I understand this isn't exactly strictly MBA-related. Apologies if it doesn't belong here. Rant incoming.

I (a woman, international, class of 2022) went to a school in the South. My school seems to have a decent presence in NYC, but I don’t see the folks I was close with during school or folks who would be willing to get coffee (I tried inviting them and gave up because they were flaky).

I’ve lived in other cities after graduation before I moved to NYC, and it has been a challenge to make friends in NYC - friends I click with. Now, I know beggars can't be choosers. That's not what I'm trying to do. I have used apps and events to make friends, but I've met some crazies who traumatized me enough to stay away - think meeting someone with nothing in common, a sugar baby who cockblocked me - yes cockblocked!- or a particularly rude French woman who seemed to hate NYC and how fast we walk and said homosexuals and trans people need to "heal themselves". I’d have noped the fuck out of there if I hadn’t already ordered caviar. It was a sample set of 3, but my lack of masochistic tendencies made me stay away from meeting people on apps.

I'm not a snob; I have friends from different backgrounds, but for some God-forsaken reason, I haven't been able to make sustainable friendships with people I click with in NYC, or maybe I'm being impatient. I've met some nice folks; we get coffee, etc but it's been difficult to form friendships that aren't surface-level/ones that don't fizzle out. I'd like to think I have decent social skills and give myself an A on being a good friend. I don't want to miss out on what the city has to offer by going to events all by myself.

Question is: If you moved to NYC with little to no social circle or support system, how did you make friends? I like to have conversations with my friends about stuff - life, career, etc.- not just get drinks. I would appreciate kind answers, lol.

Hello,

I'll give some background information about me. I'm served in the army for 4 year as a Unit Supply Specialist. Completed my A.A. in Business Admin and A.S. in Accounting at my local CC. Just graduated from UCSD with a B.S. in Business Economics back in June. Unfortunately had no internships while I was in undergrad. Worked part-time for the entire time I was in undergrad at CC and UCSD in various departments. Currently applying to Rady, Paul Merage and Fowler for Fall 2027 admission. Currently working as Accounting Assistant at utility services company here in San Diego. Plan on taking the GRE or GMAT in the next few months.

I am looking for advice on these places since I can't find much information nor personal insight about them. Also, what are some brutal truths I should know about getting an MBA? I know I don't have much experience and might get some shit thrown at me, but the job market is so bad atm and I've always been interested in an MBA. I also still have my GI Bill to pay for it. I only mentioned these schools because I don't a strong GPA for T20. What are your guys thoughts?

Is it a good MBA program and what are the typical post-mba career prospects?

Hi everyone,

I’m starting my INSEAD MBA application and am looking to work with an independent/freelance admissions consultant who has strong experience with INSEAD applications.

I’d ideally like someone who can support me end-to-end, starting with an honest profile evaluation: strengths, gaps, competitiveness for INSEAD, whether my GMAT is sufficient, and how my overall story should be positioned.

Brief profile:

• Indian applicant, currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• SRCC graduate: 9.24/10 CGPA
• Started my career with Accenture Strategy & Consulting
• Subsequently joined the founding team of a Saudi-based management consulting firm
• Experience working on strategy/transformation engagements with senior management, founders and CEOs
• ~4+ years of consulting experience across India and Saudi Arabia
• Significant international exposure
• Strong undergraduate leadership and social-impact experience through Enactus SRCC
• GMAT Focus: 675: 94th percentile
  • Quant: 86
  • Verbal: 83
  • Data Insights: 81

I’m looking for support across:

• Overall profile evaluation and candid assessment of my INSEAD chances
• Application strategy and positioning
• Essay brainstorming and refinement
• Recommendation strategy for interview preparation

I’m particularly looking for someone who can challenge my thinking and help uncover the strongest story from my experiences, rather than just editing essays or following a standard template.

I’m completely open to working with freelance consultants, independent admissions coaches, or INSEAD alumni/current students who actively help applicants with the process.

If you’ve worked with someone you genuinely found helpful for INSEAD, or if you provide this kind of support yourself, please feel free to comment or DM me.

Would also really appreciate recommendations from recent INSEAD applicants/admitted students.

Thanks!

#INSEADMBA #INSEADAdmissions #MBA #INSEAD #MBAConsultant

I'm a PGDERP student at IIEBM – Indus Business School Pune. I completed my internship at Infinite Locus, and it has been a great learning experience for me.
I'm happy to share that I was able to secure a Pre-Placement Offer from Infinite Locus, and I'm successfully placed there.

