Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) - Part 2

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http://myessayreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tanu-thumbnail.png This is Part 2 of my in-person interview with Tanu, a senior tech professional who earned admits from Kellogg MBAi , Berkeley Haas , and NYU Stern (with scholarship)—despite applying in Round 3 , with a 311 GRE and 10 years of work experience. In Part 1 , Tanu discussed her academic and professional background, rapid career growth, motivation for pursuing an MBA, school selection strategy, the brainstorming questionnaire, and the most challenging essay in her application journey. In this second half, we explore the other key components of her application—résumé building, recommendation letters, interview insights, and her reflections on applying with a senior profile, as well as the inner strength that sustained her through the process. Talking Points of the Conversation: Résumé Building – 20:20 Recommendation Letters – 22:07 Advice to Incoming Applicants – 24:55 Differentiating as a Tech Professional – 26:57 Interview Insights – 30:40 Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience – 34:13 Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books – 38:38 Key Factors Behind Her Success – 48:36 Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom – 50:42 Let’s dive into Tanu’s story of resilience, hard work , and an unshakable belief that a higher power was guiding her through the journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVF6dYrxFko 📨 Resume Building Poonam: Would you like to share your thoughts on the MBA résumé we built? After the brainstorming questionnaire, we worked on the résumé before moving on to the essays. Tanu: It was a very fresh take on building a résumé. Earlier, I had worked on my résumé while switching jobs, but that job résumé was completely different from what we built for the MBA. We used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Earlier, I never highlighted the outcomes of my work, just the responsibilities. After building this resume with you, I have become intentional in my current work, and find myself asking, “Why am I doing this? What is the intended outcome?” It has changed my perspective. I believe this shift in mindset will help me both during my MBA and later in my career. And when I have a team of my own someday, I will probably drill this into them too, tell them to look at tasks from the STAR method perspective: Why are you doing it? What result do you want? Poonam: Yes, Situation, Task, Action, and Result. That is exactly how we structured it. A very objective way of looking at things. Tanu: I am so glad we did that. 📨 Recommendation Letters Poonam: Let’s move on to recommendation letters. They are a crucial part of the MBA application. Many applicants struggle with choosing the right recommenders and following up with them for timely submissions. What challenges did you face and how did you navigate them? Tanu: That part of the process was not very smooth. Thankfully, two or three programs require only one recommender. But I got overenthusiastic and initially decided to submit two recommendations.” I contacted my previous managers, but they were occupied with work and couldn’t follow through. I felt dejected, especially because Kellogg required two recommenders. With the other schools, I finally decided to submit only one. But for Kellogg, I had to find a second recommender. I reached out to one person, but they were too busy. I reached out to another, and after initially agreeing, he stopped responding. Luckily, someone I had reported to here in the United States for six months was gracious enough to write the letter for me on short notice. I followed up persistently, even during his vacation. I even had a backup ready in case he backed out. It was a stressful stretch, but it all turned out well, and I got the admit! Poonam: Do you have any advice for prospective applicants on how to approach recommenders? Tanu: Yes. Choose someone who has evaluated you, someone who has seen your work, guided you, and supported you. The person who wrote for me had seen me through every project, every challenge, and all the contributions I made. That made a big difference. Also, almost every school asks for a critical or constructive feedback question. Sometimes we do not take that feedback well, but it is one of the best things that can happen to you, as it helps you grow. And your reaction to it matters most. And make sure the second person you approach is available, and communicate very clearly. If they cannot write the letter, they should tell you that, instead of ghosting you. Poonam: Yes, and approach them well ahead of time. Tanu: Absolutely. They are busy professionals, and this is extra work for them. So you must approach them much before the deadlines. 💡 Differentiating as a Tech Professional Poonam: Now, let’s talk about the applicant pool you belong to. You are part of a very competitive group—Indian tech professionals. What factors do you think distinguished you from others and helped you gain admission to such selective programs? Tanu: I think the most important thing is how you approach the situation you are in. Are you making the most of it, or are you always looking to be somewhere else? For example, when I started working, many people around me wanted to move out quickly to find something better to help them grow faster. But I always believed that if I had this opportunity, I needed to give my 100%. I focused on excelling wherever I was. Whatever landed in my bucket, I made sure to stand out in that team. I looked for solutions, spent more time on tasks, and ensured they left an impact. That kind of ownership and initiative is reflected in my résumé. Whenever I had the chance to mentor people, I jumped in. As a leader, you are not standing alone; you are expected to be great with people. Whether you are leading a team, a company, or a project, your success depends on how you work with others. So, I think that people leadership was a crucial factor in my journey. Also, my international experience gave me the confidence that I had already worked in the United States, and knew how to interact with professionals here. Additionally, I had strong experience in India. There were times I worked with teams here in the U.S. while managing a team back in India. Coordinating across time zones and handling the full project added to my story. 