1) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
2) Your GMAT or GRE. Percentiles preferred.
3) College info: The name of the college, your GPA or grade average, your major, year of graduation. For any graduate degrees, please provide the same info. If you grades are low, please indicate if there were extenuating circumstances.
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
5) Important certifications like CFA, CPA, FSA, or CA.
6) Your post-MBA goal.

Or if you just have a question about MBA admissions, I’ll do my best to answer it.

Best,
Linda

Thank you for your respond,

I am planning to apply after I get my desired GMAT actually, it might be next year.
I speak in Indonesian or Bahasa
but I think my English is quite okay
Of course I plan to have IELTS as well
In organizational level, I dont really have leadership roles but from time to time, I lead a group of people to organize some events
Well, I switch from my engineering background because of personal reason
My family got this financial crisis just after i graduated since my father had to be hospitalized because of a heart attack. And as the eldest son, I tried to get a job as soon as i can, without regarding the area.
this Insurance company offered me a nice job with a nice salary, hence i took it
As for my Post MBA goal, I want to advance in more general management career area. If possible in technology since it connect with my educational and my passion as well

Best,
Linda

Your work experience, leadership experiences, and grades certainly give you a shot. They’re exactly what HBS would like to see. However, I’m concerned that the late round and lowish GMAT (when combined with the notorious competition) could keep you out. I’m not optimistic, but I would love you to prove me wrong. And if I am proven wrong, please post the good news!

Best,
Linda

Are you planning to apply for this year’s final round (April 9 deadline) or next year? I’m guessing next year, but would like to confirm before I respond.

A few other questions:

What languages do you speak?
For #4 have you had leadership roles in your religious community activities?
Could you provide a bit of context for the switch from engineering to insurance and now back to technology?

Thanks,
Linda

I am applying to the last application deadline for the HBS 2+2 program. I am very curious to hear an unbiased opinion on my chances of getting in.

1. Management Consultant- Accenture (1 internship)
Manufacturing Engineer – Fortune 50 company (1 internship)
Associate Consultant – Mid-sized software consulting firm (3 internships)
Project Development Engineer – Small project management and data management company (1 internship).

2. Unofficial GMAT Score (took exam last week) 690, 87% ~ (48Q, 76%; 36V, 80%; 7IR)

3. School: Georgia Institute of Technology (Graduation Spring 2014)
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in Economic and Financial Systems.

4. President – ODK (Leadership Honor Society) (50 members)
President – College Social Fraternity (100 members)
Treasurer – Greek Honor Society (50 members)
VP of Logistics – Campus wide philanthropy project (Event planned for 1500 students)
Several other small scale leadership roles.

5. N/A

6. I will most likely go back into management consulting for 2+ years in order for my MBA’s tuition to be fully reimbursed. Long term, I think I would like to try my hand in something entrepreneurial. I would be extremely interested in pursuing an operational or financial venture in the health care industry.

Thanks

You’re right about your brother not being a good recommender. Lacking a little credibility there.

The mentor may work, but I don’t have enough info to opine. I think this is a solvable problem.

Thanks for the feedback on the webinars. If you do buy, I hope you enjoy the book. And again, if you need us for help with the MBA application, you know where to find us.

Linda

Assume your GMAT ends up as you intended, you have a competitive profile for Darden. However, don’t apply exclusively to Darden. Also consider other programs, like Duke, Cornell Johnson, CMU Tepper, UCLA, Rotman

Best,
Linda

Thank you so much for your response. The chance of starting in 2014 is worth the risk given my aspirations and years of experience. The only thing holding me back is recommendations, but I can hopefully find a second recommender that works. My co-founder is my brother – so assume that would not be well received. I could use a mentor who is an HBS grad, but I don’t have any real work experiences with her, so not sure about that either. A bit stuck on this issue, but hopefully I’ll figure something out.

Thanks again. I will certainly keep Accepted in mind and am checking out your book now. Also, great webinars!

Best,
Zach

Thanks for the gracious feedback!

