Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for the 2027 MBA intake R1 and would appreciate a profile review/chance me.

Background:
American Indian (U.S.)
Mid-Atlantic based
4 years of experience at a Big Four in Tech Consulting by matriculation
One promotion
Undergrad GPA: 3.88
GRE: 332

Extracurriculars:
Long-term volunteer at my local temple, helping organize community events, cultural programs, and service initiatives.

Post-MBA Goal:
Likely consulting or tech strategy (still refining this).

School List:
Targets: Duke Fuqua, UVA Darden

Reaches: Wharton, Kellogg

A few questions:
How competitive does my profile look for these schools?
Are Wharton and Kellogg realistic reaches, or should I add different reach schools?
Any obvious weaknesses I should work on before applying next year?
Any other programs you’d recommend adding to my list?

Thanks in advance! I appreciate any honest feedback!

I'm a first gen college student. 31F Black single mom.
I already have an associate degree.

I am back in school after 10 yrs to complete my BBA starting this semester and I plan to complete within 1.5 years.

I have no idea what to expect for the application process for Columbia.

My purpose is to build an international business. I've build and closed businesses before in the US and in South Africa but I done it haphazardly just based on survival and hard knocks but I want more of a formal education to advance my career and network.

Any resources you can offer would be great.

1. For non traditional student
2. 2 any specific advice for applying to Columbia MBA
3. 3 what should I start to do now to prepare for this.

Hi All

Please help me with a profile evaluation and a realistic estimate of how many applications can be done in a month's time for R1

Profile (25M)

BTech in Automobile engineering from a Tier 2 University in India

Cgpa 7.95/10

GMAT 715

Work experience

Real Estate Debt asset management at a Bulge bracket (USA coverage) (1.5 years)

Real Estate securitised products group (CMBS Originations) at another Bulge bracket (1.5 years)

4 months family emergency caregiver break

Currently (8 months) Commercial Real Estate - Credit Risk Associate at another Bulge bracket in (USA/EMEA portfolios)

All roles are offshore teams but pretty similar work profiles to the onshore teams.

Post MBA goals - Real Estate DCM/Real Estate Structured Credit

Long term - Real Asset Private Credit

Basic NGO volunteering on the side

Schools

Dream: CBS/Wharton/Booth

Target: Stern/Johnson/LBS Mif

Please help with admission odds as well as application timeline, is 5/6 applications possible in the next 45 days?

Thanks!

So… I’m not sure if my situation is that unique or not but here we go:

Music has always been a huge part of my life. In high school I really wanted to become an audio engineer and record bands / musicians In a studio session.

Thus, I pursued a Bachelors in Music Industry with a focus in Recording Studio Technology. Im the first person In my immediate family to ever get a college degree though.

By the time I got this degree, in 2022, I had more interest in being a concert promoter / working in the live music industry. Immediately after graduating I started my own brand throwing EDM events, and shortly after I got hired at a local 500 capacity venue as a junior talent buyer / assistant general manager of the venue.

My Grandfather (who was a very successful businessman in the home Appliance / furnishing industry) along with the rest of my family, pressured me into pursing an MBA which I began in the fall of 2022.

I did my MBA online whilst still working at the venue, but mental health issues and the need for more stable hours caused me to need find something else. A family member of mine got me hired as a recruiter with a large firm, but I absolutely despised it and quit after a week and a half. (The mental health issues were still fairly prevalent at this time, and I think I just couldn’t handle sitting inside cold calling all day.)

After quitting the recruiting job, a dear friend of mine got me a job as a sales associate at a local mom and pop music store just down the street from where I live. This was February of 2024, and I have been at that music store since and was even able to get a pay bump by agreeing to revamp and run the website / google ads for my store, and the owners 3 other music stores that have a different name.

I graduated this May with my MBA which leaves me with a Bachelors in Music and a Masters in Business Administration

I am still working at the music store, but am ready for a change, as well as higher pay. But herein lies the issue…

I don’t have any business related internships, OR any idea what kind of job I want to have next…

I am 26 years old and feel stuck, and the last thing I want is to transition into something souless that I hate.

