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Admissionado
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 24 Nov 2022, 21:41
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sweetpineapple:

Responding to your questions:

Q: Do I stand a chance at top schools like HBS, MIT, Stanford? Or I shouldn't apply?

A: Frankly, I don't see it. Don't get me wrong, your profile is good but it's not stellar enough to make you a strong candidate for these top programs. Yes, you have a chance, but I'm not sure you should apply to all three. MIT Sloan is your best bet since it's slightly less competitive than HBS and Stanford. They also have a later application deadline, so you might want to take advantage of that to give yourself added time.

Q: Also any suggestions on which schools to pick from top20?

A: I would look at schools like Duke (Fuqua), UC Berkeley (Haas), UT Austin (McCombs), and Michigan (Ross). Those are excellent programs, a good fit for your profile, and would set you up nicely for your career goals to be a leader in the field of autonomous vehicles.

Let us know if you want to chat further. Our link to a free discussion is below:

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
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NextGenNerd
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GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V35
GMAT 2: 760 Q50 V42
GPA: 3.2
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Schools: HBS '25 (S) Booth '25 (II) Kellogg '25 (S) LBS '25 (S) CBS '25 (S) Stern '25 (S)
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 25 Nov 2022, 02:08
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Hi everyone!

Please share your thoughts on my profile.

Demography:
29-year-old Indian Male

Education:
Undergrad
- Bachelor in Engineering: Computer Science. Visveshwaraya Technological University, India (2011-2015)
- Grade: 69% Aggregate. 1st Class
- Got a full-ride merit scholarship for 4 years of engineering as I come from a low-income background and scored more than 90% in 12th standard (Physics: 89, Chemistry: 93, Maths: 91)
Graduation
- Masters of Science: Computer Science. University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (2017-2018)
- Grade: 2.1 . First Class
- Got a scholarship of 4000 euros for educational excellence in engineering

GMAT:
760 (Q50-V42-IR:8-AWA:4)

Current Role:
Senior Software Engineer
-Design, develop and maintain enterprise-level software applications

Work Experience:
Dublin, Ireland (4 years)
-Worked for an Investment Management firm as the lead software developer to build in-house technology products
-Contributed to the design-development-testing and production phases of an enterprise-level Trade-Order Management System with a team of 4 international software developers
-The system effectively manages more than $600 million per month in transactions and handles more than $200 million on a single day during portfolio rebalancing

Bangalore, India (2 years)
-Worked for a Management Consulting firm as a Decision Scientist
-Worked with multiple fortune 500 clients to provide data-driven insights and actionable recommendations

Extracurriculars:
Captain of the University Volleyball Team (2012- 2015)
-Led the team to win our first state-level tournament in 9 years
-Won various regional tournaments across Karnataka, India
Trekked the Himalayas (2017)
-After 3 months of intense training, trekked to Roopkund, Himalayas
-This expedition was with a team of 20 people, ascending from 7000 feet on day 0 to reaching 16,000 feet on day 9
Active Tennis player
-Won the club championship for doubles and the most improved player of the year award in 2019

Languages:
-English
-Hindi
-Kannada

Post-MBA Goal:
-short-term: Switch from tech to consulting, get into MBB. Ideally continue to stay in the finance and tech space
-long-term: Work in strategy roles/ leadership positions in mid-sized fin-tech firms

LOR:
- Strong letter from my current CEO

Target Schools:
Havard, Booth, Kellog, Tuck, Columbia, LBS, INSEAD

Strengths:
- 4 years of international experience. Living in Dublin, worked mostly with the Irish and the germans
- Worked on niche investment tech products. Quant and tech-heavy.
- Wore multiple hats in terms of working with Traders, Brokers, external lawyers, international software developers, and data vendors
- Implemented multiple software from whiteboard to live environments

Weakness:
- Mostly worked in small teams. Haven't led teams of size 10 or more professionally.
- Relatively less exposure in terms of presenting to / convincing stakeholders.
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rs5713
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GMAT 1: 760 Q50 V42
GMAT 2: 720 Q45 V42
GRE 1: Q162 V164
GPA: 4
Schools: HBS '25 (M) Wharton '25 (A) Stanford '25 (D)
GMAT 2: 720 Q45 V42
GRE 1: Q162 V164
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 10 Dec 2022, 14:27
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Admissionado
rs5713:

The reason we have given this advice to other people before is because it remains true! It would have been concerning if our advice had shifted from post to post. That would be a red flag :)

There might be a misunderstanding in the "40%" of folks who get an interview but do not ultimately get an acceptance letter. Candidates who have "poor" interviews (for those egregious reasons mentioned) do not make up the full 40%. I am quite confident sure the actual number is much, much smaller. The point is that those people with really poor interviews face an uphill battle. It's like if they had a very bad GPA or GMAT/GORE score.

