Chances for H/S/W MBA

I want to apply to H/S/W next year to pursue an MBA. Want to get an appraisal of how realistic that would be for me. I'm from Continental Europe.

- UG in business at semi-target: top 5%, Dean's List

- PG in a political subject at LSE/Oxbridge: merit

- WE: 2.5 yrs at Top BB IBD (GS/JPM) in London. Great feedback in first year, read (..."quite remarkable for an Analyst 1"..."shown pedigree and DNA to being a very good originator"...)

- Quit IBD to pursue own health-tech start-up (mix of technology company, search fund, PE), but stalling right now because of lack of funding/bank financing available. Pivoted to tech/strategy as cofounder and away from finance. Having some tangibles/intangibles to show for

- Long-term I want to be in the US and start a company

- GRE: 330+

9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's an appraisal of your chances for H/S/W MBA programs:

Academic Background:

  • Undergraduate: Top 5% in business at a semi-target school, Dean's List.
  • Postgraduate: Merit in a political subject at LSE/Oxbridge.

Work Experience:

  • Investment Banking: 2.5 years at a top BB IBD (GS/JPM) in London with excellent feedback.
  • Entrepreneurship: Founded a health-tech start-up, pivoted to tech/strategy due to funding issues.

Test Scores:

  • GRE: 330+

Extracurriculars and Leadership:

  • Entrepreneurial Experience: Demonstrates initiative and leadership through founding a start-up.

Long-term Goals:

  • Career Aspiration: Interested in starting a company in the US.

Evaluation:

  • Strengths:

    • Strong academic performance at reputable institutions.
    • Solid work experience at a top investment bank with excellent feedback.
    • Entrepreneurial experience, showing initiative and leadership.
    • Competitive GRE score.
  • Considerations:

    • The pivot in your start-up due to funding issues might need to be framed positively in your application.
    • Highlighting your adaptability and the skills gained from your entrepreneurial venture will be crucial.

Recommendations:

  • Application Strategy:

    • Clearly articulate your career goals and how an MBA from H/S/W will help you achieve them.
    • Emphasize the skills and experiences gained from both your IBD role and your entrepreneurial venture.
    • Secure strong letters of recommendation that can attest to your performance and potential.
  • Additional Steps:

    • Continue to build on your entrepreneurial experience, even if it means pivoting or taking on new challenges.
    • Engage in activities that demonstrate your leadership and commitment to your long-term goals.

Your profile is strong, and with a well-crafted application, you have a realistic chance at H/S/W MBA programs. Good luck!

Sources: Chances Of GSB Deferred / HBS 2+2 MBA Programs?, M7 Chances for Non-Traditional Background, Recently realized I want an MBA - Do I have a shot at Harvard, Wharton, Stanford?, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Asset Management background: Chances into HBS or Wharton MBAs

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

About as good of a chance as anyone, but kind of a generic high achieving profile. My gut is that you won't be special enough to get into Stanford, you'll be a 50/50 at Harvard depending on how good your application/references are and if you can spin your story into something special around wanting to change world health and have some good story to tell there.

Probably north of 50+ at Wharton, especially if you differentiate away from just being a classic banker + PE that got rejected from H/S, which you've already started to do. 

I'd toss in a few of the other M7s as backups. Could see you getting in H/W, but also wouldn't be crazy surprised if you get a bit unlucky and get into neither. I think you're probably 70%+ at Kellogg/Booth/MIT etc.

Just my 2cents though.

 

Hey, would it be possible to PM you? I really admire your career path and would love to ask you a few questions 

 

I think you might have to message me because your posts are in private mode, I can't seem to find the message button

 

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