Hello Miguel, thanks for sharing your details. Some thoughts:

1. Your academic record is strong, given the GPA, pedigree and international semesters. However, your GMAT Classic score of 680 is unfortunately below average for Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Columbia. A retake targeting 685+ (Focus Edition) would help increase chances.

2. Your professional experience is solid, given the McKinsey brand, promotion, international projects and upcoming transfer. Extracurriculars look interesting in undergrad, anything since then? As a first-generation student, these demographic aspects add a unique dimension to your profile and can be powerful differentiators in your essays.

3. Returning to McKinsey post-MBA is a common goal for candidates from your background, though the 'why MBA', 'why consulting' and 'why our school' angles would need strong differentiating narratives.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out through the links below for a deeper chat.

Regards,
Arvind Kumar (Founder, admitStreet)
Testimonials: https://admitstreet.com/testimonials/ | Free profile evaluation: https://admitstreet.com/#contact

Hello Miguel,

Your trajectory is good with McKinsey fast track, international project scope, first-gen status, and LGBTQ+ identity all adding unique angles.

The academic side is equally solid with a 3.75 GPA and dual global exchanges.

The biggest blocker right now is the 680 GMAT, which is well below par for HBS, GSB, and Wharton, even with a stellar resume. A retake could move the needle significantly as your profile has Top 3 potential if that piece is fixed.

If retaking is off the table, CBS is your best realistic shot among M7. We can also explore how to structure your reapp strategy if needed.

Let’s talk through it.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule a free 1-on-1 call with me for a detailed profile review
https://calendly.com/ameer-khatri/profi ... th=2025-04

Thank you for sharing your impressive and well-rounded profile @miguelsergio355. You have a good foundation with standout elements that will appeal to top-tier MBA programs. Academically, your 3.75 GPA and graduating #1 in your class from a top university, with international semesters at Bocconi and SMU Singapore, show intellectual excellence and global exposure. These experiences, along with founding a student association and completing 2 internships, speak to both leadership and initiative during your undergraduate years.

Professionally, your 3 years at McKinsey with a rapid promotion to Associate and consistent top 1% performance evaluations reflect not only strong analytical and strategic capabilities but also your ability to thrive in high-pressure, results-oriented environments. The international nature of your project experience, including work in France, Germany, Puerto Rico, Peru, and an upcoming transfer to Panama, adds significant cross-cultural depth. This global footprint will be a major asset, particularly at schools that value international leadership potential like INSEAD, Wharton, and HBS.

Your goals post-MBA, returning to McKinsey with a long-term transition into a leadership role in the consumer goods sector, are both credible and compelling. The clarity of your career path shall work in your favor, especially with schools like Columbia and Wharton, which appreciate defined post-MBA goals. However, it will be essential that you explain why an MBA is needed now, despite your already accelerated trajectory at McKinsey. This is especially important for schools like Stanford and Harvard, where career momentum without an MBA can raise questions unless paired with a clearly articulated personal and professional inflection point. You can take a look at this blog on Importance of Personal Anecdotes

One clear area of improvement is your GMAT score of 680. While not disqualifying, it falls below the median for the M7 schools you're targeting, where scores typically hover in the 720-740 range. Try to get a higher score, 685+ could substantially boost your competitiveness, especially at Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. If you feel there's room to improve and you have time available, it’s strongly recommended to consider a retake.

As you move forward, focus on deep, reflective essays that go beyond resume points to explore your motivations, challenges overcome, and values. Secure strong recommenders who can validate your leadership and interpersonal strengths. If you've contributed to LGBTQ+ initiatives or any form of DEI work at McKinsey, make sure to include those; they add powerful layers to your candidacy.

We’d love to understand more about your journey to provide a more accurate and personalized assessment of your profile. If you'd like, feel free to schedule a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond