My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!

Background

Work experience: 3 year no name local firm audit, ~2 year fund accounting at second tier PE (think TPG), 1 year FP&A as senior analyst at large SaaS company (Fortune 600-700)

Extra curriculars: Army reserve (rank E4 specialist, not an officer or sergeant) if it counts.

Undergrad school/major: large state university, accounting undergraduate (GPA 3.9) and graduate (GPA 3.8)

Other education/coursework: CPA, CFA L1

Race/nationality: Chinese, but will be naturalized as citizen in a few months

Sex: M 30

Stats

GMAT Score (include breakdown!): have not taken yet. Goal is 730-750

Undergrad GPA: 3.9

MBA Info

Goal of MBA: break into high finance (IB) or consulting for more money and better potential. I really would like to have a project-based job rather doing the same thing over and over again.

Target schools: T15 and maybe lower end of M7 if all possible. I specifically love Tuck for some reason.

I would love any tips on how to strengthen my profile. Or am I just too old to get a decent chance of getting into T15 as I will be 32 by matriculation...

I probably will go to air assault school next year sometime so hopefully it will add some color to my story. Most likely I can get a recommendation letter from a colonel.

Thank you for reading and appreciate any comment.

Labmalo,

Thank you for your questions. Here are my responses:

1. Please note that the max allowe for he post-MBA goal is 500 characters. That's roughly 100 words. I can't really opine on your essay or goals statement without seeing them. I can tell you that there is not a problem if the essay and goals statement don't connect closely. They can't conflict.
2. A 650 is low at HBS and an obstacle to admissions. It is possible, but unlikely that your grades will carry the day. If you come from a country that is very under-represented at business schools, that is more likely.
3. The typical student at HBS as 3-8 years of full-time work experience. They do have some students in their 30's, but they don't show a break-down of acceptance rates by age or level of experience. My sense is that people in their mid-30's are less likely to get accepted than younger applicants, but it does happen.
4. It could be a problem. Please see my answer to #3, but again if you have a good reason for wanting an MBA now and aren't reliant on the career services center for your next job, it could work. Please see "Applying to Regular MBA Programs as an Older Applicant"

You might also be interested in the Harvard MBA Essay Tips.

Best,
Linda
_________________

So much more goes into an MBA application than you have provided above. I can say that your GMAT is highly competitive as is your grad percentage. Teaching is not the typical experience of successful HBS applicants. However, if you can demonstrate outstanding leadership and impact and your goal is one that requires an MBA, you will be given consideration.

However, don't apply only to HBS. consdier other programs that support your goals. Look into Stanford, Haas, CBS, Ross, and Duke.

Best,
Linda
_________________

You are a highly competitive applicant at HBS and at your other target programs. Keep doing what you're doing and don't worry about your GMAT score. It's fine. If you execute well, I anticipate you will have multiple acceptances.

Here are a few resources for you:

MBA Essay tips for top MBA programs (organized by school)
Podcast with woman coming from finance and accepted to HBS.
Podcast with woman coming from finance and accepted to HBS 2+2

Best,
Linda
_________________

I'm assuming that you plan to apply R1 of next year, not R2 of this year.

If you get the GMAT you anticipate, you have a competitive profile for Tuck and other top 15 programs. Your age is above average as is your level of work experience, but it's not an automatic knock out. I don't think you're wasting your time as long as you aim for programs with slightly higher average ages/work experience. You may also want to consider London Business School. It's excellent in finance, will welcome an U.S. citizen with an int'l background and military experience and is excellent if you want to go into IB. Also consider Columbia, Booth, Kellogg, NYU Stern, Yale, and Duke.

Best,
Linda
_________________

Hi, Could you kindly evaluate my profile please.

GMAT - 680
Undergrad - Bachelor of Commerce - HR College of Economics Mumbai (Top 10)
GPA - 3.7/4
Background - Indian - non IT Male
Total Work Ex - 4.5 years

Target Schools - HBS, GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, LBS.
Other info - I already have admission at ISB (India)
Work Experience:
Credit Suisse (Bulge Bracket Investment Bank) - Investment Banking Analyst. 2 years.

