A UCLA MBA Students Journey: From a 610 GMAT to Thriving in B-School

Question

http://myessayreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Stephanie-1.jpg

Introduction 
 
In the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of being a part of the MBA journey of hundreds of aspiring candidates worldwide, hailing from diverse demographics, industries, and backgrounds- tech, finance, banking, oil and gas, human resources, automobile, shipping, family business, and the military. Their stories are a testament to their unwavering determination, focus, hard work, and resilience. 
 
One story that shines particularly brightly is that of Stephanie Ponassian, with whom I worked for two consecutive years. In 2021, she applied for Canadian MBA programs. Despite a GMAT score of 610, she gained admission into McGill and Concordia but was unable to enroll due to unforeseen circumstances. 
 
In 2022, with no change in her GMAT score, she once again collaborated with MER to apply to four US B-schools- UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, and UCLA Anderson. And she was accepted into three of them. 
 
Stephanie’s journey is a testament to her unyielding determination, unwavering focus, and remarkable power of perseverance. Currently, Stephanie is a second-year student at UCLA Anderson. She has graciously agreed to recount her admission success story with her dream school, UCLA Anderson, and B-school experience.

In this conversation, Stephanie covers the following topics:

Talking Points of the Conversation

Stephanie’s Academic and Professional Background-  00:44  
 Insights into the Extended MBA Application Journey-  02:45  
 How She Overcame GMAT Challenges-  05:58  
 Waitlist Strategies that Turned Waitlist into an Acceptance-  08:45  
 Strong Aspects of Her Profile that Offset Her Low GMAT-  14:58  
 Stephanie’s 3 Top Interview Tips-  16:06  
 Life at UCLA: Her Favorite Moments- 19:20  
 Career Support at Anderson-  20:50  
 How She Navigated Challenges-  25:16  
 Stephanie’s Contribution to the Program-  28:35  
 Internship at Amgen and Landing a Full-Time Offer-  31:45  
 Stephanie’s Advice for Incoming Students-  33:55   
  
And let’s dive into the conversation with Stephanie..........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9pSJW2ShU

Poonam:   Welcome back! It’s my pleasure to have you here again to share your MBA application experience.

Stephanie:  Thank you! It’s so nice to see you and speak with you again.

Poonam:   Likewise. For those who haven’t seen your 2022 interview, could you please tell our viewers a bit about your academic and professional background?

Stephanie’s Academic and Professional Background 
  
Stephanie:  Yes, I would love to. I was born and raised in Lebanon. In 2016, I graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Business Administration. In 2017, I landed a spot in the Management Trainee Program at the Kraft Heinz Company in Dubai. I took the opportunity and made the move. 
 
After completing the program a year later, I transitioned into the food and beverage industry, working with brands like KFC, Cinnabon, and Peet’s Coffee- some of the best American brands. I climbed the ladder from an entry-level role into a mid-managerial position. By 2022, after seven years of professional experience, I felt it was time for a change. That is when I began exploring MBA programs- and that is where I met you, and our journey together began.

Stephanie’s   Extended MBA Journey Across Two Countries 
  
Poonam:   Your application journey has indeed been unique. You initially applied to Canadian programs in 2021, got into both, but couldn’t join due to unforeseen circumstances. Then you didn’t give up, you shifted focus to U.S. MBA programs, and we worked together again. You applied to four schools and were admitted to three. Can you walk us through this extended MBA journey and share your experience applying to programs in both Canada and the U.S.?  
  
Stephanie:  Absolutely. To give a little more context: as you mentioned, I started with Canadian universities in 2021. At the time, I was focused on moving to Canada, and I prioritized Canadian MBA programs over U.S. ones. 
 
I applied to McGill and Concordia and was accepted into both with scholarships, this was with a 610 GMAT score. Unfortunately, though I had every intention of attending McGill, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was not able to move to Canada. That’s when I pivoted and turned my focus to the U.S. I applied to UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, and UCLA Anderson. I ended up receiving offers from three of them, including, of course, UCLA Anderson, where I am now. 
 
