GMAT Club Forum
https://gmatclub.com:443/forum/

My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
https://gmatclub.com/forum/chance-me-for-harvard-mba-237575-180.html		 Page 10 of 51
Author:  ABatExpertsGlobal [ 31 May 2018, 05:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
leaningin wrote:
Hi, please evaluate my profile.

Background and nationality: Female, 25, India
Undergrad Information: Most prestigious law school in India, top 15% of the class (GPA of 5.9/7)
GMAT: 730
Work experience and leadership: Work ex- MBB for 2 years, 1 year at a fintech startup focusing on financial inclusion. Work at MBB involved strategy for MNCs, implemention of large scale transformations, government report released by the Prime Minister. Manager of strategic partnerships at fintech, onboarded 10k+ new customers by identifying relevant partners.
Community and others: Strongly involved in social work in college- legal aid, head of an student-run NGO where I managed a large team of 40+. Also conceptualised and authored a report on the University (led team of 4), which was widely covered by media. Currently continue mentoring underprivileged students whom I had mentored as part of NGO in college.
Post MBA goals: Work closely with social entrepreneurs in scaling up and in working towards the "double bottomline" succesfully, either as part of an incubator/accelerator or through VC/impact investing. Also open to development finance (DIBs, SIBs). Long term goal is to start my own enterprise, preferably in financial inclusion.
Anything else? Am currently learning to surf, passionate about writing (strong track record of publications, blogs, media articles)


Hi leaningin,

Thanks for your query.

You have a good overall profile and start-up experience always helps. The GMAT, though, is a bit of a concern as expectations are always higher for Indian candidates. Hence, if a retake is possible, please go ahead with the same. Harvard, though, is a Stretch school for all but a higher GMAT will definitely strengthen your chances.

Having said the above, while applying to Harvard, please also spread the risk wisely and apply to a larger portfolio of schools including a few among the US top 15. Those are fine programs too and you have a strong chance there.

All the best! :-)
Author:  AkarshS [ 01 Jun 2018, 01:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
mbaMissionKrista : Can I please have your 0.02$ as well

Planning to apply in the round closing September 2018

Indian Male, 27 years old

1) Work ex - Working with McKinsey for 3 years , will have 4 years of work-ex by the time I join, if selected that is. Have led numerous client engagements for Indian Clients, mostly in pharmaceutical space.
2) Education:
- Undergrad - Civil Engineering (from one of top 5 IITs) - GPA: 9.42/10 (Silver Medalist - top of Civil Engineering, top 3% of entire engineering class)
- Postgrad - PGDM (considered MBA in India) from top Indian B-School (IIM-Ahmedabad) - GPA - 3.64 (Top 5% of Class, Institute Merit Scholar)
3) GMAT: yet to attempt, but getting 730 (Kaplan) and 760 (in GMAT official practice test pack 3 and 4)

Extra Curriculars: Mostly in Undergrad (quizzing, organizing business fest etc). Moderately active with counselling of cancer patients in a hospital on weekends
Schools Considered: HBS, Wharton, LBS, Insead
MBA Goal: Getting a more healthcare focused MBA, post MBA get into business roles in organizations focused on Healthcare (can be PE/VCs or business roles at healthcare companies)

Thanks in advance
Author:  RaydenV [ 02 Jun 2018, 18:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Hey, thank you in advance for evaluating my profile. please be ruthless:

About: 26 years old, Male, Moroccan Citizen
Education: Civil Engineering Degree (Master’s degree) from the top engineering school In the country. The school is paramilitary so I also hold the title of reserve military lieutenant.
Stats:
GPA: 4.1
GMAT: 590 (23 v, 48Q), 5.0 AWA, 1 IR ( retaking the GMAT after a few months for a 700+ score)

