Chances at HSW and Other M7

Hi,

I am getting ready to apply for an MBA and am hoping to get some perspectives on my chances at HSW and other M7 schools.

Quick background:

  • Undergrad: Non-target - top 70 USNews School (state college with full ride)
  • Major: Finance/Accounting double major
  • GPA: 3.93
  • Internships: 2 IB internships at BBs (think CS, Citi)
  • First Job: 3 Years at Tier 2 consulting (think Deloitte S&O, Oliver Wyman)
  • Second Job: 2 Years at Tech Startup in Strategy Manager role ($1BN+ Valuation)
  • GMAT: 740 (strong Q, average V)
  • ECs: Average-Strong (NPF leadership, Launched 2 startups, Volunteering head at consultancy)
  • Objective of MBA: Gain leadership experience for launching a software startup

Thank you in advance!

7 Comments
 

You have a competitive profile for your target programs including H/S provided that you can show leadership and impact on the job and off. You might be interested in:

Remember in your essays and resume to focus not just on your responsibilities, but on the difference you made.

Best, Linda

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 
Most Helpful

Bhsbad,

You're most welcome.

I hate it when people ask me to put a number on "competitive." However, if you are going to twist my arm, I'll do my best. Given that HBS' and Stanford's most recent acceptance rates were 10.4% and 6,1% respectively, and that both programs say most rejected applicants are competitive based on the numbers alone, "competitive" at these programs means more like a 25-30% chance of acceptance at one of the two programs. While I think it makes sense for you to apply to H/S -- no reason to reject yourself -- I also definitely encourage you to apply to additional schools.

Being from a over-represented background means you have to work harder to differentiate yourself. That is something I touched on in the webinar recordings I referenced in my earlier post. Here are a few other resources:

If you'd like help in differentiating yourself, please contact me at the link in my sig and reference this exchange..

Thanks.

Best, Linda

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

assuming you aren't a female/URM, I'd say H/S are unlikely but not impossible and you should get into a few of the other Non H/S M7s depending on luck/execution

 

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