Hi all--
I'm looking for some advice on how having an F on my transcript will affect my chances at HBS/GSB. My overall GPA (including the F) was 3.50-3.55 at a target school (H/Y/P) and I still graduated cum laude in my major. For additional context, the class was in a completely unrelated subject (foreign literature), I had intended to take it pass/fail my junior year, but I slipped up by prioritizing work for my major instead and getting a zero on an important paper by not turning it in.
After graduating, I pursued a somewhat typical path: 2.5 years at MBB (ASC/C/SBA) followed by 2 years at an UMM/MF (think Bain Cap, Berkshire, Advent, GGC, NMC). My GMAT score is 780, and I'm a white male.
Given how many people with similar backgrounds apply to HBS/GSB, will my F be an auto-ding? For those who've been in / heard of similar situations, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
With those stats, I can't imagine they'd even look through your transcript.
Great stats man! Not an MBA student myself but have done a ton of research. I think you'll definitely get looks from H/S no problem, and you might have to explain the F in the "additional info" section. Otherwise, the MF PE + 780 GMAT + HYP will give you a very good chance of swinging an interview as long as you have a reasonable story / narrative.
Honestly, I know a ton of people with much worse stats than you that get in, and hardly anyone with comparable stats that doesn't get in. That said, I think there's some degree of confirmation bias - people with 780 GMATs tend to also have great writing skills and apply it to their essays as well. White male obviously isn't a plus, but I think the 780 will make you stand out a bit from the other target school + MBB + MF PE candidates. Toss in some volunteer work and decent college ECs and you'll be good to go. Good luck man.
For MBA, how much does your bank matter? Also, are you at a major disadvantage coming from a top MM firm vs MF?
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