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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
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If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
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What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.- Nov 19
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08 Apr 2025, 07:37
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How I Secured $100K in MBA Scholarships: A Candidate Interview
March 24, 2025
In this blogpost we feature the interview of Lorenzo, a recent MBA admit to multiple top 15 programs and former client, conducted by Loubna, founder of The Admission Concierge. (For confidentiality purposes, we have withheld the schools name)
In recent years competitive MBA landscape, getting into a top business school is an achievement in itself. But securing substantial scholarship funding? That's a game-changer for many applicants. I recently sat down with Lorenzo, one of my clients at The Admission Concierge who was admitted to three top 15 MBA programs with scholarship offers totaling over $100,000. Lorenzo's strategic approach to applications and skillful scholarship negotiations yielded impressive results, and he's sharing his insights to help future applicants.
The Application Journey
Loubna: Lorenzo, congratulations again on your multiple admissions and impressive scholarship offers. Could you start by telling us about your application journey?
Lorenzo: Thank you, Loubna. I began my MBA application process about a year before the deadlines. I applied to five top 15 programs and received admits from three, with scholarship offers ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 each.
Loubna: That's impressive! What was your background going into the application process?
Lorenzo: I come from a consulting background with about five years of experience. My GMAT score was 720 (older version of the GMAT!), and I had some interesting extracurricular leadership experiences, but I wouldn't say my profile was exceptionally unique compared to other applicants.
Loubna: So what do you think made your applications stand out enough to earn these scholarship offers?
Lorenzo: Working with you, we developed a strategy that emphasized my unique value proposition. Rather than just listing achievements, we crafted a narrative that showed how my specific experiences would add a distinct perspective to each program. We also made sure my applications demonstrated clear alignment with each school's values and culture.
Scholarship Maximization Strategy
Loubna: Let's talk about the scholarship strategy we implemented. What were the key components that you believe made a difference?
Lorenzo: We approached this systematically. We targeted a mix of schools — some where my profile was slightly above their average metrics, which increased my scholarship chances, and others that were reach schools. This strategic school selection was crucial.
We also made sure every aspect of my application was exceptional. You helped me craft essays that told a compelling story and guided my recommenders to reinforce my key strengths in their letters. I remember you encouraged me to spend extra time polishing my GMAT score. Those additional 20 points definitely paid off in scholarship offers. Another thing that made a difference was demonstrating genuine interest in each program. I made campus visits whenever possible, attended virtual events, and connected with current students and alumni. These touchpoints gave me insights I could reference in my essays and interviews, which showed admissions committees I'd done my homework.
Loubna: Absolutely. Demonstrating authentic interest is something admissions committees value, especially when allocating scholarship funds. They want to invest in candidates who are likely to enroll.
Lorenzo: Exactly. I also applied in Round 1, which you emphasized was important for maximizing scholarship opportunities since more funding is typically available earlier in the admissions cycle.
The Negotiation Process
Loubna: Let's discuss the negotiation process. Many applicants are hesitant to negotiate scholarship offers. How did you approach this?
Lorenzo: Initially, I was uncomfortable with the idea of negotiating. It felt like I might be jeopardizing my admission. But you helped me understand that respectful negotiation is actually quite common and expected at this level.
We developed an approach that had several components. The first thing we did was thorough research and preparation. I researched typical scholarship amounts for my profile at each school and worked to understand each program's scholarship budget cycle.
Then, once I had multiple offers, we used them as leverage. Having offers from peer schools gave me negotiating power, but we were careful about how we presented this. We crafted emails that respectfully highlighted my other scholarship offers while reiterating my strong interest in each program.
Perhaps most importantly, we focused on demonstrating my value. Rather than just asking for more money, we emphasized the unique contributions I would make to their program and why investing in me would benefit the school. It was about creating a win-win scenario.
Loubna: Could you share a specific example of how one of these negotiations played out?
Lorenzo: Sure. One school initially offered me $30,000. After receiving a $45,000 offer from a peer institution, we crafted an email to the first school. I expressed my continued strong interest in their program but mentioned that financial considerations were important in my decision-making process. I briefly noted the competing offer without mentioning the specific school, and explained why I was particularly excited about attending their program.
I didn't directly ask for more money but instead asked if there were "any additional scholarship opportunities to help make my attendance more feasible." Within a week, they increased their offer to $40,000.
