T2 strategy consultant (think OW, Kearney, LEK) who is fortunate enough to have been accepted to 2 M7 schools (CBS, Kellogg MMM) without scholarship.

I am looking to pivot out of consulting and into tech (S&O, PM if possible). I know S&O is doable without an MBA and have had interviews when I was looking but also interested in the general MBA experience. Any former consultants / current students / alumni have any advice if the M7 MBA experience is worth the experience if you already have several years of consulting experience?

Kellogg MMM sends 35-40% of the class to PM but not sure to what extent those are ex-consultants

I've had two 6+ months of employment gaps and I don't know what's the best way to address this.

2020 (~ 9mos) I was a new graduate so I used this time to apply. Most guides tell you to share about any personal or professional endeavors but I didn't know how important it was at the time. Currently, I left it as the pandemic.

2023 - Present (1.5 yrs) Similar situation but laid off instead. Recruiting was slow for 3-4 months until the fall when I started getting some interviews. I relied on my experience to carry me, failing to address other weaknesses, so it wasn't enough. I realized this and spent a few months on professional development but opportunities remain limited. Plus, it had already been a year so it became even more difficult. Since then, I have focused entirely on MBA prep.

• 3-4 months: little to no leads but applying
• 3 months: some interviews but continuing to apply
• 1 month: traveling
• 3-4 months: professional development, courses, certificates, etc.
• Rest: MBA prep (GMAT/GRE/essays)

I want to be honest and say I spent time applying.
Relied on my experience and failed the few interviews I did get.
Realized my shortcomings and took time to learn and grow.

The issue is I don't think that's what AdCom or employers want to hear, especially when you spent a lot of applying and did poorly on the interviews. Is it better to not even mention interviewing / applying and phrase it as simply relied on my experience to take the next step, realized my weakness, and took steps to address this?

Looking at peer schools like Ross, Fuqua, Stern, and Anderson, Tuck’s employment report clearly has the edge. It seems like the downturn in the white-collar economy didn’t hit the school as hard as others.

How did they pull it off? Scrubbing the numbers? Or does Tuck typically place better than their T15 peers? Are these schools their peers?

Hey everyone,

Would love to get your opinion on my current choices. I got into UNC with $30k total scholarship and McCombs $20k while applying through Consortium. I am currently in Food CPG with 7 years of experience, but looking to make a big career change to Healthcare Management. Long term, I would like to start a health management business.

I am African American and currently live in NC, so living expenses would be much less for UNC.

Would appreciate any input with this decision.

FYI - employment reports are often presented with a rosy outlook, but there are inconsistencies and selective reporting across each program. You should take note of this when considering "real" outcomes.

Some examples:

At Ross, they don't disclose the number of graduates without information or those not seeking employment, and they highlight figures from 6 months post-MBA.

*I did a bit more work here out of curiosity. Mathematically 271-273 graduates would map to the correct percentages by function. So a bit over 100 people not seeking employment or that did not provide data. Sounds a bit crazy but in the 2021 employment report 33 people didn't provide data.

At Stern, the number of graduates with "no information available" increased from 7 to 19.

At Haas, the number not seeking employment was 20 higher than last year.

At Fuqua, ~46 people are unaccounted for from the graduating class.

At Kellogg, only 83% reported usable salary figures, and they do not publish a breakdown of those pursuing employment, similar to Ross.

And so forth. All to say - employment reports are bundled up to be seen in a preferential light; there is only some standardization, and each program may mislead you in one way or another from the reality of the outcomes.

Hey everyone,

I’m an Indian international applicant trying to narrow down my MBA applications for schools with a Strong focus on supply chain, sustainability and consulting. I could use your advice! My main goals are to land a consulting role post-MBA and attend a school that are welcoming to international students, especially those from India.

Here are the schools I’m currently considering:

• UNC Kenan-Flagler
• Georgetown McDonough
• Vanderbilt Owen
• Washington Foster
• Indiana Kelley
• Rice Jones
• Emory Goizueta

I can only apply to a maximum of FOUR schools, so I’m trying to figure out which ones would give me the biggest bump for consulting outcomes while also being international-friendly (alumni network for internationals, etc.)

Hi everyone!

