Mr. Hopeful Quant, Pessimistic Poet

Hi Mr. Hopeful Quant, Pessimistic Poet,
Thanks for posting your profile! This is Debbie Choy from mbaMission. I think Haas would find your profile very interesting – your starting a charity to help children, progressing well in your career, and coming from an international background. I think your academics could be a concern for Haas though. Consider retaking the GMAT. To be competitive at a top b-school like Haas, I advise aiming for a GMAT score that’s closer to their average (around 720). Or you could also consider switching to the GRE. Some candidates find the test format of the GRE more suited to their learning style. As you put together the apps, be sure to explain why MBA. Given that you’re progressing well in your career and already have a MSc Actuarial Science, what specific skills are you seeking to learn at Haas? If you can articulate this compellingly in your essays, as well as weave in your personal stories and international perspective, that would be the key to your application success. My estimate of your odds are based on your current GMAT but if you increase your GMAT score, your chances will also improve. If you wish to discuss your profile in further detail, feel free to schedule a consultation with us. Wishing you the best in your MBA journey!

Ciao Mr. Hopeful Quant, Pessimistic Poet, Melisa here – Haas alum and Stratus Admissions Counselor. Thanks for submitting a profile. While your GPA is on the lower side, the fact that you graduated early and have gone on to get a Masters in a very quant heavy field shows that you can definitely handle the academic rigor of a business school program. Your GMAT score is below the averages of Haas and Columbia – not knowing where you are on your GMAT journey – I’d consider taking it again. I love to see your leadership of founding a charitable association – and would love to know more about what inspired you to start this organization. It looks like you’ve had strong career progression – and are potentially on the upper ends of the middle 80% of years of experience. While this is not a problem, it increases the need for you to talk about why you need an MBA and why now is the right time for you. Knowing many consultants head straight to an in-house position from consulting, what are you hoping to gain from an MBA? And I’d suggest you dig a bit deeper on your goals: what do you see as your immediate exit role from an MBA? I love that you have your longer term target of Csuite in the insurance industry, but you will need to have a more defined path as to what step you will take after business school to prepare you for the Csuite and why. What problems do you want to solve in insurance? Telling a compelling story, including what inspires you, can help you stand out among the many consultants in the application process. Not knowing what country you are working in, your international exposure across Italy and Scotland(?), are other benefits, bringing multiple cultures to the classroom. If your insurance work has been global – this is even a stronger strength for you. Wish you the best of luck! Reach out if I can answer any questions.