The lion's share of those who get an interview but are not accepted are likely denied for other reasons. The process is not entirely linear. Just because you received an interview does not mean interview performance is the last and only determining factor at that point to getting in. The interview is simply another data point that gets considered into your overall decision. A candidate might have had a great interview but ultimately wasn't as strong in other components even though those components were enough to get them an interview in the first place.
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Hey Admissionado - just wanted to circle back to this and thank you for taking the time to respond and putting me at ease. I found out last week that I got in :)
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Admissionado
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 10 Dec 2022, 22:23
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Congrats!
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MiMEssay
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 07 Feb 2023, 23:55
Originally posted by MiMEssay on 14 Dec 2022, 22:40.
Last edited by MiMEssay on 07 Feb 2023, 23:55, edited 1 time in total.
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IndianAspirantMBA
Hello everyone, I have been working on my profile for a long time, and getting into an MBA program at one of the top most reputed universities has been my ambition for a long time. Looking to receive a constructive & honest evaluation of my profile.

Background, nationality and undergrad information:
- 28, Male, Indian
- Bachelors in Commerce - Computers from a recognised university (Osmania University) in the country - Scored 78%

GRE: 337

Work experience and leadership: Total of 7+ years
1 year - Product role at a Consumer-tech Startup (latest stint)
1.5 years - Product Lead at an NGO : built e-learning modules that is spanned across 98 countries
2.5 years - Founder of a Social Impact Consulting Firm
1.5 years - Industrial/Management Trainee - Internal Audit at an Indian conglomerate
1 year - Product role at an e-commerce startup

Certifications -
1. Product Management from ISB
2. Design Thinking from Darden School of Business
3. Essentials of Corporate Financial Analysis & Decision Making Capstone from University of Melbourne

Community and Others:
- Kalinga Fellowship : Led the Digital Awareness Team and worked on conceptualizing the first truly multi-sector information sharing platform along with the strategic partners: IBM & Traffik Analysis Hub.
- Trained 100+ Telangana State Police officials on the strengthening of the 33 Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in the State in collaboration with the Women Safety Wing and Retired officials of Telangana Police & Government
- Led on-field research team on landscape analysis on online sexual exploitation - A research project funded The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)

Post MBA goals:
Product Management at fast-paced startups/ companies like Google, Meta, Amazon.
Show more


Hey, I must start by saying that you have an excellent work experience according to the job profile you wish to pursue post-MBA; it is very relevant and would help you a lot soon while applying for this course!
You have gained seven years of work experience, which is more than enough and will give you an edge over other applicants. Most applicants have average of 3-4 years of work experience while applying to an MBA course abroad.
Talking about your community work, I am impressed as you have created a tangible social impact through your work, which will set your CV apart from other applicants.
Coming to your scores, your GRE is pretty decent, and I would suggest you gain a score of 730 or above in GMAT if you are targeting top B schools like Harvard.

Here I am listing the basic requirements for applying to MBA program at Harvard -

An international applicant is required to hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree. Equivalent degrees include international three-year bachelor's degree programs.
The MBA Admissions Board discourages any candidate with a TOEFL score lower than 109 on the iBT, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, a PTE score lower than 75, or a Duolingo score lower than 130 from applying.
GMAT, preferably 730 and above to stand a better chance
Work experience of around 4-5 years is a must.

Hope this was helpful. Best of Luck with the application process!

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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MiMEssay
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 07 Feb 2023, 23:56
Originally posted by MiMEssay on 14 Dec 2022, 22:53.
Last edited by MiMEssay on 07 Feb 2023, 23:56, edited 1 time in total.
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Bhargu999
Hi everyone, could you please critically review my profile?

Background, nationality, and educational background:
- 26 years old, Female, Indian national, currently working in India as Clinical Dentist
- BDS ( Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 3.6/4.0 CGPA from a Top Dental College in Hyderabad, India
- I have 1 International and 2 National Research Papers
- Led the college Cricket and Basketball team for 3 years as a captain. Three consecutive wins in cricket and two in basketball.
- Heading a team of fourteen, I led organizing various academic and sports events at our college fest attended by over 800 students.
- During graduation, I led a team of ten and the finances for our convocation day.

