old1442 wrote:
Anyone have insight into how difficult it really is to get into the venture fellows program? It's a compelling reason for me to attend but the uncertainty of getting into the fellows program diminishes the attractiveness. So far I got accepted to CBS and am waiting for a couple more schools but I do like Austin and the Venture Fellows/Labs programs.
Not sure about McCombs’ venture fellow program. Fuqua also has a Venture Fellow program with similar structure. From my experience at Fuqua, being a venture fellow really depends on the need at the VC partner firm and your background. The admission criteria are completely disconnected with b-school admission criteria. In another word, you can be a complete rockstar in b-school AdCom’s eyes, but if your background/pitch does not match the current need (fund raising, research/due diligence on specific industry, etc.) at a VC firm, you will not get matched.
The Venture Fellows at Fuqua were very passionate about entrepreneurship, and have extensive background in a particular industry or starting/running a company.