You have a competitive profile for HBS and Stanford GSB and MIT Sloan (in 2015) These two schools have a round 3 because they want to accept people at this point in the cycle (Please see the latest post from Dee Leopold.).

In my opinion it is harder or statistically less likely that you will be accepted R3 of 2014 than R1 of 2015. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. If you feel now is a good time for you, go for it. Just be realistic. If you aren’t accepted now, then you will need to reapply next year. It’s not the end of the world, unless you feel that it’s the end of the world.

If a chance of starting your MBA in 2014 is worth a higher risk of rejection now, then you should apply. If you would find rejection now somehow devastating (which you shouldn’t ), then wait until Fall to apply for 2015. (For more on this topic, please see my webinar, R3 vs. Next year: The MBA Admissions Debate..)

Regarding the recommendations. Asking your manager from two years ago sounds like a great idea for one. I would like to see you have one rec that is more recent for the other rec. For the second one, consider a major client or vendor or someone like your accountant in the start-up. If the Harlem program is more recent, there might be someone there who could write the rec.

If you would like help with your MBA application, either now or later, please keep Accepted in mind.

Best,
Linda

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses. I have read through other posts and it has provided excellent guidance for me. Below is my profile. I would love your input on whether you would consider my application competitive in the third round. I believe that 2014 would be excellent timing for my goals in getting an MBA, however, I would definitely consider applying in the fall for 2015.

1) 2 years Lehman Brothers / Barclays Capital M&A investment banking analyst in New York, followed by 8 months in Hong Kong. Left to pursue goal of starting a company. Worked for a well-funded startup in business development role for 3 months. ~1.5 years self-teaching computer programing and co-founding a web startup. Total experience ~5 years.

2) GRE 170V (99%) / 165Q (91%). Have not received writing score, yet.

3) Middlebury College 2009. Econ major. 3.82 GPA, phi beta kappa, suma cum laude. Proficient in Mandarin Chinese.

4) Helped (was not lead) co-found a community service program in NYC for youth in Harlem. Rugby team at Middlebury.

6) Post-MBA goal is to found a start-up and build a tech company. I would focus on entrepreneurship program.

Concerns for round 3 (and in general): diversity – caucasian male in US, recommendations – I am not sure who I could use for start-up experience given that was an individual pursuit (with my brother as co-founder). I would have to use supervisor from finance which was ~2 years ago, but I think would be strong supporter.

Considering HBS and GSB R3 and those two plus Sloan for R1 2015. I would really appreciate your input on my qualifications for R3 and R1 2015, and any advice on how to manage my weakness in recommendations (long request, so not expecting feedback on this).

Thanks again.
Zach

1) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
2) Your GMAT or GRE. Percentiles preferred.
3) College info: The name of the college, your GPA or grade average, your major, year of graduation. For any graduate degrees, please provide the same info. If you grades are low, please indicate if there were extenuating circumstances.
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
5) Important certifications like CFA, CPA, FSA, or CA.
6) Your post-MBA goal.

Or if you just have a question about MBA admissions, I’ll do my best to answer it.

No boring at all. I hope you find my answers helpful.

1. Many people cannot ask a current employer for a letter of recommendation. Most schools will ask you to provide a brief explanation why you are not asking your current boss, but it’s not a big deal.

2. ONly if the former alum were equally qualified in other respects to be a recommender. The chief qualities that you want are A) an ability to comment based on personal experience supervising/working with you on your qualifications for business school; and B) willingness to write an enthusiastic and substantive letter showing that you are a competitive candidate. Being an alumn comes after A &B. If you have 2 recommenders and they both have A &B and one is an alum and the other isn’t, go with the alum Don’t forego A or B to go with an alum.

3. Your GPA will be considered amongst everything else. Realize that the adcom will also know the grading system in Peru and will be better able to translate it. If your grades were excellent or above average in Peru, they will be evaluated as such. If they really were equivalent to a much more average or mediocre performance, they will also consider that. And it would be a negative in your profile. I can’t say for sure whether it would keep you out or not. However your GMAT and CFA will definitely mitigage, if necessary.