GMAT: 750

Work experience and leadership:
- Industry: Healthcare Providers
- Current position: Associate Dentist
- Work ex and progression: 2.5 years. I was promoted once and am on track to be promoted to Senior Dentist at the start of next year.
- In my current role, I am managing 70% of the clinical cases and mostly do the main conversation with the patients. I also manage Interns and Consulting Dentists.


Community and others:
- I am passionate about mentoring and have volunteered with NEET exam Aspirants.
- Mentored 8 students for their MDS (Masters of Dental Surgery) and MS applications (around 3years)
- Lead monthly Free Dental Health Checkup Camps (around 3.5 years)

Post-MBA goals:
I want to pursue an MBA to improve my leadership skills and learn business and operations point of view. Also, to learn and polish key business and analytical skills.

Short-term: I want to do Healthcare corporate strategy/operations consulting.
Long-term: Given my extensive Clinical Experience and Medical background, I am interested in continuing in Healthcare consulting or moving to leadership roles in Healthcare domain like Pharmaceutical Industry.

Target schools: HBS, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Duke.

Questions?
- Is 750 GMAT sufficient for my profile?
- People’s management: I manage interns and Consulting Dentists for some specific cases. Do you think this counts?
- Having a Dental background and clinical experience, will I be at a disadvantage in the admission process?
- I will apply in R2 this year. Would I be at disadvantage for not applying in R1? Should I wait until next year to apply in R1?
- What are my chances for HBS?


I would really appreciate your review, thanks a lot!
Show more


Hello, you have a decent profile for applying to MBA programs abroad. Your GMAT Score would be a game changer as it is perfect for getting you to top B schools abroad. I must appreciate that with your academic excellence, you have balanced extracurricular activities like sports and community work quite well.

Here answering all the questions below -

1. Yes, your GMAT score is excellent. You need not worry about the same.
2. Of course, any kind of work experience counts. However, you will have to check the requirements of the specific universities that you wish to apply for.
3. No, your background does not make any difference once your test scores are good, with 5-6 years of work experience on your CV. I suggest you go for MBA in Health management, which is related to your prior field of study.
4. No, you can apply at your convenience and wish, don’t worry.
5. Definitely, with this GMAT score, you can apply. However, note that you must have a work experience of 4-5 years before applying for Harvard.

I hope this helps!

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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aspenlauren
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 23 Dec 2022, 12:09
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Hey Ethan,

A few quick things. First, it's actually not $250 only $100! HBS and Stanford GSB both reduce their rates for their deferred programs. The other deferred programs at the M7 schools actually waive the fee completely so it's free to apply. I recommend applying to HBS 2+2 (and the other M7 deferred programs) for this and several other reasons:

- It's a zero-risk way of applying. If you don't get in, it doesn't affect your future chances; if anything, it actually increases them because it shows a genuine commitment/interest in the school. 
- You don't have to worry about studying for the GMAT/GRE or completing the other parts of the application while you're also working full-time. 
- You have time to prepare for your MBA. And, if you decide you don't want to go there after all, you can always apply to other programs and have the deferred one as a safety or backup. 

Your GPA is a little lower than average, I'd say, but you can make up for that by showing academic fortitude in other areas. If you can get your GMAT up a little, it may be worth it as a way to offset the GPA. Also, I think both HBS and GSB allow you to send in updated GMAT scores after you've already submitted the application. So you can focus on polishing all the other parts of your app, get it submitted, and then take the GMAT again. Double check but I'm pretty sure that's still accurate.

Side note, when I applied, I got coaching from someone who had gotten into like 4 deferred programs on a website called Leland. Most of the coaches aren't cheap, but it was very worth it IMO. Also, they have a subscription service thing that's new (leland+ I think?) with a ton of sample resumes, essays, letters of rec, etc. from past deferred applicants who got in. Definitely wish I had access to that when I applied. 

Good luck! 
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MiMEssay
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 07 Feb 2023, 23:56
Originally posted by MiMEssay on 29 Dec 2022, 04:04.
Last edited by MiMEssay on 07 Feb 2023, 23:56, edited 1 time in total.
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sweetpineapple
Hello,
Can someone review my profile?