Founder and CEO - Orange is the New Green - While I was at Credit Suisse, I started a food technology company. Acquired in 2017. One of the highest-rated food delivery start-ups in Powai (Mumbai). Employed a staff of 40 when it was acquired.

Office of the Minister of Commerce and Industry - One of the three consultants to the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The first assignment was dealing with Foreign Direct Investment (Make in India). Lead the Oil and Gas and Chemicals practice. Clients were Fortune 50 Oil and Gas and Chemicals majors. Landed Investments worth USD 5.6 BN in India.

Developed India's maiden National Logistics Policy and Action plan. Conducted commodity corridor analyses for the top 22 commodities by freight volumes to identify interventions for the policy.

Drafted Multi-Modal Logistics Parks Policy and the Multi-Modal Logistics Transport Bill -which was approved by the Cabinet earlier this year.
Conceived and developed the SAFAR application to crowdsource real-time data on Accidents, road quality, congestion and graft on India's highway network. This application was launched by the Hon Minister in Feb 2019 and now for the first time, the government can identify the location and officials involved in graft using big data analytics (context: Graft on Indian highways is estimated by the World Bank to be nearly INR 1 Tn).
Developed the blue print for the National Logistics Data and Analytics Centre where data from all the modes of transport (Air, Rail, Waterways, Ports and Roads) would be integrated for monitoring and analyses. (Jan 2017- Mar '19)

Regional Director - Asia for Zenysis technologies. Zenysis is a Silicon Valley based (Y Combinator batch of 2015) data analytics and artificial intelligence company that works with governments, NGO's and International Organisations to accelerate development goals, improve patient outcomes and run national-level health programs.
I have been tasked with setting up operations for Zenysis in Asia. This role involves Business Development, high-level relationship building, project management, execution.
Overseeing projects in India, Bangladesh and Vietnam. In India we are working with HIV AIDS Alliance and the National AIDS Control Org to provide care and support servives to 1.2 Mn people living with HIV in the country. Through this collaboration, we have improved patient outcomes, reduced the number of patients lost to follow up and strengthened programmatic monitoring and surveillance.

Extra Curricular:

Author of a best-selling book on teenage psychology Teenage Blues Parenting Clues which was published in 2014.
The book has been selected by the Governments of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh as mandatory reading for all government schools, colleges and libraries
Ran programs to help and encourage school and college-aged teenagers and advocate on substance abuse, depression and handling stress and pressure.
Used to play National level squash when I was in high school.
Awarded the REX Karmaveer fellowship by the International Confederation of NGO's for contributions to the community.

Future Goals:
I want to lead global teams at International Org to work towards accelerating development goals, specially in the use of technology and innovation to provide better healthcare, education, and services to the most marginalized sections of society. Since most of my work has been in the South Asian region, I would want to engage with the global community at Wharton to be able to take on more challenging global roles.

I'd say HBS (or Wharton, which you mention) is a stretch. While your work experience is excellent and your GPA is competitive, your GMAT is significantly below average. With so many applicants coming from India who have much higher GMAT scores, a low GMAT is a significant hurdle. It's not impossible, but that score is a negative.

Best,
Linda
_________________

Demographics: 33 Years Old, Male, White, American.

Education:
• Undergrad: Originally failed out of college in Fall 2008. Wandered through life for 1.5 years before enlisting in US Military. Picked up program to go back to school and try college again, second attempt was 3.86 GPA in Electrical Engineering.

GMAT: 750 (Q48, V44) probably the strongest part of my app.

Work Experience
• 5 years as a US Naval Submarine Officer, specializing in reactor operations, Quality Assurance management, tactical systems, and general operations

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
• First time in college was a member of marching band for 3 years, co-section leader
• recently founded accessions program to assist enlisted personnel from my ship applying to Officer programs

Other:
• Love running, multiple marathons/half marathons under my belt
• Grew up in what could be referred to as poverty in the US. family made a lot of sacrifices to present me with opportunity. squandered it in college the first try, but luckily got a second chance.

