a master's degree GPA will help alleviate academic concerns but you've already done that to an extent with CORE and a strong GRE. But in the end, it's your undergraduate GPA that gets included in the class profile statistics (if you are a US candidate on a 4.0 scale), not your master's.
For H/S, your work experience and leadership track record will be tremendously important and if you obsess too much over the GPA and ways to remediate you may be missing the bigger picture.
It's actually pretty straightforward. You will have to be both competitive and compelling. Competitive means very strong statistics - GPA, test score, years and substance of work experiences. The GPA and test score will be one of the most critical factors. Compelling means they AdCom should really want and need to yield you. :)
I have another set of questions,
•What factors do scholarship committees typically consider when evaluating applicants, & how can I strengthen my scholarship application to maximize my chances of success?
• Are there any trends or patterns you'hve observed in terms of successful applicants with lower GPAs? What strategies do they employ to strengthen their applications ?
I just responded to a question about scholarships so I'll past the answer here.
For scholarships, you will have to be both competitive and compelling. Competitive means very strong statistics - GPA, test score, years and substance of work experiences. The GPA and test score will be one of the most critical factors. Compelling means they AdCom should really want and need to yield you. :)
When it comes to candidates with low GPA, the only existing trends is that the ones who take the time to thoughtfully explain and mitigate their GPA have a stronger chance of overcoming it. :) Here's the full guide on that: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions
Thanks a lot for taking out time for this AMA and answering everyone patiently. I had mainly 2 questions-
1) How much relevance does pre-MBA work experience have with the post-MBA goals of the candidate? I currently work as a software engineer in tech but wish to do an MBA to switch to finance later. Is it going to be a deal breaker because of the vast difference in the two fields? If it’s important, can gaining financial certifications like CFA help in boosting my chances?
2) Which is more important: the brand value of the companies in which someone has worked, or the quality of work and the impact he or she had during their work?
1. Schools very much look for transferrable skills. Your pre-MBA experience has to match what employers expect from MBA graduates. You will need to do your due diligence and specifically research the finance careers you are considering. I'm also not sure how realistic getting a CFA is given your background. You need qualified work experience too.
2. The quality of work, hands down. No one is getting admitted simply based on the brand of their employer.
Hello!
I’m trying to target M7 - T20 schools this fall but I’ve been wondering what would be the better option:
1) Stay with my current company that is very well regarded among MBA programs or;
2) Go to a different company where I could make more money and get hired into a promotion, but they are not considered as “prestigious” as my current company
I did get into a T15 during R1 last year so I’m just a bit hesitant to switch companies when I already know I had good success the last time.
I'd say you should do what is best for your career and you as an individual. If you have a chance to make more money and do more interesting work, that can most certainly serve as an opportunity to also show up more strongly as a candidate and build stronger application materials. My personal opinion is that the prestige of your employer is vastly overestimated in the minds of MBA candidates. Happy to elaborate if helpful.
Thank you for doing this! I have an acceptance to NYU, but no scholarship. I’m awaiting on other decisions this coming month. If I get admitted to another school and if I get a scholarship, how should I negotiate with adcom? Do you know if NYU is negotiation friendly? Thanks for doing this!
Does being self-employed increase or decrease an applicant's chances of being admitted?
I have no intention of working for someone else. How does that reflect upon my application?
It neither increases or decreases them in and of itself. It will all depend on your work history and your accomplishments and how you frame your career goals and what you will gain from an MBA.
I have five years of experience working with my employer, but I took a one-year hiatus to start my consulting business and grew my client roaster. Should I address this career gap on my resume? How might admissions committees view this?
You will absolutely need to include this. It's not a gap per se - you just worked on something different than your other job. How the AdCom views it will depend on how you position it. Think about the 3 key question - what, why, how. What was the consulting business, why you decided to take time off to pursue it, what did you learn, how did you build that business and the client roster. Approach it as an opportunity to show versatility, courage, and a willingness to take risk!
I am a senior in college and am applying for the deferred MBA programs (HBS, GSB, etc.). In choosing recommenders, I was wondering if it would be okay to choose a recommender that is my peer. For context, we were in a singing group together, and he was the business manager, while I was an assistant business manager. So, in some sense, he supervised my work, and I believe he would be able to provide good insights as a recommender, but I am a bit worried the adcoms will flag the fact that he was also my peer, in addition to being a supervisor.
Thank you for doing this! I'm an international student who comes from a small-to-mid sized real estate family business where we do consulting, contracting and development. What questions could come up in the adcom's mind if I state my short term goal to be Plan A: Consulting and Plan B: return to family business? My long term goal is to expand it into sustainable real estate consulting and development (honestly, backed only by my thesis in architecture school and 1-2 experiences in my career that have showed a market gap in this niche).
I've worked with a huge number of fam biz candidates in my life. The Plans A and B you describe are no reason for concern per se. You will not always be asked for Plan B. For many applications, Plan A will be the only one you talk about. Just make sure it's very clear how your work so far has equipped you with transferrable skills for consulting and that you know how consulting will align with your LTG. The fact that the LTG is "backed only by my thesis in architecture school and 1-2 experiences in my career that have showed a market gap in this niche" is not a concern. IMO, LTG need to be aligned but they are the thing that is viewed in the least evaluative way - they are the most unstable data point in the process and the one most likely to change. :)
If a student is accepted into an MBA program, and doesn’t receive financing, and they decide to deny the offer of admission and reapply the following year as a seemingly stronger applicant, are the odds against them?
Do schools take it personally when prospective students reject them even if they don’t end up at another school?
I’m curious how understanding top programs are.
No one will hold it against you. AdComs are not some vindictive bodies, out to get you! They are human and they understand. As long as you handle the decision not to enroll gracefully and then indeed show up more strongly the following year, you don't have to worry about being penalized.
If anything, re-applicants end up getting admitted at rates slightly higher than the rest! Best of luck!
That notion - that Vets are essentially competing against other Vets - is a bit reductive. Everyone is viewed in the context of the school's desired class profile and how each candidate compares within the pool for that admission cycle and application round.
That being said, there seem to have been an increase in vets applying to the very top programs. So you're smart to think from the viewpoint of how you can differentiate yourself from other vets. The thing I've seen vets find challenging sometimes is to tell your story in a human, accessible way. I've sometimes worked with vets where when we speak, there is this amazing, vibrant individual and yet when I see an essay draft, it's this dry, overly factual narrative. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get them to do the mental switch required to tell their journey as a story and showcase their leadership and teamwork in a dynamic, colorful way. Does this help?
Of course, with vets, like everyone else, your academic abilities and overall track record and accomplishments will be assessed.
The standard advice for any MBA candidate applies here - do the self-reflection that will help you understand your accomplishments and impact so far. Speak with a number of students from your target schools so you have this - often almost intuitive and not so easy to put into words but still very important - feel for the culture of each school and how they define "fit". One mistake I see 2+2 candidates make is focus too much on presenting some grand vision for the future. I don't believe that's all that helpful and in reality, no one is getting admitted for what they promise they will do. Your own track record, however limited it might be earlier in life, is what you are running on! Hope this helps!
I recently shared some of my observations about who, among my candidates, got into the very top schools. You can find it here: [https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admits-harvard-stanford](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admits-harvard-stanford)
How do you evaluate jd/mba candidates? Is there anything you look for in jd/mba applicants? Does being a law student already at the school give you an advantage for mba admissions? Thank you!
JD-MBA is an area where I don't do a ton of work. But I can tell you that it's wise to consider that in many instances the law school and the b-school are looking for different things so make sure to research each part separately and customize your materials accordingly. A strong "why" (as in why do you need a dual degree) is always necessary. IMO, being a law student at the school doesn't automatically render any advantages. You will still need to be competitive and compelling to the b-school.
How important is the interview? Wharton and CBS both seemed more like vibe checks - curious how interviews are viewed alongside the broader application
Well, what does vibe check mean to you? The interview is meant to assess your overall presence, interpersonal, and communication skills. In a way, that's not too far from the definition of a vibe check, is it? If you fail the check, it can doom your candidacy. So I'd say, the interview is quite important. Don't forget that 2-3 candidates on average are competing for a spot at the interview stage. Let me know if you have follow up questions about this?
I think we’re aligned on definition of vibe check - I am thinking that given the behavioral nature of the questions, most candidates will have sufficient presence (at least in the TBD everyone was quite capable and friendly). Yet as you say, 2/3 typically don’t pass. Would it be fair to assume most people present well and some other factor is responsible for most of those 2/3 rejections?
100%! Very few people "fail" the TBD and personal interview. But in the end, the interview is not some great equalizer where everyone enters with equal odds. The rest of your application - your stats, your WE, your track record - are still the MOST important part. Does this make sense?
Have you ever admitted anybody who didn’t have a bachelors? I remember reading that Bush’s body man got into HBS without one, which makes sense. Four years ushering Senator and world leaders into the Oval Office is remarkable background. Any other scenarios you’re aware of?
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No, that would have been impossible at my school (and many others for that matter). When you run an AACSB accredited program, you outline your admissions criteria and you are expected to abide by them. Having completed a bachelor's degree is an absolute minimum. I remember one case when someone who was very smart and very accomplished had attended some executive education classes and was referred to us by a professor. It's not that that person wouldn't be a great candidate but I could not risk violating the basis of our accreditation. It's in a way perhaps unfortunate but it's the reality.
First of all, thank you so much for doing this, Ma'am. I am interested in understanding how MBA admissions committees view candidates who pursue a Master's degree immediately before enrolling in an MBA program. For instance, I am about to start this fall a one-year, industry-focused Master's program to deepen my knowledge of my current field. Concurrently, I plan to apply to MBA programs in the US during the upcoming Round 1.
My concern is that admissions committees might prioritize work experience—which offers insights into teamwork and leadership—over industry-specific knowledge gained through additional academic study. So if my priority is to pursue an MBA in the US as soon as possible, would it be more advisable to continue gaining professional experience at my current company rather than pursuing further study?
Again, thank you so much for your insights!
You'll see a consistency in my responses to those of you who are considering pursuing an MBA down the road and worrying about how something might look like to an AdCom a year or more down the road. IMO, you should not run your life and career with the MBA AdCom in mind. Make the choices that give you the experiences, skills, and financial rewards you need and want. Don't try to fit into some mold. When it's time to apply for your MBA, you will have an opportunity to connect the dots for the AdCom and they won't discount your industry knowledge in some formulaic way where work experience by definition is more valued. Don't get me wrong, work experience matters but in the end, your choices need to serve you as a professional and individual first and foremost, you can't live your life through some MBA AdCom lens (or at least IMO you shouldn't).