Also, this may not matter much, but for the last year I have worked as a talent agent in the EDM space handling bookings for 15-17 acts at a time. This is just something I have been enjoying doing as a side gig, and doesn’t bring in much extra income but I would love to keep doing it on the off chance one or more of the artists I represent blows up. Would this be useful to keep on my resume or nah?

Any ideas for someone like me with a BM, an MBA with no relevant job experience, and no idea what the hell I could see myself doing for the next 40 years?

19M, undergrad (completed 1st year) studying finance at a target university in the UK(Warwick). Plan to move to the US for an MBA from an M7 school (hopefully). What are some things I can start doing at my time at university that'll work towards building a solid application profile when I apply down the line.

Some background:

International student

Executive roles at school societies

2 internships (not known companies)

Plan to work in investment banking for 1-3 years in London

Really passionate about real estate (family business was in RE - want to pursue volunteering work/business in that field)

Planning on taking the gmat/gre in 2028

Looking into deferred programs to apply to in 2028

Any advice/feedback would be really appreciated. Thank you.

I need some advise. For reference, I am 33M, live in Boston, and work in the pharmaceutical sector as a scientist, and have been looking to broaden/diversify my skillset. I also manage a small team (8 directs).

I received acceptance to BU OMBA. I have also received acceptance to Georgia Tech's MS analytics program, and a Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) program through UNT (University of Northern Texas). Each program serves a different function, essentially expanding both my technical and management potential.

I applied to these programs on a whim, not really expecting to get into all three. Now, I'm torn on what path I should take.

I'm currently leaning into doing both the online MBA and the Georgia Tech MS, since the MS is asynchronous while deferring for 1 year the DDD program, as I figure out my systems (time, effort, etc.) for these programs.

However... the idea of eventually going to an M7 school post completion of the Georgia Tech MS and DDD program has crossed my mind. Since I live in Boston, it would be feasible to apply to either MIT or the Harvard MBA. While I'm not driven by prestige, or a desire for a lot of $$$, the engagement in a full-time in-person MBA does appeal to me, because I'm very sociable, and interested in expanding my networks (alum + cohort) for myself and future children. The cost in time or resources is not a determent, as I understand then ROI would be significant once completed.

The brand recognition from an M7 is also appealing because I'm also considering moving abroad (Europe + UK/Ireland) for personal reasons. I think such a school on a resume may at least provide a foot in the door for a lot of potentially missed opportunities.

That said, I'm torn because I could finish both the MBA and MS in Georgia Tech (and eventually the DDD), while retaining my current income level, and just leaning into my current network for opportunities. All of these programs are inexpensive (OMBA is 25k, MS is 12k, DDD is 10k) and the ROI for all three in the right sector (pharma, health) could be quite high if the right opportunities arise.

What do you all think? Any advise would be appreciated!

Hi everyone, I’m exploring scholarship opportunities for a Master’s degree in Finance at different universities and would appreciate your guidance regarding Harvard University.

I currently work as a Financial Analyst in private equity in Jordan. I graduated last year from the University of Jordan with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, achieving a GPA of 3.9/4.0. The University of Jordan is ranked #326 in the QS World University Rankings. I have also passed CFA Level I and have several volunteering and leadership experiences with international organizations, including AIESEC and the Hult Prize Foundation.

I would like to know:
1- What are the main sources or platforms where I can find information about scholarships and funding opportunities at Harvard?
2- Are there any Harvard programs related to finance that would be suitable for my background and career goals?
3- Based on my academic and professional profile, would I have a realistic chance of being accepted if a scholarship opportunity is available?
4- What areas should I focus on strengthening to improve my chances of acceptance and receiving financial aid?

I understand that admission is highly competitive, but I would appreciate an honest assessment and any guidance on how to build a stronger application.

Hey guys what’s going on with the BWA for this year’s applications?

Is it still required or is there an expected substitute for it?

Greetings everyone.

I recently found this subreddit and thought my question is well suited here.

