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TJD
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HBS 2 plus 2 07 Dec 2011, 23:25
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Hello Mr. Lanzillotti. I am planning on applying to the 2+2 program at HBS and I was wondering if my lack of internships would hurt my chances. I have been on the United States National Boxing Team for the past 3 years (currently ranked #2 in the nation) and am currently working towards making the 2012 Olympic Team. For this reason, I have been unable to commit to any internships.

I am currently a student at Babson College and have a GPA of 3.5

I am also very active with USA Boxing on the administrative side as well (as a volunteer). I represent the Northeast on our athlete advisory council and I am currently serving as the lone athlete representative on the Supreme Court of our National Judicial Committee.

I havent yet taken the GMAT but I know I will have to score over 700 to be considered.

Any input would be much appreciated

Thanks TJD
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HBS 2 plus 2 08 Dec 2011, 08:00
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Hey TJD:

Thanks for reaching out to me, I really appreciate it and I always like evaluating non-traditional applicants -- especially at 6:45 AM in the morning .... ;)

Well, HBS 2+2 (as you know) is a program that will require to work a couple of years before returning to Harvard. This is really the work experience that they desire and that let's them know you are ready to matriculate. While of course some rudimentary work experience would be appreciated by you and the admissions committee – before you apply to the 2+2 program – it is not necessary in all cases. In my opinion, you certainly qualify as an exception. Basically, they are looking for leaders and that is exhibited by the characteristics that you most likely are exhibiting. There are very few individuals that can rise to the level that you have. Now what will make your athletic ability transform (into the tangible leadership skills that the HBS admissions committee desires) depends on your ability to get involved in pay it forward. I would hope that right now you are using your athletic abilities and obligation as a role model to help aspiring athletes that are coming up behind you. This would be a good example of not only your leadership abilities, but also this would form the basis of an excellent essay story.

I want you to read the blog post on my "Educated Outcomes" admissions consulting blog [https://educatedoutcomes.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/hbs-22s-new-look/ ]. The post provide you a few more details on who I believe should apply to the Harvard 2+2 program. Below is the specific info I want you to take a closer look at --

Quote:
Who should apply? We actually haven’t changed our stance on this much. We believe that anyone – yes, even a business major – who has strong academic chops, has displayed great leadership, and has the passion to apply SHOULD DO SO. Why? A couple of reasons: first, worst case scenario, this is a dry run that will transform the way you approach the next 2-6 years. Being asked to sit down and map out your strengths, articulate your goals, analyze who you are … that’s intense stuff and if you do it for real, with actual stakes, you will become a better employee and eventual b-school applicant. Even if you didn’t get into HBS 2+2, if you take a real run at it and take the process seriously, you will absolutely accelerate your career and grad school time line. Second, there still seems to be a *slightly* easier chance at getting in. There simply aren’t as many 20 and 21 year olds who have academic excellence, great leadership, and self awareness as there are 24, 25, and 26 year olds who have those same attributes. The field tends to crowd the more you hit the HBS sweet spot of 3 or 4 years out of school. You are up against not only the elite juniors and seniors from your year, but also the people who had the light bulb go off post-college. In other words, if you enjoy an advantage – ANY advantage – now, you should try to press it before people who currently aren’t on your radar wind up passing you. Conversely, if you are not competitive now, take heart that you can lap a lot of superior candidates in a few years.
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I hope that this helps you on your journey. If you have any other questions, please e-mail me at [email protected].

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
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TJD
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HBS 2 plus 2 08 Dec 2011, 08:10
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Thanks you so much Paul, your a big help.
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HBS 2 plus 2 08 Dec 2011, 08:27
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No problemo TJD. It was a good question and you seem to be going places, so I am glad to help.
Hit me up (pun intended) if you have more questions ....

TJD
Thanks you so much Paul, your a big help.
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HBS 2 plus 2 08 Dec 2011, 09:55
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Haha, thanks will do.
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HBS 2 plus 2 24 Feb 2012, 20:47
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Hello again Paul. I had one more question regarding the HBS 2+2 application. I was wondering if HBS was completely indifferent between the GMAT and the GRE. I know its traditional for MBA applicants to take the GMAT but I feel that I would do much better on the GRE. The school says that they are indifferent but I figured that you would know the truth behind the truth.

Thanks
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HBS 2 plus 2 28 Feb 2012, 01:27
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Hey TJD:
Good to hear from you again!

To be honest, I would take the GMAT. The GRE is an acceptable alternative, but the reality is that the admissions committee believe that the GMAT is a more reliable indicator of how well you will do in the program.

What makes the decision a little more complicated is that the GRE is viewed as more acceptable from younger applicants - which you are. The reason is that any school accepting the GRE wants younger (and also more female) applicants to apply. So they will be much more accepting of a GRE score should you provide one.

Now, if you were older, I would definitely tell you to take the GMAT, but since you are young, I will only strongly recommend that you take the GMAT.

Clear as mud?

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

TJD
Hello again Paul. I had one more question regarding the HBS 2+2 application. I was wondering if HBS was completely indifferent between the GMAT and the GRE. I know its traditional for MBA applicants to take the GMAT but I feel that I would do much better on the GRE. The school says that they are indifferent but I figured that you would know the truth behind the truth.

Thanks
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