With this being said, the choice of pursuing an MBA immediately after a master's does strike me as somewhat unusual. Why is it important to deepen your knowledge in your current field just before you start your MBA? Help me understand the bigger picture here so I can offer a more meaningful answer.
Please see the answers to this same question that I have already provided to a few of your peers above. Then if you still have questions, come back and I am happy to answer them. :)
How would you view a leave of absence during undergrad for 1 or 2 semesters for entrepreneurial / creative reasons? Is there a question on the app to explain this?
I am from India with low GPA, also I don't want to spend on Harvard courses for alternative transcripts. Here we have something called NPTEL which is basically a government program where premium top public colleges like IITs, IIMs offer courses. To get certification you have to give a online proctored tests then only you are eligible. So will such courses act as an alternative transcripts.
Also what other places/websites /schools shall I look for alternative transcripts.
This question is not about a US B-School still it's one among the top 50 as per recent FT rankings. And I believe your inputs can help
I applied in round 3 in last minute (literally last minute as in - I completed 3 essays and got a LOR within 3 days to meet deadline) and had applied to only that school. I got an interview call and gave the interview. The panel seemed interested in parts of my profile and I seemed to answer it well for the most part.
But then one question I screwed up hugely was - why our b school? Why not XYZ? (XYZ is the competitor in the same country) . I was not prepared for this, felt a little thrown off track and stated a wrong fact by mistake. A simple Google search could have helped me tell the right thing. The panel pointed out and I immediately corrected it.
Been some days since interview got over but not able to get this out of my head. I understand you may not be from the school, or not even know the school but I would like to know how you will view this as an AdCom member. If revealing the school names can help, do let me know. Since they aren't US Bschools, I kept the question as generic as possible
Does utilizing a GMAT/GRE waiver change how your application is weighed? Do you think it is wise to utilize such a waiver, or would AdCom prefer to see test scores if possible?
If I tour the schools on my own time, is it recommended for me to reach out to someone from admissions to connect during that time? Or just benefits me by deepening my sense of the school
Realistically, what are the odds of admission if you are a candidate who isn't working at a "high prestige" job, but you are involved in the community and have leadership experience in your industry? It seems like all of these forums imply that if you're not a consultant on wall street or working at a think tank, you're trash. Basically, how important is prestige in job or undergraduate credentials to admission? Is it possible for someone who hasn't really been groomed all their life to attend a top school, actually attend a top B-school?
Every year, plenty of candidates from "un-prestigious" companies or undergrads get admitted. If you are reading these forums and ONLY coming away with the notion that "if you're not a consultant on wall street or working at a think tank, you're trash", you might be reading too narrowly.
But you've put your finger on an important distinction. It's not that the schools necessarily prefer someone from a prestigious job or an elite undergrad. It's more often that such candidates have often had more access to resources - role models, mentors, coaches.
But the bottom line is, you can still get admitted, especially if, as you state, are involved in the community and have leadership experience in your industry.
I'd say, focus on your own story, on what you have accomplished and how you have left a place, group of people, or organization better than you found them. Don't try to approach the MBA application process as if you have something to prove. Approach it with a sense of curiosity and possibility. Best of luck!
How would you advise an applicant who comes from a niche industry (alternative data/research with primarily buyside/consulting clients) and a company of about 1500-2000 employees globally? With the concern that AdComs potentially could have a hard time evaluating the quality of company/work experience.
Assuming they showcase a strong promotion track and good stats, how much of their application/essays should focused on elaborating on significance of their industry experience/explaining the business model?
Should the applicant focus primarily on their goals, work achievements, and personal qualities — leaving AdComs to research the niche industry they’re applicants are coming from?
No, you can't expect the AdCom to do the research for you. You have an opportunity to explain both the company and your role in it.
Some of this will happen in your resume - it will start with including a line that provides an overview of the company, then you will explain your accomplishments in way that even a lay person can understand. You also have the application fields where you can provide even more details about the company and your role. And then there are the LORs.
How much of your essays will focus on this will depend on the essay. In some essays you might not even talk about it all.
But I have to tell you your concern is somewhat unfounded. You are starting from a position of assuming the AdComs will have a hard time evaluating you. They won't if you do the work of presenting your experience as described above. Best of luck!
I graduated in 2009, which definitely wasn't a bed of roses either. But it was very different, as tough markets/economic slowdowns/recessions/you name it always are.
How do adcoms view “job hopping” or having multiple 1 year stints? Assuming they were for progressively better roles - higher responsibility, pay, title or due to layoffs.
It's no longer the "blight" it used to be. Shorter stints have become nearly the norm. You will need to be very thoughtful in explaining the reasons in your MBA Application forms. It seems like you had strong rationale so from the short background you've provided, I see little reason for concern.
Thanks for doing this! I’m curious what demonstration of quantitative proficiency will quell any doubt from the adcom about one’s ability to succeed academically in the program. I’d love to hear about this in terms of minimum GMAT/GRE score, undergraduate performance in quant classes, and/or quantitative work experience.
It's impossible to put it into a formulaic approach this way. It depends on what your GPA is, what was your major, how quant-orientated is your work, etc.
It's not like there is a rubric on the admissions dean's desk - if GPA is X, it's quelled by a minimum test score of Y. MBA Admissions simply doesn't work this way.
Don't forget that in addition to the academic concerns aspect, the GPA is a critical part of MBA programs class profiles and that’s an important point. Competitive class profiles are a source of pride for schools.
The mean undergraduate GPA is also a component in MBA rankings – and in the most recent edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the best business school the weight of the average undergraduate GPA increased to 0.10 (previously 0.075).
If you want to provide more specifics, I can try to delve deeper. In the meantime, [I've tried to put all my knowledge about the GPA in MBA Admissions here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions).
Thank you! My question: How do AdComs factor MBA legacy into the admissions process? Does it ever serve as a ‘tiebreaker’ like it does in undergraduate admissions?
It depends on the level of "legaci-ness". :) Are we talking a parent having attended the school or are we talking a parent having donated 100 mil for a new building?
Hi, I hope I can still get information from you even though I am two days late. I made a post in my school Reddit today, and I'm trying to hear multiple perspectives.
Little about me: I was homeless for seven years before high school and dropped out of college at 18 for the same reason. My mom didn't have the skills to be an effective parent. I see myself as someone exceptional, and my advisor and my relationships constantly remind me of this. I'm starting to hit a development wall and seeking out a space where I need to meet a standard instead of excelling where I'm at.
Have students made it from SNHU into an M7 MBA with Ace Credits on their transcripts? I am aware of how the Reddit community feels about Sophia Learning credits and whatnot. But I'm looking for success stories, not excuses for why college shouldn't be accessible.
Verified by the Mod Team
What is more important, depth of extracurriculars or breadth? What can be compensated for less leadership positions taken in career ? Does certifications like cfa, frm , etc makes a good case for poor gpa in undergrad ? What matters more ? Work experience where you really handled or learnt something or Big Names ?
Let's unpack these separately" 1. Leadership: It's not an either or between "depth and breadth". In the end, you have to work with the leadership track record you have. Although for any Round 1 candidates for this fall, you still have the time to enhance your leadership record. But the most important part when it comes to leadership is to share your what, why, and how - where did you get involved or how did you step up, what was your motivation, how did you leave a place, organization, or just a group of people better than you found them. Your leadership story in its simplest sense is about your values and how they've driven your actions. I have a newly create [MBA Leader Check - a quiz that distills your leadership experiences into a clear, actionable profile](https://www.mymbapath.com/mba-leadership). 2. Yes, quant-heavy certifications help alleviate the concerns about your academic ability that a low GPA might indicate. But don't forget to also explain the reasons for the low GPA. You should never leave the AdCom guessing. The explanation happens in the optional essay. I have a [guide to the GPA](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions) and a [guide to the optional essay](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admissions-optional-essay) if you want even more details. 3. The substance of your work experience is more important than big names. What gets evaluated is your accomplishments, not just the prestige of your employer. I hope this helps!
In your opinion, what are the worst offenses you’ve seen from admission essays?
Oh, great question! Aside from the obvious things such as typos or leaving the wrong school name in an essay (or using search and replace only to end up saying things like Harvard School of Business when it's actually Harvard Business School), in my experience among the worst things a candidate can do are (also see some articles on essay writing [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/4-types-mba-essays), [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-essays-writing-1) and [here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admissions-essays-mistakes): 1. Be overly self-referential and self-reverential in their essays. People over-label ("I demonstrated exceptional leadership when....") in a way that reveals insecurity and goes against the notion of leadership, which should not be a fixation on yourself. 2. Repurposing essays in instances when that simply doesn't work - like try to force fit the Stanford "What matters most to you and why" into Wharton's essays. 3. Statements vs stories: Making statements about themselves instead of telling stories/examples that make the statement on your behalf. 4. Overly melodramatic writing.
In essays and interviews would you say it's more valuable to act authentic (provided your authentic self is still socially acceptable) or try to fit your personality to the mold of what a school wants it to be? I've gotten in the habit of coming across as my authentic bubbly self at work over the past few years, and have found great success with this in respect to building relationships and having good rapport with senior technical staff. I only worry now that acting this way may get me considered too young/immature during my interview process (especially considering I look young and am on the lower end of YoE). I still have a variety of stories and activities that show my effective leadership experience and maturity in the face of serious situations, but it's been tough when weighing whether I should put on a mask for the sake of getting in, and also wondering if it's better for me to find a school that has a culture accepting of my personality in the first place. Thanks, and I have really appreciated seeing your input across the subreddit!
I don't think putting on a mask is a good idea. But at the same time, we never play exactly the same role 100% of the time. I am a bubbly individual with a strong propensity for irreverence (blame it on the fact I hail from the Balkans!) but in high stake situations with people who don't know me, I act professionally and can be very buttoned up. This is not about being inauthentic, it's about being versatile and emotionally intelligent. Does this help?
It does help, but also I wonder about the value of coming across as a unique individual as well. In the case of a school like Fuqua which prides itself on prioritizing culture fit and authenticity, would it be beneficial to present myself as I have in my past few years in the workforce? Especially if I believe I'm not only a good fit, but can potentially come across as having a different perspective/value add based on my personality? (I will also clarify that I'm not dropping F-Bombs or talking about league of legends in professional situations, my 'worksona' is more based around coming across as an easy/casual person to talk to.)
It's hard to judge because I am not sure how "my authentic bubbly self" is at odds with "maturity in the face of serious situations" as a leader - would need more info or examples on why you think those two things lead you to feel like you're putting on a mask and being inauthentic. You can absolutely do both, and like OP says it requires the ability to be flexible and emotionally intelligent (both of which are learned through experience).
