This Harvard MBA Student Also Got Offers From Stanford, Wharton & MIT Sloan. Here’s How He Did It

Marc Berbari’s MBA application process wasn’t exactly what he thought was typical. He started late. In four years of consulting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, he hadn’t launched a startup, changed industry, or “saved the world.” He accidentally scheduled an in-person interview for Harvard Business School in Boston instead of Dubai. 

But, if there was a through-line to his journey from Lebanon – where he grew up – to Boston – where he recently started his first year at HBS – it is this: When a window of opportunity cracked open, he jumped. Authentically all-in.

“Throughout the application process, there are so many chances to tweak your story or reshape your personality into what you think schools want. But the most powerful part of the journey is being genuine,” Berbari tells Poets&Quants. 

“The most important piece of advice I’d give is to stay true to yourself.”

FOUR M7 APPLICATIONS, FOUR ADMITS

Berbari studied biomedical engineering at Imperial College in London before returning to the Middle East to work in consulting. 

He didn’t commit to an MBA until the last week of October 2024, too late for Round 1 since he hadn’t sat for either the GMAT or GRE. He took November and December off from work to focus on exam prep and applications. He sat for his third GRE attempt the same day his first application was due, uploading the score just before hitting “submit.” 

With a final score of 324 (168 quant, 156 verbal), he targeted four schools for the U.S. experience: HBS, Stanford Graduate School of Management, The Wharton School, and MIT Sloan.

He got offers from all four. 

Berbari recently sat down with Poets&Quants to explain how he did it. In the conversation below, he shares the resources he found most helpful, his advice to upcoming MBA hopefuls, and his experience as an international student at a U.S. business school in 2025. 

Let’s start with where you grew up and your educational and professional background.

I was born and raised in Lebanon in a very close-knit family and spent most of my childhood in this beloved country, attending a French-affiliated school. At eighteen, I decided to seek a new opportunity, stepping outside my comfort zone and the traditional Lebanese path, and immersing myself in a more diverse and challenging environment. I moved to London to study biomedical engineering at Imperial College. Over four years, I developed a strong technical foundation and worked on cool prototypes, but also realized that I wanted to complement my technical skills with business acumen to scale ideas into real impact.

After graduating in 2021, I decided to explore consulting and returned to the Middle East, a region undergoing remarkable transformation. I loved the dynamic nature of the job and spent four years between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, working on large-scale transformations across multiple industries.

At this point in my career, the MBA felt like the ideal platform to propel my growth – an opportunity to deepen my strategic thinking, strengthen my leadership mindset, and build the professionalism and rigor needed to operate in high-stakes environments. Whether my path leads back to the region, to consulting, to our family business, or toward new ventures in the U.S., I see the MBA as a catalyst for long-term growth and a meaningful pause from the professional world to learn from and be inspired by extraordinary people. I’ve now moved to Boston to begin this exciting new chapter at Harvard Business School.

To set the timeline, what month did you really start diving into the application process?

MBA programs were always a topic of conversation among colleagues in the consulting industry, and it wasn’t until the fall of 2024 that I truly committed to the application process. There’s no “right or wrong” time to pursue an MBA – you apply when you feel ready and when the timing aligns with your motivations. In my section alone, we have students straight from the 2+2 program and others with eight or more years of experience. For me, it felt like the right moment to take the next step, and I wanted to explore the U.S. having already studied in Europe.

I initially hoped to apply in Round 1, but I didn’t feel prepared to present my best self and I hadn’t sat for the GMAT or GRE yet. I don’t why I often do this to myself, but I tend to enjoy working under pressure and pushed the process to Round 2. It wasn’t until the last week of October that I decided to take November and December off from work to focus entirely on applications. I targeted four schools: MIT Sloan, Wharton, Stanford, and HBS.

