Hi guys,
Do I have a chance at getting into GSB? Please see my background below:
Undergrad - Top 50 but less popular majored in Finance
GPA 3.3
Current role - LP (analyst) covering all aspects of private capital fund investments at a sub-$10B institutional endowment, MBA - transition from LP to GP (VC).
Assuming that I get a good enough GMAT score, is there any chance for me to get into GSB? If yes, how should I position myself for maximum result? I understand that my profile is not nearly as strong as the usual GSB suspects but I would really appreciate constructive feedback/advice. Thanks monkeys!
Yeah I had the same kind of questions as you when I first started this process, but I found that with programs like Stanford (or Harvard) no one really has a "good" chance of getting in. With the amount of individuals applying to those programs and so few spots, you just have to give it your absolute best shot (with a good GMAT score). What can also help is how you market yourself for those programs and if your application materials + strategy are fluid.
I've been working with a consulting firm on this and it has helped me IMMENSELY. If you can afford to invest in the support of a consultant I'd go for it. Even though it's tough to measure something like your chances, I do feel that my chances just went up by working with my team. I did a lot of vetting of firms so if you need a recommendation feel free to message me.
Good luck to you!
ctunney thank you for your comment! I can't send direct PMs with this account but would you mind starting a conversation threat on PM with me by chance? I saw that you mentioned that some of these mba consulting firms would offer a free consultation and I'd like to explore those options to see where I stand in the process. Thank you!
I am one of 'those consultants' who works with applicants to navigate their MBA journey. With just a 6% admit rate (perhaps slightly lower this past year), there is nobody who has a clear chance at Stanford GSB. They truly look at applicants holistically - so you must have a compelling narrative to support your solid stats. Having read applications at another top program for a decade, I can honestly say that I would never recommend an admit for someone with great stats and no story. I can't tell you how many times I put a bit null sign on an application of a candidate with a 750+ GMAT. That was my signal for 'take away the great GMAT and they don't add anything to the program.' Stanford wants students who are passionate about learning (after all, you are going to school to learn, not just to get your next job) then applying their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world. Have you done anything in your past that indicates you have what it takes to be one of these game changers? Feel free to reach out to Stratus and request a free consult.
I sent you a pm, I hope it helps you out. Best of luck.
MBA Thoughts.
A 3.3 at GSB is tough. IS there any trend to your grades? Were there extenuating circumstances that contributed to the low grades?
The GMAT will matter.
Do you have notable achievements on the job? off the job? I agree with CTunney about the "good chance" at GSB. At Stanford very few people have a "good chance." However, while your 3.3. makes acceptance less likely, it doesn't make it impossible.
At the same time, depending on what you want to do after your MBA, you should seriously look into getting an MBA from other programs too, as long as they support your goals. If you get into GSB, great. If you don't, you'll have options.
You may be interested in:
5 As for Your Low GPA
Get Accepted to Stanford GSB, an on-demand webinar.
bump
Sorry to say but it will be tough. To get admitted to GSB, you have to stand out among your peers and while your profile isn't bad, nothing is great (i.e. top 50 undergrad rather than Ivy, sub 3.5 GPA, non-name brand fund etc.) You could perhaps make up for it by having amazing extracurriculars and 760+ GMAT but even then, it will be a longshot.
other than my grades... I think my field of work is extremely interesting and non-conventional. I don't think getting a good GMAT score is going to be impossible for me. I've been struggling with the idea of "peers" and "standing out", I heard that poker players and artists get accepted to GSB, so how are those even comparable to me?
"comparable" as in we're all so different.
Hate to break it to you, but I don't think being an analyst at an LP is as unconventional or differentiated as you think. Sure, it's not as common as consultants or even PE/VC associates, but it's not anything completely outside of the typical business school applicant pool either.
In the name of diversity, business schools group and evaluate applicants in distinct buckets based on professional backgrounds. Therefore, it is fruitless to try to size up non-traditionals like poker players and artists but rather, you need to think about why GSB would accept you over someone in the same field as you but works for KKR, etc. That's what I mean by "stand-out" and it's the reason that I mentioned the extracurriculars because that could be a differentiator. It may not be fair but if schools always just chose the "best athletes", every class would be a 90% combination of bankers, consultants, and engineers.
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