Work Experience :
- 3 years working as an engineer for the Top engineering company in Morocco: JACOBS Engineering SA (JESA). It is a joint venture between two global leaders in their fields: OCP S.A, a world leader in phosphates and derivatives and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, one of the world’s largest and most diverse provider of technical and construction services.
- Started as a junior Hydraulic engineer at a subsidiary of the company with the crucial task of supporting start a new department in the infrastructure industry that would expand the current portfolio of engineering services provided by the company. In 2 years and after successfully achieving this major milestone of expanding our client base in the Buildings and Infrastructure (B&I) industry business unit, I moved up to the role of Lead Civil Engineer in the company’s headquarters in Casablanca. I worked under the Technology, Engineering and Design department in the Process industry Business Unit, the biggest unit in the company.
- I had assignments in multiple projects in the process industry. Specifically, I was lead civil Engineer of one of the biggest industrial projects, an international project with a new client. The project was a multi-Billion dollar Phosphate Fertilizer Complex in Saoudi Arrabia and the client was Maaden.

- Extracurricular:

o was in the leadership committee of the Jacobs Future network, which provides professional development and networking opportunities to early career employees. I was Lead of the Professional Development Cell with a team of around 30 people. I worked closely with the Top management of the company and was in charge of developing and providing professional development opportunities to more than 400 employees.
o Was project Manager in my ENACTUS school team. We won the national competition trice, and were finalists in the international ENACTUS competition once.
o Winner of the first prize in a Moroccan Competition for innovation EMINOV, 2014 with a project called SOLAR COOKER that uses solar energy to cook food.

- I’m also a blogger (ridachakour com)- with the vision of inspiring ambitious young people from my country to pursue higher education and to make an impact in the world.

- Philanthropy: I work as volunteer civil engineer for a social project that I co-founded under my company. The goal is to develop an ecological and sustainable solution for the problem of untreated sewage water in rural areas of the country. The social project is named WATERFIL, and it uses a phyto-purification process to treat sewage water and help solve this huge issue in an isolated village near Marrakech.


- MBA goals: Move into management consultancy and work for a variety of international companies to better get prepared for a future position as a chief executive. I intend to go back to Africa in the future and help build multi-billion dollar projects as a world-class business leader with African DNA.
Author:  amanb2204 [ 03 Jun 2018, 07:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Hey,
Can anyone please suggest the chances for my application to the top 10 B-school for which i will be applying in 2019

1. India Male, 26 y/o. Background: 2015 graduate (B.Tech + M. tech) from IIT Bombay. CGPA: 7.6/10
2. Currently 3 years in Multinational healthcare company (Largest MNC in India) in various Local and international roles including Business analyst, Project manager Business development with working in the Director's office
3. Gmat Score: 740
4. Good amount of extracurricular: Led college in various Inter-IIT tournaments, National level player, Good amount of social work, Policy shaping work under a member of parliament
5. Schools Considered: HBS, Wharton, Insead, MIT, Kellog, Booth, Stanford
MBA Goal: Getting a more healthcare focused MBA, post MBA get into business roles in organizations focused on Healthcare (can be PE/VCs or business roles at healthcare companies)
6. Few pointers: Every year HBS, Kellog and Booth takes admit from the company i am working in. Does that improve my chances?
7. Recommendations from Leadership in the firm
8. I am concerned if my low CPI might be a hindrance

Thanks in advance for your response.
Author:  Andyabsp [ 03 Jun 2018, 13:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Love to seek guidance and feedback on my profile. My concerns: perceived as over-experienced, and diluting the mean age of class?

Aiming for HBS/Stanford MSx/Wharton

Passion: Aim to be design thinker and to be a part of Corporate Strategy Group and help the team / organization in Machine Learning/AI/Decision Science/Bigdata Analytics/Building Intuitive Systems. Down the line, all the way to entrepreneurial journey

Age :33

Education: My student life can be summed up as Ordinary average fella. I am graduate by Engineer (E&C 65.2%), PGP (3.1) (1 year) in HR with scholarship

Work experience: 11 yrs

Role Perspective (chronology): Currently SMGR (Strategy, People Analytics & HR Transformation) <- Consultant (HR SME) <- AM - HR Analytics (Advisory) <- Manager HRBP/HR Transformation/HR Technology <- Sr. QA <- Business Development Associate

Industry Exposure: Healthcare <-ITES <- Global BFSI <- BFSI in India <- Agri Business Sector

Technology: Being tech geek worked in end to end product life cycle SDLC, STLC, & DLC. Hence most of Technology & programming stuff are my core strength

Process: Hands on experience in Process Re-engg.