Loubna: That's a perfect example of how to approach these conversations professionally. What advice would you give to applicants who feel uncomfortable negotiating?
Lorenzo: I'd remind them that this isn't about demanding more money—it's about finding a mutually beneficial arrangement. Schools have scholarship budgets specifically for attracting top talent, and if you've received multiple offers, it's reasonable to have a respectful conversation about financial support.
The key is in how you frame it. Always express gratitude for the initial offer, reiterate your interest in the program, and frame the conversation around making your attendance possible rather than simply wanting more money.
Timing and Approach
Loubna: Speaking of timing, when do you think is the best time to initiate scholarship negotiations?
Lorenzo: Based on my experience, I'd say about 1-2 weeks after receiving the initial offer is ideal. This shows you've given it serious thought but are still well within the decision timeframe. I found email to be the most effective communication channel for initiating the conversation, followed by a phone call if the school offered one.
Loubna: That's helpful. And did you use the same approach with each school?
Lorenzo: I tailored each negotiation to the specific school and my level of interest. For my top choice, where I had a lower initial offer but really wanted to attend, we were more persistent and followed up with additional evidence of my contributions. For schools where I had stronger initial offers, the approach was more straightforward.
Key Lessons Learned
Loubna: What were the biggest lessons you learned through this process?
Lorenzo: A few things really stand out from this experience. Preparation is absolutely crucial. I spent time understanding each school's scholarship patterns, knowing my market value as an applicant, and developing a clear negotiation strategy with your guidance. That background work made all the difference when it came time to have those conversations.
I also learned that timing really matters in this process. Applying in Round 1 gave me access to a larger scholarship pool, and initiating the scholarship conversations at the right moment—not too soon, not too late—maximized my opportunities.
Something else I found important was maintaining positive relationships throughout the process. I made sure every interaction with admissions committees was respectful and professional. Even when negotiating, I expressed genuine gratitude for their initial offers and continued interest in their programs. That positive approach seemed to resonate well.
Loubna: Those are excellent insights. Any final advice for future applicants?
Lorenzo: Don't leave scholarship money on the table because you're afraid to ask. With the right approach, you can advocate for yourself while maintaining positive relationships with your future school. Also, consider working with an experienced consultant like Loubna who understands not just the application process but also the scholarship and negotiation landscape.
Final Thoughts
Loubna: Thank you for sharing your experience so openly, Lorenzo. Your journey shows that with strategic planning and thoughtful execution, applicants can significantly increase their scholarship opportunities.
Lorenzo: Thank you for your guidance throughout the process, Loubna. I couldn't have achieved these results without The Admission Concierge's strategic approach to both applications and scholarship negotiations.
Are you applying to MBA programs and want to maximize your scholarship potential? The Admission Concierge offers specialized scholarship strategy sessions to help you craft a winning application and negotiation approach. Contact us today to schedule your scholarship strategy session and learn how we can help you secure the funding you deserve.
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[*]
Decoding the MBA Application
[hr]
March 24, 2025
In this blogpost we feature the interview of Lorenzo, a recent MBA admit to multiple top 15 programs and former client, conducted by Loubna, founder of The Admission Concierge. (For confidentiality purposes, we have withheld the schools name)
In recent years competitive MBA landscape, getting into a top business school is an achievement in itself. But securing substantial scholarship funding? That's a game-changer for many applicants. I recently sat down with Lorenzo, one of my clients at The Admission Concierge who was admitted to three top 15 MBA programs with scholarship offers totaling over $100,000. Lorenzo's strategic approach to applications and skillful scholarship negotiations yielded impressive results, and he's sharing his insights to help future applicants.
The Application Journey
Loubna: Lorenzo, congratulations again on your multiple admissions and impressive scholarship offers. Could you start by telling us about your application journey?
Lorenzo: Thank you, Loubna. I began my MBA application process about a year before the deadlines. I applied to five top 15 programs and received admits from three, with scholarship offers ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 each.
Loubna: That's impressive! What was your background going into the application process?
Lorenzo: I come from a consulting background with about five years of experience. My GMAT score was 720 (older version of the GMAT!), and I had some interesting extracurricular leadership experiences, but I wouldn't say my profile was exceptionally unique compared to other applicants.