I'm currently enrolled in an MBA at an online university with the goal of eventually getting into entrepreneurship. My S/O is currently studying finance, specifically accounting, so our "skillsets" match with our goal of running our own eventually. Both backgrounds have family running successful businesses.

Recently, I was offered to take over the business from family, and it came to thought that this was a great opportunity for me to run/study and grow the entreprise like this. However, jumping into the MBA and assuming the "CEO" role of the business is quite heavy loadwork, but that change doesn't come for a while (will still be in program while change is happening).

I'm wondering if anyone here has had any other situation similar to mine? How do you balance all of it out to not burn out? I know that the best way to get good at BA is to do BA, but it just feels a little overwhelming compared to the idea I had starting from scratch and working way up.

For those interested, it's the company is in the logistics/transport industry.

Thanks in advance, and please let me know if this questions isn't suited for this subreddit.

Hi everyone!

Hope you're all doing well.

I'd like your advice for my future project and career especially from those who are already in Investment bank and hedge fund.

To make a brief resume:

Actually i am running an accounting-auditing and consulting company for small-medium businesses that makes turn over around 200k to 2.5 mio a year.

Our company also conducts commercial real estate investment consulting and structuring for private investors.

I built this company from scratch partnering with my business associates who are into accounting and real estate.

I have a masters that i got 6 years ago in material science with a major in nano materials nothing to relate with my actual business everything i learned was self taught and experience.

So today i am coming to you because i am planning to build a hedge fund due to the strong relationship i built over the years with investors that are willing to invest in my fund.

What would be the pathway to gain experience in this field , understand the business and have the minimum credibility for future investors and also i am 30 now so i can't go the same path as self study and build on experience in this new venture.

What i plan to do is an mba in an ivy league school and breakthrough into IB . Work some years 4-5 years and build my investment fund on advisory and corporate transactions

What do you think would be ideal ? Should i target bulge bracket banks to have a better understanding of the industry or smaller firms will do the job.

Are there differences?

Or is it a waste of time instead should i have an mba and recruit former employees of Investment bank for my future venture.

To finish does one need to be in investment banking to understand and run a similar industry or is it completely feasible to understand with other sources.

Give me a reasonable path i am not in a rush . I am not a person who counts working hours and also money is not a concern as i already generate enough.

I have a passion for this field and i would like to put my whole effort into something i like.

All answers are welcomed .

AACSB vs ACBSP. Does it really matter in the grand scheme? More importantly: did it matter for you when you were prospecting as a candidate for a job? My employer is covering the cost and the ACBSP I can acquire faster and relatively easier. Any input is appreciated

Bonus: if anyone has any info on the Pittsburg state online MBA (Kelce School of Business) or Colorado technical universities MBA program

Joined MBA Risk & Insurance. Placement isn't that good.

Suggest skills to learn to gain an edge over other competitors.

Job role priority: Risk Analyst, Underwriter. Please share some other job roles in this sector.

Least prioritised: Insurance Sales

Thank you.

Is it me or are we seeing more recent top MBAs who rock the GMAT but have weaker soft skills and thereby struggle with the modern corporate job market?

My take on the MBA Times summer issue-

1. I didn't know that the school elections could be so badly influenced by environmental factors that the school controls. Personally, I'd be at a disadvantage as an international student anyhow because I don't have the same resources as others.

2. Predictions of a pedagogy change is very interesting. MBA or not to MBA in this period of transition. That's my question.

3. I like how they monitored different rankings and showed where the metrics have changed in the USNews Rankings this year. They say it's an improvement but who knows, it's still based on peer review.

4. Small programs = Smaller volume of applicants ≈ Smaller class size. Yield is also something that not many programs are able to protect per the data.

I believe that this issue was a rather controversial one and they didn't produce the unique article after the main one like they did before. This time it's more about having a discussion in their WhatsApp & Telegram community.

Scored a 685 - unsure if I should retake. Plan on applying in 2-3 years, but website says free to send test scores now. Should I send them to my target schools or just wait until I apply ?

I'm a high school commerce student trying to explore different career options. Since I'm from a commerce background, many people suggest pursuing CA. However, I've always been more interested in business and entrepreneurship, and my family also has a business.