4. A) Keep doing what you’re doing. B) Clarify your most desired post-MBA path. C) If you haven’t worked outside of Peru, try to get experience abroad.

You might be interested in my book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools. It’s available on Amazon around the world in paperback and Kindle formats.

If you would like help with your MBA application over the summer and in the fall, please let me know.

1. Would it be an issue to obtain only referrals from my former employer? I haven’t informed anybody at my current company that I will be applying. Although it is a great company with an impressive worldwide presence it has a really paternalistic culture in which its considered that every individual education must come mostly, if not exclusively, from the experience he or she may gain within the company. Post-graduate education is not openly encouraged within the firm.

2. Having a referral letter from a former alumn would increase my chances of being admitted?

3. Considering my GMAT score and my CFA charter, and considering that my GPA scores are correct, would my GPA affect my chances of being admitted?

4. What would you recommend me to do in the following months to strengthen my application?

I would greatly appreciate any piece of advice that you could give me Linda.

Thanks!

Are you planning to apply now for 2014 or wait until Fall?

Best,
Linda

Im a 29 year old peruvian male. I speak spanish, english and portuguese. I hope that you can help me understanding my chances on a potential HBS application and maybe recommend me other alternatives that you would consider fitting.

1) 2 years as senior corporate credit anlyst and 2 years as senior investment banking analyst in the largest peruvian bank, 2 years as infrastructure investment associate in the largest latin-american construction company (this is my current possition) + 1 year of managing my own business (a gift confection and gift advisory company)
2) 760 (99%), Q48 (76%), V47 (99%), IR8 (93%)
3) Industrial and IT Engineering, GPA 3.0 + Economics, GPA 3.3, both from a well known and highly demanding peruvian college
4) National Cancer League volunteer, math and programming teaching assistant, avid sport practicioner: surfing, kite-surfing, muay-thai
5) CFA charterholder + was invited and assisted to the annual Central Reserve Bank of Peru’s Advanced Finance Course (only 20 invitations are made available every year)
6) Investment Banking

Many thanks!

The link posted above is broken. I am getting 404 error. Could you please correct?

I discussed these question much more extensively in my recent webinar, Round 3 vs Next Year: the MBA Admissions Debate.”
Please let me know if you would like help with your application either this year or next.
Best,
Linda

You might be interested in Against the Odds: MBA Admissions for Indian Applicants.
Best,
Linda

Given that you are indifferent between finance and economics, I agree that economics makes more sense. You can get more finance in your MBA.

Yes, with good grades in your current course, a competitive GMAT, and an articulate presentation of your qualifications and fit via your application, you would be a competitive applicants. Would of top tier consulting possibly make you even more compelling? Probably. There is nothing to stop you from applying and then getting a job if you don’t get in and then reapplying while working.

Best,
Linda

Thanks for answering our queries.

I would like your take on my profile for Top 10 schools in US and Top 5 schools in Europe.

Here is my profile:

Program Interested: MBA FT
Work experience:
Total 5 years in
Technology consulting (SAP). First 3 years in Indian IT consultancy firm
and next 2 years in Big 4 consulting firm (think PwC, KPMG)
2 promotions in these 5 years.
Have
experience in leading a team of 10 people in my project. All my work is
from home country (India) but worked with US, Europe people on daily basis. Holds a valid H1B visa.

GMAT: Preparing for GMAT – will score ~700
GPA:
Bachelors 77% (First class with Distinction) in Computer Science from Anna University (2008) (Top 5
student in my class) – Diploma 90% (first class with honors) in Instrumentation & control
engg.(2005) (State 4th Rank – news came in paper but i don’t have the
paper with me now), received lots of rewards and prizes during colleges.
Extra curricular activities:
During college I
developed a Student Management software for my college to help
efficiently manage students information, College football team captain,
Company cricket team captain, Also organized the cricket tournament in my present company, volunteer for Rotary club International
and other NGO involved with under privileged children.
Nationality: Indian
Age: 26/M
Certifications: SAP Certified in Supply Chain module
Target programs: Top10 US /Top5 European schools
When you apply: In the next 1 year
Post MBA goal: To get into Management consulting in Strategy.

