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blackpanther90
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Joined: 13 Nov 2024
Last visit: 06 Nov 2025
Posts: 5
Location: United States
Schools: Wharton '26 Sloan '26 CBS '26 Yale '26 Duke '26 Johnson '26 Tuck '26
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q85 V90 DI85
GPA: No GPA
Schools: Wharton '26 Sloan '26 CBS '26 Yale '26 Duke '26 Johnson '26 Tuck '26
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q85 V90 DI85
Posts: 5
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 26 Nov 2024, 00:17
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GFE score - 735
GPA - 3.0+ ( I attended Western governors university where its a pass/fail system in which a pass is B or higher)
Demographics - 26 URM, Domestic U.S
WE- 4 years pre graduation and 1 year post grad in operations. I have a manager position at MBA feeder company and pre graduation WE at F500 companies
Post MBA goal - Consulting
EC- political canvassing for different causes and mentorship

I would like to know how I would stack up against other applicants considering my unusual background and which schools I should aim for. The main weak points in my profile are my undergrad school and a bulk of WE being pre graduation.
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ARINGO
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 27 Nov 2024, 06:32
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Hey blackpanther90
Priyanka here from ARINGO. You have a very solid GMAT score. Considering your GMAT score, you have established your academic potential and thus your undergrad university will not really make much of a difference. One thing that concerns me is your work experience, adcoms consider full time work experience only after your graduation. Since you have just 1 year of experience post your graduation, you will not be able to apply to top MBA programs. I would recommend gaining a couple more years of experience, building your profile meanwhile and maybe then applying to T-10 schools.

Feel free to connect for a detailed discussion.
Click here to connect for a detailed discussion.
You can also email me your CV at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!
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TheRedPen
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GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 27 Nov 2024, 23:31
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blackpanther90
GFE score - 735
GPA - 3.0+ ( I attended Western governors university where its a pass/fail system in which a pass is B or higher)
Demographics - 26 URM, Domestic U.S
WE- 4 years pre graduation and 1 year post grad in operations. I have a manager position at MBA feeder company and pre graduation WE at F500 companies
Post MBA goal - Consulting
EC- political canvassing for different causes and mentorship

I would like to know how I would stack up against other applicants considering my unusual background and which schools I should aim for. The main weak points in my profile are my undergrad school and a bulk of WE being pre graduation.
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Hi blackpanther90,

Your profile presents a unique blend of academic and professional experiences. Your work experience, particularly in a managerial role at a feeder company, is a significant strength. While your undergraduate institution might not be as prestigious as some, your strong GMAT score and work experience can compensate for that. Given your profile, you should consider targeting top-tier MBA programs that value diversity, leadership potential, and professional experience.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Application:
Highlight Your Unique Background: Emphasize your non-traditional academic background and how it has shaped your unique perspective.
Quantify Your Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate your impact in your previous roles.
Leverage Your Work Experience: Discuss your leadership experiences, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a team.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters from individuals who can speak to your leadership abilities, work ethic, and potential.
Craft Compelling Essays: Your essays should effectively convey your unique story, career goals, and fit with the program.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and develop effective communication skills.
By focusing on your strengths and addressing any potential weaknesses, you can increase your chances of admission to top-tier MBA programs. Our MBA consultants would be happy to connect with you over a free profile evaluation discussion. You can schedule a free consultation with our experts or connect directly with our experts via call at +91 7780769732.
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pintukr
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 29 Nov 2024, 08:48
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Congratulations on an excellent score.

Need to highlight the work experience, in particular the achievements.

All the Best.
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MBAandBeyond
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 30 Nov 2024, 00:11
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blackpanther90
GFE score - 735
GPA - 3.0+ ( I attended Western governors university where its a pass/fail system in which a pass is B or higher)
Demographics - 26 URM, Domestic U.S
WE- 4 years pre graduation and 1 year post grad in operations. I have a manager position at MBA feeder company and pre graduation WE at F500 companies
Post MBA goal - Consulting
EC- political canvassing for different causes and mentorship

I would like to know how I would stack up against other applicants considering my unusual background and which schools I should aim for. The main weak points in my profile are my undergrad school and a bulk of WE being pre graduation.
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Hi blackpanther90 , I hope you are doing well.