I structured my time carefully, set a schedule, and listed my priorities. I took a GMAT practice test in early November and a GRE practice test the following week. I felt more comfortable with the GRE, so with only weeks to go, I concentrated fully on that. I managed to allow room for three potential attempts for the GRE during this window and ended with a 324 I think (168 quant, 156 verbal). My last attempt was actually just a few hours before the HBS deadline. At that point, I remember thinking I was “all in.” I went to the testing center, sat for the exam, uploaded my score, and submitted the application the very same day.

Did you think it was risky to choose the GRE instead of the GMAT?

I’m not sure it was any riskier. I had been reading articles and asking around, and most stated that the GRE was equally acceptable. I also felt more comfortable with the GRE format, which mattered given the tight timeline I was operating under. I trusted my academics in high school and college would help balance any potential limitations from a shorter preparation period. It’s important to remember that test scores are only one part of the application, so don’t overstress them. Stay disciplined, stay committed, and it should be fine. Do not give up easily or take easier routes. Trust that what’s meant to be will be.

How many hours did you devote to studying for the GRE during those few weeks?

I’m not sure exactly how many hours I spent, but I essentially had November and December dedicated entirely to applications. I’m thankful for the flexibility my firm provided, and for the exceptional support from colleagues and recommenders. Every day, I went to the office but worked from a quieter floor, starting early in the morning and often staying until late at night. I typically spent the first half of the day preparing for the GRE and the second half working on essays and applications.

What truly accelerated the process at the time was seeking support early and surrounding myself with a strong, encouraging circle – partner, family, and close friends. I want to thank each one of them, you know who you are. The self-reflection required in your application is meaningful but not always easy, and hearing from people who knew me well was incredibly grounding. I scheduled individual calls with my mom, dad, twin sister, and younger sister, asking each of them to remind me of who “young Marc” was. Those conversations brought clarity to my story and helped me articulate my motivations more authentically. I also reached out to two close friends – one from work and one from high school – who offered unique perspectives, along with advice from people who had been in my shoes before. That mix of introspection and external input made the entire process much more insightful and personal.

And did you use consultants to help with the applications?

Yes. By the last week of November, I decided to also seek the support of an exceptional consultant, mainly to help refine and sharpen the drafts I had already been working on. Many people around me questioned the practicality of starting so late, especially since most applicants begin six months to a year earlier. But I believed that with the right mindset and discipline, starting the entire process in early November for four schools was still achievable. I approached it with a “locked-in” mentality and took full ownership of the process. That determination carried me through the process.

You ended up accepted at all four M7s you applied to. Why did you choose Harvard Business School? 

For context, I think HBS was actually my very first interview. Funny enough, I had heard from previous applicants that Dubai is typically an “in-person” interview hub for HBS, so when I opened the scheduling link, I immediately clicked “in person,” assuming it meant Dubai. I feel my personality comes across more authentically in person. Only a few minutes later did I get the confirmation email … saying the in-person location was Boston. It turned out that the Dubai option wasn’t even available for Round 2 that year, so I had “accidentally” booked an in-person interview on campus in Boston. For a moment, I panicked and considered emailing to switch to virtual. But then I realized this might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the school I’d dreamed about since I was young. I booked two days off work and decided I was flying to Boston.

Looking back, I would tell anyone: if you can, go. I attended a class, watched the case method in action, walked around campus, and stayed in the dorms with a first-year friend. I genuinely fell in love with the place – the energy, the students, the learning environment. And while in Boston, I also had the chance to visit MIT and attend a class there. That same trip was when I received my Stanford GSB interview invite. Everything felt surreal.

The first acceptance that came in was HBS – the application I had honestly poured the most time and heart into. Then came Wharton, Stanford, and MIT Sloan. It was incredibly rewarding – an outcome I would have never imagined – but it also brought a strange pressure: I now had to choose just one. For weeks, I went back and forth. Maybe it was an easy decision for the little Marc who always dreamt of Harvard, but now the opportunities were all real, and I didn’t want to take any for granted. I admired all four schools deeply. I literally spent three weeks on daily calls with students and alums from all the different schools. GSB, especially, has made an incredible effort connecting me with its community and with more than a dozen of alums – some of the most inspiring and supportive people I met, and I’m truly grateful for that.