Post MBA goal: Consulting from Harvard and eventually transition into management in tech. PE/VC would be great but with my previous work experience and age it's probably a pipe dream.

Essay: focus is on recovery from previous failure, how military/service gave me something to serve greater than myself and how leading others has inspired me to bring about even greater change in the world. Ultimately I want to get into non-profit management in education technology focused on rural areas in the US.
Other schools: Wharton, Tuck, Haas (dual MBA/Meng here) for R2. If I don't get interviews here I'm going to significantly widen my net for R3 and hope for the best.

Points of concern:
• Age. I'm significantly older than almost everyone at M7 schools, and even older than similar military applicants due to failing out of college before joining the military.
• lack of experience in business. Hard to speak to business goals when you aren't incredibly experienced in any of the fields. I'm used to long hours and solving difficult problems so consulting seems like the way for me to go to start though.

Many thanks!

To me you have a very competitive profile for all the schools you're applying to including HBS. The GMAT and GPA alone put you in the mix but you also show leadership, self-awareness, and overcoming adversity in your story. The age is probably more a hurdle than lack of business experience but you have a clear goal and it's very attainable. Assume you're more or less done with R2 app (I applied then too!)--best of luck!

If we ignore your pre-military record, you are a competitive candidate for HBS and other top MBA programs. I think there is a good chance they will ignore it, especially if you took some time to complete college the second time around. I think they would like to see at least a year if not two of solid 3.86 grades. If you took just a few classes or if they were all distance, acceptance would be a little less likely, but the 750 GMAT will do a lot of allay concerns. And they will love your military leadership experience.

Regarding your post-MBA goals, I suggest you talk to as many people as possible in consulting so that you show that you've done your homework, if asked.

I'm not so worried about your age, given that you've been in the military for 5 years. It's a factor, but not a automatic ding. Coming from the military, your lack of business experience is not shocking, but you must have excellent leadership experience and operational/logistics experience. All are highly relevant to business, HBS, and consulting. So focus on what you do have.

You might be interested in:

HBS Essay Tips
Get Accepted to Harvard Business School, an on-demand webinar.

Best,
Linda Abraham
_________________

Revised

From everything I've read, you're basically a shoe-in, even with the lower end GPA. URMs with over 700 GMATs PLUS the stellar WE, D1 athletics for ECs and your story all make for a compelling case as an amazing contributor to a cohort at ANY institution, especially HBS/GSB. Also if you're interested in social impact I've heard Yale SOM is great in that field as well, however I know that H/S has become the "this or nothing" group for a lot of individuals considering the current state of economy/compensation available to those without MBAs. Pretty much, the only way you're not going to get in is if you go into the interviews and come off as arrogant. Good luck!

Your GPA is an issue, but given what you were going through, your GMAT, URM status, and experience it isn't a knock out. Please see 5 A's for Your Low GPA for tips on how to address that issue, which is an issue. While your GMAT will go a long way to addressing your GPA, considering taking business-related courses and earning A's in them and/or completing HBS Online CORe course, preferably with High Honors.

You may also find this podcast encouraging.

If you would like help with your HBS and Stanford applications, please consider Accepted's MBA admissions consulting.

Best,
Linda
_________________

Hi everyone, I am a 22-year-old Australian about to begin my final year of undergraduate studies with the intention to complete an MBA through Harvard's 2+2 program. Due to my expected graduation date, I am eligible to apply to potential programs in 2021. I believe that my GMAT score and essay(s) will ‘make or break’ my application. I appreciate any feedback on my profile and would like to hear opinions on what would be an appropriate GMAT score to target for Harvard. My current train of thought is minimum --> 710, target --> 730, dream --> 750.



(1) BACKGROUND

Work experience:

• Big 3 German automotive manufacturer (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes)
  
  
  6-month internship in Germany
  
  
• Prestigious boutique German automotive manufacturer
  
  
  14-month internship + thesis in Germany.
  