Functional Exposure: Majorly stems from HR/People Function, followed by Business

Company Attributes: Worked in organization with Employee strength ranging from 20 to 3.5+ lac. Worked in Start up like culture, mid-scale organization to Large scale organization, i.e. Unstructured to well structured. Geography exposure from Grass root level i.e. villages to global

GMAT: Yet to take (aiming ~ 700)

Extracurricular: There are few but showing as NIL as these experience are very close to me
Author:  ABatExpertsGlobal [ 05 Jun 2018, 04:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
RaydenV wrote:
Hey, thank you in advance for evaluating my profile. please be ruthless:

About: 26 years old, Male, Moroccan Citizen
Education: Civil Engineering Degree (Master’s degree) from the top engineering school In the country. The school is paramilitary so I also hold the title of reserve military lieutenant.
Stats:
GPA: 4.1
GMAT: 590 (23 v, 48Q), 5.0 AWA, 1 IR ( retaking the GMAT after a few months for a 700+ score)

Work Experience :
- 3 years working as an engineer for the Top engineering company in Morocco: JACOBS Engineering SA (JESA). It is a joint venture between two global leaders in their fields: OCP S.A, a world leader in phosphates and derivatives and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, one of the world’s largest and most diverse provider of technical and construction services.
- Started as a junior Hydraulic engineer at a subsidiary of the company with the crucial task of supporting start a new department in the infrastructure industry that would expand the current portfolio of engineering services provided by the company. In 2 years and after successfully achieving this major milestone of expanding our client base in the Buildings and Infrastructure (B&I) industry business unit, I moved up to the role of Lead Civil Engineer in the company’s headquarters in Casablanca. I worked under the Technology, Engineering and Design department in the Process industry Business Unit, the biggest unit in the company.
- I had assignments in multiple projects in the process industry. Specifically, I was lead civil Engineer of one of the biggest industrial projects, an international project with a new client. The project was a multi-Billion dollar Phosphate Fertilizer Complex in Saoudi Arrabia and the client was Maaden.

- Extracurricular:

o was in the leadership committee of the Jacobs Future network, which provides professional development and networking opportunities to early career employees. I was Lead of the Professional Development Cell with a team of around 30 people. I worked closely with the Top management of the company and was in charge of developing and providing professional development opportunities to more than 400 employees.
o Was project Manager in my ENACTUS school team. We won the national competition trice, and were finalists in the international ENACTUS competition once.
o Winner of the first prize in a Moroccan Competition for innovation EMINOV, 2014 with a project called SOLAR COOKER that uses solar energy to cook food.

- I’m also a blogger (ridachakour com)- with the vision of inspiring ambitious young people from my country to pursue higher education and to make an impact in the world.

- Philanthropy: I work as volunteer civil engineer for a social project that I co-founded under my company. The goal is to develop an ecological and sustainable solution for the problem of untreated sewage water in rural areas of the country. The social project is named WATERFIL, and it uses a phyto-purification process to treat sewage water and help solve this huge issue in an isolated village near Marrakech.


- MBA goals: Move into management consultancy and work for a variety of international companies to better get prepared for a future position as a chief executive. I intend to go back to Africa in the future and help build multi-billion dollar projects as a world-class business leader with African DNA.


Hello RaydenV,

Thanks for your detailed post.