I’m considering an international MBA in China and trying to figure out the right timing. Does it make more sense to go after 2 to 3 years of work experience or wait until you have more experience? I’d be interested to hear from people who have done an MBA abroad and what they think is the ideal career stage.

One of the most common questions we see regarding full-time programs is about timing: how old is too young, how much experience is enough, should you wait?

Our general guidance is that 4-5 years of work experience at matriculation is a sweet spot. It’s enough experience to have real stories for your applications and add value in class discussions, but not so much that you feel behind or out of step with classmates.

That said, we know plenty of people have done it earlier or later and had great outcomes (or wish they'd waited/gone sooner!). If you started your full-time MBA notably younger or older than that 4-5-year range, what was it like, and would you do it the same way again? Drop your experience below!

I know that it’s been said already in this forum that a W won’t mess your chances in MBA admissions but I have 7 Ws and I’m really concerned about my chances to get into an Ivy League MBA program. For some context, I moved to the US and had a rough transition and had 2 Ws in my first semester at community college. Then, a family member got cancer and I got 2 more Ws because of it. I got transfered to a university but then had a really rough transition and struggled with my disabilities and have accumulated 3 Ws. But the thing is that 2 of them were because my uni has this impacted class policy where you can only drop this classes without notation for the first two weeks of the quarter and that affected my ability to drop the class on time. My GPA is community college is 3.9 and in university is 3.78. I would appreciate any insights on my situation.

Hi everyone! I’m deciding between two versions of my resume for MBA applications and would love some outside opinions.

For context, I’ve spent my entire career at the same company and have been promoted fairly quickly.

Version 1: A traditional chronological format, with accomplishments grouped under each role. It makes my career progression and promotions easier to follow, with awards and recognitions embedded under the relevant positions.

Version 2: Lists all three of my titles and dates together at the top of the company section, with the most recent title first, followed immediately by my two previous titles. Awards and recognitions come next, while the rest of the accomplishments are grouped by themes such as Problem Solving and Leadership.

My advisor strongly recommends Version 2. Their reasoning is that admissions officers spend very little time scanning a resume, so this format makes my title progression and awards easier to pick up at a glance. Also it makes sense since I only ever worked for one company.

The actual content and bullet points are largely the same in both versions. For an MBA admissions reader, which structure do you think works better?

Would especially appreciate thoughts from current MBA students, alumni, or anyone who has reviewed MBA resumes before. Thanks!

Hi so I'm actually 1-2 weeks away from most US MBA R1 deadlines, I was confident that I'll push through and write at least 4-5 applications in Round 1 and submit.

But now I am worried, I messed up a little and lost a couple of days! I will need to really pull my socks up. Reality is that I am nervous and feeling enticed to delay it to Round 2.

Progress right now

• GRE : Done
• Essays : Some drafted, some untouched. Need to just sit down!
• LOR : Recommenders are informed, nothing written yet.
• Resume : 80-90% there.
• Short & Long Term Goals : Almost defined.

Reasons for R1

1. For one school, there is a funding opportunity that disappears after R1
2. Availability of more scholarship money in R1
3. Ease of getting the visa in time (I've been told that some students who got accepted into R2 couldn't get their visas in time for the US this year)

Should I push through? I also have all the time in the day to work on this for the next 2-3 weeks. Perhaps I can do it I'm just delaying it because I'm scared.

If anyone has any advice pleaseeeeeee, or if you want to know more about my profile - drop a comment, and I will DM you!

Hey all. Yet another question like this - I’m hoping to apply to a top program in about 3-4 years. I’m currently an active duty military officer and trying to plan out my future and I was hoping some of you could help me out:

GPA: 3.3
Degree: BA in Computer Science from large state school

Work experience: (Will have) 4.5 years in the military doing cryptology, signals, and electronic type work. Managed specialized teams in operational missions and millions of dollars worth of technical intelligence collection equipment.

GRE: Not taken yet but would like to closer to when I apply

(Tentatively) targeting big tech PM/TPM, or similar roles. That’s just what I feel like would fit me best, but subject to change.

Are M7 schools a reach? If so, I’d appreciate if someone could tell me some more target schools to aim for.

For reference, I’d have full GI Bill coverage. Thanks!