In terms of the application experience in both countries, I would say the processes are quite similar. The key is understanding what’s required and planning to complete everything in a timely manner. Some components take longer than expected, especially things like transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters, so I recommend starting to gather and understand the requirements at least two months before the deadline. 
 
For the GMAT, though, you need more time. The amount of time depends on the individual, so I would not want to generalize. For me, it was a long journey- I took the GMAT multiple times over two years. Once you have mapped out the requirements and set aside enough time- two months for everything but the GMAT, and even more for the GMAT- it’s about checking off each step patiently, one by one. 
   
And I was really lucky to have you as my mentor throughout this process. Working with you made everything so much more manageable, structured, and organized.   That was key to navigating the application deadlines smoothly.

How Stephanie Overcame GMAT Challenges 
  
Poonam:   Yes, we have known each other for four years now. As you mentioned earlier, the GMAT was the most challenging part of your application journey. How did you navigate that challenge, and what strategies worked for you?  
  
Stephanie:  Yes. From the start, I knew that standardized tests were not my strength. They made me very anxious and nervous, which made the journey personally quite difficult. But knowing that was helpful- it is the reason I started preparing early. 
 
I began studying for the GMAT a year before the 2022 application deadlines for Canadian schools. I had hoped to complete the GMAT by 2021, but it took me another full year. Initially, I studied on my own. But after two attempts, I realized I was not going to get the results I wanted by preparing alone. So, I decided to enroll in a GMAT course with Princeton Review. I wanted to feel more psychologically comfortable with the material, and being part of a structured program with a reputable name behind it helped with my anxiety. 
 
After joining the program and attending the training sessions, I scored 610- which was higher than my previous scores. I shall be honest: I was aiming for at least 650, but I took the 610 as a win. I was exhausted by the process at that point and made a conscious decision to stop there. 
 
But I felt much more comfortable with my 610 score after meeting you. You suggested I write an optional letter to the admissions teams explaining my test anxiety and the steps I have taken to overcome it. And I have to say- it worked well. The admissions committees were empathetic, and I’m so glad I followed your advice.

Waitlist Strategies that Turned the Waitlist into an Acceptance 
  
Poonam:   Thank you! I also truly enjoyed working with you, and I’m so happy you were successful. Our strategy worked- you received admission offers from three schools. You had already accepted the offer from UC San Diego because UCLA had placed you on the waitlist. I’d love for you to share with our viewers what waitlist strategies we used that helped convert your waitlist status into an offer of admission, despite a 610 GMAT score.  
  
Stephanie:  That’s a key question. To be honest, I was thrilled to receive offers from UC San Diego, UC Riverside, and UC Irvine. Since I was waitlisted by UCLA, I accepted UC San Diego’s offer- I truly believed my GMAT score might be a dealbreaker, and I didn’t want to risk being left without a plan. So, UC San Diego became my Plan B. 
   
When it came to converting the UCLA waitlist into an admission offer, I honestly owe it all to you.   On UCLA’s application portal, there was a section for updating credentials- things like a new GMAT score, employment updates, or new recommendations. There was also the option to submit an additional letter to the admissions team. So, with that context, let me walk through the key strategies we used, one by one. 
  
First , following your advice, I secured a letter of recommendation from the CEO of my former company, which I believe added substantial weight to my application. 
  
Second , I had recently been promoted at work, and we crafted a letter outlining my new responsibilities, emphasizing what the promotion meant in terms of leadership and growth. 
  
Third , we highlighted the quantitative nature of my job in the food and beverage industry to demonstrate my ability to handle the academic rigor of the MBA program. We shared examples of analytical projects I led, like when I worked at KFC and customized menus for different regions in the UAE based on demographic data. I studied customer preferences using data and tailored the menu accordingly.

