The ideal GMAT score is the highest one you can get. Your practice scores are in range. Higher would be nice.

As I wrote in response to your Stanford post, it makes sense for you to try and get into HBS, but you also need to apply to other programs that support your goals and where you are more competitive.

Linda
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Hey guys, would appreciate some advice on a potential application to the MBA program for 2021 entry.

GMAT: 710 (V40, Q47)

Background/Goals: I'm 32, Canadian, working as a physician. Graduated from residency at 28, and have been working as a licensed physician since then. Interested in pursuing an MBA to get into healthcare administration. Have plenty of leadership and international experience through my career path.

GPA: 3.7 (undergraduate), 3.3 (medical school)

Open to thoughts on how successful my application could be. Thanks!

Your GMAT is on the low side and your med school GPA also appears to be on the low side, unless your med school had a tough grading scale. I'd like to know more about what you want to accomplish in healthcare admin.

You have a shot with the strong leadership and int'l experience, but HBS is a stretch. You may want to also look into Wharton's healthcare management program or Columbia MBA, which aren't exactly easy to get into. Other programs strong in healthcare include Yale, Duke, and Haas. If you believe you can raise your GMAT, I'd encourage you to do so.

You might be interested in recording of yesterday's webinar: Get Accepted to Harvard Business School .
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So I've already submitted my 2+2 application but I've had nothing to distract me to help out with the wait, so I've decided to post here and get some thoughts on my chances. I'm not putting too much weight into whether or not I get accepted since I'll always have another chance in 2-4 years, so this is more like a practice round I guess.

Demos
22 Asian American M
LGBTQ, if that counts for anything?

Undergrad
HYPS, Applied Math, 3.55

GMAT
780 (47V, 50Q, 8IR)
Took the online version so no AWA
In case anyone asks me how I got this score, because people seem to be interested in this sort of thing: unfortunately, I have no advice for you since I scored a 770 on my first GMAC official practice test in February with no studying. I took 3 more official practice tests to make sure this wasn't a fluke and got 2 more 770s and a 750. Then I took the real thing. Total hours spent prepping is basically these 4 tests, which comes out to 10 hours ish.

Work Experience, Leadership
Main extracurricular in college was organizing huge model un conferences all over the world (participants in the 2-3 thousands). Senior leadership.
Consulting club for a couple semesters (not too significant tbh)
Two product management internships listed on resume, both at relatively unknown startups.
Unsuccessful at recruiting for new grad pm programs and consulting (rip) so working at a quant hedge fund in a rotational biz ops role starting next month. The fund is relatively well-known and successful within the quant world, with 7B AUM, but probably not as much brand value for bschool adcoms.

Extracurriculars
Framing MUN organizing leadership as educational impact, so it's kind of both work experience and community impact
Main hobby in college was dance, both urban and traditional asian. Have choreographed piece for team showcase before. Didn't really touch on this in my app beyond mentioning it in my EC section, but could go in depth about journey from never having danced before college to choreographing for 15 dancers in an interview
Was on school newspaper doing design for a year and a half

Essay
Using a letter from my freshman self that I wrote to my graduating self (my freshman RA sent them to us last month), I framed my journey of defining what satisfaction means to me. Touches upon leadership experience in MUN, leading a huge digital infrastructure overhaul project for the club, and then briefly but generically on why HBS at the end (couldnt get more descriptive due to length sadly). Really tried to put forward a blend of introspection while showcasing leadership experiences. Wrote most of it the day before the app was due, but I would honestly say it was pretty good (channeled the same energy that got me into hyps in the first place)

Recs
The junior spring to summer internship, the product team was 3 senior PMs and me the intern. Two of them acted as my direct supervisors (VP of product and a senior pm), and they each wrote me letters. I found out too late that I was supposed to give them more guidance than simply throwing the GMAC prompt at them and expecting good letters. Neither of them went to bschool, so this was probably their first times writing something like this. I expect them to be positive letters, but not likely to be very very strong recs unfortunately.

MBA Goal
My goal is to re-recruit for tech pm or mbb, but I don't think I mentioned this anywhere explicitly in the app. In my essay, I just mentioned that I will seek new challenges after my stint at the quant fund (with prettier messaging, but thats the gist).

