Developing HBS / GSB "X-Factor"

For those of you who followed the traditional 2+2 path of BB/EB -> MF PE, how did you differentiate yourself from the horde of high achieving finance applicants when applying to Bschool? 

As some background, I am URM male who studied history at a top 10 UG (UChicago, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins) and scored a 3.9 GPA / 760 GMAT. Just finished my 2 years at a top investment bank (GS / EVR / PJT) and will be headed to a MF PE associate program at the end of the summer. 

Seems like the above is tablestakes nowadays within the finance applicant pool, so wanted to hear about others' experience in developing an edge to get into top schools, particularly HBS and GSB. 

Thanks! 

29 Comments
 

As an URM with that profile, if you apply R1 I would say you’re as close to a shoo-in as there can be for HBS. I think you also have a good shot at GSB, but it will require more work on good execution around the differentiator in your story - you could have some initial consultations with application consultants now to see what they think could work based on your background / experiences 

 

Research Associate in AM - Equities

Sorry dude affirmitive action is going to be cancelled in the next two weeks  so being URM won't give you an advantage anymore over people who actually earned their spot via merit 

You’re a fucking loser

 

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