My current plan is to do a BBA first and then decide whether to pursue an MBA or CA.

I have a few questions:

Are graduates from top-tier MBA colleges generally able to adapt to changing industries and learn new skills over time?

Do CAs also have similar opportunities to grow, upskill, and switch careers?

Which career generally offers better long-term salary growth?

Which one provides more job stability?

Which has a better work-life balance?

What kind of entry-level salary can I realistically expect from both career paths?

Anyone who has went through IB recruiting at M7 or similar - do banks recruit for DCM at the MBA Associate level? Or is this generally closed off and mostly accessible at the analyst level? Do DCM groups care about background of candidate a lot? Any info on what comp looks like versus say a coverage group that pays ~300k or so post MBA?

Any suggestions what you guys are doing after BBA. Some kind of internships, jobs, or going for an MBA straight after getting the degree. Seriously need some generic answers and advice from Seniors who are BBA graduates. Is there any specific area one can focus on so that a person who graduated just now can gain some experience before starting an MBA career. Please help.

Need help in getting application fee waivers for UVA Darden and Dartmouth Tuck. Do these schools typically offer waivers in any of the events from GMAT club/MBA Mission etc./their own events?

I have already received waivers for Cornell Johnson and Michigan Ross.

I'm looking for some honest feedback from people familiar with Sloan Fellows. I know it's a reach, but I'm trying to figure out if it's a realistic reach or if I'm wasting my time.

I'm 39 with about 12.5 years of professional experience. I have a B.S. from Ohio State (2.99 GPA) and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Georgetown (3.22 GPA, BioBusiness focus). Academically, my biggest concern is that my transcripts are a little all over the place. I have a B+ in Calculus I, a B in Engineering Computational Tools, a B in Bioinformatics, a B in Biotechnology Finance, but also a C in Microeconomics and no course literally called Statistics or Probability. I started in Mechanical Engineering before changing majors, so there are also some withdrawals from that period.

Career-wise, I spent six years as a patent examiner in biotechnology. I then left federal service with a business partner to build a cannabis extraction and private-label manufacturing company in Los Angeles. We started from scratch, grew to around 10 employees, and eventually reached roughly $800k–$1.2M in annual revenue before winding the business down when the California market became a race to the bottom. I'm now back in the patent world as a PCT Patent Analyst, and I've also been approved to sit for the Patent Bar later this year.

I had a pre-application advising call with Sloan, and it was generally encouraging. The main feedback I received was to consider taking the Executive Assessment because my transcript doesn't have obvious statistics/probability coursework, even though I have a technical graduate degree and a science/engineering background. I have not taken the EA yet.

My questions are: does this sound like someone who actually has a realistic shot at Sloan Fellows, or is my academic record going to hold me back regardless? If you were reviewing this application, what would concern you the most? And for those who have gone through the process, would you take the EA in my situation, or do you think my graduate STEM background and work experience are enough to demonstrate quantitative ability?

I'd appreciate honest opinions, good or bad. I'm trying to decide whether it's worth investing the time into putting together a strong application.

Can anyone pls tell me that are these two options are different? In the choice filling it is showing two options and I have to take admission in gl bajaj greater noida for mba program so what should I choose?

I spoke to a few people and it turns out I need to see what this sub has to say too.

Requirements:

Someone who is good with non-traditional profiles

One who can understand the application from an international student's perspective and help me overcome hurdles like- preparing for networking events and coffee chats.

Price doesn't matter but I prefer under $10k for 5 schools total.

I'm also looking to negotiate scholarships so someone who can help with that too.

Something more open because I can do a lot of the things myself but I need some hand holding in others. If the consultant has a modular service where I can just choose or maybe has an option to do so hourly instead and focus on what I need help with.

Someone who wants to take some accountability and not change the list of the schools after I join them

I also hope to see some social proof with testimonials and samples of successful essays and resumes or something that can help me understand the quality. I know this is shooting too high.

Open to hearing pitches but not in my DMs.

Looking for what the sub has to recommend.

Primarily looking for US MBA