Undergrad:
Bachelor of Technology, Computer science and engineering
some Indian engineering school
GPA: 7.85/10

Graduate:
Master of Technology,Computer science and engineering,
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
GPA: 8.76/10

After my bachelors degree, I worked as Software Engineer at IBM India for 2 years and 3 months.
Then I did my masters from IIT Bombay.
After Masters I moved to Japan and have worked with following companies:
1. Rakuten - 2 years 3 months (Started as Software engineer, changed to Product management after 1 year, E-commerce)
2. LINE Corp. - 3 years (Product manager, Messaging app, apis, developer tools)
3. Woven Planet (Toyota Motors corporation) - 8 months (Current job) (Product management, Autonomous vehicles)

Total experience at matriculation (Fall 2023): 108 months

GRE
Verbal: 157
Quant: 162
AWA: 3.5

Post MBA goals:
Short term: move to strategy role in autonomous vehicles domain
Long term: Leadership role in autonomous vehicles domain

Extracurricular:
- Active participation in sports in undergrad and grad school, Won inter-collegiate basketball tournament, Sports. person of the year nominee
- Volunteer for many committees in college, Treasurer of Girls mess during undergrad
- Volunteer at Japanese children's English camp - teach English to kids
- Learned Japanese language after coming to Japan

With my exacting job, I didn't have enough time to prepare for GRE so my GRE score is not great.
Do I stand a chance at top schools like HBS, MIT, Stanford? Or I shouldn't apply? Also any suggestions on which schools to pick from top20?
I want to apply in R2 January 2023.

Thanks in advance!
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Hey sweetpineapple

Your strength is your consistently high GPA, there's 7.85 and 8.76. You actually lack a brand name in undergrad, but you've made up for it in master's, and IIT Bombay is respected at all the top schools.

Second, you've always worked in product management and technology. IBM, Rakuten, and Line Corp. are among the best recruiters. Since it's a transition from a technical to a product-based role, you can link it to efficiency, process, and cost-reduction efforts.

Given your nine years of experience, schools will expect certain leadership roles, so you can mention them in your resume and SOPs.

I don't know your achievements, but schools always want them as you'll be competing with many people from Deloitte, KPMG, and other firms.

319 is a good GRE score for many good schools. In your extracurriculars, the main focus would be on the past five or four years, so if there's nothing, I recommend finding some links to NGOs or businesses to show that you've helped them in volunteer activities, business activities, or anything else.

Your question implies you want to apply to HBS, MIT, and Stanford, but they don't use GRE scores alone. Even with a 330 GRE, HBS, MIT, and Stanford seem unlikely as exceptional profiles are needed.

I don't recommend Round 2 because there aren't many schools you can aim for if you haven't started your applications earlier, and you will be working in a rushed situation. Each school requires 15 to 20 days of work. So, you can retake the GRE and aim for a 324 or 325.

List of schools you can target:

1. Duke
2. Cornell
3. LBS
4. Kellogg
5. NYU Stern
6. UNC
7. USC Marshall
8. UCL

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 16 Jan 2023, 14:15
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Hey,
So I am a Mechanical Engineer and I am planning to give my GMAT this year, I have 1.5 years of work experience right now and a GPA of 3.04. I have published a book and have my own podcast.
What Business Schools should I apply to? Do I stand a chance at Harvard Business School or any other Ivy League school or M7 business school? And, What should I do to improve my options if I am planning to apply this year?
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 16 Jan 2023, 15:53
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HarryPotter7
Hey,
So I am a Mechanical Engineer and I am planning to give my GMAT this year, I have 1.5 years of work experience right now and a GPA of 3.04. I have published a book and have my own podcast.
What Business Schools should I apply to? Do I stand a chance at Harvard Business School or any other Ivy League school or M7 business school? And, What should I do to improve my options if I am planning to apply this year?
Show more
Get more work experience. At least 3-4 years of work experience before applying for Harvard MBA.

Posted from my mobile device
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rn1112
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 17 Jan 2023, 10:56
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Have you appeared for GMAT? What is your score?
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MBAandBeyond
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 18 Jan 2023, 02:23
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Hey HarryPotter7,

It is important to have at least 3 years of work experience before applying to top - B schools like HBS, CBS, Wharton and other M7 schools. I can see some interesting aspects of your profile like publishing a book and owning a podcast, these will surely help your profile stand out. Try achieving a 720+ GMAT score to enhance your chances of getting accepted at the top programs. You still have a couple of years in your hand, make sure to utilize it to build a strong profile, specifically in terms of work experience as you already belong to an over-represented pool of candidates (Mechanical Engineer).