Other schools
Sloan and CBS's deferred MBAs as well. Would love to get perspective on whether I'm competitive there as well.

Final thoughts
I know that I'm not the target demo for 2+2 and my GPA is way below the avg, but applied anyway because who knows! Quant hedge funds are kind of on the border between finance and tech, so maybe that's interesting for them idk. What I can see myself struggling with is debating between accepting a deferred spot at sloan or cbs vs applying to H/S in 3 years.

Appreciate any thoughts from the experts here! Thanks.

Hi kat271, thanks for sharing your profile. Agree with the other poster that you should focus on getting your GMAT up closer to the average of the school(s) to which you're applying (730ish for HBS). You might also consider completing HBX CORe to demonstrate aptitude for the MBA curriculum. It's going to be a competitive cycle as I'm sure you know, so both of these things can only help to make you more appealing to the adcom. Beyond that, the key will be building out a convincing narrative as to why a career in healthcare administration is your passion and how you will leverage your MD + MBA to do great things within that function/industry. I would also recommend spreading your risk around by applying to a handful of schools that fit your criteria. Good luck!


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Obviously without seeing your application it's pretty hard to comment intelligently on what you wrote. You're correct that your GPA is a little low for HBS 2+2, but given your GMAT and the other experiences you had and LGBTQ status, I don't think your GPA a knock out. I actually think your chances of getting into one of these 3 program is pretty good. Just not sure which one. You have a shot at all 3.

I'm a little concerned about the way you talk about your goal. It seems pretty bland and frankly unfocused.

Anyway, now that I provided the distraction, I hope you get in!
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Male, 31 years, from Norway but studies in Denmark.

Bachelor's/undergraduate: 2.97 GPA at Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Master's/graduate: 3.93 GPA at Copenhagen Business School.

Will they care about the GPA from my undergraduate when my graduate score is much better?

In Europe, it is not normal to have lots of extra curriculum so I do not have much to show for there, except as a project leader in Blockchain Society and volunteer work at a student house. I graduate in December and the plan is to work 2-3 years to gain some experience and at the same time work on acing the GMAT. I have read that in Harvard most MBA students are quite young, so will a (then) 34-year-old Norwegian stand any chance at all?

BTW: my GPA calculation is based on online GPA caluclators - I do not know if this is accurate since it is really hard to find accurate information on how to convert ECTS's to GPA.

Thank you all for your help, this site is great

Hi aslak,

Thank you for your post. I do require more details about your background and professional experiences in particular to evaluate your profile better (what have you been doing between undergrad and grad, what is your professional goal, etc.). That said, your undergrad GPA will be considered in your application (my recommendation is to not convert your GPA, and address your undergrad performance in an addendum); however, your master's degree GPA will help show your academic potential. Obtaining a strong GMAT score will also help in the outcome of your applications.

While earning a traditional MBA past 30 is more challenging, it's not impossible. You will have to have a clear response to why a traditional MBA is essential to your career progression and why Harvard in particular.

I am happy to discuss your profile and goals in a 30-min free consultation if that is helpful at all. When you are ready, please reach out.

Good luck!
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Susan, thank you so much for your quick reply. I will definitely contact you

What a great forum this is!

Hi Aslak,

MBA programs will care about the undergrad GPA, but they will like the grad GPA. Combine it with a strong GMAT (or GRE) and context for the low GPA, and they'll pay much more attention to the rest of your app. We've had clients in their 30's accepted to HBS. I really depends on what you've accomplished to day and will accomplish between now and when you apply.

Finally, if your grads were considered high then don't use a calculator to translate them. A 2.97 is a mediocre GPA and definitely below average at HBS. If your grades were considered above average in Norway, HBS will recognize that.

HBS will also want to know why you want a second masters degree in business.

You may find these resources helpful:

* 5 A's for your Low GPA.
* HOw to Get Accepted to HBS, a webinar recording.