I wrote long summaries of my thoughts, input I received, and mapped out all pros and cons across everything that mattered to me (including professional goals, geography, teaching method, community, network, brand, resources, etc.).

I took every hour up until the final decision deadline – and ultimately chose HBS. At the end of the day, you truly can’t make a “wrong” decision – it’s a privileged place to be. But beyond all the analysis and conversations, there’s also a feeling deep down that guides you. For me, that gut feeling was HBS – the right choice for who I was, and for the person I hoped to become.

Looking back, the entire process overall can feel daunting at first, but it actually becomes a powerful eye-opening journey of introspection. It is fun, it’s real, it’s emotional, and it forces you to reflect, be vulnerable, and rediscover your story.

You mentioned wanting to return to your home region. What do you want to do after your MBA, and what does Harvard Business School offer for that?

If you arrive at HBS thinking you have your post-MBA plans perfectly figured out and unshakeable, trust me – you’re going to change your mind. I came in with a clear idea of the few paths I was considering, but the moment you step on campus, meet your section mates, and engage with the broader community, you start seeing possibilities you didn’t even know existed.

There are a few paths I was considering initially. One option is returning to our family business in the Middle East to help modernize operations and explore new avenues for expansion. Another is going back to consulting in a more senior capacity to sharpen my managerial skills before transitioning into an executive role. And honestly, being here at HBS opens doors I never even knew existed. You meet extraordinary professors, classmates from every corner of the world, and people who inspire you to think bigger. You join clubs, explore new interests, and suddenly an entirely new world of careers comes into view. I’ve even recently started supporting a friend on his tech startup, for example.

What I value most about these two years is the space they give you to pause, reflect, and redefine what you want your impact to be. Harvard creates an environment of lifelong learning – one that prepares you to truly make a difference in whatever community or industry you choose.

Long term, I know the Middle East – especially Lebanon – holds a very special place in my heart. If the opportunity allows, I would love for my journey to eventually bring me back home, to build something meaningful and raise a family there. For now, I’m keeping an open mind, dreaming boldly, and embracing wherever this journey leads.

Given the turbulence in U.S. higher education in 2025 – the visa uncertainty, political pressure, even attempts to restrict Harvard’s ability to bring in international students – what support have you received as an international student? Did you ever think twice about coming?

I think every international student felt some level of worry about the visa process this year. I’m not into politics, but what stood out to me was how strongly Harvard supported us throughout the entire period. We received proactive messages and weekly updates from the school. They were clear, transparent, and extremely reassuring. From the very beginning, Harvard emphasized that international students are an essential part of the institution – that without us, Harvard simply wouldn’t be Harvard.

That level of commitment gave all of us a sense of comfort. Yes, we were concerned, but we also felt genuinely supported. The school made it clear they were doing everything possible on their end to advocate for us and ensure we would arrive on campus safely and on time.

And in the end, that promise proved true. Every international student in my section is here in person today – which speaks volumes about how seriously Harvard takes its responsibility to its global community. 

Oh really? Were there any that were delayed in making it to campus?

I don’t think anyone in the class faced major delays. Every international student in my section is now fully on campus, and it’s been incredible to learn from such a diverse set of backgrounds. One friend started the very first week online, but he was able to arrive just a week later.

Overall, we felt confident because the school was clearly standing by us. That level of support meant we never truly felt alone in the process – we knew the school wasn’t giving up on us.

Did you have any delays in your visa interviews or anything like that?

I’m also a dual citizen and hold a Canadian passport, so I’m not sure whether that played a role or not, but I personally did not experience any delays with the visa process. Everything was fairly smooth on my end.

When you talk to friends or colleagues back in the Middle East who may be considering studying in the U.S., do you think they are more reluctant now? Is this hurting U.S. schools like Harvard overseas?

I don’t think so – at least not from what I hear in my own circles of friends and colleagues in the Middle East. People are still incredibly motivated and excited about studying in the U.S. Despite the headlines, the overall perception of U.S. schools remains very strong.