Common Post MBA Goals: How to package your story around it?- Let’s here form the Alumns of Top business schools! Join us for a free session.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
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Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com

HarryPotter7
Hey,
So I am a Mechanical Engineer and I am planning to give my GMAT this year, I have 1.5 years of work experience right now and a GPA of 3.04. I have published a book and have my own podcast.
What Business Schools should I apply to? Do I stand a chance at Harvard Business School or any other Ivy League school or M7 business school? And, What should I do to improve my options if I am planning to apply this year?
Show more
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MiMEssay
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 08 Feb 2023, 00:28
Originally posted by MiMEssay on 28 Jan 2023, 03:54.
Last edited by MiMEssay on 08 Feb 2023, 00:28, edited 1 time in total.
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sherxon
Hello everyone.
I hope you are doing well.
Can you please critically review my profile for HBS?

Background, nationality, and educational background:
- 25 years old, Male, Uzbek, currently working in Uzbekistan
- BSc. in Economics, First-Class Honors from UK institution (received a full-ride merit scholarship for 4 years of UG)

GMAT: 770 (Quant 50)

Work experience and leadership:
- Industry: Manufacturing, Construction materials. (largest in the country)
- Current position: Strategy Manager in Corporate Strategy department
- Work ex and progression: 38 month (Analyst: 12 months -> Senior Analyst: 15 months -> Manager: 11 months).
- I am involved in projects that range from developing corporate strategy to optimizing operations at a manufacturing level. My job is quant-heavy and involves a lot of communication with personnel at every level of the firm’s hierarchy.
- I also participated in M&A projects of the company; sold 3 subsidiaries that did not align with long-term goals of the firm.
- Multiple summer internships during UG

Community and others:
Extra's not much after UG
- Volunteered in Covid hospital (a few weeks)
- Led a green dormitory initiative (1 year)
- Leadership role in volunteer organization (2 years)
- Organized clubs and sport events during UG

Post-MBA goals:
I want to pivot to consulting and participate in larger-scale projects in a diverse set of industries. I want to learn and gain valuable experience to found my own consulting firm that works with small and medium firms.

Short-term: I want to do corporate strategy/operations consulting at MBB.
Long-term: Starting my own boutique consulting firm and taking it to global scale.

Target schools: HBS, Fuqua, UNC, Goizueta

I really appreciate your review and comments.
Thanks a lot
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Hey sherxon,

Your profile is strong for HBS. Your GMAT score is 770, and your academic record is excellent, with a full-ride merit scholarship and a first-class honours degree in economics. Your work experience is solid, with 38 months of experience in a manufacturing company, and increasing responsibilities and involvement in strategic projects. Your extracurricular activities are also noteworthy, including volunteer work during the pandemic and leadership roles in various organizations.

Your post-MBA objectives are clear: you want to transition into consulting and establish your own consulting firm that works with small and medium-sized businesses.

Your short-term goal of consulting with MBB and your long-term goal of starting your own consulting firm aligns well with HBS. Overall, your profile is strong, and you have a good chance of being accepted. Make sure to highlight your strengths and achievements in your application.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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EMBAhopefuld
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 01 Feb 2023, 00:14
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Welcome thoughts on my candidacy for the HBS MBA:

Background:

-40 year old hispanic male, American citizen, member of LGBTQ+ community, VA 100% Permanent and Totally Disabled combat veteran.
-PhD in International Relations (3.98 GPA), MA in International Relations (3.68 GPA), BA in International Relations (3.50 GPA)

GMAT: 610. I took it three times and can't improve my score. For another MBA program, I took the EA and got a 149 with a 7 in Quant.

Work experience:
-Current Organization: U.S. Department of State:
-Current Position: 2013-Present I have been a U.S. Diplomat (Foreign Service Officer) for 10 years representing the U.S. at the highest levels on the world stage, have served in multiple U.S. Embassies, have participated in and successfully negotiated international treaties over the last decade that Harvard Kennedy School students will study about in class.
-Past positions:
2020-2021 I took a leave of absence to takeover as CEO and Chairman of a family-owned tech company following health issues of the founder, my father; the company was in crisis and with no business experience, I built a team, set the vision, and exited with more than a doubling the valuation of the company since I took over (the company was valued at $50m+ when I exited).
2012-2013 I was a Country Director at the Pentagon where I managed a $1.5 billion budget.
2004-2012 I was an active duty US Navy Officer for 8 years where I led more than 40 Marines in combat during two deployments to Afghanistan (2008, 2011).