I’m 32 and looking to transition into Product Management. My background is primarily in education/EdTech: 7 years in education, Teach For America alum, ~4 years in professional services/project management, and I’m currently a CSM managing a $5M+ portfolio for a large education company. I’ve worked closely with Product, Sales, and implementation teams.

I’m wondering if an MBA would actually help me make the pivot or if I’d be better off trying to break into Product without one.

I’m also in Georgia, so Georgia Tech is a very convenient option. Would a Georgia Tech MBA make more sense because of the local network/ROI, or would an online MBA from a top-10 business school carry significantly more weight for a career switch?

And is 32 too late to make this pivot?

For those in Product/hiring or who have made a similar transition: Would you get the MBA in my position, or focus on getting PM experience another way?

Do the consulting firms, MBB and smaller, really want to see cover letters? Are you writing a cover letter for each one?

Has anyone completed the Kellogg video essays? It would be helpful if they can share their experience and what type of questions you encountered

Little bit about me I am from the Chicago suburbs and want to settle down in the city so only considering these two for full time MBA, will try for 3 cycles then apply wherever T10.

Undergrad: Top 10 public university major in Econ
GPA: 3.84
GRE: 329
YOE: 3.5
Been working at a PE backed mid sized pharma company (high growth) that was bought by Lilly after 2 years of me being here so I technically work for Lilly. Started here after undergrad as a financial analyst and worked my way up lead financial analyst (one level above senior), been spearheading projects, presenting to senior leadership and CFO since I started and have seen basically every area of manufacturing finance. Being apart of a small finance team got to see a lot and do a lot and my manager and director will give me excellent letters of rec.
For the first essay I will talk about my director who then got promoted into VP had believed in me from the start more than I believed in myself, how that drove my ambition to be the point person for everything finance in my company, and how now is the right time as I am looking for a bigger opportunity.
Next essay I will write about how getting exposure to non finance senior leadership exposed me to explaining finance like a story and this is what I can bring, experience explaining complex models so that SLT can change their teams, processes, and risks. I can help with presentation and public speaking.

Do you guys think I’m competitive? Will apply first round starting next year, will be 4.5 YOE at that point.

If not, how can I improve? What will make me a better candidate?

Has anyone dropped out of their MBA program and successfully applied to another school down the road?

Currently at a T-30 school. Got some $$. Great story imo, but worried about the not-enough work experience (<3 years). Enjoyed the conversations, but don't think the culture/cohort/community/confidence is a good fit for me. Opinion based on conversations & relationships from T-15 schools in comparison. Still within add/drop.

Background: U.S. citizen. Love doing school, personable, prior engineering and consulting experience, GMAT waivered, decided to go because of unrelated-to-work unemployment. Realized I should've prepped better and feel like it will be a tough 2 years mentally. Just feels off. Want this to be a good, fun and meaningful experience if I am spending money.

Looking for midwest/south mbb/tier 2 placement. Thoughts?

Hello, I'm a 26F and want to target the top 10 European MBA.

Context:

-Indian Applicant

-CPA qualified

-B.Com from St. Xavier's College Kolkata

GPA: 8.4

Work experience:

-4.5years of work experience in Deloitte USI Investment Management Audit, worked on the teams of the biggest US investment management funds. Have about 2 years of leadership experience out of 4.5 assisting the manager on leading multi million dollar funds and worked with US teams on regular basis along with leading parts of the US teams very early on into my career.

-Accelerated promotion

-Fully firm sponsored CPA in 1st attempt with 83% average score while working. 1st person in the regional office cluster to achieve that.

Career gap: Left work earlier this year in February to prepare for GRE and complete credits for CPA license because it was not being possible to focus on anything else with 60-70hrs work weeks along with working weekends and no national holidays.

GRE: I tried taking the GRE while working but my score plateaued at 308. Improved by 15 points to 323 latest attempt after studying for 4 months along with other extra curricular like pursuing B1 French.

Based on my profile, is 323 enough or should I retake? Targeting early rounds of applications between September and October.

I'll be visiting a few schools in a couple of weeks and I was able to get a meeting with executive director of admissions of these schools. I prepared my pitch, my reasons for the application, why now and why each specific school - but I am still unsecured about questions to make to the admissions team. Can you advise me?

Hi All,

I’m a deferred international MBA candidate at one of the M7 schools (planning to start in Fall 2027). Just saw the recent notification regarding not granting CPT if it’s not a degree requirement and was wondering how international students are dealing with it since a summer internship is an integral part of the MBA experience.