I am based in Canada and deciding between Rotman (University of Toronto) and Foster (University of Washington) for my MBA, and would appreciate some guidance based on my specific situation and goals. Here are the key points I am grappling with:

1. Transitioning into Tech (Product Management Role)

My goal is to pivot into a product management role in tech. Does Rotman offer sufficient opportunities for internships and full-time roles in tech, or are they more limited compared to Foster?

2. Immigration and Logistics

My immigration process will likely be resolved soon if I stay in Canada for a while. Attending Foster would mean frequent back-and-forth travel to Canada on long weekends and during winter and spring breaks. Additionally, I may need to complete my summer internship in Canada to meet citizenship requirements. Is Foster worth these logistical challenges?

3. Brand Recognition

Which program is considered a "bigger brand" internationally or within North America? How much should I weigh this factor in my decision?

4. Post-MBA Job Prospects

If I attend Rotman, will having an MBA from Rotman limit my chances of securing a PM role in the US compared to an MBA from Foster, in case I decide to work in the US (preferably west coast) post MBA?

I would love to hear from anyone familiar with these programs or who has faced a similar choice.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello, I would like some advice on what roles I can apply for.

My background: Undergrad: public health / sociology Graduate: MBA + forensic psych MD: 7 months completion

-I don’t have any plans to pursue a specialty. -I already have publications in research.

Please let me know if my MD is completely useless or not.

I am an Indian student, 26M, around 5 years of experience post bachelors in technology, in the Healthtech industry and partnerships and sales role.

Have gotten 5 admits this cycle. UNC is the fifth one. Thinking of pivoting to consulting and also open to other options post MBA.

What should I move forward with? Kellogg will come with upward of 200k in loans for me and bind me somewhat to the US whereas the $ at other places will ease it all.

How do I proceed? Should I ask for scholarships at Kellogg or others? Thanks so much!

I have my MBA and work as a bank teller. I work at a local credit union as a bank teller and it's little room for growth. After asking quite a few times to move into other departments, I have not had any luck. I have been researching different career paths I can take. I will be 30 in just a few weeks and I am trying not to let it get to me, but after almost 4 years of working at this place, I need something new.

Lately, I have been leaning towards becoming a financial analyst. What are some suggestions and tips to go into this career path or even other areas of the finance world? I do not mind working in this industry, I just do not want to be a bank teller anymore.

Wondering if there was any interest in getting a WhatsApp group chat going for admits to MLT’s MBA Prep class for ‘26.

Just to help keep up with the things we have to do to for the setup process, chat about test resources and studying, etc.

What title says. In Chicago now, already in strategy consulting, want MBB or PE Ops post-grad

UT - $60k UNC - $100k

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Not too concerned, but any advice appreciated!

TLDR; Not happy with my current job that I started in August but am interested in getting my MBA starting Fall 2026. Do I suck it up and stay at my current job for a good rec for the application or do I continue looking and still apply for fall 2026.

I'm seriously interested in going for my MBA but have conflicting thoughts on my current job. I worked at a startup for 3.5 years directly after graduating from my MA program. Long story short we ran out of funding and I couldn't pay rent so left NYC and moved back with my parents. Went almost 4-5 months without a pay check so I racked up quite a bit of debt paying rent on credit before I could ditch the apartment.

Fast forward, I took an entry level Job at a large insurance company in August because I needed something. That said its quite boring and not challenging at all. Not to mention it's not what I want to do but it pays okay and I'm at my parents so the lower salary wasn't a huge issue at the time.

Now I'm looking to into MBA programs for 2026 so I can relocate back in NYC for school and following the program. But programs encourage a/the rec to come from your direct manager and some even require it which means you need to be there long enough to establish a good relationship with them of course.

So do I stick it out until I apply and/or start an MBA program or do I have enough time to look and find something more intellectually stimulating, say by March, and still apply for the 2026 programs?

Hello! I am 99.9% sure I will be matriculating at Tepper in August and would love to hear your unfiltered thoughts about Tepper, Pittsburgh, and life in general both in and outside of the classroom. While I have read numerous threads (including student AMAs) about Tepper, many of them are from two or three years ago.