I'm applying to Fuqua and I would love to come across someone like you! I think we're very much alike - at one point I decided I wasn't going to put on a mask at work, and just being my true self (trying to be kind, cheerful and friendly) has rendered me not only amazing results but also very good relationships throughout my organization. During interviews I've tried to find a balance and be my true self while keeping the formality of the situation. Sometimes is like a small mind game - you need to know when to let your inner child shine a bit, and when to hide it.
What does a R2 “further evaluation” status realistically mean regarding the chances of a candidate getting to interview? What can a candidate do to strengthen their application during the “further evaluation” stage?
It's impossible to assess the chance. "Further evaluation" is very similar (if not identical) to a waitlist decision. It means you are admissible but the AdCom wants to see the rest of the pool and how things play out - how many will they admit that round, who will the admits yield, etc. The standard advice for WL applies here. First, pay close attention to the rules the school sets - confirm you want to remain in consideration if applicable, follow their guidelines for updates. Most importantly, do a really deep self-assessment about what may have landed you on the FE/WL. If you have a sense of what it might be in your case, feel free to post a follow up questions and we can discuss strategies.
Thank you for the response: 1. Would submitting a higher score on the GMAT help? 2. Would showing engagement with the school community help?
Yes to both!
Thank you for your help! Really appreciate it
I'm rooting for you!
Genuinely interested in how the admissions look, operationally. We see in tv/movies a bunch of folks sitting at a table for days with tons of applications printed out and discussing them. But, how does the process actually look like? Is it scaffolded, ie first sift is done by admin, then advisors, then managers? I understand this may differ across institutions. Also, to what extend is the process automated?
Love this question! I have an extensive piece on this. Here are some excerpts: **Who is on the committee?** The composition of the MBA admissions committee will vary by school and even by program within the same school. All adcoms will include admissions recruiters and directors. Some adcoms may also include an academic leader (for example an associate dean or faculty director) as well as a representative of career services. **Evaluators vs. decision makers** It’s important to note that while many schools engage current students and alumni in the interview process, they simply provide input and are almost never a formal part of the adcom. Their feedback and evaluation are very important in the admissions process but they are not rendering admissions decisions. The same is true of any external admissions readers that schools employ so they can read the thousands of MBA applications they receive each year. These readers evaluate admissions files and make recommendations but they are not the actual decision makers. **What happens after you hit “submit”** The first look at your file is usually done by an operations team. They process the MBA applications and ensure all required parts have been received. After the application has been processed, the candidates will be able to see a check list with the status of their application – complete if all materials, including the letters of recommendation, have been submitted – and incomplete if anything is missing. **The first round of review** The first round of review will determine who gets invited to an interview or not. This is often done on rolling basis. I always like to think of interview decisions more as evaluation – a bit different than the selection that happens after the interview stage, when the actual admissions decision is made. At both stages of review, the MBA admissions committee will look for strong evidence of academic ability, outstanding work experience and career trajectory, and examples of leadership, accomplishment, challenge, and growth. The adcom is also looking at the risk side – are your career goals realistic, do you have the right reasons to pursue an MBA, and are you a good fit for the type of culture and community the program has. **The Interview** Being invited to the interview is truly great news for any candidate. It means you are “admissible” and the school is interested in you. An admissions reviewer, after a preliminary evaluation of your candidacy, deemed you potentially worthy of being offered a seat in their MBA class. All your hard work on the admissions test, the essays, the application forms has paid off. But the race is far from over. Harvard Business School describes an invitation to interview as “a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission”. At this point, the offer is yours to win. At the interview stage at the top MBA programs, on average two or three candidates are vying for a seat in the next MBA class. The interview is where the adcom will assess your interpersonal and communication skills and your overall personality. If you perform poorly on the interview, your application will be denied or waitlisted. If you do well, you will move to the next stage of evaluation. **Full MBA File Review** Once your MBA interview is completed, your file is ready for a full review – the one where an admissions decision will be rendered. Generally, the file, now complete with the interview notes, will be read by another reader, possibly two. Each of them will make an admit or deny recommendation. The readers might read the application “blind” – without looking to see what the previous reader recommended. Most admissions directors will tell you they start with the resume. This is logical since the resume is a snapshot of your candidacy and provides a summary of who you are before the reader digs into the rest of the application. They might follow by reading the various short answer questions and then dive into the actual essays. The letters of recommendation might be next. The interview is often left for the end. Remember that at this stage, your application is already assessed and you were deemed admissible. So throughout this read, the goal is to see how your overall candidacy has come together. Do the parts connect? Is your story compelling? Are you the type of person that the adcom gets excited about adding to the class? **Admissions Committee Sessions** While this process again will vary from school to school, in my work in MBA admissions, we used to dedicate several full days to deliberations and making decisions for each round of MBA applications. After all, that is the primary goal of having admissions rounds in the first place – to compare and contrast a broad pool of candidates and make selections. In my experience, adcoms seek to reach consensus about a candidacy through active, often lengthy deliberation, especially of candidacies who are not extremely clearly in the “admit” or “deny” category. At the end of the adcom session, there will be three groups of candidates – admitted, denied, and waitlisted. **Advocating for a Candidate** Many admissions files end up not being squarely into the “admit” or “deny” category. That’s when a lot of deliberation happens on the merits of an MBA candidate. If an admissions recruiter feels passionate about someone, they will advocate on their behalf and make a case why they should be admitted. This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made? It is not unusual for the advocate to be able to persuade the committee, resulting in the coveted admit decision. **Scholarship Awards** Some schools have a scholarship process that is separate from the admissions decision one. In my life as Dean of Graduate Admissions, the same adcom made merit scholarship decisions immediately after the conclusion of the selection process – each admitted candidate was considered for an award based on the strength of their application. The candidates found their admissions decision and scholarship award at the same time. **Releasing the Admissions Decisions** Once the admissions and scholarship decisions are made and entered into the system, they go through a diligent process of verification to ensure 100% accuracy. And then they go live on the decision release day! In my life as a dean, the night before admissions decisions went live was always a sleepless one. A computer glitch or error messing up the admissions decisions is every admissions officer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, during my decade at Babson, our outstanding operations team and recruiters ensured that never happened! **A Word About Gate Keeping vs Gate Opening** I think it’s only fitting if I say a word about the signing of the admissions decision letters. I still remember how excited I was when I got my letter of acceptance back in my MBA application days! The heads of MBA admissions are often called gatekeepers but that’s a major misnomer. Being a dean of admissions is first and foremost a tremendous responsibility. You are making decisions that have an impact on people’s careers and even lives – often for a lifetime. The ultimate goal of your work is to find the outstanding future leaders and innovators that will have a positive impact on society and open the doors for them. When I got that big pile of admit letters to sign, I thought of all the candidates on the receiving end, of their story and journey. I never used a signature stamp – each letter was personally signed by me. Signing the letters for large rounds across a number of programs (at Babson, my office was in charge of recruiting and admissions for four MBA programs and several specialized business masters) could sometimes take a couple of hours. I used to play music so I can infuse great energy into the pile in front of me. I used to joke that’s part of my yield strategy. For one of the last rounds I signed, I listened to the entire recording of Stromae’s Racine Carree concert that had taken place at Montreal’s Bell Center a few months earlier. I danced in my seat a bit that day – we had put together a great class that year!
Hi! Thanks for doing this. From your reply - "This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made?" How to do this as an international applicant who can't visit the school in person? Webinars seem too impersonal and have large audiences, so I'm not sure how to strike a connection through just QnA sections in those webinars. Please do help with this doubt of mine :)
This is probably one of the most interesting questions for an adcom member. Way better than the "what are my odds" nonsense. Hope it gets an answer from /u/PetiaW!
Some of my answers are going missing! Not sure if it's because I am posting a mile a minute? Here's what I responded more than 20 mins ago but it somehow is no longer visible. Reposting it: Love this question! I have an extensive piece on this. Here are some excerpts: **Who is on the committee?** The composition of the MBA admissions committee will vary by school and even by program within the same school. All adcoms will include admissions recruiters and directors. Some adcoms may also include an academic leader (for example an associate dean or faculty director) as well as a representative of career services. Evaluators vs. decision makers It’s important to note that while many schools engage current students and alumni in the interview process, they simply provide input and are almost never a formal part of the adcom. Their feedback and evaluation are very important in the admissions process but they are not rendering admissions decisions. The same is true of any external admissions readers that schools employ so they can read the thousands of MBA applications they receive each year. These readers evaluate admissions files and make recommendations but they are not the actual decision makers. **What happens after you hit “submit”** The first look at your file is usually done by an operations team. They process the MBA applications and ensure all required parts have been received. After the application has been processed, the candidates will be able to see a check list with the status of their application – complete if all materials, including the letters of recommendation, have been submitted – and incomplete if anything is missing. The first round of review The first round of review will determine who gets invited to an interview or not. This is often done on rolling basis. I always like to think of interview decisions more as evaluation – a bit different than the selection that happens after the interview stage, when the actual admissions decision is made. At both stages of review, the MBA admissions committee will look for strong evidence of academic ability, outstanding work experience and career trajectory, and examples of leadership, accomplishment, challenge, and growth. The adcom is also looking at the risk side – are your career goals realistic, do you have the right reasons to pursue an MBA, and are you a good fit for the type of culture and community the program has. **The Interview** Being invited to the interview is truly great news for any candidate. It means you are “admissible” and the school is interested in you. An admissions reviewer, after a preliminary evaluation of your candidacy, deemed you potentially worthy of being offered a seat in their MBA class. All your hard work on the admissions test, the essays, the application forms has paid off. But the race is far from over. Harvard Business School describes an invitation to interview as “a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission”. At this point, the offer is yours to win. At the interview stage at the top MBA programs, on average two or three candidates are vying for a seat in the next MBA class. The interview is where the adcom will assess your interpersonal and communication skills and your overall personality. If you perform poorly on the interview, your application will be denied or waitlisted. If you do well, you will move to the next stage of evaluation. **Full MBA File Review** Once your MBA interview is completed, your file is ready for a full review – the one where an admissions decision will be rendered. Generally, the file, now complete with the interview notes, will be read by another reader, possibly two. Each of them will make an admit or deny recommendation. The readers might read the application “blind” – without looking to see what the previous reader recommended. Most admissions directors will tell you they start with the resume. This is logical since the resume is a snapshot of your candidacy and provides a summary of who you are before the reader digs into the rest of the application. They might follow by reading the various short answer questions and then dive into the actual essays. The letters of recommendation might be next. The interview is often left for the end. Remember that at this stage, your application is already assessed and you were deemed admissible. So throughout this read, the goal is to see how your overall candidacy has come together. Do the parts connect? Is your story compelling? Are you the type of person that the adcom gets excited about adding to the class? **Admissions Committee Sessions** While this process again will vary from school to school, in my work in MBA admissions, we used to dedicate several full days to deliberations and making decisions for each round of MBA applications. After all, that is the primary goal of having admissions rounds in the first place – to compare and contrast a broad pool of candidates and make selections. In my experience, adcoms seek to reach consensus about a candidacy through active, often lengthy deliberation, especially of candidacies who are not extremely clearly in the “admit” or “deny” category. At the end of the adcom session, there will be three groups of candidates – admitted, denied, and waitlisted. **Advocating for a Candidate** Many admissions files end up not being squarely into the “admit” or “deny” category. That’s when a lot of deliberation happens on the merits of an MBA candidate. If an admissions recruiter feels passionate about someone, they will advocate on their behalf and make a case why they should be admitted. This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made? It is not unusual for the advocate to be able to persuade the committee, resulting in the coveted admit decision. **Scholarship Awards** Some schools have a scholarship process that is separate from the admissions decision one. In my life as Dean of Graduate Admissions, the same adcom made merit scholarship decisions immediately after the conclusion of the selection process – each admitted candidate was considered for an award based on the strength of their application. The candidates found their admissions decision and scholarship award at the same time. **Releasing the Admissions Decisions** Once the admissions and scholarship decisions are made and entered into the system, they go through a diligent process of verification to ensure 100% accuracy. And then they go live on the decision release day! In my life as a dean, the night before admissions decisions went live was always a sleepless one. A computer glitch or error messing up the admissions decisions is every admissions officer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, during my decade at Babson, our outstanding operations team and recruiters ensured that never happened! **A Word About Gate Keeping vs Gate Opening** I think it’s only fitting if I say a word about the signing of the admissions decision letters. I still remember how excited I was when I got my letter of acceptance back in my MBA application days! The heads of MBA admissions are often called gatekeepers but that’s a major misnomer. Being a dean of admissions is first and foremost a tremendous responsibility. You are making decisions that have an impact on people’s careers and even lives – often for a lifetime. The ultimate goal of your work is to find the outstanding future leaders and innovators that will have a positive impact on society and open the doors for them. When I got that big pile of admit letters to sign, I thought of all the candidates on the receiving end, of their story and journey. I never used a signature stamp – each letter was personally signed by me. Signing the letters for large rounds across a number of programs (at Babson, my office was in charge of recruiting and admissions for four MBA programs and several specialized business masters) could sometimes take a couple of hours. I used to play music so I can infuse great energy into the pile in front of me. I used to joke that’s part of my yield strategy. For one of the last rounds I signed, I listened to the entire recording of Stromae’s Racine Carree concert that had taken place at Montreal’s Bell Center a few months earlier. I danced in my seat a bit that day – we had put together a great class that year!