🎤 Interview Insights Poonam: Yes, and you were accepted into a very selective program that has only 50 seats, that too in Round 3. You distinguished yourself among countless applicants, which is a great achievement. Let’s talk about the interview stage. After candidates are selected for interviews, that is the final hurdle they have to cross. One can be accepted or rejected based on the interview. Can you share your interview experience and tell us about a moment when you felt truly connected with the interviewer? Tanu: Yes. I had two interviews, Kellogg and NYU Stern, just two days apart. The first was Kellogg. The interviewer was an admissions committee member, and she was amazing. It felt more like a conversation. She framed situational questions around what I had said, rather than asking generic questions like, “What challenges have you faced?” She was listening carefully and forming follow-up questions. It was refreshing. But the one where I truly felt a deep connection was NYU Stern. The interviewer was an alumnus. He began by introducing himself and said, “I wanted to be a doctor. That’s what I was pursuing. But then life happened—and now I’m here.” He said the best thing he did was to embrace it. That stuck with me. He said, “Sometimes, your plans don’t work out. You have to accept and adapt.” That’s the core of NYU’s tagline: “Change: How will you embrace it?” That is exactly how I approach life, accepting change, adapting, and shaping my life from there. At that moment, I knew we were on the same page. Whatever answers I gave after that just clicked with him. I was so happy they accepted me. Poonam: It is very important for applicants to connect with their interviewers. That connection matters. Tanu: Absolutely. Even in the Kellogg interview, the lady was into yoga and meditation. We spoke for 10 minutes about yoga! So, I felt a connection in both interviews. ⏳ Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience Poonam: You applied with nearly 10 years of work experience. Many applicants with 10 or 11 years of experience opt for Executive MBA programs. But you were determined to apply for only full-time programs. What convinced you that a full-time MBA was the right fit for you? Tanu: First, I do not carry the “baggage” of 10 years of experience. I just look at it as: this is what I have experienced, and this is how much I know. That’s it. Since I give 100% to anything I do, I did not want to divide myself between work and studies. When you have been with a company for a while, you are expected to perform, no matter what else is going on. I didn’t want to be mediocre at work and mediocre in my MBA. I didn’t want to sit at the end of the day and say, “I’m too drained to study,” or “I don’t have the mental energy for work.” I thought, “I do not care how many years of experience I have. I want to give my undivided attention to this next phase, my MBA.” That is where I want to put my energy and reach the goals I have set for myself. Experience is just an addition to my résumé; it shows the rigor and capability I bring. But for me, that does not mean I have to do an Executive MBA. Poonam: I totally get you. I have worked with many applicants who got into top full-time MBA programs with 10 or 11 years of experience. But I ask this question because many older applicants are apprehensive about applying to full-time programs. What advice would you give them? Tanu: I am a big believer in my inner mindset. If you have a limiting belief that a school will not accept you into a full-time MBA because you have 10 years of experience, that belief is what will stop you. Find the school that is the right fit for you. Have a clear intention: why do you want a full-time MBA at this stage of your career? If that intention is clear, things will fall into place. 🧘 Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books Poonam: True. There is always a way if your story makes sense, your career goals make sense, and the school aligns with those goals. You are a strong believer and practitioner of Yoga and meditation, as you just mentioned, and have also read 20-plus self-help books. Which practice proved the most powerful tool during the hectic application process of almost six months? Tanu: I leaned on a combination of practices, meditation, inspirational content, and affirmations. One of the most powerful resources was an app called Black Lotus , where I watched videos of top performers like Michael Phelps and Virat Kohli. Michael Phelps shared that he trained 365 days a year, whether it was his birthday or he was sick, he’d still be in the pool. Virat Kohli was another huge inspiration. I recall sitting in my living room after lunch, watching his videos—especially the one where he was written off by critics and then played a historic match against Pakistan. He hit those final two sixes and said, "It just came to me." He believed it was part of a divine plan and said that whenever God plans to give you something, He gives it to you at the right moment. That stayed with me. From that point on, I began channeling my energy differently. I started trusting that whatever was happening was for the best. My job was to navigate it calmly, with faith. Another big part of my process was how I spoke to myself. I learned that if I don’t believe in myself, no one else will. For example, when I knew I had an interview, I reminded myself: “My job is to prepare and show up. That’s it. The rest is not in my control.” That mindset helped me stay calm throughout. After submitting my applications, I genuinely enjoyed the wait. I had done everything in my control. I believed in my story and wasn’t expecting anything specific; I just let it be. Poonam: Even though you could not boost your score, I never saw you dejected. That is something I admire about you -your unwavering faith that the universe, or a higher power, was taking care of you. Tanu: Yes, and if people as gifted as these sports legends can surrender to a higher power, why can’t we? I learned that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up; it means doing your best without obsessing over the outcome. Just give your 100%. Don’t think, “If I do this, will I get it?” Instead, think, “This is what I must do to achieve my goals.” If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You're not going to die. Trust me. 