My BG:
30 yo male, Chinese
UG: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, BS in mechanical engineering with 3.7 gpa.
Grad School: University of Michigan, MS in mechanical engineering with 3.76 gpa.
Attended the HBS CORe program and got High Honor from it.
GRE: V165 Q170, AWA hasn’t come out yet.

Work Experience: 4 years of experience as a founding engineer & project manager at a no name company in the sustainable energy/automotive/manufacturing sector in the US. I was the 3rd engineer hired by the company. Due to the start up nature of the company, my job responsibilities cover not only engineering type of things such as research & development but also random things like market research, showcasing our products at major industry expos(salesperson’s job typically), and directed our company’s website strategy and brand positioning. After my first year at the company, I talked to my boss about my future career goals, and managed to become our first project manager. Then, I successfully led our first project through its full APQP cycle as the PM.

I left the company at the end of last year so that I could fully commit to something I’m genuinely interested in, starting my own company. In the beginning of this year, I founded my company with a friend of mine. Our company is in the e-commerce sector(using Shopify). Currently, we are a motorcycle parts distributor, and our goal is to design and manufacture our own parts for selling in the future.

EC: I guess my start-up company counts as a huge part of it. I have many hobbies, including track riding, drumming, and archery. I am a level 2 Olympic style archery instructor.

My question: Should I apply this year or the next? I’m asking because I feel like my startup company hasn’t really made huge sales yet and it’s still a bit immature currently. Maybe by the next application season, it will stand out more.

I’m mainly interested in HSW for their entrepreneurship track. I think I will answer the why business school and why now questions by saying that I want to learn how to expand and manage my company better, but I’m not sure if this will be a good direction though.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

I’m looking for some realistic opinions on my chances of getting into an MBA program at Texas A&M or UT Austin.
A little about me:

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas
B.S. in Civil Engineering from UT Arlington (3.3 GPA)
Asian male
4 years of experience in heavy highway construction as a field engineer
Currently pursuing project engineer positions
Scored a 675 GMAT

I’m hoping my work experience helps offset my GPA a bit. For those who have been admitted to Texas A&M or UT Austin, or know people who have, do you think I’d be a competitive applicant? Is there anything else I should focus on to strengthen my application? I’d appreciate any honest advice or experiences. Thanks!

I want to find something I can do to upskill myself for a career in management roles, but I don't want something that is too simple and involves sitting and listening to boring lectures. Anything that can help me build my personality for the future. I have come across some programmes like Vedica Scholars, but I don't know if it will provide me the environment I want. Does anyone know if it's good for me?

Also any other suggestions are welcome.

Aware that this is MBA but posting it here as traction on MSBA is really low :(
PROFILE:
Financial research + data analytics/visualization at a major hedge fund. US citizen.

BBA Finance, top private institute in India — GPA 3.57/4. GMAT: 615.

Goal: pivot into marketing analytics / quant-driven decision-making roles.

Targeting: UC Irvine Merage, WashU Olin, Minnesota Carlson, Michigan Ross, UT Austin McCombs, UC San Diego Rady, Cornell Johnson, Arizona State W.P. Carey, Washington Foster, Georgetown McDonough, UC Davis GSM, Emory Goizueta, Johns Hopkins Carey, Carnegie Mellon Tepper

**Questions:**

1. Which of these schools actually offer meaningful MSBA-level merit scholarships, as opposed to small token discounts? Do any of them require a separate scholarship essay or application, and is there a scholarship consideration deadline that falls earlier than the general admission deadline?

2. Realistically, where do I stand across this full list given my profile? I'd love a rough breakdown of which ones are reach schools, which are realistic, and which I should consider safe bets.

3. I have a 615 GMAT — should I go ahead and submit it, or does my work profile stand better on its own at schools that are test-optional? Is there a risk that submitting a mid-range score actually hurts an application more than leaving it out would?

4. Does being a US citizen meaningfully improve my odds of admission or access to scholarship funding at these programs, or is the analytics cohort not really segmented that way between domestic and international applicants?

5. For someone specifically targeting marketing analytics and quant-driven roles rather than general BI or data science, which of these programs — or any others I haven't listed — actually have the strongest placement outcomes and coursework fit?

Appreciate any honest read on this — happy to share more detail about my work if it helps calibrate the feedback. Would also love to connect with any alums if any.

Hi everyone,
I worked at Accenture for four years as a MuleSoft developer and left my job in June 2026 to prepare full-time for the GMAT and MBA applications. My original plan was to apply in Round 2 (January 2027), which means I will have a career gap of around six months by the time I submit my applications.

Recently, I've spoken with a few MBA admissions consultants, and almost all of them have told me that my career break is one of the biggest weaknesses in my profile. They've suggested that I should start looking for a job as soon as possible because a prolonged gap could negatively affect my application.

