Chances of admission at H/S/W-760 GMAT, ex-MBB in PE, FGLI, white male

Question

Hey everyone! I'm planning on re-applying to business school this year to H/S/W, and I'd love any insights into my chances at these schools. I feel like I'm in an over-represented bucket given demographics and industry (as well as not coming from a name-brand PE firm), but have a couple of silver linings with my background/story. Any insight here would be greatly appreciated, especially around the chances, anything you'd recommend I push on before applications, and any advice around my lopsided quant/verbal split. Also, if helpful, I was interviewed by HBS last year but rejected, and rejected without interview from GSB.

1. Background 
- Straight, White, Christian male
- Undergraduate in Genetics and Biotechnology from Brigham Young University
- From a very low SES background: raised in a trailer, father is a disabled veteran, at or below the poverty line my whole life growing up

2. GMAT:  
- 760 (V48, Q47) | IR:8 |AWA: 6
- I'll note that I have gotten a 49Q on a previous GMAT, but I asked H/S/W if they will consider both, and only Wharton said that they did--see the thread about it here:  https://gmatclub.com/forum/got-a-740-again-should-i-retake-410014.html#p3193242

3. Undergrad Academic Achievements: 
- GPA: 3.95/4.0
- Cum Laude
- Full tuition scholarship, Research grants for biotechnology/drug discovery research

4. Work Experience 
- 1 year at a social impact Venture Capital fund while still in my undergrad
- 2 Years at Bain & Company, ending as a Senior Associate Consultant; Middle of the pack performer
- 2 Years at a LMM/Growth PE fund, not a big name (Will be 3 years by the time I matriculate); Top 1% performer; I have been told that my promotion to Senior Associate will occur this year before applications drop
- Have worked extensively with a portfolio company and served as the Interim Chief of Staff

5. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: 
- In college, started a club that placed STEM/LS majors into business careers, and grew the club to 50+ members
- At Bain & Company, founded an affinity group (then known as 1GEN, now known as BFLI) for FGLI Bainies; group has, as of a couple months ago, been recognized by Bain NA as a full affinity ground, the same as BABs, LATBA, etc. Affinity group grew to 100+ Bainies while I was at Bain
- Currently on the board of an non-profit that helps FGLI high school students get into and succeed in college; non-profit has about 50 students that are helped
- Currently writing a book about case interviews and the MBB interview process, and hoping to finish and launch it before R1 applications are due

6. References 
- Both letters of recommendation will come from my time in PE: First will come from my Principal, a Booth alum, who has written/stated that I'm "The best PE Associate that he's ever worked with
- The Second will come from the CEO of a portfolio company I have worked extensively with. the CEO has said, "I will write you the best letter of rec that they've ever seen."

7. Story 
- Still working on this, but something that has to do with being an imposter, my low income background and rising up from poverty, grit, motivation, and being a pioneer/trailblazer for me and my family.
- Little to no international experience
- Conversational in American Sign Language

Thanks ahead of time!

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi,
At 760 GMAT, I think you have the best score among all our attempts and its a very competitive score when compared to other applicants. I would not think more about this- IMO you have already crossed the GMAT hurdle so now is the time for you to concentrate upon other elements in application. 
If you are a reapplicant to all these top programs, then that could be risky. Firstly, adcoms would like to see something new in your profile- a promotion, new clients, new achievements, exposure to new industry or newer responsibilities. They would also expect you to have done some reflection on how you have thought through your need for an MBA, how the MBA aligns with your goals etc. So I would say that you spend the time before application in building up your profile in whatever way you can- be it at work or outside. Secondly, I hope you are applying to some more b-schools as a first time applicant.
Are your recommenders the same as last year? If they are, then I am wondering if they did not make the kind of endorsement they have promised this year? If both recommenders are indeed the same, may be you should ask someone new to recommend you so that there is a new perspective added to your application.
Other than these points, your work experience and extra curricular activities are solid. Hope that it works out well this time around. All the best.

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Jkreider , a few thoughts on your profile evaluation and plans:
 
  The academic arc looks interesting given the strong GPA and GMAT. The college may not be a typical feeder and schools may be interested to know your choices at that stage, with any underlying constraints. GMAT won't be your issue. You've already had a long journey there so move on. 
  The professional profile shows a pretty good trajectory. Last year, you might have been a tad on the lower end in terms of years of experience. While the PE fund may be not a big one, has it been a feeder? A top school alumnus reco helps to a certain extent - any H/S/W association for the fund in any way? 
  The   ECs arc   is likely to be your claim to fame, the silver lining as you mention. Starting up groups is a pretty big deal and the follow-through helps. Make sure to leverage these well if not done so already. 
  Finally, yes, reapplication is always tricky since the onus of justifying a relook your candidature falls squarely on your shoulders. So, even if you go for it, always helps to hedge your bets with some fresh shots too!

Hope this helps some. Feel free to reach out for further discussion.

Cheers,

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey  Jkreider

Based on the information provided from your end, you seem to have a strong profile for top MBA programs such as Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford. However, it is important to note that admissions decisions are not based solely on academics and professional experience but also on the candidate's overall fit with the school's values and culture.

Your academic achievements are impressive, with a high GMAT score of 760 and a 3.95 GPA from Brigham Young University. Additionally, the work experience is also strong, with experience in venture capital, management consulting, and private equity. Your performance in their current role in private equity, being a top performer and being promoted to Senior Associate before the MBA program, is an indication of leadership potential and a track record of success.

Extracurricular activities are also noteworthy, demonstrating a commitment to community involvement and leadership. Starting a club in college and growing it to 50+ members shows initiative while founding an affinity group at Bain & Company and growing it to 100+ members is an indication of leadership and the ability to build relationships and networks. Your current involvement with a non-profit that helps FGLI high school students is a reflection of a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

References are also strong, with letters of recommendation from a Booth alum, who has stated that the applicant is the "best PE Associate" they have ever worked with and the CEO of a portfolio company, who has pledged to write "the best letter of rec that they've ever seen."

The overall GMAT score of 760 is very impressive. It is also important for you to craft a compelling story that ties together their experiences, background, and future goals. Your story of rising up from poverty, being an imposter, and being a trailblazer for their family is promising, but it will be important to convey this in a way that is authentic and resonates with the admissions committee.

Overall, you has a strong profile for top MBA programs and should be a competitive candidate. However, it is important to keep in mind that admissions decisions are complex and multifaceted, and there are many other factors that may come into play during the application process. If you want to have a detailed discussion regarding your profile or the program with our top profile experts, feel free to hop on a call with us. Hence, feel free to  schedule a call with us  at your convenience.

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AdmitExpert · Answer

Hi Jkreider , You have a strong profile with good academic achievements, excellent GMAT score and good work experience. Your extracurricular activities are very impressive and could be your major selling distinguishers. That personal story is a good one too provided you don't overdo it. However, given that you were rejected without an interview from GSB, you can consider applying to a wider range of schools beyond H/S/W. Applying to additional schools can increase your chances of acceptance and give you more options to choose from. As a reapplicant, it is also important to reflect on your previous application and determine what areas you can improve upon. This could include strengthening your story and showcasing your uniqueness, improving your essays and recommendations and further developing your career goals to show more clarity of thought. It would be helpful for us to review your submissions to come up with more detailed feedback. For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session (free ding analysis), please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com Good luck!

Chances of admission at H/S/W-760 GMAT, ex-MBB in PE, FGLI, white male

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