Hey guys, if you could assess my chances at HBS/GSB (applying next year), that'd be greatly appreciated. I'm going to keep it vague since I'm sure if I give any more details, you guys can easily figure out who I am.
Personal: Male, 3 years out of college (will be 4 by next year), non-URM
Undergrad: Bachelors from Cornell/Dartmouth/Columbia/Brown/Penn with 3.2 GPA (several D's and C's in college due to lack of caring/being more passionate about my music career)
GMAT: 790 (first attempt)
Work History:
-started producing music in college
-before that, had some summer internships for boutique finance shops
-have been working as a music producer for some pretty mainstream names for the past four years
-currently signed to a major record label
-nominated for a Grammy more than once
EC's:
-some leadership positions in several clubs/my fraternity in college
-on the board for a non-profit
Why I want an MBA:
-to use my industry and MBA connections/knowledge to start my own record label that will (hopefully) sign talented artists that will change the landscape of pop music. Eventually I'd want to grow the record label to a conglomerate.
-frankly a little burnt out currently, would really cherish a two-year break
Much thanks in advance for any advice/thoughts.
"change the landscape of pop music"
that will probably get you in.
Christ a 790 first attempt?? Target undergrad, about as good as you can do on a GMAT, and grammy nominated should compensate for your 3.2. HBS/GBS are the cream of the crop, but you're by no means out of reach of other M7's that would do you quite well.
Do you mind sharing your preparation as to how you scored a 790? That's a score you just don't see often, let alone from a pop singer. I'm very intrigued.
a 790 would make up for a 1.5. AND you're an URM. Good job kid.
Reading comprehension fail.
I'm just going to say this: If I was on the admissions committee, I'd say yes to you.
I imagine HBS will care far more about your Grammy nominations than it does about your unimpressive GPA, especially when you scored a fucking 790 on the GMAT. If you're being truthful about everything here, I'd say you're an extremely strong candidate.
EDIT: This might be the strongest candidate we've seen here in a while.
John Legend?
I think Brady just creamed his shorts.
extremely high chance of being admitted to at least one of H/S, and a very good chance of getting into both.
with that said, you should come up with some business-sounding resume bullets for your music producer gig....because the only conceivable risk is that you don't have full-time experience that looks anything like structured employment. there are tons of non-traditional admits but usually they have some kind of distinct job with specific duties.
Much, much thanks for all of your responses.
DoubleBottomLine, thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind.
futurectdoc, given his nine Grammy WINS and three or so years at BCG, I'm pretty sure he would be a lock haha (not that he needs to go to business school)...Definitely one of the artists I'd love to work with in the future.
therealweinstein, I'm a white/Asian male.
droking7, I'm not a pop singer myself haha; I just lace them up with beats/ideas and occasionally sample my own voice. Regarding my preparation, I did a ton of practice tests, maybe on average two or three a week for 2 months. And about six months prior, I started a habit of deliberately reading more (Atlantic, Economist, New Yorker, novels, FT, etc.) and looking up every word I didn't know. I also started a consistent exercise regimen and halted any habits that killed brain cells/clouded my thinking/etc, both of which played a large role in my score. It also helps that I've always been good at standardized tests. I'm a little pressed for time right now, but I'll definitely go into more detail later.
Interesting points there. Can you expand on how healthier habits better your academic/test taking performance? I need some inspiration.
You have a stellar profile. I would reexamine your goal of starting a record label, cause, you know, it's 2012 and all.
Thanks a bunch would love to hear more! Good luck man.
Kanye?
Sounds like one of you in Kinetics & One love ;)
Haha good guess but no cigar. I'm recognized more on the production/mixing/engineering side whereas their nomination was for songwriting. Tim and Jeremy are some cool cats though.
Krispy Kreme, is that you?
Also interested in how you prepared for your GMAT.
Your gmat score will quiet any doubts the adcom has bout being able to handle the curriculum.
Your essays will need to focus specifically how each schools program will help you reach your goals. Maybe express you want to study entrepreneur programs within the MBA to help you flush out a business plan. Be very specific and direct. Do research on classes you would take at whatever school you are writing for, what skills or benefits that class will give you.
I cut out going to bars until all hours of the morning, but havent started working out again. In fact, I cut out exercising to spend that time studying and knocking out essays.
People tell me all the time I should workout while going through the gmat/bschool app process to help with stress, keep you happy, etc. They're right, but its hard to give up that time to it when you already have so little to spare.
OP, did you see significant gains in your study efforts with exercise in your routine?
You possess diversification.
They'll probably take you in because the usual HBS grad going to work at a BB, HF, PE, or Consulting firm is normal, but you, you are different. And somewhat qualified, some things low, some things way higher.
They'll take you for that purpose. That's a new network for them and if you possess the right background abilities(top percentage in GMAT, decent GPA, great looking career, etc.) you are attractive.
If you check Harvard's statistics online the max gmat score they accepted from last year was a 780.
This board is getting trolled.
Looks like another reading comprehension fail. First of all, he said he was applying "next year", as in, the 2013-2014 application cycle. He would not have been a part of last years admitted class.
Second, he was not guaranteed an admit given his profile, so even if he had applied last year (and been telling the truth), no sure thing that he would have gotten in. His profile is pretty damn good, but if he totally screwed up execution on last year's somewhat odd HBS essays, or bombed the interview, he easily could have gotten dinged.
It's the internet, so of course the board could have gotten trolled, but nothing at this point (or ever) will prove that given the information that we have. I would be curious if this dude is still around to hear how this year went, assuming he applied R1.
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