Mr. MBB/FinTech

Hi Mr. MBB/Fintech, this is Kristen from MBA Prep School. Your profile definitely highlights multiple qualities that top MBA programs seek in their applicants! A Wharton econ undergrad with a 3.7 GPA who then was hired at MBB, made the leap to VC pre-MBA, and scored a 760 on his GMAT. I also love your role in college rugby and volunteering with the Ally/Diversity Network. How many more boxes can you check?! The challenge is you are targeting the most competitive MBA program from an applications per seat standpoint, which also highly desires applicants who have big dreams and want to change the world. You have nailed the academic and professional strengths, but your profile appears to be missing the community engagement piece. I’m also struggling to get a sense of other ways you might differentiate yourself from the pool from a personal standpoint. What are you passionate about? What formative experiences have you had in your life, or what obstacles have you overcome? And how do you desire to leave a mark on the world and make it a better place? You will really need to bring this side of you out to make it past the interview stage for Stanford, though I think your odds are solid at your alma mater! Please feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation and we can spend more time talking through the details of your background and strategizing how to position yourself!

Hi Mr. MBB/FinTech – Liza with Gatehouse Admissions here. First, congrats on the move from MBB to VC. I can’t tell you how often I see applicants identifying VC as a post-MBA goal – and you, my friend, are already there! You’ve got compelling stats – a 3.7 at an Ivy school, a 760, MBB… But, high stats are often a prerequisite at the schools you are considering – and they certainly will be in your case, given the “feeder” names on your resume. In order to feel better about your chances, I’d want to better explore your leadership – I see some evidence above (Pres. of Rugby team, fo ex), but HBS and GSB really expect to see a consistent habit of leadership. I also want to know more about what you’ve achieved professionally. Have you moved the needle and if so, how? My bigger concern: are you ready this year? I’m not saying you shouldn’t go for it this year, but I could see both HBS and GSB passing on you this year to see what else you can do in VC first. Given your long-term goal is to be back in VC, I think the extra time would give schools more confidence of both your ability to transfer to an ops-role post b-school and your commitment to VC. I do think that you’ll have a strong shot at Wharton & INSEAD this year, but just keep in mind, if you go for it this year and hear “no” from GSB and HBS, that doesn’t necessarily mean “no” forever – it may just mean “no” for now. Good luck!!! (And it goes almost without saying, but feel free to reach out for a free consultation – we can explore some of these elements more in a call!)