It almost goes without saying that you have a fantastic profile, complete with steep career growth, leadership experience, international client-handling experience, social-sector engagements, and decent extra-curricular activities :-) To add to this, that you are from Morocco is a differentiating factor as well and each of these elements, together, will strengthen your case. Of course, Harvard requires a set of well-written essays that you will need to put together along with showcasing career goals, wherein the short-term goals and long-term aspirations are in sync. The plan to return to Africa sounds visionary and you could proceed with the same :-)

Of course, you already know it but the GMAT is a bit of a concern and a score upwards of 700 should give you a good chance. Hence, the retake is strongly recommended.

Having said the above, Harvard is a Stretch school for everyone. However, if you put together a meaningful story with a boosted GMAT score, you will have a competitive chance :-)

All the best!
Author:  ABatExpertsGlobal [ 05 Jun 2018, 05:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
amanb2204 wrote:
Hey,
Can anyone please suggest the chances for my application to the top 10 B-school for which i will be applying in 2019

1. India Male, 26 y/o. Background: 2015 graduate (B.Tech + M. tech) from IIT Bombay. CGPA: 7.6/10
2. Currently 3 years in Multinational healthcare company (Largest MNC in India) in various Local and international roles including Business analyst, Project manager Business development with working in the Director's office
3. Gmat Score: 740
4. Good amount of extracurricular: Led college in various Inter-IIT tournaments, National level player, Good amount of social work, Policy shaping work under a member of parliament
5. Schools Considered: HBS, Wharton, Insead, MIT, Kellog, Booth, Stanford
MBA Goal: Getting a more healthcare focused MBA, post MBA get into business roles in organizations focused on Healthcare (can be PE/VCs or business roles at healthcare companies)
6. Few pointers: Every year HBS, Kellog and Booth takes admit from the company i am working in. Does that improve my chances?
7. Recommendations from Leadership in the firm
8. I am concerned if my low CPI might be a hindrance

Thanks in advance for your response.


Hello amanb2204,

Please find our point-wise responses below:

1. Yes, you definitely have a fine academic pedigree and this will be an advantage. The GPA, though, is on the lower side. However, that you have a good GMAT score will help establish your suitability for an MBA program. So, you don't need to worry about this too much.
2. 3 years is slightly under the average work experience of individuals who apply to the M7 programs. The average is about 5 years. While the international exposure sounds good, schools need to get a sense of how your career has progressed, your leadership potential, as well as achievements. We are afraid you have not shared much information on that front and hence we cannot evaluate that component of your profile.
3. The GMAT score is alright, though, not exceptionally high, as GMAT expectations are higher from Indians. As an Indian candidate with an engineering degree, this would be quite an average score. Apologies if this sounds a bit brutal. The score is by no means a low one but if possible you could look at taking it up to a 760 or 770. That would boost your chances immensely :-)
4. Again, in terms of extra-curricular activities, schools would be more interested in the impact that you have had. Hence, ensure that your essays speak of the same :-)
5. These are all Stretch programs; while you must absolutely go ahead and apply to these programs, we do recommend that you apply to a larger portfolio of schools comprising a few of the top 25 US programs. The MBA learning is important and it is always better to have a few options.
6. While this speaks of the fact that people with similar profiles are making it, this, in no way, objectively increases your chances. Your candidature is unique and will be assessed in relation to others who have applied along with you.
7. Recommendations should come from your immediate supervisors.
8. This has already been addressed under point 1 :-)

In summary, yes, you must put together an exceptional set of application essays and apply to the schools you are targetting. Of course, the career goals need to fall in sync with your existing experience and, to that extent, healthcare works. However, you may consider widening the scope of your goals beyond healthcare. Nonetheless, each of the schools is a Stretch school but worth the try definitely :-)

Feel free to share any follow-up questions.