At Peet’s Coffee, I led the launch of the brand’s first location in the Middle East, in Dubai. I built a go-to-market strategy, analyzed pricing, and selected the launch location- all based on detailed market research and data analysis. These projects demonstrated my analytical and quantitative capabilities, and we made sure to emphasize them in the letter.
  
Poonam:   Yes, we wanted to show that despite a lower GMAT, your professional experiences prepared you well for the rigor of an MBA.  
  
Stephanie:  Exactly. And we did not stop there. We also emphasized how my personal values and professional behavior aligned with UCLA’s values. UCLA is all about collaboration and sharing success, and I gave examples of times when I supported teams outside my own, coordinated with other departments to solve cross-functional problems, and contributed to a women’s empowerment committee at work. All of this showcased my collaborative spirit and fit with UCLA’s community. 
 
And finally, and most importantly, with your encouragement, we addressed the GMAT score directly. We were honest about it being below average and included a personal letter explaining my test anxiety and the steps I took to manage it. 
 
At first, I was hesitant to be that vulnerable. But with your support, I opened up and put my heart into that letter. And I believe it truly made a difference. It moved the admissions committee, and I was accepted. 
  
Poonam:   Yes, I remember your initial hesitation- but your honesty paid off. And now, here you are- at UCLA Anderson.  
  
Stephanie:  Yes! I’m so happy it all came together in the end. Every strategy we implemented mattered- but above all, being honest made the biggest impact. 
  
Poonam:   So, they rightly say- honesty is the best policy. No one is perfect. And I’m so happy that everything worked out.  
  
Stephanie:  Very true. It has been an amazing experience, a great journey, and the result of all the effort we put in.

Strong Aspects of   Stephanie’s   Profile that Offset her Low GMAT 
  
Poonam:   Exactly. Considering the average GMAT score is 710 for UCLA Anderson, 652 for UC Irvine, and 675 for UC San Diego, it is truly commendable that you were accepted with a 610 score, which, in your own words, felt like a miracle. Can you comment on the other strong aspects of your profile that helped offset the low GMAT and convinced the admissions committee that you could handle the academic rigor of the program?  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, it felt like a miracle! I believe a few things played a critical role in strengthening my profile. 
 
First, we highlighted the analytical skills I developed throughout my professional career. That was key. 
 
Second, directly addressing the GMAT score with the admissions committee made a real difference. Being honest about my challenges with test anxiety truly helped, more than I could have imagined. 
 
And finally, I believe my interview went well. I was well-prepared and had done extensive research on UCLA. I think that level of curiosity, genuine interest, and commitment to the school came through. The University of California system places a lot of value on authenticity and intentionality in its applicants, and I made sure that came across. 
  
Poonam:   That is great to hear. Could you share a few interview tips for our viewers who may be preparing for their own MBA interviews?

Stephanie Shares 3 Top Interview Tips 
  
Stephanie:  Of course! Reflecting on my own experience, I think three key things helped me during the interview process. 
  
First , I did a lot of research on UCLA. But it wasn’t just surface-level research from browsing the website- I went deeper. I spoke to UCLA alumni and current students to understand the culture, values, and nature of the program. I think that effort showed in my interview and helped convey how serious and passionate I was about joining the program. 
 
Being in the Middle East at the time, I knew I had to put in even more effort to understand what life at UCLA would be like. That extra step made a difference. 
  
Second , I familiarized myself with the academic initiatives offered by the MBA program- things like Capstone projects, Global immersions, and Industry immersions. It’s really important to understand what specific opportunities the program offers and how those align with your goals. That connection between your goals and what the school provides should be clear in your responses. 
  
Third , have a high-level idea of your post-MBA goals and communicate them clearly. Of course, it’s okay to change your mind later- no one is going to hold you to what you say in the interview. But showing that you have thought seriously about your career and have a plan demonstrates that you’re organized and forward-thinking. It reflects maturity and purpose. 
  
Poonam:   Yes, and your confidence, communication skills, and ability to think on your feet certainly played a role too.  
  
