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06 Mar 2022, 06:41
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi there, I am looking for some advise on how to approach my MBA applications, would really appreciate any insights or suggestions 
My profile:
- GMAT - 750
- Asian F Indian 24 y.o.
- Undergrad - Business (Finance)
- GPA ~ 3.5
- WE (at time of matriculation) - 3 years Top Investment Management firm doing a FinTech product and client-facing role working in the Southeast asia region
- Target school - Stanford
- Post MBA goals: Short term - product management at a tech firm in USA and then hopefully start my own company
ECAs:
1. Non-profit personal branding (resumes, cover letters etc)
2. Started a club in University for modernizing education
3. Working on an Education mentorship side hustle at the moment
4. Looking to join another NGO in the education and financial awareness space for migrant workers
Questions:
1. My undergrad GPA is quite low compared to the average of 3.8 at Stanford - anyway I can possibly show improvement on that? What if I do a side course - will that help?
2. Is it too early for me to apply for MBA? I want to apply this year Sept (i.e. intake of fall 2023)
3. Any other advice to help me strengthen my profile?
4. I am also looking to apply for Knight-Hennessey Scholarship which I know is extremely competitive, but if anyone has advice on that also it will greatly help!
Really appreciate everyone's time and insights!!
My profile:
- GMAT - 750
- Asian F Indian 24 y.o.
- Undergrad - Business (Finance)
- GPA ~ 3.5
- WE (at time of matriculation) - 3 years Top Investment Management firm doing a FinTech product and client-facing role working in the Southeast asia region
- Target school - Stanford
- Post MBA goals: Short term - product management at a tech firm in USA and then hopefully start my own company
ECAs:
1. Non-profit personal branding (resumes, cover letters etc)
2. Started a club in University for modernizing education
3. Working on an Education mentorship side hustle at the moment
4. Looking to join another NGO in the education and financial awareness space for migrant workers
Questions:
1. My undergrad GPA is quite low compared to the average of 3.8 at Stanford - anyway I can possibly show improvement on that? What if I do a side course - will that help?
2. Is it too early for me to apply for MBA? I want to apply this year Sept (i.e. intake of fall 2023)
3. Any other advice to help me strengthen my profile?
4. I am also looking to apply for Knight-Hennessey Scholarship which I know is extremely competitive, but if anyone has advice on that also it will greatly help!
Really appreciate everyone's time and insights!!
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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 28 Apr 2026
Posts: 2,368
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
07 Mar 2022, 03:24
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shreya210599
Hi shreya210599 , congrats on the impressive GMAT score.
Addressing your queries here
Questions:
1. My undergrad GPA is quite low compared to the average of 3.8 at Stanford - anyway I can possibly show improvement on that? What if I do a side course - will that help?
A: Your GPA is lower than average but you have made up for it with the 750 GMAT score to show your true academic capability.
You can certainly leverage outside class initiatives such as projects, internships and active involvement in clubs in leadership positions as a plausible explanation for a lower than desired GPA.
2. Is it too early for me to apply for MBA? I want to apply this year Sept (i.e. intake of fall 2023)
A: If you believe you are at a stage where you can build a compelling case for the next available seat at Stanford cohort then you should go ahead and apply. Applying with about 3 years of experience in not unusual at top global B Schools.
3. Any other advice to help me strengthen my profile?
A: Certainly. Your ECs are mostly centered around Education therefore lacking variety IMO. I am also guessing you have genuine interest in this domain and your business idea for your own start up is some how linked to this sector. If this is not the case then strongly consider whether your idea of "starting your own company" fits into the narrative you presented so far or not. Make your actions and decisions seem conscientious and ask feedback from experts for any potential loopholes in your narrative.
4. I am also looking to apply for Knight-Hennessey Scholarship which I know is extremely competitive, but if anyone has advice on that also it will greatly help!
A: Knight - Hennessey Scholarship focuses on getting to know the "real you", your backstory, impact of your formative years and cultural influences on your life's trajectory and your vision of future for yourself and the community you are be a part of. Take the liberty to talk about your journey as an Indian female working professional and your vision for yourself as a future leader from Stanford. Strongly put community initiatives can give you an edge here. Also focus on how you would contribute to Stanford and stay involved with the school in the long term.
If you wish to seek professional guidance, do reach out.