About me:

• Late-20s East Asian woman
• Target industry/function: finance, either IB or corporate finance
• Hope to meet my East Asian husband during my MBA, perhaps through the School of Computer Science if not through Tepper
• Zero interest in drinking, drugs, and the like
• Fun goal: run the Pittsburgh Marathon

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Looking for a profile review and some guidance as I navigate the MBA application process. Here's my background:

• Demographics: Hispanic male, 30 years old.
• Education:
  • Undergrad: Management Information Systems (MIS) from a large state school in the south Low GPA (2.53) due to some personal challenges during that time.
  • Grad School: Currently pursuing a Master's in Computer Science (CS) T10 CS school, expected GPA of 3.6. Completion: Fall 2025.
• Professional Experience:
  • 7 years total.
  • Started as a software consultant implementing for law firms and corporate legal departments.
  • Transitioned into the RPA/Automation space, working as a Solutions/Pre-Sales Engineer for a big player in the industry.
  • Currently at a early stage startup with potential to move into a leadership role this year.
• Goals:
  • Transition out of pre-sales/sales roles, where I feel I'm hitting a professional ceiling.
  • Move into strategy-focused roles and eventually work toward a C-suite leadership position.(I know this is somewhat generic, broad. I am still early in my MBA journey)

MBA Plans:

• Targeting Part-Time MBA programs, with a strong focus on UT Austin (McCombs).
• Reach schools include Chicago Booth or similar weekend programs.

Concerns/Questions:

1. GMAT Waiver: My grad school GPA might qualify me for a GMAT waiver. Would applying without a GMAT/GRE hurt my chances?
2. Academic Preparation: Considering quant-focused courses like the UCLA/UC Berkeley Math Extension or the Booth GSAL-B program to shore up my profile. Are these worthwhile, or should I focus elsewhere?
3. Chances at Target Schools: What are my realistic chances at McCombs? Would Booth or similar programs even be in the realm of possibility?
4. General Feedback: Any advice for improving my application or highlighting my strengths would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I’m not planning to apply this year but I made accounts on the websites (have not uploaded or submitted it). Only entered my personal details. Some personal life event came up which has pushed my apps to next year now. Will this make me a re-applicant??

Making a sudden career decision to pursue MBA - USC Marshall being T3 choice for me. I’ve been reading that recruiting efforts for 2025 Full-time MBA has been unsuccessful. Appreciate any anecdotes or advice on applying for the latest round.

Background: Bachelor’s in Marketing with 3.5 years in marketing and product management at a biotech startup in the Bay Area. Board of Director for a small 501c3 cardio-diagnostic non-profit

Hi,

I am 24 years old, have been a personal trainer for 8 years, and have an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Texas A&M. I am now at the stage where I need to decide what the next step in my career is, and an MBA is one of my top options.

Scenario 1: Move to my home country in South America to open and manage mid-cost and high-cost gyms with a well-established brand in the fitness industry. They want to partner with me due to my interest in investing, experience, skills, and trust we have built over the years. However, they and the potential investors recommended that I get an MBA to have a foundation in business.

This project could happen 1ish year from now, but it is still being determined as it depends on many factors out of our control (primarily the country's political and economic state). My dream has always been to work in the industry's business side (invest, manage, and open gyms, equipment engineering and sales, etc.).

Scenario 2: I will stay in the United States and open a high-end or mid-end gym. Investors and potential partners have recommended that I get my MBA to give me a basic foundation in business.

If I do get it, it would be a one-year program at a small university, and the tuition would be, at most, 15k. I understand it won't guarantee a job or salary, but rather, it will provide a basic foundation and give some trust to my future partners and investors.

I would appreciate your thoughts and any advice you can give me. Thank you!

Can anyone give me the genuine review regarding the coaching to be selected where the course is in structured format. Whether to choose Rodha online or IMS online coaching for CAT'25 preparation?

Would CBS ever match a scholarship to Haas?

Heard they would only ever match $ to Wharton and above?

Would appreciate some insight, thank you!!

Hi reddit fam, I unfortunately belong to the over represented Indian Software Engineer pool. I am looking to shortlist schools in T10 based on how likely I am to get in. My stats are good-ish. I want to know my relative chances. Currently on waitlist for 2 schools (one T10 and other T15).

