I'm thinking about the following b-schools: Booth, Sloan, Kellogg, Wharton, Yale, Columbia. Dream school would be HBS but realize this is highly unlikely with my stats/background. What do you think my chances are given my profile, and how can I strengthen my application:
Professional Experience:
4 years of corporate strategy work (mostly growth strategy) at a F500
Education:
Target, 3.6 GPA in math
GMAT:
760
Extracurriculars/other notes:
3 years of volunteering/mentorship of underprivileged youths and adults through multiple programs
Leadership at work includes co-leading one of 5 pillars of 500+ member affinity group
Proficient in 4 languages
Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.
I'd say pretty good chances across the board. It will depend on the strength of your story (both geographically and what you're looking to do after school). I'd focus on this area of your application to boost your chances. I'd usually say that extracurriculars are where you can boost your profile, but you seem to have some pretty good involvement.
Other posters are admissions consultants and will offer their thoughts, but I think you have a shot at HBS, too!
You have solid stats and work experience which serve as the foundation of your applications. Your leadership/community engagement is also very strong.
Now you need to put together a compelling narrative for why MBA? why Now? and why each of these schools. Take time for self-reflection and introspection so you can clearly articulate what your goals are and what areas you need to develop through an MBA program. Be open to exploring programs beyond the M7 that may offer the resources and community that will enable you to advance towards both your short and long term goals.
In the end, your story and recommendations are what will carry you to an admit (or admits) to these top programs. If you nail your story, you would likely see acceptances at several of these programs.
If you are planning to apply this fall, take a look at [Six Things to do in March to Prepare for MBA Applications][]
Join me and my colleague, Jennifer Jackson, an HBS alum, for a free webinar next week - How to get into Harvard, Wharton and Stanford GSB -
HI wabo22,
Congrats on an impressive profile. You are competitive at your target schools, and I'd encourage you to apply to HBS.
As both the other posters suggested, you can focus now on your reasons for wanting an MBA at this point in time from each program on your list. What do you want to get out of the experience, and what can you contribute to the experience of your classmates?
If you can, visit the schools you are most interested in while they are in session. Talk to current students and recent alumni. The admissions office can put you in touch with current students, or look up clubs that you are interested in on the web. They frequently provide contact info for officers and contact them.
And then really think about what's important to you both in terms of your future and your MBA experience.
For more suggestions, please join my for my next webinar: 7 Steps to MBA Acceptance in 2020 or check out:
Top 6 Tips for Visiting Business Schools
Get Accepted to Harvard Business School
I've also interviewed admissions committee directors/deans for most of the programs you are applying to. You can find those interviews on our podcast. .
Thanks so much for all the responses! I read through the articles you shared and listened to several of your podcast episodes, Linda--you have a new listener!
I completely understand the narrative part/why an MBA, why now, and why this particular school. It's a great start to hear I may have a shot at some of these top schools, but realize my greatest challenge will be crafting my story. I've had numerous thoughts over the past couple of years, but have never been able to get it down in a full cohesive narrative or pitch--onto that next step I suppose.
wabo22,
You're most welcome. I'm glad you found the podcast and the articles helpful. And I'm very happy to have a new listener!
If you'd like help with that narrative portion, we'd be happy to help. WE have former adcom and highly experienced consultants who can work with you individually.
And regardless thanks for being a new listener.
Best, Linda
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