Best,
Linda
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Demographics: Straight white male, non-traditional, first-generation college student (39 years old)
Undergrad: Double major, Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry. Graduated in 2016. Medium-size non-prestigious US State school. Goldwater and Amgen Scholar
Undergrad GPA: 3.8
Grad: Double MS in Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Management at top-5 global university. Published one engineering paper. Prestigious fellowship (NSF-GRFP). Also earned a graduate certificate in business innovation and entrepreneurship from this school (top-3 in business).
Grad GPA: 3.8
GMAT 750
GRE 168Q 164V 5W

Extra-curriculars in undergrad: Founded an international NGO that did engineering work in an impoverished country. Founded an engineering club and was VP for two years. Secretary of two other engineering clubs. Intramural football. Peer tutor and mentor for 3 years.

Work experience:
2 years in biotechnology and data consulting (Non-MBB consulting firm). 1 Promotion.

4 part-time business internships during grad school, 2 in consulting, investment analysis, and venture capital (all small firms).

5 full-time biotech internships in undergrad and grad school, with DOE, two well-known universities, and two very prominent biotech firms, all in engineering.

2 years of research as a PhD student before leaving for industry. My field was cancer/data research. Found that business was more to my liking than lab life.

Prior to re-entering undergrad in 2009 I was out of school for 6 years caring for my mother, who was battling a terminal illness. I was not able to work formally during this time and tutored instead whenever I could.

Reason to get an MBA:
I want to expand my expertise in strategy and continue in consulting at the MBB level. I love working with people and teams and always felt sad working alone in the lab. Consulting has been an amazing fit for me. I want to continue in this direction. The best way for me to continue to contribute to my teams and do my best work for clients is by continuing to enhance my abilities and business perspectives.

Thank you all so much for your input! If possible, I'd also be interested to know what other schools would be a good fir for my applicant profile.

YOu are a tough one. I'd recommend you apply to a range of programs and perhaps state your goal a little differently. MBB tend to prefer younger applicants for their entry positions. If you write in terms of consulting in bio engineering or pharma, that doesn't preclude from aiming for MBB, but it won't spook schools into thinking you are unrealistic or too narrowly focused.

In terms of schools to consider HBS is fantastic, but I'd also suggest you consider MIT Sloan, Tuck, Yale SOM, Kellogg, Ross, and Darden. If you'd consider west coast, also think about Stanford and Haas. My main point is given the non-traditional nature of your qualifications and path to bschool, apply widely.

Best,
Linda
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[/quote]

YOu are a tough one. I'd recommend you apply to a range of programs and perhaps state your goal a little differently. MBB tend to prefer younger applicants for their entry positions. If you write in terms of consulting in bio engineering or pharma, that doesn't preclude from aiming for MBB, but it won't spook schools into thinking you are unrealistic or too narrowly focused.

In terms of schools to consider HBS is fantastic, but I'd also suggest you consider MIT Sloan, Tuck, Yale SOM, Kellogg, Ross, and Darden. If you'd consider west coast, also think about Stanford and Haas. My main point is given the non-traditional nature of your qualifications and path to bschool, apply widely.

Best,
Linda[/quote]

Thank you for your response, Linda. I am relieved that there could be a place for me in a traditional two-year program. I have also heard from folks who say I might be a better fit for an executive MBA program due to my age. But those seem to want significantly more status and work experience from applicants, compared to what I have to offer. It also seems that I might miss out on the critical internship after the first year that two-year programs feed into.

Would some executive programs be a better option in the near future? If so, which ones might be better for a candidate who has less experience? Thank you again for your help!

YOu are a tough one. I'd recommend you apply to a range of programs and perhaps state your goal a little differently. MBB tend to prefer younger applicants for their entry positions. If you write in terms of consulting in bio engineering or pharma, that doesn't preclude from aiming for MBB, but it won't spook schools into thinking you are unrealistic or too narrowly focused.

In terms of schools to consider HBS is fantastic, but I'd also suggest you consider MIT Sloan, Tuck, Yale SOM, Kellogg, Ross, and Darden. If you'd consider west coast, also think about Stanford and Haas. My main point is given the non-traditional nature of your qualifications and path to bschool, apply widely.

Best,
Linda[/quote]

Thank you for your response, Linda. I am relieved that there could be a place for me in a traditional two-year program. I have also heard from folks who say I might be a better fit for an executive MBA program due to my age. But those seem to want significantly more status and work experience from applicants, compared to what I have to offer. It also seems that I might miss out on the critical internship after the first year that two-year programs feed into.