If anyone has an idea about the number of Indians accepted in some of these schools in past years, or just some info about which schools look at Indian tech folks more fondly, that would really help me out!

I have heard Sloan takes very few Indians and HSW are out of my league.

Many of the LDP and FLDP posts are a few years old, so I wanted to check in and see if anyone could share the base salary and expected bonus for full-time offers they received this fall, or the hourly rate for internship offers.

I’m currently thinking $140k base for full-time or around $60/hour for internships is competitive, but I’d love to hear more about the current market.

‎‏

‎‏Hi everyone,

‎‏I’m a civil engineer with over 5 years of experience, and I’m planning to pursue an MBA. My concern is my low undergraduate GPA (1.56/4), which was impacted by personal circumstances—I was the primary caretaker for my late father, who spent most of his time in the hospital during my studies.

‎‏I recently took the GRE and unofficial scored 159 Verbal, 170 Quant. I’ve also built strong professional experience and leadership skills. Do I have a chance at top U.S. MBA programs, given my background and test scores?

‎‏I’d appreciate any advice or insights. Thanks!

Hi Everyone,

I’m preparing for MBA applications for R2. Female Canadian applicant, retaking the GRE next week (practice scores rn are ~322 as first score was not up to par), 3.3 GPA from #1 ranked Canadian business school.

I’m leading the growth and strategy on ecomm side of a global electronics company (think very common household brand). I recently got promoted as well to expand new biz opportunities into omnichannel. My resume is primarily big name CPGs and experience in sales strategy. I’m 30 and would be 31 at start of MBA if accepted. My dream school is Kellogg and other schools on my target list are LBS, Ross, and McCombs. I’ve been working with a boutique consultant but also decided to do some intro calls with bigger name MBA consultants to get a second eye on my profile.

This consultant was from a bigger more recognized firm and Kellogg alumni. She said I would not be a good candidate because of my YOE/age in the sense that schools would think I have too much experience and I would have a hard time finding a job with on campus recruiters because they want someone younger who wants to move up the corporate ladder vs me who has an established job and may not want an entry level job the schools can connect me to. She said I should do 1Y accelerated programs and target schools that like older candidates like Duke, MIT Fellows, etc. Since I have a BBA already, she said schools would question the value I get from an MBA even thought it’s very different. I understand the feedback to an extent but my goal is to go into consulting in Digital Transformation & Strategy which is still a higher compensation than my current salary and it allows me to use the NAFTA agreement to avoid asking a company for sponsorship to increase my job chances. Doing a 1Y means I’ll miss recruiting cycle for internships and go straight into full time recruiting which will be difficult without preestablished network/connections. She said LBS would be the easiest bet for my current profile but finding a FT job in the US would be hard being in Europe.

I feel a little at a loss of if I should continue applying to my target programs and if I don’t get in apply to 1Y programs R1 next year OR change where I’m applying now. Any feedback would help!

Updated employment reports below

https://www.reddit.com/r/MBA/s/0PwwwtSRNp

I was fortunate enough to get admits to an M7 and another T10 in R1, but also got waitlisted at Darden and CBS. The two colleges that have offered me an admit have given no scholarship. Is anyone aware if Darden / CBS offer scholarships to students admitted from their waitlists or if that just does not happen.

If the startup route wasn't what you wanted, where did you pivot?

Did the startup experience hinder you or help you in the long run?

Things I'm considering: I currently live in Austin, love living here, and could see myself in Texas long term. The whole culture of the McCombs program seems to fit me and I've loved the discussions I've had with current students. Due to that, my heart definitely wants UT.

That being said, I'd like to recruit for IB, or at least give it a go and see if it's for me. And I have no background in energy or engineering and I'm not sure I want to do Energy IB which is primarily where McCombs grads go. It seems like UNC's IB club and banking connections are better than UT, especially if I don't want to do energy IB. If I'm wanting to do IB, is it stupid to pass up UNC? especially since it's cheaper.

Lastly though, I'm not 100% set on IB and want to keep my options open. Possibly to corporate finance. So deciding strictly based on IB seems silly, and also seems like McCombs might give me more options outside IB. Would love to get some thoughts.

​

Total tuition cost for each:

UT: 60k

UNC: 44k (pending response asking for more $)

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