Thanks for reading and evaluating the profile.

The reason I’m completing my current bachelor is that I almost managed to finish it before even getting an idea to seek for a top MBA. Additionally, I will get a very good GPA, which could be a plus since there’s no GPA from my medical school. Also, we have no premeds (MD takes 6 yrs) here at Scandinavia, which means my MD degree contains almost zero mathematical courses. I think I would’ve been a bit lost at a top business school without revamping my quantitative / statistical etc skills. Now I definitely master them.

I’m basically indifferent about economics / finance, both are very interesting. I know I might look a bit degree collector, but that’s definitely not my reason to apply. However, I was just pondering that economics might leave me a better reason to apply for an MBA instead of majoring finance now.

I agree on skipping the engineering, although I know a couple of HBS graduates with 2 or even 3 undergraduate degrees. Quite many of those have a combination of economics + engineering or a bit similar. I guess it could be seen as also a sign of talent in addition to degree collecting.

Given these elaborations, what do you think, would I turn out a decent applicant? I’ve understood that healthcare is appreciated at least at HBS. Or should I still seek for additional experience in top tier consulting, for example?

Much appreciated!

In terms of programs with strength in healthcare, in addition to the programs you are considering, look into Wharton and its Healthcare Management Program. (Here’s an interview with the director of this Healthcare Management at Wharton and at Large” ) Also look into Yale, Duke, Tuck,and NYU.

Choose the major you enjoy more. Either one is acceptable for business school. Finance may make it easier to get a job if you want to work for a year or two between your bachelors and bschool. Frankly, I’m not clear why you need to complete this degree when you are already a doctor, but I’m sure you have a good reason for it.

Unless you have a specific need for that second bachelors — and it doesn’t sound like it– I recommend against going for it. It would make you seem like a degree collector as opposed to someone who simply changed career direction. It would also make you older.

Best,
Linda

I have a medical background with MD from a Northern European university, which isn’t internationally recognized. My primary targets are HBS, Stanford & Columbia. I consider some on the west coast (probably Berkeley) and also some on the east coast if I manage to find one with strengths in healthcare. Any suggestions on these?

1) 2 years as a GP added by short periods as a resident in surgery and internal medicine. On the business side an internship at a management consulting boutique specialized in healthcare and 1-2 years as a medical advisor at big pharma. I might seek for additional experience with MBB or Accenture healthcare practices before applying.

2) GMAT 740 (97%)

3) The medical school mentioned above uses pass/fail, GPA not applicable. I’m now enrolled on a top Nordic business school aiming at bachelor in business admin / economics. GPA there 4.6 / 5 which would give me graduation with honors. The school is appreciated nationally and in the Nordic region and generally in Europe, ranks maybe 100-200 on the Shanghai list. The school also holds a partnership with Stanford with some exchange study possibilities provided there.

4) Volunteering on a clinic that provides free healthcare for immigrants and others not qualified for public healthcare services in my country. Involved in the entrepreneurship society of my business school which has created a remarkable startup hub / ecosystem in the Nordic region. I have worked with life sciences startups and act as a sort of a healthcare specialist in the team.

5) -

6) 3 main options, all of these bridging medical background with business skills. One is climbing up the big pharma ladder. The second could be a industry specialist in consulting. Third would deal with investments / banking / venture capital focused on healthcare / life sciences.

I’m 30+, which could be a problem. However, the medical background could explain it quite well. I’m still pondering whether to major economics or finance at my current business school, any ideas? I personally think that economics could fit me better and at least HBS could appreciate it more. Finance undergrad might make MBA slightly not useful for me. Additionally, I have a possibility to take another bachelor degree in engineering (major in applied maths and industrial engineering / management) in the same university where I’m doing business studies at the moment. Would it be a pro or a con in your opinion? Personally, I think that might be a bit too much for one person…..

