Hi there - Thanks for your note! Sounds like you have an interesting profile! Am I reading correctly that it’s your start-up that you founded? If so, that will be a fantastic way to differentiate yourself as I'm sure you have some great stories. Even if it's not a company you founded, start-up experience tends to be highly valued due to the fact that you’ve probably worked in more diverse roles, touched more parts of the business and had more leadership opportunities than applicants coming from larger companies. It’d be helpful to understand what industry you’re in and what you’ve done, as this could be another area of differentiation.
Without knowing what your post-MBA goals are, it’s hard to give you with a definite school list, but I’d say that you’re a strong contender for the top 10-15 schools, depending on how your story shakes out. The only hold back I see is the GMAT, so if you're not open to retaking it (and even if you are), I always recommend a few "reaches", a few "wheehouse" schools, and then something where you feel better about your chances. We heard from the top schools last year that “720 is the new 700”, so that means your GMAT is a little lower for M7, but the GMAT is only one data point. See the case studies on our website for what I mean by the GMAT being just one data point:
https://www.vantagepointadmissions.com/#!who-works-with-us-1/nip10. If you have a killer story, that can outweigh other items.
With regards to story, speaking in broad terms here, candidates that I’ve worked with from start-ups are often able to craft particularly unique stories as part of their applications. With these applicants, the admissions committees are less focused on the success of the company, and more on the lessons and experience developed during the process. Put another way - it’s crucial that you’re able to synthesize the lessons that you’ve learned during your experience founding and running the company, not just what you’re latest round was valued at. What mistakes have you made, how did you pivot, what lessons have you picked-up and how has all of this helped guide your future goals? These can be incredibly powerful stories, especially since they will differentiate you from most applicants who are coming from more traditional corporate backgrounds. On the other side of that coin, you’ll also need to make a strong case for “why” you’d leave this company to go to business school, what the plan is, etc. This story needs to sync and be understandable to an adcom member who may or may not be familiar with your industry.
For example, an application which spoke to “I founded this company, learned X, Y, Z, but believe that I need more formal training and a broader network to take the company to the next level” could be very strong. It speaks to your self-reflection and ability to admit your areas for development. It also shows that you’ve identified how to address those needs, and lays-out your post-MBA goals in a way that makes sense.
There’s no formula for applications - especially if you’re shooting for the top schools! I recommend you spend a good amount of time ensuring that your “story” makes sense, differentiates you, and is very clear and concise (especially if you work in a more nuanced industry). And of course, your story and goals should drive part of your school selection (not merey your scores). The better you can demonstrate your "fit" with a school, the better your chances will be!
If you want to get into more detail please drop us a line- we offer a free 30-minute consult if you want to chat more (
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Best of luck!!