Would some executive programs be a better option in the near future? If so, which ones might be better for a candidate who has less experience? Thank you again for your help![/quote]

I share your concern that your lack of experience will be more of an issue at EMBA programs, but if you were to consider EMBA programs, look into Sloan Fellows at MIT and the MSx at Stanford (stretches), or the EMBA programs at Duke, Darden, and Ross. I'd also add Duke to FT programs I'd suggest you consider.

You might be interested in these two resources:

1. Applying to Regular MBA Programs as an Older Applicant
2.Are You Ready? MBA Admissions Calculator Quiz

Best,
Linda
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Hello all, and hope everybody is staying safe! Would love a profile evaluation if possible. I am well aware that HBS is going to be a stretch, so I would love to know if you think I should even bother with an application or if I should save my time and money.

Background:
White Male
Age 26

College:
Finance degree from "Public Ivy" (but not one that's quite UVA/Berkeley caliber) with top 10 undergraduate business school
3.6 GPA

GMAT: 730

Work Experience:
4 years at top real estate mortgage banking firm (though unsure if MBA programs have a sense for what "top" mortgage banking firms are, so not sure how much this helps me). Have held multiple roles within the firm, a path I chose to broaden my skill set.

Extracurriculars:
Admittedly a weak spot. Outside of work I stay involved with a leadership role in my high school's alumni association, which is something I'm passionate about, but I'm not sure how this would be viewed by an MBA admissions office.

Post MBA Goals:
Move to investment side of real estate, leverage HBS brand and network to help source equity investor relationships. However a lot of the interest in pursuing an MBA is to explore the PropTech field, where I could leverage my real estate knowledge but would certainly be looking at it though a different lens that MBA classes and connections would really help with.

Other comments:
Would be nervous to seek a recommendation from a direct supervisor given economic uncertainty during the pandemic, but could get a good recommendation from a direct supervisor who now works for a competitor.

Hello gmatfan5,

How much leadership and impact can you show both on the job and at your high school alumni assoc? If it's significant, then I'd say HBS is worth the effort, provided that most of the schools you are applying to are ones where you are more competitive. Where else are you considering?

Please see Get Accepted. to Harvard Business School.
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So let's give this a shot. Apologies for typos!

27 English, Caucasian, Male

Undergrad (UK)
B.A Humanities degree - 3.3 GPA equivalent
M.S.C Business degree - 4.0 GPA equivalent
Both at a top 5 UK university

GMAT
740 (47V, 45Q, 6IR)

Work Experience
- 5 Years - Founder of Security organisation.
- 4 Years - Global health care organisation, rotating between several business essential roles in Belgium, Singapore, London and Africa.
- (Extra) Whilst at university, worked as an assistant venue manager full time for one of the biggest nightclubs within the UK.

Extra Curricular/ Additionals
- Ex semi-pro rugby player with numerous caps as captain.
- Head of internal charity events at univeristy - representing every student as head of internal fundraising events, and leading over 20 events per year (Earning upwards of £400K).
- UK Samaritan - Working for a non-profit hotline which takes calls from individuals in desperate positions (Easier to think of it as a suicide/ depression hotline)
- International team leader - International experience working in villages in some of the poorest countries for 3-4months+ stretches, leading a team of up to 20 individuals.
- Actor/Director - Numerous performances for numerous societies at university and in each country I have visited.
- 1 of 8 UK colleges international sport leaders, chosen to represent my region in national events and abroad.

Essay
My essay is focused around my compassion to help people, and my drive to be involved and work through problems and solutions. My essay takes the story of what initially lead me to be focused on a desire to help people, leading me to take positions in numerous charity and 'action' focused projects throughout the UK and abroad, as well as pushing me towards my career in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. In addition, my desire and need to be physically involved, has meant that I have put myself forward for international as well as local roles where I can see a positive impact for my work.

MBA Goal
My main goal for the MBA is to become part of a school that will challenge my thinking, and put me into broader and difficult scenarios. I also would like the opportunity to take a moment after 4-5 years of work, to re-evaluate my career trajectory and change course towards something which I believe I can make a greater impact towards.