All the best! :-)
Author:  MBAPrepCoach [ 05 Jun 2018, 18:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Harvard put out this link in their newsletter: a comprehensive at-a-glance on researching HBS. But dont forget about making 1-1 connection via alums on linked in.https://www.hbs.edu/mba/blog/post/3-way ... %20MD%20(1)-May%2031,%202018
Author:  haovb [ 05 Jun 2018, 23:20 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
In my opinion, If I were you, I would enrich my profile a little. You can save your gmat score for 5 years. You at least have time to do something to add to your profile
Author:  bruhnah [ 07 Jun 2018, 13:45 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Hello guys! I would love your input:

- 27 Male, Venezuelan-Syrian. First generation college student.
- GMAT: 740 (Should I retake? I got 760 twice before the actual test :( )
- GPA: 3.85/5 Industrial Engineering in top engineering school in Venezuela ( :thumbdown: i know, due to a combination of vocational, political and family obstacles), earned a fellowship to exchange for a year in France.
Graduate Diplomas on Marketing ("approved" - not scored)
Diploma on Financial Management (3.88)
WE:
1)2y9mo (at matriculation) in Market Strategy roles in Top 3 global Risk Consulting and Broking company. [over]worked 4 roles at the same time, 2 promotions; led and managed projects of large impact, and intl exposure. (Venezuela)
2)1y1mo in P&G in Market Strategy and Planning as mostly full-time intern (used the time during which my school was on strike due to socio-political instability), awarded a 5/5 score. Rejected offer in R&D (only available post) due to vocational objectives. (Venezuela)
3)6mo internship in Client Strategy at French multinational in its headquarters (Paris)
EC and awards:
- 1yr Job at an NGO (after office, weekdays) for human rights and international activism regarding Venezuela´s situation. Part of the team who organized the largest unofficial referendum in history.
- 3yrs attended,+ 2 years led my schools team for Harvard´s Model UN in Boston. The two years I led it, we obtained large delegation awards, positioning my team above even Ivy Leagues and schools with more experience, resources and recognition.
- Volunteered in the rural indigenous area of Venezuela for diagnosis and solution of health and nutrition problems of these communities (2m)
- Languages: Spanish, English, French, Arab.
- Other (less relevant): Placed 41/9000+ and 47/6000+ honor roll for admission tests in college; University and municipality recognition for international representation of the country, participated in two other leadership conferences, nominated for best subject final essay by teacher. Traveled to 25 countries and twice as many cities abroad
Goal: Transition into strategy consulting to apply the macro business perspective I´ve been wanting to develop. Long term: Rebuild my country from the private sector as a regional corporate leader/entrepreneur.

Do you think I´ve got a shot? Planning to apply in round 1 this year. ..
Author:  MV23 [ 07 Jun 2018, 13:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Loved your profile. Hope you get in!

JohnAHD wrote:
Hello guys! I would love your input:

- 27 Male, Venezuelan-Syrian. First generation college student.
- GMAT: 740 (Should I retake? I got 760 twice before the actual test :( )
- GPA: 3.85/5 Industrial Engineering in top engineering school in Venezuela ( :thumbdown: i know, due to a combination of vocational, political and family obstacles), earned a fellowship to exchange for a year in France.
Graduate Diplomas on Marketing ("approved" - not scored)
Diploma on Financial Management (3.8)
WE:
1)2y9mo (at matriculation) in Market Strategy roles in Top 3 global Risk Consulting and Broking company. [over]worked 4 roles at the same time, 2 promotions; led and managed projects of large impact, and intl exposure. (Venezuela)
2)1y1mo in P&G in Market Strategy and Planning as mostly full-time intern (used the time during which my school was on strike due to socio-political instability), awarded a 5/5 score. Rejected offer in R&D (only available post) due to vocational objectives. (Venezuela)
3)6mo internship in Client Strategy at French multinational in its headquarters (Paris)
EC and awards:
- 1yr Job at an NGO (after office, weekdays) for human rights and international activism regarding Venezuela´s situation. Part of the team who organized the largest unofficial referendum in history.
- 3yrs attended,+ 2 years led my schools team for Harvard´s Model UN in Boston. The two years I led it, we obtained large delegation awards, positioning my team above even Ivy Leagues and schools with more experience, resources and recognition.
- Volunteered in the rural indigenous area of Venezuela for diagnosis and solution of health and nutrition problems of these communities (2w)
- Languages: Spanish, English, French, Arab.
- Other (less relevant): Placed 41/9000+ and 47/6000+ honor roll for admission tests in college; University and municipality recognition for international representation of the country, participated in two other leadership conferences, nominated for best subject final essay by teacher. Traveled to 25 countries and twice as many cities abroad
Goal: Transition into strategy consulting to apply the macro business perspective I´ve been wanting to develop. Long term: Rebuild my country from the private sector as a regional corporate leader/entrepreneur.