Loubna: So what do you think made your applications stand out enough to earn these scholarship offers?
Lorenzo: Working with you, we developed a strategy that emphasized my unique value proposition. Rather than just listing achievements, we crafted a narrative that showed how my specific experiences would add a distinct perspective to each program. We also made sure my applications demonstrated clear alignment with each school's values and culture.
Scholarship Maximization Strategy
Loubna: Let's talk about the scholarship strategy we implemented. What were the key components that you believe made a difference?
Lorenzo: We approached this systematically. We targeted a mix of schools — some where my profile was slightly above their average metrics, which increased my scholarship chances, and others that were reach schools. This strategic school selection was crucial.
We also made sure every aspect of my application was exceptional. You helped me craft essays that told a compelling story and guided my recommenders to reinforce my key strengths in their letters. I remember you encouraged me to spend extra time polishing my GMAT score. Those additional 20 points definitely paid off in scholarship offers. Another thing that made a difference was demonstrating genuine interest in each program. I made campus visits whenever possible, attended virtual events, and connected with current students and alumni. These touchpoints gave me insights I could reference in my essays and interviews, which showed admissions committees I'd done my homework.
Loubna: Absolutely. Demonstrating authentic interest is something admissions committees value, especially when allocating scholarship funds. They want to invest in candidates who are likely to enroll.
Lorenzo: Exactly. I also applied in Round 1, which you emphasized was important for maximizing scholarship opportunities since more funding is typically available earlier in the admissions cycle.
The Negotiation Process
Loubna: Let's discuss the negotiation process. Many applicants are hesitant to negotiate scholarship offers. How did you approach this?
Lorenzo: Initially, I was uncomfortable with the idea of negotiating. It felt like I might be jeopardizing my admission. But you helped me understand that respectful negotiation is actually quite common and expected at this level.
We developed an approach that had several components. The first thing we did was thorough research and preparation. I researched typical scholarship amounts for my profile at each school and worked to understand each program's scholarship budget cycle.
Then, once I had multiple offers, we used them as leverage. Having offers from peer schools gave me negotiating power, but we were careful about how we presented this. We crafted emails that respectfully highlighted my other scholarship offers while reiterating my strong interest in each program.
Perhaps most importantly, we focused on demonstrating my value. Rather than just asking for more money, we emphasized the unique contributions I would make to their program and why investing in me would benefit the school. It was about creating a win-win scenario.
Loubna: Could you share a specific example of how one of these negotiations played out?
Lorenzo: Sure. One school initially offered me $30,000. After receiving a $45,000 offer from a peer institution, we crafted an email to the first school. I expressed my continued strong interest in their program but mentioned that financial considerations were important in my decision-making process. I briefly noted the competing offer without mentioning the specific school, and explained why I was particularly excited about attending their program.
I didn't directly ask for more money but instead asked if there were "any additional scholarship opportunities to help make my attendance more feasible." Within a week, they increased their offer to $40,000.
Loubna: That's a perfect example of how to approach these conversations professionally. What advice would you give to applicants who feel uncomfortable negotiating?
Lorenzo: I'd remind them that this isn't about demanding more money—it's about finding a mutually beneficial arrangement. Schools have scholarship budgets specifically for attracting top talent, and if you've received multiple offers, it's reasonable to have a respectful conversation about financial support.
The key is in how you frame it. Always express gratitude for the initial offer, reiterate your interest in the program, and frame the conversation around making your attendance possible rather than simply wanting more money.
Timing and Approach
Loubna: Speaking of timing, when do you think is the best time to initiate scholarship negotiations?
Lorenzo: Based on my experience, I'd say about 1-2 weeks after receiving the initial offer is ideal. This shows you've given it serious thought but are still well within the decision timeframe. I found email to be the most effective communication channel for initiating the conversation, followed by a phone call if the school offered one.
Loubna: That's helpful. And did you use the same approach with each school?
Lorenzo: I tailored each negotiation to the specific school and my level of interest. For my top choice, where I had a lower initial offer but really wanted to attend, we were more persistent and followed up with additional evidence of my contributions. For schools where I had stronger initial offers, the approach was more straightforward.
Key Lessons Learned
Loubna: What were the biggest lessons you learned through this process?
