Thanks for sharing your profile @asingh22! You’re a 5-year operator from a quick-commerce unicorn with cross-functional product/ops experience, the kind of real-world builder. Two big flags: GPA 2.5 (low for US top programs) and GMAT 655 (okay for many strong programs but below median at M7). These aren’t impossible, but you must neutralize them with quantified impact, credibility signals, and a crisp narrative.

AdComs would want to understand three questions: (1) Can you handle the academics? (GPA + GMAT risk), (2) Why MBA now? (show the skill gaps MBA fills), and (3) Are you differentiated? (Many ex-founders/PMs apply.) If you answer these cleanly with evidence, you turn curiosity into interviews.

(MIT Sloan, Kellogg, Yale, Haas, Ross, Stern) can be reached. Not impossible, but you need exceptionally strong essays, recommendations that testify to leadership/analytical ability, and ideally a stronger GMAT 695, 705+.

Can be Realistic choices: Kenan-Flagler, Goizueta, Darden, Anderson, Foster, Scheller, Marshall). Your startup trajectory and product/ops skills put you in play. 655 is within range for many of these schools, but again, a 675+ score, stronger narrative, and recommenders matter more.

Career narrative & “why MBA”: Be explicit: which PM/strategy roles do you want post-MBA, at which companies or functions, and which skills you lack (finance, stakeholder management in matrix orgs, structured strategy frameworks). Tie those gaps to specific courses/clubs/internships at your target schools.

If you need time to retake GMAT/ take the GRE / finish a course/project, apply Round 2, but try not to delay beyond R2 unless you plan a major profile upgrade (another year of leadership/role change).

Some questions for you to reflect on:
1. What were your top 3 measurable impacts at the quick-commerce startup (numbers, %s, timelines)?
2. Are you willing to retake the GMAT/ considering the GRE?
3. Who are your potential recommenders (titles + relation)?
4. Do you have any pre-MBA projects/certifications in analytics, product, or finance?
5. Which 2 schools are must-get admits, and which are “nice to have”? That helps prioritize effort.

Last week, we hosted a Coffee Session with one of our Applicants who got into Berkeley Haas and Georgetown. You can watch the VIDEO(HERE) on our YouTube channel.

We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

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