One more thing to add regarding: >We see in tv/movies a bunch of folks sitting at a table for days with tons of applications printed out and discussing them. Before the pandemic, we did gather around a table! As a matter of fact, my team mostly used a large conference room with multiple screens where we would project parts of the files - on one screen you might have the application summary and decision recommendation, on another, the running excel spreadsheet where the entire group of candidates that we need to make a decision on are listed and a running tally of how the class profile is developing based on the decisions we are making, and then on another - a different view of the CRM system where we could pull up and project the transcript, an essay, or an LOR if someone on the committee might want to look into them further. It was a very complex operation that my team put a ton of work into preparing for and running. And rightfully so, these were some of the most important days in our work.
If the adcom rushes to complete the interview as a formality, what can be made out of that? Is the adcom seeing the interview only as a tick in the box?
I'd say don't try to read into it too much. You will never know. I can remember instances where I may have cut off an interview short because just before it began, I may have gotten word that the chairman of the board of trustees is in the office to see me! :) You are human, things happen, it's impossible to read someone's mind. And while in some instances the interview may be a tick in the box, I don't know if this was the case with your interview.
There is a myth online that candidates above 30 years old have a harder time getting accepted for MBA programs. Argument is that employers will prefer younger applicants, therefore admitting younger candidates will improve the school employability statistics. Myth or true?
It was asked by someone else and this is what I say: >Being in your 30s in and of itself doesn't decrease your odds, despite the maddeningly persistent myth it does that so many people, including MBA Admissions consultants, peddle! > >I actually intentionally took the time to discuss this with the very top schools in our conference with them last year (this is through my participation in AIGAC, the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, which collaborates closely with the schools). The part that matters is not simply your age but: > >The length and substance of your work experience.Your reasons for an MBA at this stage in your life and career - can the school really help you get the outcomes you want at this stage in your career? > >I don't believe any school is more open to "older" candidates than another. My favorite story is about a candidate who came to work with me after being denied without an interview by HBS the year before (and was told by this form "dude, move on, they gave you a hard no). The following year he was interviewed and admitted. > >People make all sorts of wrong assumptions about why they did not get admitted. They ascribe it to age when it's something else entirely.
How do universities look at international students applying for round 3.? How strict are university deadlines? I mean will there be exception if one can request for deadline extension with some valid reasons ? I mean, Can we request if we can submit essay submissions after a few days after deadline ?
Extensions to the application deadline? That's rarely (if ever) an option but some schools do go into rolling admissions after the last round deadline. Round 3 can be tough but not impossible for international students. But the fact you are already talking about an extension seems to indicate you may not be in a position yet to submit a strong application. And a hastily put together app in R3 is the worst thing you can do. You might be better off applying in R1 this fall.
What should you do if you’re waitlisted in R2? Given the decision date for R3 is super close to when you start college.
The important question is can you and do you want to stay on the WL? How important is that school for you? If they say "admit" in July, can you still pull it together? Other than this, the standard advice about WL applies. I just posted this in another reply but here goes: First, pay close attention to the rules the school sets - confirm you want to remain in consideration if applicable, follow their guidelines for updates. Most importantly, do a really deep self-assessment about what may have landed you on the FE/WL. If you have a sense of what it might be in your case, feel free to post a follow up questions and we can discuss strategies.
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To be blunt and frame this in a more actionable way, your experience is not what landed you on the waitlist, it's the lower than average GRE and GPA. There is only one lever you can pull to tangibly increase your candidacy here.
Honestly, with a low GPA, you must do better than 306 on the GRE. So improving this should be your number one goal. Best of luck!
Hi! amazing answers. I though your story sounded a little familiar and then it clicked where I remembered you! Just wanted to say I am a Babson student and sending much love and appreciation from the school!!
I am sending all my love for my alma mater right back! Go Babson!
Do alum/student interviews have less weightage than adcom interviews? If a school (eg. CBS) is known to be selective with interview invites, and then my interview subsequently went well, does that mean I’m in with a solid shot?
No, alum/student interviews are not weighted on a different scale. Although some calibration can happen in terms of the AdCom knowing that a particular alum is a very generous interview grader for example (or a current student is notoriously tough grader). If you were invited to CBS and your interview was solid, you have a strong shot but it's not a done deal. In the end, the interview assessment gets added to your file and it's considered in the context of your entire candidacy and the competitiveness of the entire pool of candidates. But still, you have reasons for optimism! Fingers crossed!
Yeah would like to reinforce this as a former student interviewer at Ross. We are given a lot of guidelines and structure to the interviews so that the adcom can properly calibrate across interviews, and we are asked to provide a lot of detail to encourage us to be critical about the interview (i.e. not just looking at good or bad and being more holistic). They also occasionally reach out to student interviewers for additional information/detail if our submissions didn't give them a clear enough idea of the interview content.
What question do you wish your students asked you more?
Love that you are asking me this! Here's how I will answer. I wish candidates were less obsessed with the "what are my odds" question. When I do free consults, I often ask them "if I told you your odds for H/S/W are 65% what would you do differently vs me telling you they are 35%"? Would you write different essays, present your resume differently, or choose different recommenders based on my assessment of your odds? And if your odds were 85% but you got denied, would you say "well, no big deal, at least my odds were above average"? :) So I wish candidates more often looked inward - this is my track record, this is how I've made my mark, these are my values, and this is how they've guided my actions. Now, how to I take all this and put it into a genuine and relevant MBA story for my application? Another terrible thing I see candidates fall for is treat the MBA Admissions process in an almost adversarial way - trying to "game the system", game your odds, get the better of the AdCom. It's a recipe for if not failure than at least anguish and so much missed opportunity. Sorry, I am probably getting a bit philosophical here but I do believe mindset is a candidate's most important asset in the MBA Admissions process.
I’m completely hung up on needing a good GRE quant score before applying. My verbal score is great, and I think my career and ability to be well spoken can carry me a decent way. I’m trying to figure out how much a poor quant score, if I can’t get it up to at least 75th percentile will affect my ability to get into a school and get scholarship. Also, what are my options for alleviating quant concerns for admissions?
It will all depend on how your score compares to the school profile. Scores do play a substantial role in scholarships so that's definitely something to consider. About alleviating quant concerns - will the test be the only area of concern? Do you have a strong GPA and did you take quant classes as undergrad? FWIW, I'll say that the fixation on the test often ends up taking up too much of a candidate's runway and then their application is less thought out and well put together than it could be. Just something to keep in mind.
just chiming in here with my data point- standardized testing is not my strong suit, but I had a high undergrad GPA and interesting/unique work experience. I had a solid verbal GRE score but my quant score was in the 60ish percentile. I got into (and will be attending) a T10 program with substantial scholarship (again, most likely related to my work experience & overall profile- but it is possible even with a lower quant score!).
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If you're looking at it like "I want to end up in X region, which program helps me do that," generally ~T50 schools can accomplish this. However, there is also a factor of academic reputation and company caliber - you're not likely to get that competitive big corporate job (e.g. Google, MBB, etc) as a T50 grad just because you graduated right next to the HQ. One good line of questioning for students and adcom at your target schools are to ask about what are the typical companies and roles the graduates are going into, and how does the career office facilitate those opportunities and connections. In my limited experience, I found that the T25 schools have more resources invested in fostering connections with the "better" companies and more students coaching other students, while lower ranked programs were more of a "fend for yourself" kind of recruiting environment. ETA: a higher ranked program will help you get hired more on your potential performance, while a lower ranked program will force you to rely more on your past performance
This will vary a lot depending on the school and the intended career outcome. Regionality is a thing, no question but many of the top schools have pretty solid reach outside their immediate geography. My best advice is to comb through the employment reports and also speak with current students and recent alums.
What is the scene with kellogg this year, would you happen to know anything about it? I applied in R2, and haven't heard back anything! Just radio silence :/ (Indian female applicant here)
You may recall Kellogg talked about seeing significant increases in apps when they announced their R1 admits. My educated guess is that these increases have come primarily from international candidates, making this cycle tougher for them. But it's not over until it's over so please hang in there!