For me personally, the experience has been incredible – even though I’m only three months in, these have been some of the best months of my life. I’m here to recommend the journey to anyone considering it. The academic environment, the diversity, and the opportunities are truly unmatched, and the support system on campus is real. You feel that the ecosystem is fighting for you and doing everything possible to make sure you succeed.

I’m already helping several friends with their applications now because I want them to join us next year, whether at Harvard or any other U.S. school. I don’t think people should be worried; if anything, the experience has only reinforced how valuable and transformative studying in the U.S. can be.

You started in the fall, correct? What has been a highlight so far?

I know it’s still early, but the highlight so far has definitely been the people. You’re surrounded by incredibly smart classmates, yet what stands out even more is how grounded, humble, and genuine they are. The section experience feels like family. Whether it’s discussions in class, events on campus, trips, or meeting people beyond your section, you constantly feel part of a community where everyone is here to learn, grow, and build real relationships.

The learning experience has also been a major highlight. Even though it’s only been a couple of months, it feels like it went by in a heartbeat. We’ve covered so much material and lived so many experiences that I sometimes forget how short the time has been.

It’s intense – everything is back-to-back – and you barely have a moment to pause. But when you do, you realize just how much you’ve learned: from cases, from professors, and from your classmates’ perspectives.

I keep telling myself I need to step back more often – to go for a walk, breathe a bit, and reflect on how unique this experience is. You’re at Harvard, surrounded by remarkable people, living something truly special for two years. Taking a moment to appreciate that makes the journey even more meaningful.

You mentioned earlier that you read Poets&Quants stories, which we appreciate. Do you have any advice that you would share with people considering an MBA?

One line I remember from a Poets&Quants story was: “You don’t have to have saved the world to apply to business school.” That really stayed with me. I still remember sitting with my parents, questioning whether anything I had done was “special enough” for places like HBS. From the outside, you sometimes feel that only founders, innovators, or industry changers should apply. I thought I was just another consultant following a traditional path. But once I started digging deeper – reflecting on what shaped me, what challenges I faced, and what values I carry – I realized that everyone has a story worth telling.

The most important piece of advice I’d give is to stay true to yourself. Throughout the application process, there are so many chances to tweak your story or reshape your personality into what you think schools want. But the most powerful part of the journey is being genuine. These schools are not looking for a stereotype – they’re looking to understand who you really are, how you’ve grown, where you’ve stumbled, and what drives you forward. Staying authentic in such a competitive and high-pressure environment is difficult, but it’s ultimately the most rewarding.

As long as you put in the hours, stay committed, and hold yourself accountable, you’ll be fine. One quote that guided me throughout the process was: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” (Attributed to Henry Ford).

And the day you find yourself in this same position – and trust me, you will be – remind yourself that countless others have felt exactly what you’re feeling. You’re not the first, and you’re not the last. Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and keep moving forward.

Were there any specific tools or resources you found helpful?

There are so many offline and online resources, honestly. Having one or two close friends who had already been through the process and were willing to help is very helpful. One of them is a high school friend who applied in Round 1 – we are now roommates at HBS. Another close friend, who graduated from HBS last year, was incredibly helpful in sharing advice, providing feedback on my essays, and practicing mock interviews with me.

That same friend introduced me to Poets&Quants a couple of years ago. He told me, “Whenever you have free time, go read the stories on Poets&Quants.” Those profiles ended up being surprisingly helpful. They’re authentic, they’re diverse, and they give you a sense of the many paths people take to business school. Even the stats and insights P&Q publishes helped me better understand the landscape and how different schools shape their classes.

Other resources included GRE online prep platforms (like Magoosh), a wide range of YouTube tutorials, and the materials provided by the admissions consultancy I worked with.

In the end, it was a combination of all these resources – the emotional and intellectual support from your family, partner, friends, online tools, and professional help – that enabled me to navigate this process smoothly. I’m here today thanks to all of them, and for this I’m forever grateful.

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