Mr. Lost Trader

Hi Mr. Lost Trader,
This is Debbie Choy, GSB alum and Senior Consultant at mbaMission. Congrats on surviving as a prop trader in these tumultuous times! I think your niche in trading helps you stand out from other finance candidates. You also have a strong academic track record. That said, be sure to clearly explain how an MBA fits in with your future career goals. For example, what specific skills / knowledge do you hope to gain at b-school that will help you achieve your future goals in asset management? Although many candidates do go to b-school to explore different options, the Admissions Committee (AdCom) is looking for applicants who have given more thought to their career path, and can articulate this clearly in their essays. Also be prepared to address why you are willing to forgo a lucrative salary / career in trading to attend school and switch careers. Separately, consider becoming more active in your local community. For example, are there any community organizations that you can become involved with? I think this could help round out your profile and demonstrate leadership / teamwork qualities. If you can do the above points, I think you would stand a solid shot at the GSB. Wishing you the best in your MBA journey!

Hi, it’s Jennifer Jackson from Stratus Admissions. I’m confused because you say you feel lost but haven’t given any indication of what you really might want to do or WHY you even need an MBA. You’ve picked of course the most stretch of all the stretch schools, and I think you’d have a super hard time getting admitted because they are looking for people who want to change the world. I can’t sense any of that desire from your past or even what you might want to do that could benefit society. It might be there but from what you’ve written I don’t see it. You’ve got killer stats but that’s not enough at top schools. I suggest doing some deliberate introspection work to discover what you REALLY want to do and why the MBA is crucial for you to be able to do it. Good luck!