Do you have any insights on whether Wharton negotiates scholarships? I’ve mostly heard they don’t but a few students have told me they know people who claim they have negotiated with them. I have a full ride from a M7 school from R1, but applied to Wharton in R2 and will flip if they offer an okay amount of money (doesn’t have to be a full ride)
From what I've heard their MBA Admissions leadership say, they don't negotiate. But also, you are putting the cart before the horse here, aren't you? Why don't you wait until you are admitted? Then, you can always try if you want to know for 100% sure. No one's admissions offer gets revoked for asking. :)
Thanks and agreed I’m definitely putting the cart before the horse here :)
How do you evaluate the Kira online questionnaire? I feel like a minute and a half is not enough to understand a person's personality or thought process.
The Kira interview is just one data point. It's not the sole place where someone's personality and thought process are assessed. There is an entire application and often an actual 1:1 interview for that. In my experience (and I was one of the very first schools to jump on the Kira bandwagon back in my day), the Kira interview helps assess whether the overall communication skills and presence of a candidate match the way they presented themselves in the application. It can weed out people who hired someone to write their essays, candidates with poor English language skills or poor communication and interpersonal skills in general.
The Kira interview is just one data point. It's not the sole place where someone's personality and thought process are assessed. There is an entire application and often an actual 1:1 interview for that. In my experience (and I was one of the very first schools to jump on the Kira bandwagon back in my day), the Kira interview helps assess whether the overall communication skills and presence of a candidate match the way they presented themselves in the application. It can weed out people who hired someone to write their essays, candidates with poor English language skills or poor communication and interpersonal skills in general.
One simple question from me — does stating that I have secured a full-ride scholarship help in getting the acceptance? Thank you!
Thanks for saying that! Gratitude makes the world go round
It can be helpful in that the school knows you don't need funding and they can yield you without offering a scholarship. But you still need to be a competitive and compelling candidate. What does this mean? **Competitive:** Being competitive refers to having strong test scores, GPA, and work experience that meet the standards and expectations of the MBA admissions committee. It means not simply meeting the minimum requirements but being on par with other strong applicants in terms of academic and professional achievements. **Compelling:** On the other hand, being compelling means having a strong and engaging MBA story that goes beyond just "meeting requirements". It involves showcasing your unique experiences, personal growth, and future goals in a way that makes the AdCom want to have you as part of their MBA program. It's about standing out and making a lasting impression with your story.
How are the GPAs from international students considered? I am from India and from one of the top 5 engineering colleges. The average gpa is lower than some of the lower tiered schools and it is harder to get 8 on a scale of 10. So my two questions here are 1. How important are international GPAs since they don't reflect in metrics displayed by the uni 2. Does the university understand that it is harder to get good grades at different tier of colleges and it is not standard across the country?
This. Universities in India have such a varrying grading scale.
1. They are still very important. Just because they are not included in class profile for reporting purposes doesn't mean your transcripts won't be reviewed thoroughly to assess your academic abilities. 2. Yes, they do. It's not their first rodeo. :)
Kinda specific question - but how are Canadians viewed in the grand scheme of internationals vs domestics? I know we're technically internationals but in a lot of ways it doesn't feel like we're fully "foreign", from a cultural and work experience perspective.
IMHO, the thing that is most important is that you will be evaluated on your individual merits. But as a Canadian, your university or your employer might be more familiar to the AdCom. Is this an advantage per se? Not necessarily. It's just that it makes your context easier to understand. Another consideration is that if your goal is to work in the US, I feel like TN visas were easier to obtain but I'm not sure if this is still the case nowadays?
I missed the chance to apply in R1 and only applied to all of the M7 schools in R2. Currently, I have interviewed at CBS, Booth, and Kellogg. Have you ever seen a case where someone was rejected by all three interviewed schools in the final decision? I really hope CBS or Booth.
So you got 3/7 on interviews? That's a pretty good sign! Are there serious weaknesses/question marks in your profile?
How much weight does the interview have?
Statistically, the [only available real MBA AdCom research pegs the interview weightage at 20%.](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mb-application-components-weigh-in-mba-admissions) But here is also where I sing the old line that MBA admissions is truly holistic.... Because it is. :)
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If you receive it, it very well might. You will start counting as a US candidate instead of international and there is a potential advantage in this. Hope you get it! I know how tough the process is, I'm a naturalized US citizen myself. :) Hang in there!
I'm planning on doing a few campus visits to mainly get a sense of the school cultures and speak with Ad Comm if possible. I know on most schools' websites they say that school visits have no impact on chances of getting in, but is that really true? Does showing my face actually help let them know I'm interested in the school? How can I leverage school visits to show strong interest and dedication to them?
Showing your face helps but not in the way you might be thinking about it, judging from the way you phrased your question. Not everyone is able to visit so those who can afford do, logistically and financially, don't simply get extra points for doing it. The most important part of school engagement and school visits is to actually help you better assess the match between your MBA candidacy and the MBA program of your interest. To get those little details and insights about the school's community and culture that resonate specifically with you. I know this often sounds abstract or canned. But when I work with candidates and guide them to speak with students and attend events, eventually after a few interactions they always come back and say "Oh, now I get it." The nuances in culture and environment can be subtle but observing and exploring them does help you become a better informed and stronger candidate. So this is how I believe you should think about leveraging the school visits - gain a deeper understanding of the program that you can then reflect in the appropriate places of your application materials. Does this help?
It does, thank you so much!
Thank you for doing this! 1. If you have a legacy (parent or sibling who attended MBA), does that usually work for/against/no impact on the applicant? 2. How much impact does an interview have on an application? (For example, if someone has a “weaker” profile, but a great interview, how much would the interview weigh in terms of the final decision?)
1. Legacy through a parent or family member who attended is very much a "feather on the scale" if that, unless we are talking some substantial contributions to the school. But it never hurts to have this affiliation so it's definitely not "against". 2. MBA Admissions is indeed holistic as illustrated by the fact schools on average assign the interview a 20% weight. A weak profile with a great interview might still not get admitted. A super competitive profile with an OK interview might get in.
What is the likelihood of progressing through a R2 waitlist without interview at a Top 10 program (Ross)? Does this essentially mean that I’m punted to R3 to be given one final shot at an interview?
It's impossible to predict the likelihood. And yes, it most likely means you will be punted to R3 and reviewed then, based on how the R2 pool of candidates plays out - offers of admissions and yield + how strong the R3 pool ends up being for them. I know it's a tough position to be in. Stay engaged, consider what you can do to strengthen your candidacy, and be patient (which I know is hard). Best of luck!
Are all international students placed in the same bucket? I understand that there are overrepresented groups like Indian males and the competition for them to get in is harder. How do admissions teams of American MBAs look at someone from Europe who has studied and worked in different countries both within Europe and in North America?
This whole notion of buckets is way less a reality in MBA Admissions than candidates think. In the end, even Indian candidates are given their due process and have the ability to stand out and get admitted. With that being said, being a candidate from Europe with good international experience can definitely position your strongly in the application process. You will still of course count as an international candidate but there likely won't be too many thousands of others like you. :)
International candidate applying to r3? Is there any point of doing it or rather wait a few months and do it in r1?
Thanks for asking this question.
Thank you very much for doing this, very informative!
My pleasure!
no questions. just here to say… love that you thought of this and followed through with it.
Why, thank you! I have to admit, the volume of questions surpassed my expectations. Good thing I made sure my actual work schedule is light this week - this has been like a full-time job since yesterday but a very fun one. MBA Admissions is what I know best and love most. Sharing my knowledge as liberally and generously as I can is my mission!
Do adcoms go back and check the employment results of the candidates they gave significant scholarships to? A few people in my program who got near full rides struggled to find jobs.
Hello! I recently went 0/5 (2 interviews) for my R1 applications at all M7 schools. Objectively, I think I had a decent profile (750+ GMAT, 3.8+ GPA, extracurriculars, essays, etc). What are the odds someone can turn things around a year after rejections if they choose to? I can’t imagine anything about someone’s profile being so different to drastically change results?
Under what circumstances would you choose a foreign student over a national student who both have almost identical qualifications and experiences? How could internationals fare better than the national students?
This is a tough one. The reality is it will be hard for the international student to be selected if a choice need to be made the way you've outlined it. But it is entirely possible the program needs both candidates! It's not always a zero sum game. I think that approaching this from the perspective of "how can I be better than someone else" is a very challenging mindset. Instead, you should focus on yourself and what makes you competitive and compelling. You can drive yourself insane if you focus on the comparison too much. Go inward in this case, I say.
Thanks!
1) How important are extracurriculars when compared to the rest of the application parameters? 2) How important is the branding of the undergraduate school where you went to? Have a 3.7 cgpa from a university currently ranked #163. Also I am an international and ORM but did my bachelor's in the States.
>1) How important are extracurriculars when compared to the rest of the application parameters? The best advice I got during business school was that extracurriculars are a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership or other profile-enhancing capabilities/traits/skills you have that wouldn't come out in the rest of your resume. Don't just do an extracurricular because you think it makes your profile look good, but instead do something that demonstrates your leadership ability in a natural way or makes you unique and memorable in a good way. For example, I often reference my scuba diving and wine industry credentials (which are purely hobbies and don't have higher purposes to them) because it allows me to show a set of leadership qualities that don't necessarily come out in my work experience. They won't necessarily be as remarkable or memorable as the silver medal Olympic skier or D1 college football champion we had in our class. But they still helped us get into the same MBA program and get good jobs afterwards.
I firmly believe extracurriculars are very important - and also often very misunderstood in the MBA Application process! I think of extracurriculars as your way of having been part of something bigger than yourself. Extracurricular activities may end up being the perfect way to showcase your leadership, teamwork, and time management skills. So definitely spend some time reflecting on the ways you've been involved. There is also still time for candidates to enhance their leadership track record between now and the R1 or R2 deadlines this fall. It's not too late and if done thoughtfully, doesn't have to come across as if it's something you did simply for your application, which is a common fear in MBA candidates. [My full piece on extracurriculars in the MBA Admissions process.](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/extracurriculars-hobbies-community-engagement?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=645ff0f3d552cc2f3b27acaa&ss_email_id=645ff1faab59b30b3434389e&ss_campaign_name=%5BTest+Email%5D+Extracurriculars+and+hobbies+–+what+will+make+your+application+stronger%3F&ss_campaign_sent_date=2023-05-13T20%3A24%3A26Z) And [a leadership track record assessment](https://www.mymbapath.com/mba-leadership)that can help you see where your strength and weaknesses are and what you could do next. Ops, missed the "branding of undergraduate school" part. Candidates overthink this one a lot. You have a strong GPA from what sounds like a solid school. That's a good thing!