Thank you and sorry for the long posting!

Best,
Linda

Considering your question, my answer is unequivocal: absolutely not. (And I can equivocate. )The reasons you provide above are not “just an excuse.” They could really affect academic performance without reflecting academic ability. They also positively reflect strong character, commitment, leadership, and a sense of responsibility.

Now go pound that GMAT. And please come back when you’re ready to apply.

You may also want to look into the Consortium as well as ML4T.org.

Best,
Linda

Thank you so much for your time to provide me an honest profile assessment. I studied over the weekend and took another practice test last night and scored a 600…making me optimistic about it However, I’ve probably maxed the limit of my logic and will require content training from here on.

Just one last question in regard to the personal essay. I’ve been working 20+ hours since age 11 to support the family so I was not able to attend school regularly but I always went on test day to pass. Similarly, I’ve been active duty since age 17 and completed my degree while working full time in the military and another part time in the weekend. I have one other factor exponentially more challenging than the previous two, but bottom line. If I write about the factors above, would it be perceived as excuses?

What I really want them to know is how much I’ve evolved from self teaching myself academically to fill gaps and the extend of my leadership prowess backed by winning the highest level awards in the Air Force to include being selected continuously to the most highly competitive programs.

Once again Linda, thank you for your time.

Best,
Linda

I would also appreciate an assessment on my profile below for attending Harvard MBA

Age: 29
Nationality: Mexican American (first citizen in the family)
First to graduate from college and high school in the family
1st Essay to be around my vast acquisition experience both corporate and Government
2nd Essay to be on growing up with a single mom and dealing with tragedies
Letter of Recommendations: An SVP from a $4 Billion company endorsed by the CEO and from a High level Government official at the General rank equivalent

- Have not taken GMAT (Thinking about a prep course) took a practice test and it was 510 30Q 31V
- 3.1 GPA from a State University

- 12 years of military experience (6 Enlisted in the Army and 6 as an Air Force Officer)
- I have commanded 3 units in the acquisition field each around 25 personnel (3 years)
- I have awarded/executed/negotiated over 200 contracts worth over $3 Billion
- I was recently stratified and awarded #1 of 652 Company Grade Officers, 2013 (CGOs) at Space & Missile Systems Center (include other officers in careers such as Pilots, Space professionals, Finance, lawyers, doctors etc… and schools from Ivy league to Air Force Academy)
- My team was stratified as #1 of 15, 2012 and won GPS team excellence award (I was team leader)
- #1 of 15 contracting officers, 2012
- I was competitively selected for AF Education with Industry (1 of 3 from a pool of over 800) It is a highly competitive program to work 1 year at industry and return to the Air Force to apply corporate knowledge within the military.
- I was competitively selected for Language Enable Airman Program (LEAP) 5% selection rate to learn Brazilian Portuguese and deploy to Brazil for a month every year to hone language skills and local business practices by attending symposiums and networking.
- I have 4 years of international experience: Brazil, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, Indonesia
- I have Merger & Acquisition exposure to the negotiation and integration of a $900M company as part of my current industry tour
- I have exposure to investor relations, how Top management communicates to wall street
- I’ve also been exposed to strategic growth campaigns and branding campaigns
- I Led a $420M source selection which is a process to build a requirement and award a contract in addition to being a team member to 6 other source selections
– I know how to capture business as part of my current industry experience linked with Government source selection experience
- I was promoted to SGT at age 19 in the US Army (ultra rare)
and so much more like saving a total of $220 Million in projects throughout my career etc…

- The goal is to leverage my breath of exposure in acquisitions and to fuse it with an Ivy league MBA to begin my passion in finance and salesmanship by working as an Investment banker specializing in Merger & Acquisitions

So sorry for the extensive profile but I am fact finding if I am competitive and if studying for the GMAT can make the difference for me as I am confident to do better by knowing more about the test.