Do you think I´ve got a shot? Planning to apply in round 1 this year.
Author:  bruhnah [ 08 Jun 2018, 06:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
MV23 wrote:
Loved your profile. Hope you get in!


Thanks mate! Wish you all the luck too!
Author:  Sugarii [ 15 Jun 2018, 11:51 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
DELETED
Author:  MrJglass [ 15 Jun 2018, 14:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Going through these profiles, I had a glimpse of what it means when said that "HBS selection process is really tough".
A whole lot of bright minds and you can't just accept all of them.
Wow! Great job guys, I'm proud of you all and I hope you all make it through.

Posted from my mobile device
Author:  gmatpercher [ 18 Jun 2018, 15:45 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Nvm
Author:  mbaMissionJA [ 22 Jun 2018, 00:48 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
JohnAHD wrote:
Hello guys! I would love your input:

- 27 Male, Venezuelan-Syrian. First generation college student.
- GMAT: 740 (Should I retake? I got 760 twice before the actual test :( )
- GPA: 3.85/5 Industrial Engineering in top engineering school in Venezuela ( :thumbdown: i know, due to a combination of vocational, political and family obstacles), earned a fellowship to exchange for a year in France.
Graduate Diplomas on Marketing ("approved" - not scored)
Diploma on Financial Management (3.8)
WE:
1)2y9mo (at matriculation) in Market Strategy roles in Top 3 global Risk Consulting and Broking company. [over]worked 4 roles at the same time, 2 promotions; led and managed projects of large impact, and intl exposure. (Venezuela)
2)1y1mo in P&G in Market Strategy and Planning as mostly full-time intern (used the time during which my school was on strike due to socio-political instability), awarded a 5/5 score. Rejected offer in R&D (only available post) due to vocational objectives. (Venezuela)
3)6mo internship in Client Strategy at French multinational in its headquarters (Paris)
EC and awards:
- 1yr Job at an NGO (after office, weekdays) for human rights and international activism regarding Venezuela´s situation. Part of the team who organized the largest unofficial referendum in history.
- 3yrs attended,+ 2 years led my schools team for Harvard´s Model UN in Boston. The two years I led it, we obtained large delegation awards, positioning my team above even Ivy Leagues and schools with more experience, resources and recognition.
- Volunteered in the rural indigenous area of Venezuela for diagnosis and solution of health and nutrition problems of these communities (2w)
- Languages: Spanish, English, French, Arab.
- Other (less relevant): Placed 41/9000+ and 47/6000+ honor roll for admission tests in college; University and municipality recognition for international representation of the country, participated in two other leadership conferences, nominated for best subject final essay by teacher. Traveled to 25 countries and twice as many cities abroad
Goal: Transition into strategy consulting to apply the macro business perspective I´ve been wanting to develop. Long term: Rebuild my country from the private sector as a regional corporate leader/entrepreneur.

Do you think I´ve got a shot? Planning to apply in round 1 this year.