  Only (possibly first) non-EU resident at the company

Extra curriculars:

• Founding president of the mechanical engineering student association
  
  
  200+ members in six months
  
  Organised an on-campus industry expo with 30+ companies and 1100 student registrations
  
  Company Q&As, industry visits, skill workshops, etc.
  
  
• Elected undergraduate representative of 12,000+ students on the school’s academic board
  
  
  Hold monthly academic board meetings with the pro-vice chancellor and other high-ranking school officials. The academic board establishes the structure of academic programs and discusses school matters. There are a lot of NDAs!
  
  
• In2Science mentor
  
  
  Mentor a classroom of low socioeconomic high school students to increase their engagement, confidence, and aspirations in STEM.
  
  
• Student-Staff consulting representative
  
  
  Consult with my peers to identify program-related opportunities for improvement and present those issues at student-staff meetings.
  
  
• Entrepreneurship club
  
  
  Committee member
  
  
• Founded a side-business on a shoestring budget
  
  
  Automotive part marketplace, similar to this. I DO NOT want to brand it as a start-up.
  
  
• Very early stage NPO start-up
  
  
  I have the ambition to not let this happen again. Everyone has the right to get home safely!
  
  MVP almost complete.
  
  
• Golden Key International Honour Society
  
  
• Formula SAE

Undergrad school/major:

• Location - Australia
  
  
• QS 250, QS Engineering 100
  
  
• Mechanical Engineering (Honours) | Business Management
  
  
  Will graduate with two degrees.
  
  Received several awards.
  
  Featured on university promotional material.
  
  
• December 2020 graduation date

Other education/coursework:

• Certificate III in Music Industry

Race/nationality:

• White
  
  
• Australian

Sex:

• Male

(2) STATS

Cold GMAT Scores:

• MGMAT#1 620 (Q40 V35)
  
  
  Taken 23/12/2019
  
  
• GMATPrep#1 530 (Q32 V32)
  
  
  Taken 26/12/2019
  
  
• Potential test dates: July 20’, December 20’, January 21’, February 21’

Undergrad GPA:

• 4.0 / 4.0
  
  
  6 subjects remaining.

(3) MBA INFO

Goal of MBA:

• [Short-term] To move away from traditional engineering roles and into management style roles particularly in NPO start-ups. By being accepted into a deferred program I will have the confidence after undergrad to take professional risks, whether that is to begin/grow a start-up or apply myself in a smaller boutique firm. Furthermore, I will have the support of the school’s network to help accelerate my professional progression in the period before matriculation.
  
  
• [Long-term] My longer-term vision is to make a positive impact in Australia. Currently Australia has a large dependence on its mining and farming exports however both industries are in decline which will ultimately damage the economy. The automotive industry was once in this position, unfortunately the industry succumbed to the downward trend and manufacturing has since been abandoned. My goal is to bring back the automotive industry to Australia in the form of renewable and sustainable practises thus contributing jobs, innovative technology, and pride to the country.

(4) OTHER

International exposure and languages:

• Two months in Tanzania
  
  
• Two years in Germany
  
  
  Can speak German at an elementary workplace level which I learnt in my own time.

Matriculation:

• Aim to work for 3-4 years before matriculating
  
  
  Assuming that I am accepted into a deferred program.
  
  
• Will be ~27 years old at time of matriculation

Essay discussion points:

• Aspirations to lead and make a positive impact.
  
  
  Unfortunately Fortunately I have no ‘sob stories’.
  
  
  
• MBA goals
  
  
• Time spent in Germany

_________________

Hi all:

Submitted R2 for a slew of schools and would appreciate some initial evaluations.

Demographics: 27 years old, Chinese-American (US Citizenship but ethnically Chinese). From NYC.

Education:
• Undergrad: Lower-tier Ivy, GPA: 3.6/4. Humanities major with a minor in business.

GMAT: 710 (Q47, V41). Not the best, but only started studying in Q4 2019 and no time to retake in order to catch R2 deadlines.

