Last visit was: 29 Apr 2026, 03:40 It is currently 29 Apr 2026, 03:40
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
MAH
avatar
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Last visit: 31 Mar 2020
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 55
Posts: 36
Kudos: 2
A few questions... Updated on: 26 Aug 2016, 12:31
Originally posted by MAH on 10 Aug 2014, 15:35.
Last edited by MAH on 26 Aug 2016, 12:31, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
.
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,229
Own Kudos:
2,075
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,229
Kudos: 2,075
A few questions... 14 Aug 2014, 22:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MAH

But anyways enough of the excuses, background, and plans now come the questions.

1) How important is the undergrad institution you attend? I checked the HBS website and the institutions they admit students from and whilst the are a number of less well known U.S. institutions which aren't Ivy league schools, i'm not sure if this is still the case with UK institutions? How are UK undergrad institutions which are not Oxbridge/ Imperial/ LSE/ Warwick viewed? Specifically the likes of Nottingham, Southamton, Manchester for anyone who knows. :)

2) Will attending a "feeder school" MSc offset my undergrad school name? Or is the weight of undergrad school extremely high? What about a startup can that offset the undergrad institution?

3) How is the Accounting and Finance double major undergrad viewed by B-school admission officers? Is it viewed favourably, unfavourably compared to the likes of Econ, Engineering, or are they neutral on the whole?

4) Will getting an MSc negatively affect my chances of getting an admit for an MBA? If so I might have to reconsider.

5) Mature undergrad students, how are they viewed in general? And what about if it's someone with a background story like mine?

5) What are my chances based on my "plan" (lol)? I'm thinking if I get into Imperial/ LSE/ Oxford, I can apply to the Harvard 2+2, seems a solid plan?

6) Any other tips about how I should actually approach this within the next 5-6 years, perhaps I am going about this in the wrong way? Any help appreciated.

This is all that I can think of for now, might add a few more questions if I remember. Feel free to ask if anything is missing by the way.
Show more

Hello there!
So before I get to your questions above, let me say that you shouldn't be apologizing for asking for help! No no!
:)

And yes, as you mentioned, I do think your plans are a bit unrealistic, but then again, on the other hand, they are your dreams, and if we don't have our dreams than what. I think it's great that you are hoping against the probable, and that not only that, you are working towards it. It is one thing to do this when your profile is all baked, and another altogether when there is still lots to do. What I mean is that given your early work experience and UG grades etc, an admission to HBS would be improbable unless…

unless you make yourself into the exception. And it also helps that you are an East African candidate. As you can imagine, HBS and all other Bschools don't get aaaaaall that many East African applicants. So, anyhow, my advice: Don't worry about where you can get it now, but rather how you can go through with your plan.

On to your questions:
1) In general folks to attend from HBS come from one of the top schools in their country. OF have something else which makes up for it.
2) It helps. About the startup - if it's very successful, it helps.
3) Looks great - double majors are tough. But it's important too that your GPA remain VERY HIGH, esp. to offset your UG GPA.
4) No.
5) If you are aiming for US MBAs, apply before you are thirty. For Europe, you have a bit more breathing space.
6) Just keep on dreaming. And keep on doing what you can to make it happen. One way or another, you will make it!

Best,
Jon
avatar
MAH
avatar
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Last visit: 31 Mar 2020
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 55
Posts: 36
Kudos: 2
A few questions... Updated on: 26 Aug 2016, 12:32
Originally posted by MAH on 20 Aug 2014, 16:36.
Last edited by MAH on 26 Aug 2016, 12:32, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
.
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,229
Own Kudos:
2,075
 [1]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,229
Kudos: 2,075
 [1]
A few questions... 22 Aug 2014, 09:08
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MAH

Hey Jon,

When you're lost, you appreciate every little bit of help trust me. :D

By UG grades, what do you mean? my Advanced Diploma, is that considered? It doesn't qualify as a BS, I thought that is what matters, not any Pre-university, Foundation, Diploma courses? I mean I don't doubt it'll play a role, but will it be significant enough in the process, I would have thought greater weight would be put towards what I'm now starting in October, as that is a real undergraduate university degree and the most recent thing?

Earlier work experience, why do you think it is a negative, are family businesses looked upon negatively? Could I not leverage the fact that as early as 14, 15 I was designing brochures on my own, taking pictures, setting up Inventory and IT and management systems, card lock, electronic safe systems, designing forms etc? And then obviously I worked a bit and was making decisions, studying labour and tax laws.
Show more

Hello again!
So, I misunderstood a bit. I thought that by Advanced Degree this was a first Bachelors and that you were now going for a second. Sooooo, the good news: Nobody will care about these grades! And all you have to do is make sure that you do very well in your double degree.

As for your work experience, it's not that it doesn't count. And it is an interesting story, and much more inspiring than that of most people from the US who spent this age in front of the computer screen playing Video Games! :) So you can use it in your STORY, buuuuuuut it's "jobs" rather than a part of your career. What I mean, is you can use it in your narrative of how you developed, what you learned, how you rpogressed in your life, but it won't for the most part be considred as part of your work experience.

