Mr. South African FinTech

Hello Mr. South African FinTech! Krista Nannery from mbaMission here. Candidates like you don’t come along very often…South African, top consulting experience + corporate experience, educated in the US, URM, with a solid GMAT score. You’ve made it to the WL at Kellogg and have been invited to interview at Darden and Tuck. I am not surprised!!! You are interesting and unique. (Don’t take the Kellogg WL too hard — it means they like you!)

Here’s what I think…your GPA is an issue. To work the WL at Kellogg, take something like mbamath.com at the very least. Then, continue networking with current students. I believe you should have a WL manager at Kellogg. I’d recommend sending in updates on a monthly basis.

For Darden and Tuck, my advice is similar. I want you to show that you are a mature, self-aware individual and acknowledge that they might have concerns about your GPA. Do everything in your power to give you confidence that you are a different person now. You could also shell out more money for Math for Management at the Berkeley Haas extension program. More serious than mbamath.com. Keep networking with Darden and Tuck too. My guess is there is a club for students from Africa. Reach out to them! Introduce yourself. Ask for tips and advice. If you’re lucky, they may have a link with admissions and put in a good word for you.

I wish you all the best for this process. I think you are very unique and interesting. I have a feeling b-schools will feel the same, although don’t be put off by more WLs possibly. Just keep trying to prove that you are not a 3.08 type guy anymore!

Krista

Hi, Melisa from Stratus Admissions here. Go Blue! Congrats on your interview invites and your WL at Kellogg (this really does mean they like you!). As you are doing your interviews, updates and networking at Kellogg, Tuck and Darden I would also suggest making sure that you are being clear with your post MBA goals. Based on your consulting experience I am sure you would be successful as a product manager. In fact, do you need an MBA to get this role? Many consultants leave consulting to go in-house without an MBA. What about an MBA – and for each school that specific school’s program – is important for your future success? Can you think of an example company that you would like to work at? Do you want to do start up or established fintech? The more specific you are with your goals, the easier it is for you to articulate how an MBA will help you achieve those goals – and easier for an admissions team to understand your goals and see that their program can help you be successful. Also, in your networking – can you identify what contribution you can make to the program – how will you be involved in the Fintech community at each school and help that community grow? And for your interviews, practice – practice – practice. Each of these schools are very collaborative, so make sure you are highlighting your experiences working on teams. Best of luck through your interviews!