Community and others:
-I speak fluent English, Russian, and Tajik
-Volunteer Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sister Org for one year.
-Captain of veterans ice hockey team
-Member of State Department's Pride and Disability advocacy employee groups.
-Amateur Astronomer and I do research in my backyard to collect data to discover new Exoplanets and submit the data to NASA -- for fun.
-I'm an FAA commercial pilot, own a plane, and volunteer my time and my plane as an Animal Rescue pilot.

Post-MBA goals:
Gain the hard, soft, and leadership skills offered by HBS to round-out the diverse life experiences i've had, following graduation return to the State Department for several years where my mid-term goal is to become a U.S. Ambassador (realistic within the next 7-10 years). Following my retirement from the State Department, i'd plan to goto an MBB firm for a few years as an experienced hire and then transition after a few years at an MBB into the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company in Strategy.

For the record, I am only interested in the H/S/W full-time MBA programs at this point. Wharton already told me my GMAT and EA scores were too low for both their full-time and EMBA program).

I know my profile is strong for HBS, my goals are linear, I have a good story to tell, I add considerable diversity, but the weak point is the GMAT score. I've taken the GMAT three times over a 1.5 year period, i've done all the various prep courses, and I just can't get it higher. Is my profile and background strong enough for HBS to overlook a poor GMAT score and be one of those unicorn candidates who gets in with a mid-600s GMAT?
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MiMEssay
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 08 Feb 2023, 00:30
Originally posted by MiMEssay on 02 Feb 2023, 04:08.
Last edited by MiMEssay on 08 Feb 2023, 00:30, edited 1 time in total.
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EMBAhopefuld
Welcome thoughts on my candidacy for the HBS MBA:

Background:

-40 year old hispanic male, American citizen, member of LGBTQ+ community, VA 100% Permanent and Totally Disabled combat veteran.
-PhD in International Relations (3.98 GPA), MA in International Relations (3.68 GPA), BA in International Relations (3.50 GPA)

GMAT: 610. I took it three times and can't improve my score. For another MBA program, I took the EA and got a 149 with a 7 in Quant.

Work experience:
-Current Organization: U.S. Department of State:
-Current Position: 2013-Present I have been a U.S. Diplomat (Foreign Service Officer) for 10 years representing the U.S. at the highest levels on the world stage, have served in multiple U.S. Embassies, have participated in and successfully negotiated international treaties over the last decade that Harvard Kennedy School students will study about in class.
-Past positions:
2020-2021 I took a leave of absence to takeover as CEO and Chairman of a family-owned tech company following health issues of the founder, my father; the company was in crisis and with no business experience, I built a team, set the vision, and exited with more than a doubling the valuation of the company since I took over (the company was valued at $50m+ when I exited).
2012-2013 I was a Country Director at the Pentagon where I managed a $1.5 billion budget.
2004-2012 I was an active duty US Navy Officer for 8 years where I led more than 40 Marines in combat during two deployments to Afghanistan (2008, 2011).

Community and others:
-I speak fluent English, Russian, and Tajik
-Volunteer Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sister Org for one year.
-Captain of veterans ice hockey team
-Member of State Department's Pride and Disability advocacy employee groups.
-Amateur Astronomer and I do research in my backyard to collect data to discover new Exoplanets and submit the data to NASA -- for fun.
-I'm an FAA commercial pilot, own a plane, and volunteer my time and my plane as an Animal Rescue pilot.

Post-MBA goals:
Gain the hard, soft, and leadership skills offered by HBS to round-out the diverse life experiences i've had, following graduation return to the State Department for several years where my mid-term goal is to become a U.S. Ambassador (realistic within the next 7-10 years). Following my retirement from the State Department, i'd plan to goto an MBB firm for a few years as an experienced hire and then transition after a few years at an MBB into the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company in Strategy.

For the record, I am only interested in the H/S/W full-time MBA programs at this point. Wharton already told me my GMAT and EA scores were too low for both their full-time and EMBA program).