Hi John AHD! I do think you have a shot. HBS evaluates candidates holistically, and you have a lot of compelling elements in your profile that make you an attractive candidate. Unique perspectives are important to Harvard, as is a habit of leadership and I think you provide both. Regarding your GPA, yes, it's on the low side, but use the optional mini-essay/short answer (the one that says "Additional Information") to explain the circumstances in a brief, matter-of-fact way and they'll understand. Your GMAT will also help reassure them; a 740 is a good score. I don't think you need to retake it, but it depends on whether you feel like you left some points on the table last time (it sounds like you might). Normally, improvements in score once you've posted a 730+ are really difficult to do, so don't beat yourself up if you decide to retake the test and don't manage to score higher. It might be worth a shot, however, because a higher score might also help you with MBB recruiting - they do look closely at GMATs and GPAs when screening resumes, so a 760 could give you an extra edge for getting interviews and help again to counter a low GPA (though again, I think if the screener is aware of the situation you faced, they'd overlook that).

Of course, you'll need to execute well on all the elements of the application. Take the time to dig deep and reflect on your motivations before tackling it. Even the short answers should be considered "mini essays" so don't just dash them off quickly. There's only one main essay, so make it count. The question asks for something that is actually quite specific - what more should they know about you? This is a personal answer that will vary depending on the candidate, but consider what the rest of your application is saying and then use the essay to add the piece that's missing. That's a bit hard to discuss in this kind of forum, but if you want to chat a bit more in depth about this or ask more specific questions about your profile or strategy, you can book a free consultation with one of us at mbaMission via our web site. Happy to help if I can.

Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission
Author:  MrJglass [ 22 Jun 2018, 05:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
JohnAHD wrote:
Hello guys! I would love your input:

- 27 Male, Venezuelan-Syrian. First generation college student.
- GMAT: 740 (Should I retake? I got 760 twice before the actual test :( )
- GPA: 3.85/5 Industrial Engineering in top engineering school in Venezuela ( :thumbdown: i know, due to a combination of vocational, political and family obstacles), earned a fellowship to exchange for a year in France.
Graduate Diplomas on Marketing ("approved" - not scored)
Diploma on Financial Management (3.8)
WE:
1)2y9mo (at matriculation) in Market Strategy roles in Top 3 global Risk Consulting and Broking company. [over]worked 4 roles at the same time, 2 promotions; led and managed projects of large impact, and intl exposure. (Venezuela)
2)1y1mo in P&G in Market Strategy and Planning as mostly full-time intern (used the time during which my school was on strike due to socio-political instability), awarded a 5/5 score. Rejected offer in R&D (only available post) due to vocational objectives. (Venezuela)
3)6mo internship in Client Strategy at French multinational in its headquarters (Paris)
EC and awards:
- 1yr Job at an NGO (after office, weekdays) for human rights and international activism regarding Venezuela´s situation. Part of the team who organized the largest unofficial referendum in history.
- 3yrs attended,+ 2 years led my schools team for Harvard´s Model UN in Boston. The two years I led it, we obtained large delegation awards, positioning my team above even Ivy Leagues and schools with more experience, resources and recognition.
- Volunteered in the rural indigenous area of Venezuela for diagnosis and solution of health and nutrition problems of these communities (2w)
- Languages: Spanish, English, French, Arab.
- Other (less relevant): Placed 41/9000+ and 47/6000+ honor roll for admission tests in college; University and municipality recognition for international representation of the country, participated in two other leadership conferences, nominated for best subject final essay by teacher. Traveled to 25 countries and twice as many cities abroad
Goal: Transition into strategy consulting to apply the macro business perspective I´ve been wanting to develop. Long term: Rebuild my country from the private sector as a regional corporate leader/entrepreneur.

Do you think I´ve got a shot? Planning to apply in round 1 this year.




Incredible profile, I think you should give it a go.

Posted from my mobile device
Author:  Avi2017 [ 26 Jun 2018, 12:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Hello,

Would really love your input. I am really focused in going to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton. Please advise regarding my chances here. Please suggest other schools might be more practical if HSW are a reach.