Stephanie:  Absolutely! And the more you practice, the easier it gets. Mock interviews help a lot; they prepare you for what’s coming, even if they’re not real. 
  
Poonam:   Very true. And before the UCLA interview, you had already given several interviews, which helped boost your confidence. Many students tell me that with every interview, they feel more and more prepared.  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, it helps. It gets easier with time- you begin to understand how the process works, and it starts to feel like second nature. 
  
Life at UCLA Anderson: Stephanie Reflects on Her Favorite Moments  
  
Poonam:   Well, you are now a second-year student at UCLA Anderson, and you are going to graduate in just two months. That is hard to believe!  
  
Stephanie:  I know- it’s crazy how time flies. Honestly, it breaks my heart to know that I shall be graduating soon. I have had such an amazing time at UCLA, and there are so many things I have loved about my experience. It is hard to pick just one. 
 
But since you asked, I think what I will miss the most is sitting outdoors at Ander’s Café with my friends, having coffee and chatting- sometimes about assignments, but mostly just about life. Ander Café is the university’s coffee shop, and it is where so many memorable conversations have happened. That’s something I will truly miss.

Poonam:   That sounds lovely. And on the professional side?

Stephanie Shares   Career Support   at UCLA Anderson 
  
Stephanie:  On the professional front, one of the most rewarding things I have done is working with the Parker Career Management Center. I have been helping train first-year students on how to craft strong resumes, prepare for interviews, and write effective cover letters. Giving back in this way- working closely with the amazing, first-year students- has been incredibly fulfilling. 
  
Poonam:   That is wonderful. Could you tell us more about Anderson’s career resources and how they have helped students land their desired roles?  
  
Stephanie:  Of course. UCLA Anderson offers excellent resources to help you reach your post-MBA career goals. That said, I think it is important to acknowledge that a lot also depends on your effort. It takes dedication, long hours, and consistency, but the tools and support systems are there. It becomes a partnership between you and the school. Let me share a few examples of what UCLA provides. 
 
When the program starts, UCLA brings students in early, around July, and offers about a month and a half of industry-focused training. These sessions introduce students to various sectors, with an emphasis on those most prominent in California. This helped me get a clear sense of what industries I might want to explore, and it gave me a solid foundation of industry knowledge. In parallel, each student is paired with a  career advisor,  not to be confused with an academic advisor. This career advisor helps you build your resume, write your cover letter, and tailor your profile to your target industry. That is especially useful because every industry has its nuances in hiring. 
 
Then, just a couple of months into the program, companies begin to visit the campus. Each industry has its own “career month.” For instance, healthcare companies usually start visiting in November, while consulting firms come earlier, around early September. By then, you already have a solid grasp of the industry landscape and key players. UCLA does a fantastic job of bringing in companies that actively recruit Anderson students. And if your dream company does not recruit on campus, there are resources for  off-campus job searches , too.

Stephanie Shares the Recruitment Process

Poonam:   That’s impressive. What about the recruitment process? 
  
Stephanie:  That’s a huge part of the journey- and one where your career advisor plays an essential role. If you are not familiar with how networking works, they will guide you through it. 
 
I did a few extra sessions with my advisor to prepare for coffee chats and networking conversations with prospective employers. These sessions helped me approach those conversations confidently.

Poonam:   That sounds very structured. 
  
Stephanie:  It is! And another excellent resource is the  IPT group,  which stands for Interview Practice Training. These sessions help you prepare for actual interviews, starting with fit and behavioral questions. If your target industry includes case interviews, you can practice those too. 
 
These are just the resources I used the most- but honestly, there’s so much more available. I could talk about it all day! The key takeaway is that by the time recruiting season starts, you feel well-prepared and confident in your approach.

Poonam:   That’s fantastic. It sounds like there’s a strong support system to help students get where they want to be.