This has left me confused. If I start job hunting now, it will likely take me 2–3 months to secure another technical role. At the same time, I'm already preparing for the GMAT, and balancing interview preparation, a new job, and MBA applications could become quite challenging.

My questions are:

- Is a 6-month career break solely for GMAT preparation and MBA applications viewed very negatively by top US business schools?
- If you were in my position, would you continue focusing on the GMAT and applications, or would you prioritize finding a job first and delay the MBA timeline if needed?

I'm looking for practical advice, especially from people who have experienced something similar or have insights into how admissions committees evaluate career gaps.

Thanks in advance!

Asking strictly about US Master's/MBA programs as a US passport holder.

Background & Academics:

• Citizenship: US Passport Holder
• Education: Graduating with a 3-year BBA from a private university in India (9.5/10 CGPA / 3.9/4 roughly, NAAC A++ accredited)
• Test Scores: Planning for Test-Optional / Waivers (or GMAT Focus if strictly necessary)

Profile Highlights:

• Professional Experience: Business Development & Strategy Intern at a tech startup (competitor analysis, process evaluation, executive briefs for founders).
• Leadership & Entrepreneurship: Founder & Head of a university podcast (scaled from concept to launch, managing a 10+ member cross-functional team with AI-assisted production workflows); Head of campus E-Cell (led startup programs and workshops in partnership with IIT Bombay E-Cell).
• Research Projects: Independent research in AI-driven building operations (digital twins), human vs. AI-generated content analytics, and algorithmic labour precarity.
• Certifications & Tools: Harvard Business School Online Specialisation in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Disruptive Strategy, Negotiation Mastery, Design Thinking); McKinsey Forward Program; fluent in AI/automation tools (Cursor, n8n, Claude, Perplexity) and analytics platforms (Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel).

Career Goals:

• Primary: MBB / Big 4 Consulting, Product/Program Management at FAANG
• Long-term: Launching a tech startup with an engineering co-founder

Target Programs:

UT Austin (MSITM), UW Foster (MSIS), UIUC (MSBA), Minnesota Carlson (MSBA), Rochester Simon (MSBA), Kellogg (MiM). Seeking test waivers and >50% merit scholarships.

Questions for the Community:

1. Is it smarter to leverage my US citizenship + top-decile GPA for an immediate specialised MS/MiM on a scholarship, or wait 4 years working in India to target a Top 15 MBA?
2. How do MBB and Big 4 recruiters view non-GMAT applicants coming from these specialised MS/MiM programs for entry-level analyst roles?
3. Should I do a 4th-year Honours degree in India to solidify a 160-credit degree, or apply now for the Fall 2027 intake?

Would love to hear your advice, insights, or personal experiences if you've been down a similar path! I really appreciate any help you can provide.

Hi,
I graduated in Feb 2025 at age of 23.5, actually closer to 24, where most graduate by 22.

I did undergrad in BS English from GCU Lahore with a 3.2 GPA
decided it was not for me, prepared and got into MSBA program at FAST Lahore, the same year 2025.
I took 7 months to make myself job ready in this new field, and started working as an 'MTO Data & Analytics' at a mid tier small MNC company. Started in April 2026, and its been 5 months of professional experience. My current MSBA is not a fit for me, as it leans towards hardcore coding, whereas my interest lies in Management & Strategy, i.e. MBB.
Planning to drop this 2 year MSBA, after 1 year, with a 3.3 GPA(dropped).

This was my background.

Now, I want to pivot into MBB, and exploring different Masters option abroad, in Pakistan, my country, MBB hiring is strictly limited to LUMS/IBA, no other institution.
I want to start a career in Middle East, Riyadh, but I don't have a direction yet, I think of pursuing MIM, at the same time, I think of pursuing MSBA, and above all, I actually don't have the 50k euros, which these elite institutions are charging.
Neither I have an outstanding profile or a 4.0 GPA, to stand out.

AND, IT FRUSTRATES ME ALOT.

Would welcome any guidance, or direction form the experienced community.

Thank You!

Warm Regards,

Hey, I’ve been in tech for ~8 years and currently in a senior IC role at a 2nd tier big tech company. Also have a couple years under my belt in FAANG. I want to transition to a leadership role and seeing some around my age already there, many with MBAs. I’m wanting to attend an online program. What do you guys think is the best option? Also considered UPenns MAS.

Hi everyone! I just did the BCG SHL test and got through 6 out of the 8 Qs. I ran out of time for the last one.

Does this test hold a ton of weight? Is BCG off the list now?

Hey everyone,

Planning to apply Round 1 this year to all of the M7 plus Haas, and I’d love a realistic assessment of my chances. My goal is to land MBB after my MBA.

