Ask a Former Harvard Admissions Interviewer and Harvard Grad

Fielding questions from those applying Round 1 to any of the Top Ten programs.

www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Hi, another question.

I want to go into consulting and I have a strong "story" from my past to show why I am heading in that direction. For my Harvard essay would I be better served writing about why I am going down this route, or by highlighting a skill-set with examples from my past?

Thank you

A strong story that highlights your skill set and combines both of your directions would actually be ideal. It's all going to come down to the execution of your essay and what works in terms of how you structure it and create the narrative. Without actually seeing the essay it's hard to speculate more, but I would absolute shoot for a combination of your two directions.

Hope that helps-

Jillian, President & Founder
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

I have a low quant score but went through the investment banking analyst program, will they negate out OR will there be a red flag on my application about my ability to survive the quant courses?

It won't just negate out, but they will ask you (if you get to the interview stage) for your perspective on the dichotomy. Obviously a higher score would be better. Are you able to take the test again? That would be my best recommendation.

Jillian
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

I theoretically could but when I looked at the timing and # of programs i wanted to take a shot at i thought it'd be better to spend that time on the essays and specific reasons for each program - thoughts? 700 was my GMAT, majored in Business at a top 5 public U

You're in good shape with a 700 GMAT. I assumed your score was lower, based on what you said. 700 is competitive and strong, so yes, focus on the essays and obviously make sure your resume is up to par. Happy to help if you have any additional questions!

Jillian
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Thank you very much for your time! We all really appreciate this.

For my essay, I was planning on writing about a challenging situation that happened my first year of college, how I overcame it and the skill sets I developed to face future challenges. However, it doesn't touch on the path I want to pursue after my MBA or why I want an MBA. I know the essay prompt doesn't specifically ask for these last two questions, but should I find a way to force it in? Will it hurt me to not answer these questions?

Have a great night!

MBA application essays should focus on examples from your professional career. That's what the admissions committee wants to learn about, and what the essay questions are meant to reveal.

Jillian
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Hi Jillian,

I would like to know how does the admissions committtee look at the profile of non US applicant like me. What is their expectation actually? Is there any quota reserved for non US in any school? My plan is to have admitted to any top 20 US MBA campus coming next one or two years and I am on the way of preparation. I came from engineering background and would like to write an essay about achievements in my career. I am still working at multinational company but with less international exposure and this condition somehow makes me feel inferior. I need your valuable view and input about this.

Thank you.

Regards,
Lastiko

Hi Lastiko,
The schools look very favorably upon international applicants, especially since everyone's attention is now on "the global economy." You should mention any non-English languages you speak in your essays, as that will be a plus. Also, bigger companies with known names internationally will also hold more weight, so am glad to here your company is a multinational corporation.

In terms of quotas, all schools like to have a strong, diversified class, but no quotas per se, they just pick the best student with the most solid experience, and do look favorably on international applicants. So...GOOD LUCK!

Jillian
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Hello and thanks in advance for your time.

My question is: With regards to HBS, how important is it to visit campus and sit in a class prior to submitting? With the R1 deadline being so early this year, I am not going to be able to visit until after I submit, but I will visit before the (fingers crossed) interview.

Thanks.

It just gives you a chance of meeting some of the key people, with the hope of creating a personal connection with your application. A lot of students can't make the visit however, and HBS truly understands this, so the most important thing is still simply creating a stellar application. THAT'S what's going to get you noticed, in the end, campus visit or not.

Hope that helps -

Jillian, President & Founder
MBA Ivy League
www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Tip of the Day: How to Create a Great MBA Application!


TIP 1: Focus On Your Professional Experience

Though obvious to some, it is not obvious to others, which is why I’ll state this as my Number 1 "Tip of the Day" - MBA programs want to hear about your professional experience.

So, whereas on your undergraduate college applications, it was important to show how well-rounded you were, and how you participated in all kinds of activities and things, when applying to an MBA program admissions committees are looking for PROFESSIONAL FOCUS in almost every question (even when they say that they're not).

They want to hear about your work, your professional life, your level of responsibility, the number of people you manage, the level of finances you or your department handles (the committees like numbers), your goals, your future, and your long-term career interests… all how they relate to you professionally.

You can follow my MBA blog here, or check out my website, below: https://mbaivyleague.wordpress.com/

I will be posting more tips every day!

Jillian
MBA Ivy League
https://www.MBAIvyLeague.com

Edit

Yes, that is a very competitive score! 720 and above puts you in a different ballpark in terms of not only HBS, but any Top Ten program. Great score -

Jillian, President & Founder
MBA Ivy League
(646) 276-7042 (NYC)

www.MBAIvyLeague.com

As HBS Round 1 deadlines are approaching, I want to point out my blog, where I am offering weekly (if not daily) tips to help create a strong MBA application, so please check it out:

https://mbaivyleague.wordpress.com/

Jillian, President & Founder
MBA Ivy League
New York, NY
www.MBAIvyLeague.com