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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
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03 Jul 2023, 07:54
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi,
Thanks in advance.
Need some help deciding the schools to apply to.
I have shortlisted the following:
Stretch: Stanford, Booth
Target: Kellogg, Yale, Haas
Safe: Duke, Ross, LBS
Is this a good selection? Should I change any categories?
PS: I applied to HBS, MIT last year but got dinged, so not thinking of reapplying.
Profile: 29 years, decent extracurriculars (non-profit co founder). Post MBA goal to move into strategy roles in tech companies or consulting (backup). Geography US, London, MEA (in order of priority)
Details
29 years, Indian Male Engineer,
7+ years work-ex in Technology arm of a consulting company with fast promotion cycles at the job (5 promotions),
750 GMAT,
studied at one of the old IITs , good academics throughout, 3.5 GPA, weak extracurriculars during college (mostly coordinator at events)
post college involvement in community activities + co founder at a 2 year old ngo startup (recently went through an incubator)
Posted from my mobile device
Thanks in advance.
Need some help deciding the schools to apply to.
I have shortlisted the following:
Stretch: Stanford, Booth
Target: Kellogg, Yale, Haas
Safe: Duke, Ross, LBS
Is this a good selection? Should I change any categories?
PS: I applied to HBS, MIT last year but got dinged, so not thinking of reapplying.
Profile: 29 years, decent extracurriculars (non-profit co founder). Post MBA goal to move into strategy roles in tech companies or consulting (backup). Geography US, London, MEA (in order of priority)
Details
29 years, Indian Male Engineer,
7+ years work-ex in Technology arm of a consulting company with fast promotion cycles at the job (5 promotions),
750 GMAT,
studied at one of the old IITs , good academics throughout, 3.5 GPA, weak extracurriculars during college (mostly coordinator at events)
post college involvement in community activities + co founder at a 2 year old ngo startup (recently went through an incubator)
Posted from my mobile device
admitStreet
Joined: 14 Mar 2023
Last visit: 20 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,637
Given Kudos: 13
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
03 Jul 2023, 09:58
Kudos
Bookmarks
vk1496
vk1496
Your profile is good. The way I would approach Stretch, Target, Safe is to look at "Stretch" as M7s and INSEAD/ LBS (irrespective of one's profile due to the sheer competitiveness of these schools) and schools that have GMAT average 20+ points higher than your score. "Target" bucket would consist of schools that are within your GMAT average (+- 20 points) and have class profiles (past work-ex, demographics, etc.) similar or close to yours. "Safe" would consist of schools that you are still keen on i.e. ones that match well with your post-MBA goals, and that don't fall in the previous two buckets.
While picking schools, look for ones that have a good % of the class (ideally last 2-3 years statistics from their employment reports) in your target roles, i.e. strategy roles in tech companies or consulting. Within the US, California, Chicago and New York could be interesting cities for you. In the UK, London is interesting. The top B-schools in these geographies would open up opportunities in your target regions US, London, MEA.
I suggest having clear responses to the why MBA, why this school, why now, and post-MBA goals. Aligning your past experiences with your future goals, and articulating how/ why the school fits in will make your application compelling. Also, identify your areas of interest (even if they don't exactly fit within the traditionally known extracurriculars). For example it can even be something as simple as watching movies or reading books. Then articulate why you are interested in these activities, what you learned from them, and how those learnings can be applied to your B-school and future journey. This helps to bring out the personal angle of your profile, and shows to the AdCom that you are beyond just your scores.
If you need a profile evaluation or want to discuss the above points, schedule a FREE call through the link below. Good luck!
Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | M: +(91)-974-126-3950
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
03 Jul 2023, 23:57
Kudos
Bookmarks
vk1496
Hi vk1496 hope this finds you well
I would like to deviate from the topic slightly here. I see a ding from INSEAD on your bio here. At first glance, you seem to be a great fit for it (entrepreneur, IITian, Stellar GMAT, fast promotions).
I am wondering whether you were lacking in the execution of your application and interviews.
If your applications led you to receive an interview before a rejection, it is still a significant accomplishment! But now, instead of dwelling on the rejection, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The first step after receiving a waitlist or rejection notice is to seek feedback from experts and alumni. Reflect on the areas where you can improve and develop a plan to implement those changes. Do not let this setback deter you from pursuing your goals. Use it as motivation to become even more successful in the future. Remember, the road to success is rarely straight, but with perseverance and a positive attitude, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Here are some practices that can level up your MBA applications game and boost your chances of success:
1. Timing is Everything
If your application is super solid, but you still did not get that acceptance letter, it's possible that you applied in the late rounds when the competition was steep. To improve your odds for the next attempt, keep a close eye on the early application rounds for the upcoming season. And if you are a reapplicant, it's crucial to demonstrate growth and bring fresh experiences to the table. By showcasing your ongoing commitment to personal and professional development, you will prove that you're a top-tier candidate who's always striving to do better.
For example, if you decide to reapply to an MBA program, you could showcase new accomplishments such as taking on a leadership role after a promotion or completing a challenging project that demonstrates your skills and growth since your last application. This can show the admissions committee that you have not only improved but also continued to pursue personal and professional development. However, reapplying to the same school after a short span of time without making any significant improvements may not be the most practical approach.
2. Reassess Your Essays and Resume
Crafting compelling essays and an impressive application is critical to your success. If you feel that your essays did not do justice to your candidacy, take a step back and assess what could you do better. Maybe last time, you rushed through the essay writing process or did not spend enough time researching the school's values and culture. Admissions committees read thousands of essays, so it is important to stand out with a well-crafted and thoughtful essay. Taking the time to carefully read and analyze the prompt, brainstorm ideas, and revise multiple drafts will ultimately result in a better outcome. Use the feedback on your applications to your advantage. Remember, it is all about putting your best foot forward and showcasing your potential to the admissions committee.
3. Your GMAT/GRE score and GPA vs the rest of your application
If you're struggling to figure out why you did not get an admit despite a strong application, it's possible that your GMAT/GRE score or GPA was the culprit. Applicants from overrepresented nationalities but relatively less competitive industry pools can fall prey to overconfidence and not work hard enough on their GMAT /GRE preparation. Admissions committees compare your scores on normalized curves and the outliers are at the risk of facing rejection. So, if your score falls way below your country's average, it could be a problem. Reaching out to the admissions committee for feedback on this aspect can help you identify whether this could have been a problem.
I am mostly sure this wasnt an issue in your case.
4. Consider your letters of recommendations
Selecting the right recommenders is crucial for a strong application. While you cannot and should not dictate the content of LORs, you can surely choose recommenders who know you well and will speak to your strengths. It is also essential to give your recommenders enough time to write a thoughtful assessment. Providing them with clear instructions and context about the program and your goals can also help ensure that they are able to provide a valuable recommendation that enhances your application.
Do check out these tips for crafting stellar recommendations.
1. The Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations
2. How To Select Your Recommenders
5. Revisit and reevaluate your target schools list
To maximize your chances of getting into a good business school, it's essential to broaden your perspective and keep an open mind. Do not get stuck on the idea of reapplying to the same school with only slight tweaks to your previous application. Instead, take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Each school has its unique culture, values, and admissions criteria which could have played a part in your rejection.
By researching and understanding what each school is looking for in terms of personality, professional goals, and prior experience, you can tailor your application to highlight your best attributes and increase your chances of acceptance.
I think your target list is on point. Just make your execution stronger.
In the end, the journey to a business school is not just about the success destination, but also about the lessons learned along the way.
Are you looking for an honest feedback session on your MBA prospects? Get in touch
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