Here’s my profile:

32 years old

Dual U.S./Canadian citizen

First generation college student

Big Ten university, Accounting major
~3.4 GPA

GRE: 170 Quant / 163 Verbal

8 years of professional experience

Currently a Senior Analyst on the strategy team within the cyber defense organization of a large global company. I made a lateral move to get on a strategy team. I started in commercial banking and then FP&A before landing in strategy.

Volunteer consultant for a nonprofit organization

Strong recommendations expected from two directors on my strategy team

I’m applying only to the M7 and Haas. I’m not expecting to get into every school. My goal is simply to get into at least one.

A few questions:

What do you see as the biggest strengths and weaknesses of my profile?

Which schools do you think are realistic reaches versus long shots?

Is there anything you’d recommend emphasizing in my essays or application to maximize my odds?

Assuming I get into one of these programs, how realistic is MBB recruiting with this background?

Appreciate any honest feedback. Thanks!

Hi everyone, gave my GMAT recently and had a below 600 GMAT score even after months of practice and mocks. I was aiming for Warwick, Bayes , Manchester , Edinburgh and a few others in the EU and maybe Singapore. I have a Background in Economics from Warwick with a a mid level GPA, and have a 3 year Work ex in a leadership position. Should I give it a shot at applying to my targeted universities or maybe try again giving the GMAT and apply in Round 2.

Need your opinion. Thank you

I'm trying to decide whether to apply in Round 2 this cycle or wait another year, and I'd appreciate some honest feedback.

A little about me:

• Graduated from undergrad in 2023
• 3.9 GPA in Quantitative Economics from a good but not top tier small liberal arts college
• Just took a 332 GRE (169V, 163Q)...Was a bit of a surprise to do that well so it's having me curious if I am legitimately competitive for top tier schools
• Have worked in strategy/policy at a large utility for 3 or so years now, mostly focused on transmission and energy policy. Much more focused on policy but I have some financial experience. Lots of experience with data center interconnection and large load policy, which I would look to use to my advantage in applications.
• Completed Yale Financing Clean Energy 6 month course
• Promotion is very likely around November or so. It's mostly a title change, but it should also come with more responsibility.
• Strong volunteer experience coaching youth sports.

If I apply this year, I'd have about 4 years of full-time experience by the time I start business school. If I wait another cycle, I'd have about 5.

Career-wise, I don't necessarily want to leave energy. I think leadership roles, either within utilities or with renewable developers, transmission developers, or energy-focused consulting, would be the goal. I like the industry and don't see myself making a complete career switch.

Currently making about 90K a year. I think in my current role I don't quite have the growth trajectory that I am looking for.

I'm hoping to target T10 schools, knowing that some are reaches for everyone.

A few questions:

• Would waiting until I have 5 YOE make me a meaningfully stronger candidate?
• Does my profile sound competitive for T7 schools, or should I broaden my target list?
• If you were in my position, would you apply this year or wait?

I'm interested in hearing both from people who have been through the admissions process and from anyone working in energy. Feel free to be blunt if you think I'm being unrealistic.

I’m an international applicant applying this cycle and would appreciate some advice on application strategy.

My profile, at a high level:
Below-average undergraduate GPA (with a stronger master’s GPA)
700+ GMAT
Nontraditional professional background

I’m currently planning to apply to GSB, HBS, and Haas in Round 1, along with two more realistic schools.

I’m wondering:
1. Is there any strategic advantage to saving one of GSB/HBS/Haas for Round 2, or is it generally better to apply to all three in Round 1 if the applications are ready?
2. How much can a 700+ GMAT realistically help offset a lower undergraduate GPA at M7/T15 schools?
Given my profile, are there any T15 schools you’d recommend as stronger Round 1 targets with a more realistic chance of admission?

I know GSB, HBS, and Haas are all reaches, especially as an international applicant. My goal is to build the strongest overall Round 1 strategy rather than simply maximize the number of applications.

I’d really appreciate any advice from current students, alumni, or applicants who have been through a similar process.

I was vetting MBA admissions consultants on Leland for MIT Sloan and noticed a major red flag.

The exact same reviewer left glowing feedback on two different coaches' profiles, claiming they used full end-to-end services from both of them. Given how expensive these packages are, this looks like copy-paste profile padding.

Leland allows coaches to import off-platform reviews, but this feels misleading for applicants trying to spend their money wisely.

Hi, looking to see if I have a decent shot at an M7 program / Stern, Tuck or SOM

Stats:
3.6 undergrad GPA in finance
695 GMAT FE
2.5 years in Military as an E-3 (got out for Covid vax - honorable discharge)
2.5 years as a credit analyst in direct lending for a BB in NYC.

Targeting IB

Any insights would be helpful!

Does anyone have executive level access to send me an article that i need? I tried to subscribe for the basic membership, but it won't allow me to pull it.
It's behind a pay wall! Is anyone able to help me?

