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mais1990
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x Updated on: 07 Jul 2016, 14:06
Originally posted by mais1990 on 30 Nov 2015, 05:54.
Last edited by mais1990 on 07 Jul 2016, 14:06, edited 2 times in total.
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Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
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x 03 Dec 2015, 07:51
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mais1990
Hi guys, I am applying in R2 to US b-schools for MBA. I was a good analyst (at a tier 2 bb in M&A) but one of my directors (guy was an asshole and I was the only analyst working with him) screwed me two years in a row during my reviews, and I ended up with a 3rd bucket bonus both those years. By the end of the 3rd analyst year (June), I was let go due to a very unfortunate compliance issue (a really stupid action on the behalf of compliance for which my team sympathized with me) , but 6 months ago, I moved to a hot start up where I am managing the strategy and reporting directly to the CEO,
Here’s the conundrum that I am in.
I handpicked 2 recommenders from my bank (cant ask my CEO or he’ll fire as he’s a hot-headed person), who have agreed to let me write my own recommendations. Since I am applying to M7 schools, my recommendations will be extolling me as a top percentile performer.
What do you guys suggest I fill in for the bonus, and the reason why I left my bank? If I get into a school, during the background check, if the info that I would have put down would just be verified by my recommenders, I think I can just write “resigned” rather than saying “fired” since my recommenders can back me up. However, if it comes down to HR, they can spill the beans about both my bonus and reason for leaving, which is going to lead me to an auto ding.
Additional info: I have a 3.35 GPA, and a 710 GMAT score.
I would really appreciate some expert / former or current students views to get around this mess. Thanks !
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Dude,
My advice is: don't do anything now that will get you into trouble later. Of which stretching the truth is one of them.

Honestly, if you are doing well now, just own up to mistakes in the past. (Oh yeah, and although it's okay to do so here, in your application, never ever ever blame a boss for anything).

Hope this helps,
Jon
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x 04 Dec 2015, 11:47
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Tough situation, b-schools are putting a greater and greater emphasis on morals in the curriculum and admissions process so you really want to avoid being dishonest and misleading. I think there is nothing wrong with having your recommenders give you a positive recommendation but if there are questions about why you left you should be honest here. Not much wiggle room unless you actually resigned and were not fired. This may be excellent fodder for your essays that can really help bring your profile to light in contrast to the hoards of other homogenous bankers also applying. You may also want to touch on why your current boss is not writing your recc as well in the optional essay
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mais1990
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x 11 Dec 2015, 05:14
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Tough situation, b-schools are putting a greater and greater emphasis on morals in the curriculum and admissions process so you really want to avoid being dishonest and misleading. I think there is nothing wrong with having your recommenders give you a positive recommendation but if there are questions about why you left you should be honest here. Not much wiggle room unless you actually resigned and were not fired. This may be excellent fodder for your essays that can really help bring your profile to light in contrast to the hoards of other homogenous bankers also applying. You may also want to touch on why your current boss is not writing your recc as well in the optional essay
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Veritas Prep TeaM Member, thank you for your response. Would love to get your view on whether you think I need to disclose my bonus? Can I just not leave it blank?
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x 14 Dec 2015, 18:51
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You will want to be transparent and fill the bonus in with the amount you received.