Best wishes
07 Mar 2022, 04:06
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi shreya210599,
Thank you for your post!
First, I would like to congratulate you on backing a 750 in your GMAT that’s quite exceptional at your age, and you are definitely above the bar set by Stanford for GMAT (the average GMAT is 733).
Now coming to your first question, yes, the average GPA at Stanford is 3.8, but that’s just one of the aspects on which your evaluation is based, and there are a lot of other fields where you can add value. Having a certification or diploma definitely helps to strengthen your profile; however, if your only goal is to improve your GPA with a certificate, I would recommend not to as Stanford focuses more on values like Leadership potential, strategic thinking, teamwork, ability to develop new ideas, or perspective, etc. rather than just factual information.
Coming to your ECAs, they will add much value to your profile while characterizing your sense for social justice; for that, you need to highlight the role & responsibilities, challenges faced, the impact created, and leadership roles acquired and the skill-set developed through your ECAs.
The average work experience at Stanford is around four years(full-time), and the average age is 27 years. Hence, it’s true that it’s a little early for you; however, being an overachiever and creating impact at such a young age is something you could offer the adcoms to look forward to. You will need to highlight the responsibilities, successful projects, any leadership opportunity, and professional accolades that define the characteristics required for the MBA curriculum.
As you mentioned, the Knight-Hennessey Scholarship is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of 1.6%, so you must be exceptional in your beliefs, identity, and passion and should have the sense to help enrich the community. The scholarship seeks scholars who can outthink, outwork, and out-care others—someone with a civic mindset and a purposeful leadership experience and potential.
All in all, I would say that you have a robust profile and your GPA is compensated with your GMAT score. something that we can easily resolve by molding your You will need to draft your essays in alignment with the school values since a lot depends on how you mesmerize the adcom with your essays. However, I would like to know more about your experience to find out major USPs! If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to Stanford. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances for admission to your target schools. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.
FYI: We are organizing a session on women’s day where speakers who got admit from Top US schools will be sharing their journeys and addressing the most pressing questions that most women applicants have. You can register for the session here
Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Website|Blogs|Testimonials|GMATclub Reviews
Email: [email protected]
Women in Business & Beyond- Our initiative to help women aspirants in their MBA journey.
Thank you for your post!
First, I would like to congratulate you on backing a 750 in your GMAT that’s quite exceptional at your age, and you are definitely above the bar set by Stanford for GMAT (the average GMAT is 733).
Now coming to your first question, yes, the average GPA at Stanford is 3.8, but that’s just one of the aspects on which your evaluation is based, and there are a lot of other fields where you can add value. Having a certification or diploma definitely helps to strengthen your profile; however, if your only goal is to improve your GPA with a certificate, I would recommend not to as Stanford focuses more on values like Leadership potential, strategic thinking, teamwork, ability to develop new ideas, or perspective, etc. rather than just factual information.
Coming to your ECAs, they will add much value to your profile while characterizing your sense for social justice; for that, you need to highlight the role & responsibilities, challenges faced, the impact created, and leadership roles acquired and the skill-set developed through your ECAs.
The average work experience at Stanford is around four years(full-time), and the average age is 27 years. Hence, it’s true that it’s a little early for you; however, being an overachiever and creating impact at such a young age is something you could offer the adcoms to look forward to. You will need to highlight the responsibilities, successful projects, any leadership opportunity, and professional accolades that define the characteristics required for the MBA curriculum.
As you mentioned, the Knight-Hennessey Scholarship is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of 1.6%, so you must be exceptional in your beliefs, identity, and passion and should have the sense to help enrich the community. The scholarship seeks scholars who can outthink, outwork, and out-care others—someone with a civic mindset and a purposeful leadership experience and potential.
All in all, I would say that you have a robust profile and your GPA is compensated with your GMAT score. something that we can easily resolve by molding your You will need to draft your essays in alignment with the school values since a lot depends on how you mesmerize the adcom with your essays. However, I would like to know more about your experience to find out major USPs! If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to Stanford. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances for admission to your target schools. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.
FYI: We are organizing a session on women’s day where speakers who got admit from Top US schools will be sharing their journeys and addressing the most pressing questions that most women applicants have. You can register for the session here
Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Website|Blogs|Testimonials|GMATclub Reviews
Email: [email protected]
Women in Business & Beyond- Our initiative to help women aspirants in their MBA journey.
shreya210599
