Any suggestions: Couple application

Question

Hi

My wife and I are both trying to apply to MBA programs together with the hope that we both get into the same program. I havent really heard any previous instances of a couple being together in a MBA class. Do schools do that or do they reject one of them due to diversity issues?

Me: GMAT 760, working in Citigroup 2 yr work ex
She: GMAT 690, working in Citigroup 3 yr work ex.

Please do let me know if anyone has heard anything.

johnnyx9 · Answer

That's a really interesting situation. I've heard of several instances of couples dating at schools next to each other (MIT/Harvard and Chicago/Kellogg) but can't recall hearing of couples going into the same program together, although I'm sure it happens.

If you both apply to schools where you're both solidly above the mean GMAT (for instance a school w/ an average GMAT of 660 or so) I think you would both have an excellent chance of getting in.

I imagine it's not something you would want to bring up in your essays, although maybe it could be mentioned as a personal aside in an interview.

You should post your question under the AskAccepted.com or AskHjort forums on this site, they can probably give you some good advice.

rhyme · Answer

Actually I know two - one couple at at Kellogg, one couple at the GSB. I don't know the GSB's GMAT scores - but the Kellogg ones were 620 and 720 - 620 for her, 720 for him. Part time, not full time. People do it - and they do it sucessfully.

aaudetat · Answer

Yep, I know several couples. One is currently at Cornell, second years. Another couple is in the 2009 class. They both got in at Cornell and at Duke. And I know of another couple at Tuck. I think it's fairly common, but I don't know anything about how to spin that in the application process. Though some schools do ask you specifically if your SO is applying as well. Duke did. I asked ndhlp if he was interested and he turned green and threw up at the very thought.

polobrute · Answer

if i recall correctly, 3 married couples were accepted into the Anderson class of 2009.

lepium · Answer

I met a couple at HBS. They applied to a massive number of schools to maximize their chances (I think about 9 - 10 schools). Apart from HBS, they both got into at least 3 or 4 more schools and, individually, to about 5+ schools each.

There's usually a place within the app. where you can mention that you are applying with your partner. Make sure you visit or talk to people extensively about your situation. 

L.

mst · Answer

You can try to mention in your career goals essay, if say for example you and your spouse have common career goals in the long term like starting a new company together or something.

You can also mention in your optional essay or some other essay where you talk about balancing family and career life.

luminos24 · Answer

i personally met a couple at the Tepper's welcome weekend...both admitted to the FT MBA program...

so, it is quite possible...though, needless to say, you both should be elligible/worthy applicants separately...

ap663 · Answer

I met a few at Columbia, so it definitely happens.

cbreeze · Answer

Yes, my cousin and her husband. They met as Stanford undergrads. Both worked for a few years and both received acceptances from Harvard and Stanford. They chose Stanford.
3 years after MBA, he is working full time, she is freelancing as a consultant part time, and a mother.

kwam · Answer

I know a couple who went to Wharton, they were accepted in 4 other programs, not sure her profile, I know that his was very strong and that their GMAT scores had around 50 points GAP, being his the higghest.

I have a different situation, I will apply for MBA while my wife will probably apply for the arts institute (I really do not know how can she/we do that), so we are still studying our options, however, we still have plenty of time.

Good Luck

GMATcram · Answer

Ah, I remember the Darden alumnus who conducted my interview told a story of an Argentinian couple in his class. It happened quite long time ago in 1999. It's good for your application if you could nail down why you both want to study in the same place.

saurabh357 · Answer

Thanks a ton people for your inputs...we are both really inspired now...

Can anyone possibly send me contact details for any of the mentioned couples? If privacy is a concern, can message me.

Thanks again

dukes · Answer

I feel like I've heard of people applying "in tandem" which means that the school decides to accept or reject both. I'm not sure which schools offer that but I think I heard this from a couple that went to Columbia.

rhyme · Answer

I wouldnt really address this in the essays. Let each of you have your own distinct reasons. You wont have space to explain why you both want to attend. All I'd do is put something like:

"My wife, NAME, is equally excited about the opportunity to attend XXXXX and is also applying for admission this year." 

somewhere in the essays.... but I wouldnt say much more about it.

mba07 · Answer

I guess one American couple were featured in LBS' brochure last year. If you can get hold of the brochure and find the name, contacting them shouldn't be very difficult.

Any suggestions: Couple application

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