How Stephanie Navigated Challenges Faced in the First Year

Poonam:   I’ve heard from several students that the first year can be quite challenging, especially when adjusting to a new environment or, as in your case, even a new country. On top of that, students have to manage academics and start networking. How did you navigate these challenges, and what advice would you give to incoming students?  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, there are many challenges, especially in the first year. As you mentioned, moving to a new country adds another layer to it. 
 
On the  social side , UCLA does a great job of helping students build community through various social events, especially in the first year. Beyond the events, I found that students at UCLA are incredibly respectful, kind, supportive, and genuinely friendly. That is the kind of culture the school fosters. So, from a social standpoint, it was relatively easy to make friends and find a sense of belonging. 
 
From a  professional perspective , I would say the biggest challenge for me was recruitment, and more specifically, networking. Before moving to the U.S., I had never engaged in networking as a formal process for securing a job. I did not even know what a “coffee chat” was! 
 
For those who may be international students, a  coffee chat  is essentially a one-on-one meeting with someone from a company you are interested in, usually before applying for a role. It is an opportunity to ask questions about the company, its culture, and roles, and to assess whether it will be a good fit before formally interviewing. 
 
In the U.S., networking is a critical part of the recruiting process. You do not just apply based on the job description- you are expected to talk to people in the company beforehand. That was a very different approach from what I was used to doing. Fortunately, the  Career Center at UCLA  laid all of this out very clearly. They guided us on what successful recruitment looks like in the U.S. context, and emphasized how vital networking is. 
 
But again, it is up to the student to come up with a strategy and get comfortable reaching out to people you have never met before. What helped me was doing  mock coffee chats  with my advisor- it allowed me to practice and gradually become more confident. It was a lot of work, especially at the beginning, but it all paid off. Now, networking feels natural, just like interviews have become easier over time.

Stephanie’s Contribution to the Program 
  
Poonam:   That’s very helpful. You have shared a lot about what UCLA gave you. I would love to know- what do you consider your  most valuable contribution  to the program?

Stephanie:  That is a great question. I think I have contributed in multiple ways.
 
When I first joined the program, one of my goals was to improve my  leadership skills . So, during group projects, I consistently took on leadership roles to become more comfortable managing team dynamics and responsibilities. For my  capstone project , I served as the team leader, and we did a fantastic job- I was proud of how that turned out. 
 
In terms of  student clubs , I served as  VP of Marketing & Communication  for the  Healthcare Club . I was the main point of contact for communicating with members and was at the forefront of messaging and outreach efforts. 
 
I also worked as a  Career Advisor  at the  Parker Career Management Center , helping first-year students with crafting resumes, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. It was fulfilling to support others who were just starting their journey. 
 
Finally, I served as a  lecturer  for a three-month course that introduced students to the healthcare industry. Since I am transitioning into healthcare, I want to help others understand the field better. In that course, I taught students how to research companies, build strong applications, and create long-lasting professional connections. The course was part of the  ACT (Anderson Career Team) training program , which is optional but incredibly useful. I took it in my first year, and in my second year, I decided to give it back by teaching it. 
  
Poonam:   That’s very impressive! You have been very active and have contributed a lot during these two years.  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, it has been a busy two years, but very fulfilling. It was a great experience overall. If I could go back, I would do it all over again. 
  
Poonam:   That is great to hear. Everyone I have spoken to says the same- once they are in the program, they do not want to leave. But, of course, all good things must come to an end.  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, I remember when I joined, I thought, “Why is not the MBA program three years?” That is something you hear from everyone as graduation approaches. It is hard to see this chapter close. 
  
Poonam:   But now another exciting chapter is about to begin. Last year, you interned at  Amgen  and later received a  full-time job offer . Would you like to share your internship experience and how it led to the full-time role?

Internship at Amgen and Landing a Full-time Offer 
  
Stephanie:  Yes! When I entered the MBA program, I decided to follow my passion for  healthcare , even though I came from a  food and beverage  background. Healthcare had always been at the back of my mind, and once I started doing deeper research, I realized Amgen was one of my top-choice employers. 
 