I know my profile is strong for HBS, my goals are linear, I have a good story to tell, I add considerable diversity, but the weak point is the GMAT score. I've taken the GMAT three times over a 1.5 year period, i've done all the various prep courses, and I just can't get it higher. Is my profile and background strong enough for HBS to overlook a poor GMAT score and be one of those unicorn candidates who gets in with a mid-600s GMAT?
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Hey EMBAhopefuld,

Your profile is strong in terms of education, work experience, and diversity. Your international relations background and work experience as a U.S. Diplomat are particularly impressive and demonstrate leadership potential. Your involvement in community and personal pursuits also showcases your well-roundedness and determination.

However, a GMAT score of 610 is comparatively less for Harvard Business School MBA candidates, which typically falls in the 700s. While HBS does consider a range of factors in its admissions decisions, including leadership potential and personal qualities, a low GMAT score can be a challenge to overcome.

That being said, your background and achievements suggest that you could be a competitive candidate for HBS, and it's possible that the admissions committee could overlook the GMAT score in your case. To increase your chances of acceptance, it may be helpful to focus on highlighting your strengths and achievements in your essays and interviews, and to show how your background and goals align with HBS's values and mission.

With a GMAT score of 610, I would also suggest you look at other schools like:

1. Fuqua School of Business at Duke University
2. Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business
3. University of Michigan Ross School of Business
4. University of Southern California Marshall School of Business

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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KQ
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Schools: INSEAD MiM "22 (A) HEC MiM "23 (A)
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 05 Feb 2023, 20:37
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Hi! I am considering applying to 2+2 Program at HBS and would love a quick profile evaluation :)

Nationality: Chinese
Undergrad: BA in Econ at a Top 20 US Liberal Arts College (3.8+/4.0)
Grad: M2M HEC-Yale (3.5+/4.0) (Didn't work much as I didn't think I would apply to deferred MBA)
GMAT: 780 (V47 Q50)
Work experience: MBB summer with return offer (previous internship experiences includes PE, consulting, and Big 4)
Volunteering: Consulting Director at a large pro-bono student consultancy
Post MBA goals: Remain in consulting for 3-4 years before moving to corporate roles

I know I have a somewhat traditional background and probably won't stand out compared with applicants with engineering/maths degrees but any help is appreciated!
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 06 Feb 2023, 01:43
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Hey EMBAhopefuld,

Thanks for sharing your profile

To begin with, on the academic front, I can see some amazing ranks under your name. Your GPA also falls on the upper end. On the other end, 610 GMAT is a bit low when targeting HBS. However, I believe, your background and the other aspects of your profile (say work-ex and community) can definitely compensate for this.

Coming to your work experience, working for the Federal Government and serving as diplomats in various countries in itself is a matter of pride and adds great value to your profile. Your work experience also displays leadership values (Family business and doubling the valuation from your end after taking up position). Your Work tenure is the main focus of your application and needs to be properly addressed to the AdComs.

EC’s add diversity to your profile and are greatly valued by the AdComs. You seem to have amazing EC’s, from having a commercial pilot license and using your own resources for animal welfare to speaking various languages. Your interest in ice hockey and astronomy make your profile stand out amidst the pool of applicants. Although it is very important to adequately demonstrate your EC’s to the AdComs.

Coming to your post-MBA goals, your goals seem aligned and well defined and also answer ‘WhyMBA?’ to the AdComs. However, it is very important for you to connect the dots and build a great narrative around your application. Recently

we have helped an Army Veteran to get into LBS in R3 with 680 GMAT. He was also having massive 20yrs of work experience.

Overall you have an amazing profile. I would suggest you add some safe schools in your list. If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you to discuss your profile in length and further chances to the schools. Feel free to schedule a call with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com


EMBAhopefuld
Welcome thoughts on my candidacy for the HBS MBA:

Background:

-40 year old hispanic male, American citizen, member of LGBTQ+ community, VA 100% Permanent and Totally Disabled combat veteran.
-PhD in International Relations (3.98 GPA), MA in International Relations (3.68 GPA), BA in International Relations (3.50 GPA)

GMAT: 610. I took it three times and can't improve my score. For another MBA program, I took the EA and got a 149 with a 7 in Quant.