Is there any advice to incoming MBA candidates regarding looking for jobs outside the US or pursuing an entrepreneurial venture?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hey all — would love some honest feedback on my chances for R1 this year. I know nobody can actually predict admissions, but I’m curious how this profile reads to people who have gone through the process.

Stats • 26M • BS Mechanical Engineering, top 15 eng program • 3.13 GPA • 695 GMAT Focus • No significant academic pedigree / Hispanic (grandparents immigrated from Argentina • Applying R1

The GPA is obviously my biggest concern. It was heavily affected by COVID and some significant family circumstances during that period, which I explain in my applications. My work/academic trajectory since then is much stronger. (Bodied by COVID, gpa other years much better)

Work Experience

~3 years post-grad at application:

Top Defense Prime – Responsible Systems Engineer • Worked on a classified special access program • Selected as a top ~3% technical performer (technical honors) • Worked on technical specifications and systems engineering

Aerospace – Project Manager • Currently leading aerospace projects across a global organization • Manage cross-functional/global teams • Led an international team quality implementation project • Led aerospace routing/clamping commercialization work • Led PFAS-related supply chain project that mitigated significant future revenue risk ($7m) • Have managed projects involving senior stakeholders across different functions/countries

I’ve enjoyed the progression from technical engineering to project leadership, but it has also helped me realize that I’m much more interested in how organizations, people, capital, and systems come together to create business success. Major gap in knowledge here which is mba driver

Why MBA / Career Goals

My father and his business partner have recently restarted their energy business, and my brother is now involved as well.

My plan is to join immediately after an MBA and eventually help my brother and the other next-generation leadership grow the company into a larger, more diversified energy business. Truly want the skills and network needed to scale a business - could be gained through experience but company has been successful through father’s network (they are also getting old and retiring) and his business knowledge.

Near term, I expect to be an operator wearing a lot of hats — expanding existing business, developing new revenue streams, evaluating acquisitions/assets, and helping scale the company’s proprietary technology.

Long term, I want to be one of the leaders responsible for strategy, capital allocation, and growth.

The interesting part of my story is that I haven’t worked at the family business professionally. I intentionally went elsewhere after college to build my own technical and leadership experience before potentially returning. Lots of exposure growing up tho

Schools

My current list is: • Harvard • Stanford • Tuck • Kellogg • Haas

I’m applying R1 to all five. Thought I would send it since have a good backup in the family biz / staying as an aero PM

Application themes

A big theme throughout my applications is stewardship / building — essentially, I have a tendency to take responsibility for things I care about and try to leave them stronger than I found them.

This shows up in my relationship with the outdoors, my work as a project leader, and now my desire to help build the family business.

For example, my Stanford “What Matters Most” essay is essentially about stewardship and how the mountains, my family, and my career have shaped that value.

For Haas/Kellogg, I’ve leaned more into the “builder” aspect of my personality and how I contribute to communities.

I’m also using an optional Haas essay to discuss being diagnosed with ADHD as a child and how I developed mindfulness, exercise, and other systems to manage it and ultimately turn what I once saw as a disadvantage into a source of curiosity, energy, and intensity.

Extracurriculars / other stuff • Ultramarathon / mountain running • National Park fundraising and volunteer work • Trail maintenance / cleanups • Congressional Award – Silver Medal • Raytheon Technical Honors Award • Wrestling and jiu jitsu since I was 15

LORs

Assuming both recommenders come through strongly.

One is a senior colleague/business development manager at Aero company who has worked closely with me on several projects. His letter emphasizes curiosity, humility, communication, learning from feedback, navigating different personalities/cultures, and leading complex projects.

The other is my direct supervisor, and I’m assuming that letter is similarly strong.

What I’m wondering 1. How much does the 3.13 GPA kill me at these schools? 2. Does the family-business goal make the profile more compelling, or does it come across as “I already have a job lined up, so why do I need an MBA?” 3. Is the fact that I deliberately built my career outside the family business a meaningful positive? 4. Do the engineering → project leadership → family business progression and energy angle make sense? 5. Which of these five schools do you think is the best fit for this profile? 6. And most importantly: what are my realistic odds of getting an interview/admit at each?

Feel free to roast the profile. I’d rather hear the bad news now than after R1 decisions 😂

Are there any people out there who took an extra year to graduate but still got into top tier 1 b school.

How did you cope with it mentally . How you stabilized yourself and how do you defend it in B School Interviews

I am going through the same situation right now and need some advice from seniors about the same .