MAH

Yeh I thought the East African thing might help as well, would first generation college graduate also help?
Show more

Absolutely!

MAH

About your responses, appreciate it, a bit of clarification would be appreciated, on certain points:
2) Success is subjective I guess. How do they measure success for startups, revenue generated, growth in revenue, or something else entirely?
3) Yeh I'm hoping to get anywhere between 3.7-4.0 which is basically a first class honours degree, that's what I need.
4) You seem to think getting the MSc right after this degree won't negatively affect my chances. But others are telling me differently, that an MSc and MBA are overkill. The problem for me is i'm at a non-target/semi-target uni, and high school grades or foundation degree grades are uninspiring. For major companies like GS, JP Morgan, which use filters getting an analyst position may be tough even if I clear all 3 levels of the CFA exam by the time I graduate. That's why I was planning an MSc at an LSE/Warwick/Oxford to get that "brand" school on my CV to prove my intellect and give myself better chances of networking and landing a bulge bracket position. What do you think?
5) Could I not apply as soon as I turn 30, but no later? That is the age where i'll have at least 3 years experience, whereas at 29 I'd only have 2 years experience if I don't do the MSc, and only 1 year's experience if I do the MSc.
Perhaps a solution is to apply at 29, but matriculate at 30? It's a bit of a dilemma and hindrance the age thing.
6) Haha will do.

Thanks once again, any assistance appreciated. :)
Show more

2) It's two things. a) How high you aim b) How successful you are - this can be in terms of profits, size, relative to other firms, in terms of leadership, of growth. YOU define the terms of success.
3) Woohoo!
4) Not really. Buuut on the other hand it might make you too old and with too much education. Plenty of people get MsC then later MBA, buuuut then again they usually finish their Bachelors by 21, Masters right after, work three years and then are in the MBA about 26,27... so it is true that it's a different story.
5) Yeah, in that case, it seems like the either MSc OR MBA makes sense for you and not both. I hadn't really calculated your age by the time you finish it all.

And that's that!
Good luck with it all!
Best,
Jon
avatar
MAH
avatar
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Last visit: 31 Mar 2020
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 55
Posts: 36
Kudos: 2
A few questions... Updated on: 26 Aug 2016, 12:34
Originally posted by MAH on 26 Aug 2014, 06:59.
Last edited by MAH on 26 Aug 2016, 12:34, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
.
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,229
Own Kudos:
2,075
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,229
Kudos: 2,075
A few questions... 26 Aug 2014, 21:03
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MAH
JonAdmissionado

Hello again!
So, I misunderstood a bit. I thought that by Advanced Degree this was a first Bachelors and that you were now going for a second. Sooooo, the good news: Nobody will care about these grades! And all you have to do is make sure that you do very well in your double degree.

As for your work experience, it's not that it doesn't count. And it is an interesting story, and much more inspiring than that of most people from the US who spent this age in front of the computer screen playing Video Games! :) So you can use it in your STORY, buuuuuuut it's "jobs" rather than a part of your career. What I mean, is you can use it in your narrative of how you developed, what you learned, how you rpogressed in your life, but it won't for the most part be considred as part of your work experience.

MAH

Yeh I thought the East African thing might help as well, would first generation college graduate also help?

Absolutely!

2) It's two things. a) How high you aim b) How successful you are - this can be in terms of profits, size, relative to other firms, in terms of leadership, of growth. YOU define the terms of success.
3) Woohoo!
4) Not really. Buuut on the other hand it might make you too old and with too much education. Plenty of people get MsC then later MBA, buuuut then again they usually finish their Bachelors by 21, Masters right after, work three years and then are in the MBA about 26,27... so it is true that it's a different story.
5) Yeah, in that case, it seems like the either MSc OR MBA makes sense for you and not both. I hadn't really calculated your age by the time you finish it all.

And that's that!
Good luck with it all!
Best,
Jon
Yeh I'm not sure of the US equivalent, but it's a 3 year qualification. I think the qualification I did would be similar to Community College or an Associate's degree in the U.S., clearer now? I think if the grades are really good it allows you entry onto a 2nd year of a 3 year UK honours degree. Anyways it's a relief to hear it won't be that significant.

I see.

Thanks for the response once again, a lot of things have become much clearer.

I have one final question. Applicants who are successful at M7 schools and older than 30, what is it they usually have in common most of the time that allows them entry? Curious to know, as this may be of help to me.
Show more

1. they have a great story
2. They have a great application
3. They are very clear about the "Why NOW" part of things in their explanation of their goals
4. They have potential

That should about cover it!
:)
Best,
J
avatar
MAH
avatar
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Last visit: 31 Mar 2020
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 55
Posts: 36
Kudos: 2
A few questions... 27 Aug 2014, 14:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I see. Alright thanks once again. :)
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,229
Own Kudos:
2,075
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,229
Kudos: 2,075
A few questions... 05 Sep 2014, 08:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MAH
I see. Alright thanks once again. :)
Show more

You got it dude! Good luck to you!