Mr. Economics To Business

I’m impressed at how thoughtful you’ve been about applying to all the top deferred MBA admission programs out there. It tells me you really know what you want and are very directed about it. The fact that you have already landed a great and highly selective position at a Fed bank is a big factor here along with your Northwestern degree, GPA and stats (your 331 GRE is a point above the Stanford average). As you no doubt know, deferred admissions programs at the top schools are super competitive and the small admit rate at Stanford makes it always a coin toss for even the most accomplished candidates. Often times, the stats are even higher than they are in general and schools may be looking for particular kinds of candidates. At HBS, which provides the most transparency of admission stats and students in its 2+2 cohorts, there is clearly a preference for STEM grads. But I have a really good feeling about you and what you have accomplished. That’s why I think your odds at Stanford are three times their current acceptance rate. Good luck to you. Even if the GSB doesn’t happen, several of these other schools are very likely to accept you.

Hi Mr. Economics to Business! This is Talon Rindels, Sr. Admissions Consultant at The MBA Exchange. First off, WOW! Very impressive academic background at a prestigious university and an excellent GRE score already – So, it likely won’t be a numbers game for you, but rather how your work experience and narrative comes together over the next few years before your apply. It’s hard to give you a realistic rating right now given we don’t know what your post-undergrad work or extra curricular involvement looks like yet, but since it appears that you gave your heart and soul to your studies, I’d imagine you’ll do the same in your first job out of school! And, your multi-lingual skills are super impressive, so I am not worried about your ability to convince them of your global profile or ability to work with people different than you. Stanford wants students who will contribute meaningfully in and outside the classroom, so I encourage you to find something you are passionate about outside of work and really make an impact there. I also recommend that you work your tail off to get promoted quickly and work directly with senior leaders in whatever organization you choose after undergrad. This will help you to score some great recommendation letters. Big names do tend to help your candidacy, so if you find yourself deciding between a big, well-known company and a smaller, niche firm, I’d suggest going with the former if you want to improve your chances at that Stanford MBA. Also be sure to spend sometime on your post-MBA goals, as a well-constructed narrative connected to your past will be important. You have the world at your fingertips – go get it!

Hi Mr. Economics to Business, Julie-Anne Heafey from mbaMission. You’ve built an impressive resume and I think you could bring a unique perspective to the classes. That said, I’m not totally clear on where you’re headed in business/finance. Why are you applying to deferred MBA programs now instead of later when you have a clearer idea of how you’d use it (or if you even need it)? I can see multiple paths for you that might not require an MBA at all. So – what problems do you care about and what would admission to a deferred admit program enable you to do? I think if you convince the admissions committees of a compelling reason, you have a shot. Remember that these programs are sometimes very small and highly competitive so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out. If later you want to try again, they will all be very happy to reconsider you. Best of luck!

Hi Mr. Economics to Business, Melisa here from Stratus Admissions. Congrats on your impending graduation – nothing like doing applications as you finishing one degree! With your academic record, GRE score and cultural background – I think you will be a strong deferred candidate at Stanford. Your experience at the Fed will add to your ability to contribute to the program in a couple years. As a deferred candidate, you are compared to other deferred candidates – so focus on what you have done in school and your interships/part time jobs. Stanford will be looking for examples of leadership – either professional or extracurricular. You’ll want to focus on how your experiences (and leadership) so far have helped you know what matters to you most – and how Stanford can help you drive that further. As a deferred applicant, it’s important for you to show how you know now that you want an MBA. What experiences to date have prepared you – and what do you plan to learn at the Fed that you can bring to the class. You will be at the Fed during an amazing time of rebuilding – imagine the discussions you could have in class in 2-5 years. I think you are over double chances at GSB and HBS, and probably higher at the schools. You may want to consider adding Darden to your list to round out the deferred options. Best of luck!