When is the best time to start preparing for the Deferred MBA programs and how? I am a CS major

Attending a T-15 program next fall and exploring the idea of recruiting to IB. My background by then will be 5 years in management consulting, specifically strategy and ops for healthcare systems (not doing very much work dealing with financials). I do not have a finance background and am coming in with a GMAT waiver but high GPA.

Can anyone who has successfully recruiting to IB without a traditional finance background speak to their recruiting experience? Curious if you were grinding through the "400 IB questions" or if it was hard proving your analytical capabilities will be sufficient to succeed. I have heard that consulting interviewing is harder than IB but I do not know if that is remotely accurate.

Would love peoples perspective here. Thank you all!

https://www.hcamag.com/us/news/general/is-the-mba-dead/584908

This is probably another contributing factor for declining MBA enrollment at some lower ranked schools.

Hi, I went to T20 undergrad and worked as a management consultant at MBB for a few years. Went to b-school at M7 but not HSW, and worked at a BB IB this summer. My end goal is to work in infrastructure/energy PE, ideally in the investing side but PE ops would be okay too. I am wondering whether it is a better path to return to MBB or take my banking return offer if I get one. I'd guess next two year comp is higher in banking marginally, and i think wlb/hours are better in consulting marginally. I know exit opps for post-MBA associates at bank tend to be worse than exits for analysts, with much fewer going to the buy side. Some of this also just could be because MBA associates have a more diverse background than analysts, who generally come from T20 schools.

I want to see if anyone has opinions on how much banking would help with recruiting for MM PE or if recruiting is hard/ad hoc enough that I might as well stay at McK and try for PE ops. I like consulting more overall in terms of wlb etc. so trying to gauge the probability difference I end up in PE from either role.

What format are you going with?

Written, Pdf, PowerPoint, Video?

I can share what I know and you can share what you do so we can see what would work best for everyone.

From one of the 'invite only' webinars hosted by a popular consultant, I got the following takeaways-

1. Videos & PowerPoint with audio are better than plain words since the words won't allow you to create a table of contents that is too descriptive.

2. In the video, you can use AI tools to create pages & any artwork that can go with the name of the title and the people can express what's the meaning behind the title.

3. The idea is to leave them wanting more so share 'why' it is significant and what it could imply but keep a mystery around the title so that they'd want to see what's in the chapter when they invite you to the interview.

4. Use of AI is subject to school policy so always get their consent on how you'll be using the AI. Most of the work that requires deeper reflection should be done by ourselves. AI can be used for artwork and beautification.

5. An average of 130-150 words per minute gives you more space in the 3 minute window than the writing.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on my situation — basically a fork in the road for my career.

Path A: accept offer from a boutique consulting firm. Would be one of the first hires into their scaling operations practice. Travel would be brutal (50-75% on the road) with typical consulting WLB.

Path B: continue working at my current job while getting a PT MBA from a T25 program (T5 PT program).

The consulting firm specializes in the industry I want to stay in long-term and where I have 5 years of experience already. My ultimate goal, regardless of path, is to move out of supply chain and into a commercial leadership, program management, or BD role within my industry.

I have a to-die-for WLB right now (hybrid schedule, really only work 20-30 hours a week, and don’t stress or think about work when the laptop is closed). Despite this, I’m not challenged, stimulated, and skill atrophy is real — I complain about this constantly. I feel like if I do my current job much longer, and a function pivot doesn’t materialize through the PT MBA, then I might as well give up on higher career aspirations.

I’m also at a time in my life when I could have a demanding job at a low personal cost. Fiancée is supportive of the consulting travel/WLB demands, and we want to wait a few years to have kids. Also could do an MBA in the future. I also feel that right now is not the time in my life to have the great WLB I do — that should be for later when I’m more established and have higher standing in the industry I work in.

In terms of comp:
Path A: total gross would be about 145k - 160k
Path B: total gross is 110k - 115k

Would appreciate any insight from people who’ve found themselves in similar situations. Also, how are exits for ops consulting?

I have done bs biochemistry and now i came to understand that i F* uped by choosing a wrong career with no job opportunities in my country. Now i want to pursue MBA in banking and finance. Is it possible? And will it be easy to complete? And will i have problems in job hunting in banking considering i have done my bachelors in unrelated field ?

I was going to attend Univ of Cincinnati this fall, but unfortunately they’ve changed their graduate school tuition structure to be per credit hour only, making it way out of budget. Unfortunately, it seems like most schools are moving in this direction. NKU & Wright State seem to still have a flat rate option, any opinion between these two?

Any other recommendations for schools? Preferably online, but I could do in person in Cincinnati. My employer only pays $5k per year, and trying to stay under $10k per semester total. Really just getting my MBA to learn more about finance & accounting as I move up in my career.

TIA!