I was thrilled to land the internship, and even happier to receive a full-time offer. I shall be starting in July, and I am super excited. Two key things really helped me during the internship and played a major role in getting that offer: 
  
First , I focused heavily on  networking within the company . This is especially important in healthcare, where companies value curiosity and genuine interest, not just in the role, but in the organization and its people. I made a concerted effort to build long-term connections across different levels of the company. 
  
Second , I simply put in the  hard work . During the internship, I actively identified and addressed challenges that could potentially become roadblocks for the company. Amgen values people with a go-getter mindset- those who are curious, driven, and willing to put in the hours. I was intentional about demonstrating that mindset throughout my time there, and it paid off! 
  
Poonam:   Congratulations, and thank you for sharing that. So, Stephanie, what advice would you give to incoming students?

Stephanie’s Advice for Incoming Anderson Students

Stephanie:  I have a few suggestions based on my experience.
  
First , for students  switching industries-  and that was more than 50% of my class- I highly recommend joining  industry immersions . These are fast-tracking programs that give you a strong foundation in your chosen field. Whether it is healthcare, tech, real estate, consulting, or finance, there is something for everyone. 
 
Since I am entering healthcare, I would also like to specifically recommend the  “U.S. Business of Healthcare”  course. The professor does a fantastic job breaking down the complexities of the American healthcare system in a way that is easy to understand. I took it after my internship, but honestly, I wish I had taken it beforehand- it would have made my life so much easier. 
  
Lastly , I would say the  recruitment process is tough , especially in today’s job market. So, the most important thing is to  stay resilient . Do not give up on what you want. Be patient, stay strong, and work hard- the results will come. 
  
Poonam:   That is excellent advice- and very valuable for incoming students. Stephanie, it has been a pleasure talking to you and listening to your insights. Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with our viewers?  
  
Stephanie:  I think we have covered just about everything. For anyone watching this, I will be more than happy to connect with you if you have questions about the program, the healthcare industry, or just want to learn more about my journey. 
 
So many people supported me through this process- starting with you, Poonam- and I genuinely want to pay that forward. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me. I do not believe any of this would have been possible without your support.   I feel incredibly lucky to have come across your profile and to have had the opportunity to work with you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.   
  
Poonam:   Thank you so much, Stephanie. Actually, I feel like I was the lucky one to work with you over the past two years. It was a joy. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to do this interview. I am confident that your story will inspire not only prospective applicants but also incoming Anderson students. I wish you the very best as you begin your post-MBA career. You will be joining Amgen in July?  
  
Stephanie:  Yes, three months from now. I graduate on  June 13th , so I shall have about a month and a half to relax a bit before starting what people call “real work.” 
  
Poonam:   That sounds perfect. So, enjoy your remaining few months at Anderson- and I wish you continued success in everything you do. You’re an amazing candidate, and the sky is the limit for you. Please stay in touch.

Stephanie:  Thank you so much. Have an amazing day!

Poonam:   Thank you. Bye-bye!

Key Takeaways for MBA Applicants:

A lower GMAT score does not define your potential. Strategic storytelling, strong professional experience, and clear communication can make all the difference. 
 Being honest about personal challenges, such as test anxiety, can resonate with admissions committees when presented with sincerity. 
 Networking is crucial in the U.S. recruitment landscape. Prepare early, practice coffee chats, and build genuine connections. 
 Immersing yourself in student life and giving back through mentoring and leadership roles enriches your MBA experience. 
 Research, planning, and utilizing career services effectively can help you transition successfully into a new industry.  
 
Stephanie’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and purposeful growth. From overcoming test anxiety to leading classroom projects and mentoring peers, she made the most of her MBA journey. As she steps into a full-time role at Amgen, her experience will no doubt inspire many aspiring applicants to stay resilient, be authentic, and pursue their goals with courage. If you would like to learn more about her journey or the UCLA MBA experience, feel free to reach out. Stephanie is eager to give back to the community that supported her.

Connect with Stephanie : You can connect with Stephanie via  LinkedIn.

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