Work experience:
-Current Organization: U.S. Department of State:
-Current Position: 2013-Present I have been a U.S. Diplomat (Foreign Service Officer) for 10 years representing the U.S. at the highest levels on the world stage, have served in multiple U.S. Embassies, have participated in and successfully negotiated international treaties over the last decade that Harvard Kennedy School students will study about in class.
-Past positions:
2020-2021 I took a leave of absence to takeover as CEO and Chairman of a family-owned tech company following health issues of the founder, my father; the company was in crisis and with no business experience, I built a team, set the vision, and exited with more than a doubling the valuation of the company since I took over (the company was valued at $50m+ when I exited).
2012-2013 I was a Country Director at the Pentagon where I managed a $1.5 billion budget.
2004-2012 I was an active duty US Navy Officer for 8 years where I led more than 40 Marines in combat during two deployments to Afghanistan (2008, 2011).

Community and others:
-I speak fluent English, Russian, and Tajik
-Volunteer Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sister Org for one year.
-Captain of veterans ice hockey team
-Member of State Department's Pride and Disability advocacy employee groups.
-Amateur Astronomer and I do research in my backyard to collect data to discover new Exoplanets and submit the data to NASA -- for fun.
-I'm an FAA commercial pilot, own a plane, and volunteer my time and my plane as an Animal Rescue pilot.

Post-MBA goals:
Gain the hard, soft, and leadership skills offered by HBS to round-out the diverse life experiences i've had, following graduation return to the State Department for several years where my mid-term goal is to become a U.S. Ambassador (realistic within the next 7-10 years). Following my retirement from the State Department, i'd plan to goto an MBB firm for a few years as an experienced hire and then transition after a few years at an MBB into the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company in Strategy.

For the record, I am only interested in the H/S/W full-time MBA programs at this point. Wharton already told me my GMAT and EA scores were too low for both their full-time and EMBA program).

I know my profile is strong for HBS, my goals are linear, I have a good story to tell, I add considerable diversity, but the weak point is the GMAT score. I've taken the GMAT three times over a 1.5 year period, i've done all the various prep courses, and I just can't get it higher. Is my profile and background strong enough for HBS to overlook a poor GMAT score and be one of those unicorn candidates who gets in with a mid-600s GMAT?
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Therealharsh
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 27 Apr 2023, 02:57
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I started food manufacturing Business with my dad when i was in 12th

25% of my own capital and 75% my dad

(I earned that from doing social media agency at the age of 17)

Today it’s doing turnover of Rs. 12Cr (1.5 Million USD)

I’ve written a book and I’m planning to write 2 more in the next 2 years

I’ve already given a Tedx Talk

And i’m in 1st year of BBA from Manipal university (which i’m doing an Online degree which is Naac A++ accredited)

And i’ll easily get 90% - 95% (equivalent to 4.0 GPA+ in US education system)

And i’ve 3 years to prepare for GMAT so I’m confident that i can get 730+ score

What do you guys this my chances are for harward/Stanford/kellog ?


Thanks for reading, will appreciate your opinion…

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samrasur@gmail.com
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Schools: Tuck '25 (D) Sloan '25 (WL) Booth '25 (D) INSEAD Jan'24 intake (A) Kellogg '25 (D) Darden '25 (D)
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 27 Apr 2023, 03:12
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Therealharsh
I started food manufacturing Business with my dad when i was in 12th

25% of my own capital and 75% my dad

(I earned that from doing social media agency at the age of 17)

Today it’s doing turnover of Rs. 12Cr (1.5 Million USD)

I’ve written a book and I’m planning to write 2 more in the next 2 years

I’ve already given a Tedx Talk

And i’m in 1st year of BBA from Manipal university (which i’m doing an Online degree which is Naac A++ accredited)

And i’ll easily get 90% - 95% (equivalent to 4.0 GPA+ in US education system)

And i’ve 3 years to prepare for GMAT so I’m confident that i can get 730+ score

What do you guys this my chances are for harward/Stanford/kellog ?


Thanks for reading, will appreciate your opinion…

Posted from my mobile device
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This is a great profile; just help yourself with 750plus and you are sorted
Show some volunteering and social work; how you have helped your factory workers family with free education or welfare
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Therealharsh
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Harvard Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 27 Apr 2023, 03:18
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Thanks, we already pay for some of our labors kids education, so I should collect proof or something like that?

And i’ve taken 1 year gap after my 12th to start my bachelors degree

So in total i’ll have 5 years of experience by the end of my graduation.

That will count as work experience right? Or do i have to have work experience of 3-5 after graduation?

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