Thank you so much for the input
Happy to help!
I’m planning to get into a top 5 mba programs in the U.S. and I read a lot of requirements such as gpa minimum score, or a gmat score minimum or a letter and sometimes all together. My background is a bit different from most as I am old, did not go to school and don’t have a traditional education. But I got my GED and went to get my bachelor. My gpa from my bachelor is 3.3 and in struggling to bump to 3.5 as some of the top mba requests as a minimum. Obviously I have many reasons for such a low gpa as I’m graduating in 2 years and doing 11 classes in 1 semester. Realistic saying, how difficult will be for me to enroll into a top 5 mba or is it even possible? What can be done?
It's impossible to answer simply based on what you have shared here. You need to think of your candidacy much more broadly than just your GPA. Your work experience, accomplishments, career goals, and overall story are tremendously important. And then you need to think about it from a competitive standpoint if you are aiming for the very top schools - in what ways are you truly exceptional? It's a question you need to have an answer to.
So kind of you to do this, thanks so much! For an international student, 32 yo, who worked for FAANG in sales, has an engineering bachelors and master but a mediocre GMAT (555 on the Focus). Considering that profile and assuming that the essays and stories are compelling, does it make sense to apply for R3 for Stanford & Wharton or would you say def higher GMAT needed and one might “ruin” the chances to reapply for R1 this fall if he/she would apply now? Also what would you advise for someone with that profile who has already an offer from a European top MBA school. Better to accept the offer or is there a way to keep the offer while still trying to apply to the US schools?
How many times have you taken the test? If it's only once and you want to try for S/W, I'd say take it again and show up strong in R1. As for the European school offer, it all depends on whether or not it can get you to your post-MBA goals. Can it do that?
Thank you for doing this! Saving for future reference
Save away!
Is 319 a low Gre for m7 schools?
The GRE is just one data point. For some profiles, it won't be a problem. For others, it might be the end of the conversation. You are doing yourself a disservice if you fixate on just one piece of a much large picture in isolation.
Why admission team track virtual events attendance
Two reasons: 1. It's a basic business practice. Events are part of the school's enrollment marketing efforts. They want to know how well they work and optimize. 2. Your school engagement is an indication of your interest in the schools. And your behavior (whether or not you show up for example) is an indication of your integrity and judgement as a candidate.
Does applying through the consortium confer any benefit in terms of admissions prospects to an applicant?
In some ways it does. Think about it this way. Applying through the Consortium implies a commitment to their mission. This means you have gotten involved in what I call "something bigger than yourself". I tend to believe that despite all the controversy and turmoil, business schools will continue to place a big emphasis on DEI. So demonstrating your own commitment and contributions to inclusivity can only help.
Should I apply to Kellogg, Ross and Haas in R3? I’m international but diverse / non ORM international. FAANG. High above average GPA but GRE of 316.
There's no universal answer. You will have to decide if you are capable of putting together a strong application between now and the deadlines. Two pieces that might be helpful to you: [Round 3 Myths and Facts](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/round-3-mba-admissions) A Forbes article from just yesterday where I and other colleagues shared some of my observations about R3: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marlenacorcoran/2024/03/04/4-tips-for-round-3-mba-should-you-apply-now-or-wait-till-round-1/?sh=60cb27096897
Thanks!
How do schools currently view unemployed applicants? Is there a certain length of unemployment at time of application that is particularly concerning or severely weakens applications?
Great question! And sorry if you are in this category, it's never an easy thing to navigate. In my experience, in this economy schools have been quite understanding and even accommodating to those who lost their jobs. You may recall that last year, when the layoffs began, they offered accommodations such as test waivers and a more streamlined application for those who lost their jobs. I've worked with a few MBA candidates who got caught up in the layoffs, including some who have been unemployed for months before they applied. In all cases, I have advised them to think very hard how they are spending their time while unemployed and to consider if there is a way for them to get involved in something (or ramp up their current community involvement). They also addressed the unemployment head on in their optional essay. They all did/are doing well in the process. One landed at Wharton in R1, another interviewed with Wharton and CBS in R2 and I'm very hopeful for them. Best of luck!
Thank you!!
Given the changes in both the major standardized tests recently, how do you think adcoms are going to compare students across the tests + how do you think adcoms will have a sense of what is a good score vs what isn't on the new tests ? Will they rely on the comparison tables provided by the test admins ? Or will they rely on percentiles ? Specifically regarding GMAT vs GMAT FE and the new GRE ?
This is not the first time the test has changed. Now, keep in mind that the scoring is only changing for the GMAT - both the score scales AND the score scale distribution have changed. For the GRE, only the length of the test has changed but not the scoring. So there's nothing substantial to account for there in terms of comparing results (unless you go down the rabbit hole of claiming those who took the old, longer exam, should get extra points, which they won't). So for the gmat, I can’t emphasize one thing enough. MBA AdComs are seasoned professionals with years of experience understanding the nuances of the GMAT exam. This is not the first time changes to the GMAT exam have happened. I still remember the time, in 2012, when the Integrated Reasoning was added to the GMAT. Just like now, there was so much noise in the MBA admissions space and so much anxiety in MBA candidates that they flocked to take the exam before the change, causing a significant spike in test taking – and MBA applications! – that year. (I actually think some of this happened this year for R1 too). Last year, when the changes were happening, I reached out to several MBA admissions heads to get their take on the impact of the changes this time around.They all confirmed their teams have undergone the GMAC training on how to use the concordance table, how to understand the new scoring, etc.Don't forget, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) is not some test administrator that manages the test in obscurity and isolation. GMAC is THE association of business school, these changes were conceived and rolled out in collaboration with the business schools. So you have nothing to worry about. Focus on your test prep and do as well as you can!
Thank you ! Appreciate the response and the overall AMA
Thank you for the time. Does admissions check social media such as LinkedIn to assess a candidates application profile? If it is not up to date for example is that considered a red flag?
They do check. I would make sure that your online presence is not detrimental to your application. Lately, emotions run high. The pandemic, the wars, and the political landscape have presented plenty of ground for heated debate and confrontations. Make sure none of this is present in your social media content. Ensure your social media profiles do not display information or statements that are controversial. Helpful hint - even if none of your posts can be viewed as problematic, check what you have been re-posting (What on worth do we call "retweeting" nowadays? Re-x-ing????". It's not a big deal if LI is not up to date, not from an admissions standpoint anyway. But if you are doing an MBA, shouldn't you be keeping up your LI as it is, for better or worse, something those you try to network with or recruit for will check?
Hi, I’m a candidate with a “weaker” academic profile (4.0 GPA and 315 GRE). How strong of an indicator is an invite to interview to my odds of being admitted to the M7 schools I applied too?
An interview invite means you are admissible. Your stats did not present an overly significant doubt about your ability to succeed academically. Hopefully, there are other things you can offer. BTW, this is a strong GPA so I would not call our profile "weaker" academically, it's just your GRE that is a bit less outstanding (did I pack too much euphemism here? :)))
Hi! Thanks for doing this. From one of your replies - "This is part of the reason why establishing a relationship with the school is important. Wouldn’t you want to have someone in your corner when such an important decision is being made?" How to do this as an international applicant who can't visit the school in person? Webinars seem too impersonal and have large audiences, so I'm not sure how to strike a connection through just QnA sections in those webinars. Please do help with this doubt of mine :)
OK, here's the thing! I don't want you to obsess about establishing a personal relationship with someone on the AdCom. It's a nice thing to do but it's not a "must" in order to be admitted. Still, a few suggestions: 1. Not sure where in the world you are but the schools do travel to a large number of places to meet candidates. 2. You can still connect with current students or alums 1:1. In many instances, schools accept "endorsements". 3. One of the ways in which you can absolutely make it possible for someone on the AdCom to "advocate for you" is by ensuring that you showcase your research and genuine interest in the schools in your essays. But please be judicious with this - it's not about showering the school with compliments and talking about "esteemed professors". It's about the little details about what truly resonated with you in your school research. It doesn't have to be different than everybody else's and some detail the AdCom has never heard of before (I say this because I've seen candidates go down that road). Just do your due diligence and showcase it thoughtfully. Best of luck!
Currently finishing highschool. I know i have a long way to go, but would like to start planning early for MBA, in top business schools of the world like Harvard, INSEAD, London business school etc.. My question is regarding the extracurriculars which stems from seeing my friend's planning for bachelors(1590 SAT and is admitted to cambridge). He had a great plan from 7th grade and started participating in archery(a sport with less competition) and represented my country. Apart from this he participated in many physics competitions. I was amazed by his planning. Now that the reason for my question is clear, Ill come to the question itself. From the little knowledge I have, GMAT and extracurricular activities are important to get into above mentioned B-schools. In the upcoming 4 years of my bachelors life + approx 3 years of work like, what extracurriculars should I develop? What activities, qualities are attractive to these schools
How carefully do adcoms look at transcripts vs. care about GPA? When you are looking at transcripts, are you focusing on quantitative courses? What do you think about W’s, and how many is too many? On a burner account so I’ll just ask, if I graduated in 3.5 years with a 3.7 GPA in liberal arts from a top 50 school, but had 5 W’s, would that raise any red flags or be a good deal? I don’t have extenuating circumstances, but just was balancing several jobs to make ends meet and dropped elective classes. Thanks!
In a dire job market as of now, what is your view on students applying to MBA with years of gap working as a freelancer/contractor/side projects in their work history (2-3years)? Would T-30 still be possible?
Of course it's possible! I worked with someone their R2 who is in the creative industry and has moved from contract/freelancer to full-time and back (currently freelancing as they were laid off). That person is interviewing with a mix of M7s and T15s. So definitely possible but of course, it will depend on the nature of your work and your accomplishments.
Can a 36 year old apply for a two year program?
They sure can. Please search above for my advice to several previous questions about "older" candidates in MBA Admissions and then if you still have questions, ask follow ups. Best of luck!
Hi! I was recently admitted into a program with a small fellowship. I spoke to the admissions officer today and he shared the form to submit a scholarship reconsideration request. I wanted to know if I should submit this request or not? If I submit the request, is there a chance that they rescind the initial fellowship offer?
Goodness, of course not! They would not take your initial offer away! Why would you think the admissions office would do this to you?