Profile

Undergrad- The Ohio State University
GPA - 3.3
Major- Double Major - Finance/Accounting
Minor- Economics
Age- 26
WE- 4.5 years

Jobs held-
1 year Big 4 Valuation (Ernst & Young)
6 months Duff & Phelps Valuation (New York)
3 years Investment Banking- M&A in Tech and Media (New York)
Current Job- Manager in Corporate FP&A- M&A Special Projects team. (This is an elite team at the firm where I have significant responsibility impacting major decisions of the firm)

GMAT- 770
CFA- Taking Level 1 in December. Level 2 next year.

Volunteer & EC-
Founder & President of a top business organization at The Ohio State University (Won the Outstanding New Student Organization award in 2013)
One of the Advisers in a Finance Scholars organization, a renowned club that helps students learn finance
Big Brother (Big Brother Big Sister)

Please advise
Author:  mbaMissionJA [ 28 Jun 2018, 21:53 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
Sugarii wrote:
Hi all, a bit late to the party, please rate my chances. I took the GRE but would it be valuable to consider GMAT as well?

Background and nationality: Female, 26, Asian Canadian
Undergrad Information: 3.7 GPA, Top Canadian Business Undergrad
GRE: 334 (166V/168Q)
Work experience and leadership: Corporate strategy manager in large publicly traded manufacturing company, running strategy development for aerospace and energy industries. Formerly Canadian venture capital, boutique management consulting. Also ran a tech startup that ultimately failed. Not sure how to position the various, disparate experiences, any advice welcome.
Post MBA goals: MBB consulting to start, then tech strategy ideally.
Community/others: Director at a charity at an education foundation to support girls in tech. I rock climb, box, HIIT.


Hi Sugarii, you have a great profile, so Harvard is definitely worth a shot (and no you don't need to take the GMAT with your solid GRE scores; HBS is fine with the GRE). I believe we've already talked in a consultation, so I won't repeat those details here. I'll just say for the benefit of anyone else reading that the open-ended HBS essay offers an opportunity to unite seemingly disparate experiences along a particular theme or journey. What's important is that you reflect and demonstrate what you've learned from those experiences that will take you where you're going next.

Good luck with your application and let me know if I can be of any further help!

Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission
Author:  mbaMissionJA [ 28 Jun 2018, 22:14 ]
Post subject:  My Chances at Harvard - Post All Profile Evaluation Requests Here!
gmatpercher wrote:
Background: 26 year old white American
Education: 3.56 at a top 20 American University with a semester spent abroad in London
GMAT: 720 with a skew towards verbal
Work Experience: After college I worked 2 years with a leading market research firm doing research and evaluation on new product launches for CPG companies. I then made a shift and spent two years doing brand marketing at a top food company with budget management and P&L exposure.
Community: Volunteer at a local children's hospital once a week


Hi, gmatpercher! Thanks for posting. As mentioned elsewhere, the admissions committee will evaluate your profile holistically. You have some elements that will definitely get you a closer look. I'm especially interested in your brand marketing experience with P&L exposure; that's a great thing to have pre-MBA, and not necessarily heavily represented in the applicant pool these days. I think the key things to demonstrate will be impact and leadership along with your experience (which hopefully will be backed up by strong recommendations). Take the time to dig deep and reflect on who you are and where you're going, too; reflection is important.

I do, however, think it's a safe bet to round out your target list with some additional schools beyond Harvard, though. Around 70% of HBS's application pool is qualified enough to be admitted; the committee often has to make tough choices. As for which schools to add, that depends on you! What's your goal post-MBA? Will you be going back to a brand management role of some kind? You want to apply to schools that will help get you where you're going, but do make a list that includes programs along a range of selectivity. Your list should include a reach or two, a few where you're comfortably "within range" and a couple of safety schools.

Please book a consultation with one of us at mbaMission.com if you'd like to discuss your specific circumstances in more detail, ask questions, or chat about some great schools you might add to your list. We'd be happy to help if we can!

Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission
Page 10 of 51 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/