My story - got into Stanford GSB and dropped out

Question

Hi everyone,

I've learned a lot from people on this forum, and now time to give back.

Story: Applied in 2016 exclusively to Stanford GSB, got admitted, but decided to drop out before classes started.
Background:
Russian male, 26 y.o. when applied,
GMAT 770.
Education: MGIMO (Russian international relations school), Bocconi, University of Minnesota (Economics).
Work experience: McKinsey

Here's my blog from the time of application:
https://fless.pro/tag/butovo-stanford-en

Specifically:
- My research on Stanford GSB https://fless.pro/mba04_stanford_fact_pack
- Stanford interview questions https://fless.pro/mba17_interview_questions_en
- My "What Matters" essay https://fless.pro/mba13_essaya3_en
- My "Why Stanford" essay https://fless.pro/mba15_essayb2_en
- Why I dropped out https://fless.pro/stanford-dropout

Finally, interview with the person who helped me prepare my application. Great inspiration for looking beyond HSW and trying to find your own way (which I eventually followed - and happy about it)
https://youtu.be/OGttjkQfgxY

Hope it all helps.

Best of luck to you all guys!

Victor

bb · Answer

Thank you for sharing and congrats on your admit last year!

Would you mind please verifying your GMAT Score? The Q51, V49 is usually equivalent to 790, not 760, so wondering if the GMAC system has changed or whether you mis-typed something or where the discrepancy came from.

You can verify your score here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/ucp.php?i=280

Thank you

victor rogulenko · Answer

Sorry, I made a mistake. The score is 770 (Q 50, V 44, AW 5, IR 8). See attachment Here's a more detailed review, but in Russian only https://fless.pro/mba05_toefl_gmat_en

victor rogulenko · Answer

Where do I get Pearson VUE URL? Tried to check https://www.mba.com/global/service/my-a ... cores.aspx, but it does not show a link

abhimahna · Answer

Hi, Congratulations for such a great score and your admit. Pearson URL must be in your email that you used at the time of registration. You just need to go there and enter your DOB to get the test takers copy. All the best

victor rogulenko · Answer

Thanks for explaining. Here's my report. Blurred some personal data

bb · Answer

Thanks - great score! 
The original you posted was 760, Q51, V49 and new one is 770, Q50, V44 - i understand that not everyone may keep their GMAT in mind but it does help with credibility when you get your facts right.

Aaliyah537 · Answer

I have to say, this is one of the rare times you see an international applicant weigh the full costs of a Top 10 US MBA like you did. I think you're right to factor the chances of getting an H1-B visa into your calculation. Also, it takes a lot of humility to accept that, while very talented, you are not superman. The challenges you outlined on your blog are very real. Its impressive that you were not seduced by the glamour of an ivy MBA. I'm sure you will do well with your startup in Russia.

My story - got into Stanford GSB and dropped out

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