Work Experience (more of less all based out of NYC):
• Started professional career in strategy consulting with a large non-MBB consulting firm. Worked there for 1.5 years and early promote to senior strategy analyst.
• Switched to a sector coverage group in investment banking at a large bulge-bracket European bank where I have worked for the past 3 years. Fast-track promotion to Associate after less than 2 years of IBD experience.

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
• Currently on the Board of Directors as Treasurer or a local grassroots advocacy non-profit. Have served on Board for the past 2.5 years. Manage a $40k operating budget and ongoing balance of over $100k
• In college, was President of an umbrella organization group covering 75+ clubs on campus. Also co-founded the school's branch of a well-known think tank's college network. Was part of a club sport where we placed top 3 in national championships and a social fraternity.

Other:
• Pursued my ideals for social justice by looking into public service as a career in undergrad. Interned with nonprofits, an UN agency, and the White House before realizing the sector was not the best fit. Recruited for a slew of jobs before landing an offer in strategy consulting during my senior year recruiting cycle.
• Had plenty of international exposure in undergrad (2 summers studying abroad and a semester-long credit internship in Southeast Asia)

Post MBA goal: Looking to establish an entrepreneurship career in cannabis immediately upon graduation. Long-term is to establish a social impact fund. EDIT: Have no interest in returning to consulting or banking after MBA. Also not interested in tech.

Essay: Is about why I want to pursue a career in cannabis. Essentially, I want to put my passion for social justice at the forefront of my career again and I view cannabis as an opportunity to both make a business impact and rectify historical wrongs.

Other schools: Stanford, Wharton, Sloan, Tuck, Yale, Columbia, and Booth.

Points of concern:
• GMAT score, but hoping career trajectory makes up for it
• Cannabis as my post-MBA career plan. Pretty risky, but I purposely chose schools with either cannabis student clubs already or schools in states that have legalized or are in the process of legalizing.

Nice profile. I too am applying only to HBS and Stanford with the "HBS/GSB or nothing" attitude. I hope to see you in class

dogchow,

Thanks for your post.

Your grades are competitive; your GMAT is on the low side both for the schools you are aiming for and your demographic. (the fact that you didn't have time to retake is irrelevant to the schools. Could come across as an excuse if you mention it in your application. ) YOur work experience and extra-curriculars are strong and competitive at your target programs.

Your goal gave me pause and I actually checked with my staff. Four who commented, including 3 former adcom, felt it's a mistake to say you want to connect cannabis and social justice and correction of historical wrongs. While legal in increasing parts of the country, it is still very controversial. Is it possible for you to write about entrepreneurship and social justice and leave out the cannabis?
_________________

Hi guys, I would greatly appreciate it if you use your fortune-telling powers to evaluate my chances of getting invited to HBS R2 interviews.
- Age: 29. Male.
- Nationality: Egypt.
- Background: Medical Doctor (M.D.)
- University: Most prestigious medical school in Egypt.
- GPA: 3.82
- GRE: Q:162 (79%) V: 159 (83%)
- Four years of US-based experience in the field of cancer & Molecular diagnostics.
- 3 promotions. From Sales to Marketing to Product development & Strategic planning.
- Published researcher in Biotechnology and Stem Cells form elite US institutions.
- Current: Founder & CEO of a Molecular Diagnostics Consulting Company.
- Extracurriculars: President & Founder of the biggest Student Club. President of the Student Union.
- LORs: President of the company I worked for reflecting on a successful business track record. & University Professor & mentor reflecting on a history of leadership in extracurricular activities.
- Essay: Influences that impacted my decision to pursue medical entrepreneurship, why an MBA & post-MBA goals.
Thanks & I really appreciate your efforts so much!

Except for your GRE you have a competitive profile for HBS and a reasonable chance of getting an interview invitation. Your verbal GRE is on the low side, but I don't think it's a knock-out. I wouldn't have recommended you ask a prof for a recommendation, but hopefully the content was so good that it will work out. Obviously I can't comment at all on your essay.

Best,
Linda
_________________

Posted from my mobile device