🌟 Key Factors Behind Her Success Poonam: So, about the GMAT score, I'm asking you again for the benefit of people who get discouraged with the modest GMAT or GRE scores. Despite a modest score, you received admits from three out of four schools you applied to, and that too in round 3, the most competitive round. What do you believe were the key factors behind this success, apart from your faith? Tanu: Apart from my faith, the most important thing was looking at my strengths that can make me stand out despite my modest score. I took care of that in the best possible way, highlighted my story, kept my ego aside, and wrote an optional essay to address my low GRE score. Poonam: Yes, it was very hard for me to convince you to write it. Tanu: I had to give in, and it worked out for the best. The optional essay is there for a reason, so use it. Second, I made sure I was surrounded by positivity through the words I spoke, the books I read, and the people around me. At that time, the closest people to me were you and my family in India. I remember after the third GMAT attempt, I came out of the center and burst into tears. The first two times, I held back. The final time, I just cried in front of my parents. It is important to know how to release that energy and where to direct it. If you take care of that, you can center yourself, think clearly, and let go. Don’t dwell on what happened. Don’t react negatively; respond calmly. I learned all of that from the books I read. So read the right books and implement them in your life. That positivity is essential. Poonam: Absolutely. So, to sum up, if you could describe your entire MBA journey in one word, what would it be? Tanu: I think I’ll use two: Never Quit . Poonam: Wonderful, never quit. It has been a fantastic experience hearing you share your thoughts and insights from your MBA journey, one I was privileged to be part of for six to seven months. I am sure that all your feedback on positivity, resilience, and never quitting will be helpful to prospective applicants, especially those who find the MBA application process daunting and exhausting. Thank you again for flying into Phoenix to meet me and celebrate your success in person. This is my first in-person celebratory interview. Tanu: You are the best person I could share this with. As I told you, my circle during this process was very small; it was just you and my family. I have already celebrated with my family, and I wanted to express my gratitude to you. Thank you for being my mentor throughout this journey. 🎬 Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom Poonam: It was truly my privilege. I remember—you signed up for the multiple-school package without even contacting me beforehand. No emails, no calls. That says a lot about your faith in your decisions. Most people have a consultation or write an email first. Nobody just signs up for a multiple-school package without reaching out first. That speaks volumes about your personality, your faith in your instincts and in your decisions. Tanu: It was your website that gave me that confidence—your accomplishments, and the success stories you showcased. The giveaway was Mansi’s video, where she got into all five top schools. I thought, “If someone is guiding others to that level of success, she clearly knows what she is doing.” Your academic background, your PhD in English also impressed me. I knew I would get quality guidance. The amazing reviews on GMAT Club, your website, and on LinkedIn—everything spoke for itself. I thought, “I don’t need to speak to her first. I will just sign up. We will figure it out as we start working.” Poonam: Thank you for your kind words. Thanks again for coming down to meet me; it means a lot. Come again. Tanu: For sure. I will stay in touch. Poonam: Thank you. You can connect with Tanu via LinkedIn . Related Posts A UCLA MBA Student’s Journey: From a 610 GMAT to Thriving in B School UCLA FEMBA Advice from a Current Student 4 MBA Admits (Haas, UCLA, USC, UCI) With Scholarships: Ashish’s Journey MBA at 41 – An Exceptional Tale of Perseverance, Sense of Duty, and Faith Indian Medical Officer’s Journey to ISB & IE at Age 35 against all Odds MBA with 10 Years’ Work Experience – A Recent Schulich Grad Shares his Experience/ Advice A Filipino Candidate Got into 3 Japanese B-Schools, including Hitotsubashi ICS, with Japanese National Scholarship An American Candidate’s Journey to USC and UCLA with Scholarships For more student interviews, click here . For Case Studies, click here . About MER ( myEssayReview ) Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER ( myEssayReview ), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023. Email me at poonam@myessayreveiw.com for questions about your application for the 2025-26 application season. https://myessayreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LI.png https://myessayreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/fb.png https://myessayreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Youtube.jpg

Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) - Part 2

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