HBS related question

Sandy can be insightful, but has standard lines for standard MBA applicant types -- this is efficient, but not always effective.

Besides, adjusting expectations downward is a classic consultant maneuver so that you don't get upset if admittance is not forthcoming.

All you can do is put your best foot forward and it sounds as though you did just that.

But remember, HBS isn't the only school out there...

Thanks for your feedback. I'd really really really like to go HBS [not for trophy collection, etc, etc] but because of the emphasis HBS places on both personal and professional growth. Certain "life-altering" events in my personal life have sort of redefined whats important to me.

Anyways i'm still waiting for an interview request - [dunno what HBS has decided to do with people who logged in to see the "blank page" because of the applyyourself fiasco].

What is your personal take on this [applyyourself fiasco?] What would you recommend that people do [sit tight or send a letter of apology]

thanks a bunch,
gmataquaguy

Unfortunately for those involved it doesn't appear as though it really matters what they do: https://www.thecrimson.com/today/article506247.html

I think it's clear that with this becoming such a public issue, that HBS doesn't have much of a choice. In other words if they decided to now accept applicants that the media views as *hackers*, it would be another piece of ammo to claim that HBS doesn't support ethics. Additionally some alumni and potentially some recruiters may complain. Under the spotlight, it doesn't have much of a choice.

This isn't to say that I believe they should summarily reject all involved, it's just to say that it's the logical (and unfortunate) conclusion given the timing and under the spotlight.

If I were considering reapplying, I would definitely send a letter of apology.

I really do feel bad for the people involved though -- especially those who've been invited to interview in the last couple of days.

Omari, Thank You for your response.

Yeah i got word last night from Sandy that its siyonara for all applicants who did the "hack". What bothers me is how HBS (the institute) has handled this fiasco and how other applicants are trying to get "one up" on the 119 applicants. Just my theory: I wonder what % of applicants would have done the same thing that i did if the "window of opportunity" was much larger.

I also didnt like Dean Kim Clark's statement/comments about applicants being "unethical at best".

I see this incident as a HBS's PR vehicle in the media for its crucade against unethical behavior because applicants are at the bottom of the food-chain. Too bad Kim Clark hasnt applied the "one size fits all" ethics paradigm - why not strip away HBS degrees (or something of equal consequence) from the Jeffrey Skilling's and the other big-foot alums who arent exactly ethical?

I apologize if I'm ranting [I've spent the last 18+ months of my life planning towards HBS and 200+ hours towards my app - i learnt an important lesson through this failure: As a leader, one cannot be implusive unless he/she has thought through the repurcussions/consequences].

But to me, you and the HBS students i've interacted with epitomize "leaders" who make a difference in the world. Keep up the good work Omari.

best regards,
gmataquaguy.