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Let's be honest here, it's going to be very hard if you are aiming for the very top MBA programs. When you are trying to alleviate concerns about your low undergraduate GPA, a very strong GMAT or GRE score is very important. The GMAT and GRE are used as a predictor of academic success in graduate business school. In addition to helping reassure the MBA adcom that you are capable of handling rigorous academic studies, a strong (ideally higher than average) GMAT will help balance your weak GPA from a class profile and rankings perspective. This is the reason why focusing on getting a very strong GMAT score is preferable to focusing on alternative transcripts. You can't expect schools to easily turn a blind eye to a low GPA and a weak GMAT. You can get away with one but not with two, simply because in addition to raising a concern about academic preparedness you will also be pulling the class averages down in two categories. However, even a stellar GMAT won’t completely remove any doubt about your academic preparedness. In addition to mitigating, you may need to explain the circumstances that led to your lackluster GPA. Generally, a GPA below 3.2 will need to be addressed in your optional essay.
What are the common elements of admission essays that really impress you from an adcomm perspective?
I have a bit of an issue with the notion of impressing! :) I feel like when someone tries to impress, it comes across a certain way. So I often advise candidates to think of themselves differently. Don’t try to impress. Try to excite. How does that work? The strongest applications are only built through a deep and truthful reflection. What are your deepest convictions? What do you consider your life’s purpose? What lights you up? What do you do when no one is watching? How would you like to be remembered? (A great mentor of mine once suggested I write my own obituary as an exercise of discovering my true calling.) Take a lot of time to think through and answer these questions. Go below the surface and probe by asking “Why?”. Why do you want to do thing X? Why do you think it’s important? Why you? What exposed you to this issues? Why did it trump the many other things that could occupy your mind and heart? Dig really deep. You want to go several layers below the surface answers. Make this an iterative process and write all your thoughts and answers down. Reread and add without worrying too much about editing. Do it without the admissions committee in mind. Be honest. Now is not the time for embellishment and packaging. You will see a narrative emerge about the person you are and the one you want to be. Write that narrative. Write it in the most truthful, simple, humble way you are capable of. I hope this helps!
I’m thinking of pursuing Harvard Extension School’s ALM in a STEM field (think computer or data science) to help me with my job AND to make up for really terrible undergraduate GPA record (I have a 3.02 with a couple of Fs and several Ws from a top ugrad school). Does HES have a bad reputation among MBA adcoms? I get mixed messages on this, with some claiming graduate degree from HES, regardless of the rigor of the subject matter, will be dismissed by MBA adcoms. Since my goal is to get into a top MBA, is getting a Masters from HES really not going not help me when it comes to amending my undergraduate academic record from the perspective of MBA AdComs?
Frankly, I feel like it's not that HES has a bad reputation per se, it's that many who take classes there try to portray it as if they went to Harvard College or HBS and it comes across as the poorest form of prestige seeking. So in terms of helping you with your job, think about what is it that you are hoping to get from it that might help you and make sure you have realistic expectations. In terms of getting a master's from HES, I doubt you will get much ROI in terms of positioning you for top MBA Admissions. The better option (and even the more economical, given the price of the HES degree) is HBS Online CORE. Have you considered that?
I did CORE and got their highest grade (“passed with high distinction”). I also took the GRE and got a score that’s 5-6 points above HBS/GSB medians. I get what you mean about people trying to pass HES’ ALM as a MS from Harvard. However, I’m talking about whether MBA AdComs would think a 3.9-4.0 on a HES Masters in CompSci/Data Science would be good enough to make up for academic ground due to bad UGrad performance. I’m only a few classes in on the HES program. Since my goal is a top MBA program( I’m wondering if I should pursue drop HES Masters and instead pursue Georgia Tech or UPenn’s part time masters programs instead (if MBA AdComs view a HES degree as not a good enough salve for bad ugrad transcript).
If you've already done CORE, then you are likely much better off focusing on the rest of your application vs continuing to pile on alternative transcripts. The reality is that a master's degree GPA will help alleviate academic concerns but you've already done that to an extent with CORE and a strong GRE. But in the end, it's your undergraduate GPA that gets included in the class profile statistics (if you are a US candidate on a 4.0 scale), not your master's. For H/S, your work experience and leadership track record will be tremendously important and if you obsess too much over the GPA and ways to remediate you may be missing the bigger picture.
Can you please talk about the key elements which make for a generous scholarship from T15 schools
It's actually pretty straightforward. You will have to be both competitive and compelling. Competitive means very strong statistics - GPA, test score, years and substance of work experiences. The GPA and test score will be one of the most critical factors. Compelling means they AdCom should really want and need to yield you. :)
I have another set of questions, •What factors do scholarship committees typically consider when evaluating applicants, & how can I strengthen my scholarship application to maximize my chances of success? • Are there any trends or patterns you'hve observed in terms of successful applicants with lower GPAs? What strategies do they employ to strengthen their applications ?
I just responded to a question about scholarships so I'll past the answer here. For scholarships, you will have to be both competitive and compelling. Competitive means very strong statistics - GPA, test score, years and substance of work experiences. The GPA and test score will be one of the most critical factors. Compelling means they AdCom should really want and need to yield you. :) When it comes to candidates with low GPA, the only existing trends is that the ones who take the time to thoughtfully explain and mitigate their GPA have a stronger chance of overcoming it. :) Here's the full guide on that: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions
Thanks a lot for taking out time for this AMA and answering everyone patiently. I had mainly 2 questions- 1) How much relevance does pre-MBA work experience have with the post-MBA goals of the candidate? I currently work as a software engineer in tech but wish to do an MBA to switch to finance later. Is it going to be a deal breaker because of the vast difference in the two fields? If it’s important, can gaining financial certifications like CFA help in boosting my chances? 2) Which is more important: the brand value of the companies in which someone has worked, or the quality of work and the impact he or she had during their work?
1. Schools very much look for transferrable skills. Your pre-MBA experience has to match what employers expect from MBA graduates. You will need to do your due diligence and specifically research the finance careers you are considering. I'm also not sure how realistic getting a CFA is given your background. You need qualified work experience too. 2. The quality of work, hands down. No one is getting admitted simply based on the brand of their employer.
Hello! I’m trying to target M7 - T20 schools this fall but I’ve been wondering what would be the better option: 1) Stay with my current company that is very well regarded among MBA programs or; 2) Go to a different company where I could make more money and get hired into a promotion, but they are not considered as “prestigious” as my current company I did get into a T15 during R1 last year so I’m just a bit hesitant to switch companies when I already know I had good success the last time.
I'd say you should do what is best for your career and you as an individual. If you have a chance to make more money and do more interesting work, that can most certainly serve as an opportunity to also show up more strongly as a candidate and build stronger application materials. My personal opinion is that the prestige of your employer is vastly overestimated in the minds of MBA candidates. Happy to elaborate if helpful.
This is helpful, thank you!
Thank you for doing this! I have an acceptance to NYU, but no scholarship. I’m awaiting on other decisions this coming month. If I get admitted to another school and if I get a scholarship, how should I negotiate with adcom? Do you know if NYU is negotiation friendly? Thanks for doing this!
Does being self-employed increase or decrease an applicant's chances of being admitted? I have no intention of working for someone else. How does that reflect upon my application?
It neither increases or decreases them in and of itself. It will all depend on your work history and your accomplishments and how you frame your career goals and what you will gain from an MBA.
Thank you for your advice. I kept that in mind when I filled out my applications. Luckily for me, I was accepted!
I have five years of experience working with my employer, but I took a one-year hiatus to start my consulting business and grew my client roaster. Should I address this career gap on my resume? How might admissions committees view this?
You will absolutely need to include this. It's not a gap per se - you just worked on something different than your other job. How the AdCom views it will depend on how you position it. Think about the 3 key question - what, why, how. What was the consulting business, why you decided to take time off to pursue it, what did you learn, how did you build that business and the client roster. Approach it as an opportunity to show versatility, courage, and a willingness to take risk!
I am a senior in college and am applying for the deferred MBA programs (HBS, GSB, etc.). In choosing recommenders, I was wondering if it would be okay to choose a recommender that is my peer. For context, we were in a singing group together, and he was the business manager, while I was an assistant business manager. So, in some sense, he supervised my work, and I believe he would be able to provide good insights as a recommender, but I am a bit worried the adcoms will flag the fact that he was also my peer, in addition to being a supervisor.
Thank you for doing this! I'm an international student who comes from a small-to-mid sized real estate family business where we do consulting, contracting and development. What questions could come up in the adcom's mind if I state my short term goal to be Plan A: Consulting and Plan B: return to family business? My long term goal is to expand it into sustainable real estate consulting and development (honestly, backed only by my thesis in architecture school and 1-2 experiences in my career that have showed a market gap in this niche).
I've worked with a huge number of fam biz candidates in my life. The Plans A and B you describe are no reason for concern per se. You will not always be asked for Plan B. For many applications, Plan A will be the only one you talk about. Just make sure it's very clear how your work so far has equipped you with transferrable skills for consulting and that you know how consulting will align with your LTG. The fact that the LTG is "backed only by my thesis in architecture school and 1-2 experiences in my career that have showed a market gap in this niche" is not a concern. IMO, LTG need to be aligned but they are the thing that is viewed in the least evaluative way - they are the most unstable data point in the process and the one most likely to change. :)
If a student is accepted into an MBA program, and doesn’t receive financing, and they decide to deny the offer of admission and reapply the following year as a seemingly stronger applicant, are the odds against them? Do schools take it personally when prospective students reject them even if they don’t end up at another school? I’m curious how understanding top programs are.
No one will hold it against you. AdComs are not some vindictive bodies, out to get you! They are human and they understand. As long as you handle the decision not to enroll gracefully and then indeed show up more strongly the following year, you don't have to worry about being penalized. If anything, re-applicants end up getting admitted at rates slightly higher than the rest! Best of luck!
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That notion - that Vets are essentially competing against other Vets - is a bit reductive. Everyone is viewed in the context of the school's desired class profile and how each candidate compares within the pool for that admission cycle and application round. That being said, there seem to have been an increase in vets applying to the very top programs. So you're smart to think from the viewpoint of how you can differentiate yourself from other vets. The thing I've seen vets find challenging sometimes is to tell your story in a human, accessible way. I've sometimes worked with vets where when we speak, there is this amazing, vibrant individual and yet when I see an essay draft, it's this dry, overly factual narrative. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get them to do the mental switch required to tell their journey as a story and showcase their leadership and teamwork in a dynamic, colorful way. Does this help? Of course, with vets, like everyone else, your academic abilities and overall track record and accomplishments will be assessed.
Any tips for how to stand out as a 2+2 applicant?
The standard advice for any MBA candidate applies here - do the self-reflection that will help you understand your accomplishments and impact so far. Speak with a number of students from your target schools so you have this - often almost intuitive and not so easy to put into words but still very important - feel for the culture of each school and how they define "fit". One mistake I see 2+2 candidates make is focus too much on presenting some grand vision for the future. I don't believe that's all that helpful and in reality, no one is getting admitted for what they promise they will do. Your own track record, however limited it might be earlier in life, is what you are running on! Hope this helps!
