Ding / Reject Analysis - Advice & Reviews Welcome

Question

Hi All - after having used Gmat Club extensively over the past year (thank you for all your help!) this is my first post.

I applied in R2 to Harvard and Wharton this year, ie. Class of 2026. Unfortunately, I was declined without interview.

I would like someone to review my profile so that I can understand whether I have a reasonable shot at getting into either of these schools (+ a few select others) this year in round 1. I have received a promotion this year, so that would be the one major change in my application.

M, 28 years old working in London
Gmat - 750
Work - 5 years in sales & trading (sales)
Post MBA - move to buy side in the asset class that I work in (my sales role is one of the more technical sales roles on the trading floor). 
University - top 10-20 globally, 2.1 degree

Other - spent 6 months in another financial hub as well as volunteered abroad post university. Relatively limited extra curriculars or awards.

Realistically do I have a better shot at getting into Harvard, Wharton, GSB, Booth in R1? Or given the facts that I am from a competitive cohort and that my application is not likely to be significantly different to when I applied this year, will applying to these schools this year also be a stretch?

Thanks in advance for the frank advice - I’d also be grateful for recommendations of consultants that you may have used for similar work.

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

@neashub1 - Sorry to hear it didn't go better. Some thoughts below. Please note though, I'd be able to provide a holistic ding analysis only after going through your CV and application essays. 1. Your undergrad pedigree, GMAT and work-ex (is it in a branded firm) are good, given the Finance and international angles. Would like to understand your work-ex deeper to assess. 2. The promotion is certainly a plus, but it'd be crucial to have a clear narrative, covering your post-MBA goals, why MBA, why now (i.e. what're the hurdles involved in transitioning within your company), why/ how the particular B-school will help achieve your goals, etc. Top B-schools for Finance careers, along with latest hiring stats are here FYI 3. The Extracurricular angle seems to be a potential concern. Having said that, it's better to have 2-3 strong activities with consistent involvement, than a list of mediocre ones. It's also equally important how you present them, showcasing your personal growth and how it'd add value to the B-school. Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out for a deeper chat. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MyMBAPath · Answer

Honestly, without someone seeing your essays, all attempts at trying to see why things didn't work out are pretty much useless. You have the stats but they are merely table stakes when it comes to H/W. Your story will make or break your candidacy.

Regarding R1 vs R2, it's not like you have significantly different odds per se. If you can put a very strong application together for R1, there are small advantages.

It's a common misconception that you need major changes in your application to apply - in most cases, you need simply incremental improvements in every application part that you could possibly dial up. That means a stronger set of essays. Stronger LORs (this comes from prepping your recommenders better). A very thoughtful re-appplicant essay will be critical too - you will need to demonstrated the self-awareness schools expect.

More on the difference between R1 and R2 here: https://youtu.be/jdST22A64xI?si=fxjwLBpN6nqsBsOp

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey there  neashub1

I totally understand the sting of a ding in R2. But hey, that's why we're here – to support each other and strategize for a knockout R1 application!

Let's dissect your profile and see how we can make it shine even brighter for those top schools.

First off, your GMAT score is killer! A 750 puts you head and shoulders above the average applicant at M7 schools. Your experience in sales & trading, especially with a technical background, is impressive. It's awesome that you have a clear post-MBA goal to transition to the buy-side – that shows focus and ambition.

Here's the thing though, for these super competitive programs, well-roundedness is a big deal. Admissions committees want to see you crushing it outside of work too. Think about leadership positions you've held, volunteer work that fired you up, or hobbies that showcase your passions and ability to contribute to a community. While your recent promotion is a fantastic development, maybe we can explore how to weave it into a broader story about your professional growth and achievements.

Honestly, with your current profile and a competitive applicant pool, it might be a bit of a stretch for some M7 schools in R1. But by focusing on building your extracurricular profile and highlighting the impact of your promotion, you can definitely present a much stronger application next round.

Speaking of which, if you'd like to get down in the weeds and analyze your R2 application in detail, I highly recommend scheduling a free 1:1 ding analysis session. It's a fantastic way to understand why things might not have gone your way and craft a winning strategy for the future.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A FREE DINGED ANALYSIS SESSION WITH US.

Remember, this ding is just a bump in the road. With some focused effort, you can absolutely crush your applications next round!

AugustAcademy · Answer

Hey there,

You have a competitive profile on paper. As you call to attention, you do belong to a competitive cohort. So do you know if you have significant points of differentiation, and have called it out in your applications?

If no, then brainstorming a bit more on the essays so that they communicate your achievements a bit more impactfully may help.

If you feel you've communicated your EC's and leadership, etc. adequately well, then essentially we are down to playing the lottery.  Sure - by all means you may play again, and play at more shops. That increase your odds of success this time around.

Meaning - consider applying to HW again, but don't have high expectations. Also apply to 3 - 4 more M7/T10 colleges that are of interest to you.

If you wish to chat more, feel free to reach out:  https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

Best,
Karthik

Admissionado · Answer

neashub1 : Q: Realistically do I have a better shot at getting into Harvard, Wharton, GSB, Booth in R1? A: These are some of the hardest schools to get into in the world, so it's not surprising that you didn't get in without interview. It's THAT tough. It's also not necessarily a poor reflection of you as a candidate. Competition was high this past year. Q: Or given the facts that I am from a competitive cohort and that my application is not likely to be significantly different to when I applied this year, will applying to these schools this year also be a stretch? A: That your future application is not THAT different from this upcoming one could be an issue. You need to show some change, growth, etc. That said, it sounds like it might be your essays and how you advertised yourself in them that could have been a difference maker. Often times, we review dinged candidates and see very quickly all the ways in which we might have approached things differently. Let us know if you want to chat. It might be very helpful for us to review your past and future candidacy. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

neashub1 · Answer

Update - looking for a consultant that can assist with next years application. I have budget, but can’t come to terms with spending double dight thousands. If anyone has any recommendations at a lower price point pls do advise.

Thanks to all that have replied.

Posted from my mobile device

Thanks to all that have replied.

Posted from my mobile device

AugustAcademy · Answer

Please refer to my earlier post to review my thoughts. Feel free to reach out at: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

We can chat, and then take it forward if you are comfortable.

Best,
Karthik

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