Profile Evaluation - "Non-traditional" with Blue Chip Pedigree

Hi there,

First I’d like to say “wow!”, your profile/story is impressive and truly makes me want to meet you. You have a clearly demonstrated track record of leadership and impact with a future vision for your career to match it. While your GMAT/GPA are a bit below average for the top schools (and I know that you’re re-taking the GMAT), your work experience is truly a differentiator. You’re a bit on the higher end age-wise but I think that can be offset with a crystal clear reason for why MBA and why now. Might I ask why you waited until round 3 to apply? Ordinarily, I would say you’re competitive for HSW but as you know, chances of admission go way down in round 3. It’s not impossible (I’ve seen it happen) but it’s a reach for anyone.

With that said, I think you should apply and put your name in the hat. There’s really no downside unless you were planning on applying again next year. At this point in the game, it’s just as much about the strength of your application as it is about what “gaps” in the class the adcom has yet to fill and how you compare to the other final round applicants and prior round waitlisted applicants (which the adcom begins to re-consider later in the spring).

Best of luck to you! Please let me know how it turns out. (And if you’d like to chat further about the specifics of your profile or strategy for those schools, feel free to reach out.)

Best,
Melody