Rejected by HBS

Question

Hello,

I was rejected by HBS even though I believe my profile is firm.

Personal information: 27 Middle eastern male with an electrical engineering background and a GPA of 3.3/4 (from a US mediocre institution) and a GMAT of 750 - not impressive.

Work experience: 4 years in the energy sector, with one promotion that shifted my career from the privet sector to government. Currently working with decision-makers directly. - I think this is impressive, getting to network with highly ranked individuals in my country at higher levels.

Background information: Lived abroad for more than 15 years and have done multiple initiatives at a younger age. - I think this would help my profile significantly.

Extracurricular: I have established a rapidly expanding company in the region and is now considered a major company in the entertainment sector. - I think this is a fantastic point in my CV as well.

Now that I got the rejection from HBS, I'm very hesitant about my other M7 schools' chances.

I don't understand the admission office's criteria and how they come up with the decision of whether some people are admitted or not.

I'm sorry for maybe ranting a bit; seriously, the rejection changed my mood, and I'm no longer confidant if I'll receive offers from other M7s.

hacorus · Answer

Hi Troublesomexyz,

First of all, a rejection from HBS is no indication of acceptance or rejection from any other program.

HBS is a highly selective place with a large class to build and a crazy number of applicants, especially this year it would seem. Reasons for rejection are countless and some have to do with luck.

In addition, even people with stellar profiles through and through (academic, professional, personal and extracurricular) get rejected by HBS without interviews. Just look at P&Q.

So don't loose hope, keep preparing for interviews and for a plan B as there may be other schools outside of the M7 that could support you in achieving your goals.

Posted from my mobile device

troublesomexyz · Answer

thanks for your feedback!

mbaMissionJA · Answer

Hi  troublesomexyz ,

I'm sorry to hear about your rejection from HBS, but truly, you are in good company - remember Warren Buffett and Jack Ma both faced rejections from HBS (Jack Ma multiple times!). The truth is that it is a highly competitive process, decisions can be hard to fathom, and they simply do not have enough seats in the class for all the qualified folks who apply.

I'm not sure about which other programs you applied to, but schools consider many factors. I do notice that your GPA looks low "from a mediocre institution" and that could be a stumbling block, but perhaps there were extenuating circumstances that explain? Did you use the optional essay to add context - did your score improve? It's hard to say, but if you wanted to give more detail over the phone and talk about the schools you targeted, feel free to book a consultation with us at mbamission.com. It is looking like a very competitive year, but I am crossing fingers for positive results for you. The good news is that you still have time to add schools in R2 in case R1 does not work out.

Best of luck !
Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant 
mbaMission

Rejected by HBS

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