Lorenzo: A few things really stand out from this experience. Preparation is absolutely crucial. I spent time understanding each school's scholarship patterns, knowing my market value as an applicant, and developing a clear negotiation strategy with your guidance. That background work made all the difference when it came time to have those conversations.
I also learned that timing really matters in this process. Applying in Round 1 gave me access to a larger scholarship pool, and initiating the scholarship conversations at the right moment—not too soon, not too late—maximized my opportunities.
Something else I found important was maintaining positive relationships throughout the process. I made sure every interaction with admissions committees was respectful and professional. Even when negotiating, I expressed genuine gratitude for their initial offers and continued interest in their programs. That positive approach seemed to resonate well.
Loubna: Those are excellent insights. Any final advice for future applicants?
Lorenzo: Don't leave scholarship money on the table because you're afraid to ask. With the right approach, you can advocate for yourself while maintaining positive relationships with your future school. Also, consider working with an experienced consultant like Loubna who understands not just the application process but also the scholarship and negotiation landscape.
Final Thoughts
Loubna: Thank you for sharing your experience so openly, Lorenzo. Your journey shows that with strategic planning and thoughtful execution, applicants can significantly increase their scholarship opportunities.
Lorenzo: Thank you for your guidance throughout the process, Loubna. I couldn't have achieved these results without The Admission Concierge's strategic approach to both applications and scholarship negotiations.
Are you applying to MBA programs and want to maximize your scholarship potential? The Admission Concierge offers specialized scholarship strategy sessions to help you craft a winning application and negotiation approach. Contact us today to schedule your scholarship strategy session and learn how we can help you secure the funding you deserve.
Share this post:
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Recent Posts
[*]https://admissionconcierge.com/blog/f/mba-resume-transformation-before-and-after-examples
MBA Resume Transformation: Before and After Examples
Apr 7, 2025
[*]https://admissionconcierge.com/blog/f/mba-loans-explained-federal-vs-private-options
MBA Loans Explained: Federal vs. Private Options
Mar 31, 2025
[*]https://admissionconcierge.com/blog/f/part-time-vs-full-time-mba-which-path-for-you
Part-Time vs. Full-Time MBA: Which Path For You?
Mar 17, 2025
[*]
Decoding the MBA Application
[hr]
Embarking on the journey to secure a place in a prestigious MBA program is a process that demands a blend of introspection, strategy, and communication. In this ebook, we aim to demystify the admissions process, providing you with the tools and insights necessary to navigate it successfully.
From crafting compelling essays to mastering the nuances of networking with admissions staff, and acing the all-important interviews, each step of the application process offers a chance to showcase your unique strengths and aspirations. We'll start by delving into the art of essay writing, a critical component where you can align your personal and career goals with the ethos of the MBA program you aspire to join. Through a thorough exploration of your past experiences, future ambitions, and your motivations for pursuing an MBA, you'll learn how to articulate a narrative that not only highlights your readiness for the rigors of business school but also underscores the distinctive value you bring to the program.
This ebook is designed to be your comprehensive guide, providing actionable advice and expert tips to enhance your application. Whether you're at the beginning of your MBA journey or refining your final application touches, we are here to support you every step of the way. By the end of this book, you'll be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to present your best self to admissions committees and move one step closer to achieving your academic and professional dreams.
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/8e3420d1-ad3a-490c-b9f8-4883a44f60b8/Decoding%20the%20MBA%20Application.pdf
From crafting compelling essays to mastering the nuances of networking with admissions staff, and acing the all-important interviews, each step of the application process offers a chance to showcase your unique strengths and aspirations. We'll start by delving into the art of essay writing, a critical component where you can align your personal and career goals with the ethos of the MBA program you aspire to join. Through a thorough exploration of your past experiences, future ambitions, and your motivations for pursuing an MBA, you'll learn how to articulate a narrative that not only highlights your readiness for the rigors of business school but also underscores the distinctive value you bring to the program.
This ebook is designed to be your comprehensive guide, providing actionable advice and expert tips to enhance your application. Whether you're at the beginning of your MBA journey or refining your final application touches, we are here to support you every step of the way. By the end of this book, you'll be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to present your best self to admissions committees and move one step closer to achieving your academic and professional dreams.
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/8e3420d1-ad3a-490c-b9f8-4883a44f60b8/Decoding%20the%20MBA%20Application.pdf