25M, Canadian citizen (born in Afghanistan)

167Q/167V GRE, 3.76 GPA

Hi All -

I am early in my thought process around the idea of applying to business school and as such, I wanted to post here to get some thoughts / insights. I plan on applying to HBS and Stanford GSB. I apologize if this is long, but I wanted to provide as much detail as I can.

Test Scores / GPA / School

I have an undergrad from a top Canadian business school (think Ivey/Queens), and I was a transfer student from another top business school (Schulich) (spent two years at Schulich, then 2 years at Ivey/Queens). My combined GPA is around a 3.76, but my GPA at the school I transfered to is around 3.85. I took the GRE a few days ago and scored a 167 on Quant and a 167 on Verbal and 5.5/6.0 on AWA.

In terms of my extracurricular activities while in school:
* I was the president of the asset management club, where I was in charge of organizing speaker series, educational events, and mentorship programs to over 250 club members.
* I was an investment analyst on the university investment club where I was in charge of managing a portfolio of stocks worth $300k. I was responsible for sourcing investment ideas and pitching them as well as mentoring general members of the club.
* I wrote a case study that is now on the HBS publishing website and is routinely used as teaching material for MBA and undergrad students back at the school I graduated from.
* Outside of school, I was, and still am, involved with a non for profit that helps provide mentorship and guidance to new comers to Canada (targeted towards new comers from war-torn countries).

**Work Experience**

* I graduated undergrad in 2018. Prior to graduating, I completed internships in Investment Banking (3 months) as well as two separate internships in Private Equity (PE). Including a 6 month internship at a smaller Canadian PE firm,and a 10 week internship at a large U.S. PE firm (very well respected firm, with a large asset base and several employees who attended HBS/GSB).
* I ended up joining the U.S. based PE firm as an Investment Analyst out of undergrad and worked there for about 1.5 years. As part of my job, I evaluated buyout transactions and was one of ~30 investment professionals.
* I had an offer to stay there for another 2 years as an Associate, but I ended up leaving to joing a long / short equity Hedge Fund in New York. The Hedge Fund I am at now is a very well respected fund with a track record of over 20 years. I am the youngest member of the investment team and I am responsible for sourcing, presenting, and managing investment ideas.
* Excluding my internships, I now have about 2 years of work experience. Upon matriculation, I would have 3 years of experience.

Posted from my mobile device

I'm assuming that your involvement in the Global Health organization occurred while you were working full-time for the securities firm. I'm also assuming that the securities firm has done reasonably well for itself.

You have a competitive profile for HBS and other top MBA programs. I really can't comment o the essay without reading it although the approach your taking should work for HBS' essay question.

A few suggestions: Sharpen your post-MBA goal or direction. Wanting to evaluate your career trajectory, is not something most MBA programs really want to here, although HBS is a little less demanding in this area than other programs. Re-evaluate your trajectory now and then determine that bschool, and this bschool is the path to achieving that goal. Also figure out direction in terms of how you want to make that impact. If it means you want to go into health care and pharma, fine but be prepared to say why that's your choice and again be more specific. Healthcare policy? Hospital admin? Drug cost reduction and distribution? Biomedical devices?

You might be interested in Why MBA?, a free download.

Best,
Linda
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Your academics are strong. your extra-curriculars are competitive and perhaps you have a personal story of interest that fits with your community service commitment. You have a lot of strengths and pluses. As I'm sure you're aware, you work experience is on the low side, albeit it is impressive. IF the next year will be a year of growth for you on the job, from an admissions perspective, you may want to wait an additional year to apply. However, I can also understand where you may feel that you want to go know when the opportunity cost is a little lower and you can start your post-MBA career trajectory a year earlier.

So you have a choice to make: Apply now with a slightly lower chance of acceptance or apply next year with a higher likelihood of acceptance. If you choose the former, apply this year, but only apply to those programs that you really want to go to while acknowledging that you might have to reapply. If you aren't accepted, then reapply next year to a wider range of schools. And of course if you are accepted, you can happily join the class of 2023. However, if you want to minimize the possibility of a reapplication, then work for another year, advance professionally and apply in 2021 to join the class of 2024.

Best,
Linda
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