Your profile has several standout elements that make you competitive for MBA programs, particularly as a 26-year-old URM applicant with a stellar 735 GMAT score and a managerial role at an MBA feeder company. Your experience in operations and at F500 companies, combined with a strong commitment to political canvassing and mentorship, highlights leadership, professional growth, and civic engagement. However, your pass/fail undergraduate GPA and the bulk of your work experience being pre-graduation may raise questions about academic rigor and post-graduation progression. Your GMAT score and current managerial role help mitigate these concerns, showcasing your analytical skills and career trajectory.

You stack up well against other applicants due to your URM status, high GMAT score, and unique path. Schools like Kellogg, Booth, Tuck, Fuqua, Ross, and Darden are within reach if you craft compelling essays that explain your unconventional background and connect your operational experience to your consulting goals. To maximize impact, highlight how your leadership experiences, international exposure, and civic contributions align with the values of these programs. Your profile positions you as a strong contender for T15 schools, with competitive chances at some M7 programs if your narrative is clear and impactful.

If you’d like, we are happy to discuss your leadership skills, impact created, challenges faced, awards and achievements and extracurriculars to assess your chances to top B-schools and strengthen your application with impactful stories.https://www.mbaandbeyond.com/details?utm_source=gmatclub&utm_medium=forum&utm_campaign=forumNov28

Join the exclusive webinar on “INSEAD Jan 26 intake and Application strategies!”
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blackpanther90
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Joined: 13 Nov 2024
Last visit: 06 Nov 2025
Posts: 5
Location: United States
Schools: Wharton '26 Sloan '26 CBS '26 Yale '26 Duke '26 Johnson '26 Tuck '26
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q85 V90 DI85
GPA: No GPA
Schools: Wharton '26 Sloan '26 CBS '26 Yale '26 Duke '26 Johnson '26 Tuck '26
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q85 V90 DI85
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 04 Dec 2024, 02:42
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Even if its relevant full time work experiance?
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Sanjukt
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 08 Dec 2024, 12:12
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Hi there.
It is not that unusual :)
Make it one.

Work on your footnote — i.e. EC. That is where the magic is, not on what you do not have.

Do well, and god bless you.

Sanjukt
P.S. Connect with me if you need a mentor.
linktr.ee/sanjuktsaha

blackpanther90
GFE score - 735
GPA - 3.0+ ( I attended Western governors university where its a pass/fail system in which a pass is B or higher)
Demographics - 26 URM, Domestic U.S
WE- 4 years pre graduation and 1 year post grad in operations. I have a manager position at MBA feeder company and pre graduation WE at F500 companies
Post MBA goal - Consulting
EC- political canvassing for different causes and mentorship

I would like to know how I would stack up against other applicants considering my unusual background and which schools I should aim for. The main weak points in my profile are my undergrad school and a bulk of WE being pre graduation.
Show more
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asimbilal
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Last visit: 10 Apr 2025
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Where can I get into? Non trad candidate 10 Apr 2025, 05:54
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blackpanther90
GFE score - 735
GPA - 3.0+ ( I attended Western governors university where its a pass/fail system in which a pass is B or higher)
Demographics - 26 URM, Domestic U.S
WE- 4 years pre graduation and 1 year post grad in operations. I have a manager position at MBA feeder company and pre graduation WE at F500 companies
Post MBA goal - Consulting
EC- political canvassing for different causes and mentorship

I would like to know how I would stack up against other applicants considering my unusual background and which schools I should aim for. The main weak points in my profile are my undergrad school and a bulk of WE being pre graduation.
Show more
You have a strong GMAT Focus score (735), URM status, and solid work experience—including a manager role at an MBA feeder company—which make you a competitive non-traditional candidate for top MBA programs like Booth and Wharton. While WGU’s pass/fail system and pre-graduation experience may raise questions, your clear goals in consulting and strong extracurriculars help balance that out. Just make sure to tell a compelling story in your application.