Emarc182 wrote:
Is there anybody else out there that is just a high-performing person who grew up in the suburbs in a middle class family that doesn't have either (A) a tragic story to tell or (B) a super wealthy, well-connected family to get them into HBS or (C) a minority status to point to - incessantly?
I don't think HBS cares for life profiles like that...
Yes, me. I grew up in the suburbs, middle class family. White male. No tragic story (pretty good life actually). Not sure if I'm "high-performing" - does anyone consider themselves that? Kind of subjective. My slow-pitch softball team was high-performing this year. I mentioned that on the application actually.
Got my invite today. I work for a relatively small theme park. Terrible undergraduate transcripts (multiple failures and withdrawals); first year at a community college, the rest at a small, unknown state school. Took me 7 years to get through school. Finally graduated this summer. I had a good last year though. No great excuse, just mentioned that work has been my priority (the truth!).
That being said, I think I put together a decent application. I didn't have anyone read my essays though. Or talk to an admissions consultant (although I do plan on contacting Sandy for the interview, can't hurt!). I did well on the GMAT, but we all know that's not enough for HBS. I can honestly say I'm very surprised I got an invite today. I don't mean it is as form of bragging, but just pointing out that HBS is interested in "real" people, too. Not -only- rock stars. Pretty sure I'm not one.... yet.
You have given me hope. Thank you for sharing.