Mr. Conquering Adversity

You have one of the more powerful stories I have ever read. The tests you have endured and triumphed over in recent years tells me a lot about you. Honestly, I want to reach out and give you a hug. That’s especially so because while you have faced much adversity, the things that HBS cares about just don’t line up for a positive outcome. I really hope I am wrong here. But the fact that you are at a UC state school, a non-STEM major, and have a 2.7 GPA (which is not only completely understandable given what you have been through–in fact, it is surprising that you held in and didn’t dropout given the hurdles you have had to overcome). Your 720 GMAT is super impressive. If I were HBS, I would interview you and give you a shot. If Harvard turns you down, just know it’s not forever. After three years of work experience, you should reapply again and you should also apply elsewhere. You will be a welcome student at a great business school. It just might not be now. Let us know how this turns out.

Hi Mr Conquering Adversity, this is Deepak Punwani from MBA Exchange. My first clarification would be around the fact that you are seeking the 2+2 deferred program but it seems you already have full time experience. If this experience was along with your college degree, as mentioned in the “about me” section, add 5% to your chances of acceptance and it grows to a 20% chance. From what you describe it seems you have already lived several lifetimes in one. Most people will find it difficult to come back from even one of the adversities you mention, and you seem to have conquered several at once. It almost makes this an unbelievable scenario. For a while I even gave in to the thought that yours may be a made up profile. But it seems you really exist and have overcome the odds and attained a 720 GMAT. This is exceptional. Congratulations. And completing the CORe is another feather in your cap. Your GPA is definitely a challenge but if you can look at all the adversities objectively and “defend” your GPA without sounding defensive you are in play at HBS sir ! Every adcom member derives the validation of their work by getting a chance to support someone like you. It gives them that warm fuzzy feeling that enables a good nights sleep. Therefore my take on your profile is that you should go for it (ignore all the naysayers) and execute really well on aspects of your application and give adcom every reason to admit you and hence earn their night’s rest ! You have little to lose. Good luck.

Hi Mr. Conquering Adversity
Thanks for posting and sharing our story with you. I encourage you to apply to 2+2 program this year (assuming you are still in your final year of college) and see what happens. While it can be very difficult to break into top programs with a 2.7 GPA, I think your story is so unique and different that if they were to take anyone with a 2.7, it might be you. You have a great GPA and a decent GMAT score so lean on those things. I would encourage you to add more 2+2 programs to your list though…please don’t put all your eggs in the HBS basket, which is tougher than tough even for the strongest of candidates! I wish you all the best with this process and encourage you to keep us all posted on how things work out.
Krista

Mr. Conquering Adversity – Thanks for sharing your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus. While I admire the resilience and perseverance you have shown in dealing with family and personal issues and working to put yourself through undergrad, I’m concerned that admissions committee will want to see a few years of work and possibly even an alternative transcript (take an online math class to show that you are now an A student) to be able to look away from the subpar GPA.
I’m impressed that you were still able to hold some leadership roles while juggling work and school. Continue to build on these when you enter the workforce. I think you have the potential to be a solid candidate in a few years.
All the best.