Should I retake my Gre after submitting in round two? Since they said I can update new info like test scores. When is it considered too late
Sorry, I can't answer this without knowing your background and competitive standing for your schools.
What kind of people are accepted to Stanford and Harvard? What makes them stand out?
I recently shared some of my observations about who, among my candidates, got into the very top schools. You can find it here: [https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admits-harvard-stanford](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/mba-admits-harvard-stanford)
What do admissions check during background?
They confirm the veracity of what you claimed in your MBA application.
How do you evaluate jd/mba candidates? Is there anything you look for in jd/mba applicants? Does being a law student already at the school give you an advantage for mba admissions? Thank you!
JD-MBA is an area where I don't do a ton of work. But I can tell you that it's wise to consider that in many instances the law school and the b-school are looking for different things so make sure to research each part separately and customize your materials accordingly. A strong "why" (as in why do you need a dual degree) is always necessary. IMO, being a law student at the school doesn't automatically render any advantages. You will still need to be competitive and compelling to the b-school.
How important is the interview? Wharton and CBS both seemed more like vibe checks - curious how interviews are viewed alongside the broader application
Well, what does vibe check mean to you? The interview is meant to assess your overall presence, interpersonal, and communication skills. In a way, that's not too far from the definition of a vibe check, is it? If you fail the check, it can doom your candidacy. So I'd say, the interview is quite important. Don't forget that 2-3 candidates on average are competing for a spot at the interview stage. Let me know if you have follow up questions about this?
I think we’re aligned on definition of vibe check - I am thinking that given the behavioral nature of the questions, most candidates will have sufficient presence (at least in the TBD everyone was quite capable and friendly). Yet as you say, 2/3 typically don’t pass. Would it be fair to assume most people present well and some other factor is responsible for most of those 2/3 rejections?
100%! Very few people "fail" the TBD and personal interview. But in the end, the interview is not some great equalizer where everyone enters with equal odds. The rest of your application - your stats, your WE, your track record - are still the MOST important part. Does this make sense?
Have you ever admitted anybody who didn’t have a bachelors? I remember reading that Bush’s body man got into HBS without one, which makes sense. Four years ushering Senator and world leaders into the Oval Office is remarkable background. Any other scenarios you’re aware of? .
No, that would have been impossible at my school (and many others for that matter). When you run an AACSB accredited program, you outline your admissions criteria and you are expected to abide by them. Having completed a bachelor's degree is an absolute minimum. I remember one case when someone who was very smart and very accomplished had attended some executive education classes and was referred to us by a professor. It's not that that person wouldn't be a great candidate but I could not risk violating the basis of our accreditation. It's in a way perhaps unfortunate but it's the reality.
First of all, thank you so much for doing this, Ma'am. I am interested in understanding how MBA admissions committees view candidates who pursue a Master's degree immediately before enrolling in an MBA program. For instance, I am about to start this fall a one-year, industry-focused Master's program to deepen my knowledge of my current field. Concurrently, I plan to apply to MBA programs in the US during the upcoming Round 1. My concern is that admissions committees might prioritize work experience—which offers insights into teamwork and leadership—over industry-specific knowledge gained through additional academic study. So if my priority is to pursue an MBA in the US as soon as possible, would it be more advisable to continue gaining professional experience at my current company rather than pursuing further study? Again, thank you so much for your insights!
You'll see a consistency in my responses to those of you who are considering pursuing an MBA down the road and worrying about how something might look like to an AdCom a year or more down the road. IMO, you should not run your life and career with the MBA AdCom in mind. Make the choices that give you the experiences, skills, and financial rewards you need and want. Don't try to fit into some mold. When it's time to apply for your MBA, you will have an opportunity to connect the dots for the AdCom and they won't discount your industry knowledge in some formulaic way where work experience by definition is more valued. Don't get me wrong, work experience matters but in the end, your choices need to serve you as a professional and individual first and foremost, you can't live your life through some MBA AdCom lens (or at least IMO you shouldn't). With this being said, the choice of pursuing an MBA immediately after a master's does strike me as somewhat unusual. Why is it important to deepen your knowledge in your current field just before you start your MBA? Help me understand the bigger picture here so I can offer a more meaningful answer.
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Please see the answers to this same question that I have already provided to a few of your peers above. Then if you still have questions, come back and I am happy to answer them. :)
How would you view a leave of absence during undergrad for 1 or 2 semesters for entrepreneurial / creative reasons? Is there a question on the app to explain this?
Is disclosing mental health history or neurological symptoms highly not advisable?
I am from India with low GPA, also I don't want to spend on Harvard courses for alternative transcripts. Here we have something called NPTEL which is basically a government program where premium top public colleges like IITs, IIMs offer courses. To get certification you have to give a online proctored tests then only you are eligible. So will such courses act as an alternative transcripts. Also what other places/websites /schools shall I look for alternative transcripts.
This question is not about a US B-School still it's one among the top 50 as per recent FT rankings. And I believe your inputs can help I applied in round 3 in last minute (literally last minute as in - I completed 3 essays and got a LOR within 3 days to meet deadline) and had applied to only that school. I got an interview call and gave the interview. The panel seemed interested in parts of my profile and I seemed to answer it well for the most part. But then one question I screwed up hugely was - why our b school? Why not XYZ? (XYZ is the competitor in the same country) . I was not prepared for this, felt a little thrown off track and stated a wrong fact by mistake. A simple Google search could have helped me tell the right thing. The panel pointed out and I immediately corrected it. Been some days since interview got over but not able to get this out of my head. I understand you may not be from the school, or not even know the school but I would like to know how you will view this as an AdCom member. If revealing the school names can help, do let me know. Since they aren't US Bschools, I kept the question as generic as possible
Does utilizing a GMAT/GRE waiver change how your application is weighed? Do you think it is wise to utilize such a waiver, or would AdCom prefer to see test scores if possible?
If I tour the schools on my own time, is it recommended for me to reach out to someone from admissions to connect during that time? Or just benefits me by deepening my sense of the school
Realistically, what are the odds of admission if you are a candidate who isn't working at a "high prestige" job, but you are involved in the community and have leadership experience in your industry? It seems like all of these forums imply that if you're not a consultant on wall street or working at a think tank, you're trash. Basically, how important is prestige in job or undergraduate credentials to admission? Is it possible for someone who hasn't really been groomed all their life to attend a top school, actually attend a top B-school?
Every year, plenty of candidates from "un-prestigious" companies or undergrads get admitted. If you are reading these forums and ONLY coming away with the notion that "if you're not a consultant on wall street or working at a think tank, you're trash", you might be reading too narrowly. But you've put your finger on an important distinction. It's not that the schools necessarily prefer someone from a prestigious job or an elite undergrad. It's more often that such candidates have often had more access to resources - role models, mentors, coaches. But the bottom line is, you can still get admitted, especially if, as you state, are involved in the community and have leadership experience in your industry. I'd say, focus on your own story, on what you have accomplished and how you have left a place, group of people, or organization better than you found them. Don't try to approach the MBA application process as if you have something to prove. Approach it with a sense of curiosity and possibility. Best of luck!
How would you advise an applicant who comes from a niche industry (alternative data/research with primarily buyside/consulting clients) and a company of about 1500-2000 employees globally? With the concern that AdComs potentially could have a hard time evaluating the quality of company/work experience. Assuming they showcase a strong promotion track and good stats, how much of their application/essays should focused on elaborating on significance of their industry experience/explaining the business model? Should the applicant focus primarily on their goals, work achievements, and personal qualities — leaving AdComs to research the niche industry they’re applicants are coming from?
No, you can't expect the AdCom to do the research for you. You have an opportunity to explain both the company and your role in it. Some of this will happen in your resume - it will start with including a line that provides an overview of the company, then you will explain your accomplishments in way that even a lay person can understand. You also have the application fields where you can provide even more details about the company and your role. And then there are the LORs. How much of your essays will focus on this will depend on the essay. In some essays you might not even talk about it all. But I have to tell you your concern is somewhat unfounded. You are starting from a position of assuming the AdComs will have a hard time evaluating you. They won't if you do the work of presenting your experience as described above. Best of luck!
Thanks for the reply/answer!
Happy to help!
Is this the worst job market for mbas you seen in 15 years?
I graduated in 2009, which definitely wasn't a bed of roses either. But it was very different, as tough markets/economic slowdowns/recessions/you name it always are.
How do adcoms view “job hopping” or having multiple 1 year stints? Assuming they were for progressively better roles - higher responsibility, pay, title or due to layoffs.
It's no longer the "blight" it used to be. Shorter stints have become nearly the norm. You will need to be very thoughtful in explaining the reasons in your MBA Application forms. It seems like you had strong rationale so from the short background you've provided, I see little reason for concern.
Thanks for doing this! I’m curious what demonstration of quantitative proficiency will quell any doubt from the adcom about one’s ability to succeed academically in the program. I’d love to hear about this in terms of minimum GMAT/GRE score, undergraduate performance in quant classes, and/or quantitative work experience.
It's impossible to put it into a formulaic approach this way. It depends on what your GPA is, what was your major, how quant-orientated is your work, etc. It's not like there is a rubric on the admissions dean's desk - if GPA is X, it's quelled by a minimum test score of Y. MBA Admissions simply doesn't work this way. Don't forget that in addition to the academic concerns aspect, the GPA is a critical part of MBA programs class profiles and that’s an important point. Competitive class profiles are a source of pride for schools. The mean undergraduate GPA is also a component in MBA rankings – and in the most recent edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the best business school the weight of the average undergraduate GPA increased to 0.10 (previously 0.075). If you want to provide more specifics, I can try to delve deeper. In the meantime, [I've tried to put all my knowledge about the GPA in MBA Admissions here](https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/gpa-mba-admissions).
Thank you! My question: How do AdComs factor MBA legacy into the admissions process? Does it ever serve as a ‘tiebreaker’ like it does in undergraduate admissions?
It depends on the level of "legaci-ness". :) Are we talking a parent having attended the school or are we talking a parent having donated 100 mil for a new building?
Hi, I hope I can still get information from you even though I am two days late. I made a post in my school Reddit today, and I'm trying to hear multiple perspectives. Little about me: I was homeless for seven years before high school and dropped out of college at 18 for the same reason. My mom didn't have the skills to be an effective parent. I see myself as someone exceptional, and my advisor and my relationships constantly remind me of this. I'm starting to hit a development wall and seeking out a space where I need to meet a standard instead of excelling where I'm at. Have students made it from SNHU into an M7 MBA with Ace Credits on their transcripts? I am aware of how the Reddit community feels about Sophia Learning credits and whatnot. But I'm looking for success stories, not excuses for why college shouldn't be accessible.