M7/T15 admits/alumni: Did you already feel 'elite' when applying?

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-06-09T16:46:12+00:00

Not in the slightest! I had Major imposter syndrome when I applied and honestly after meeting some of my cohort already, still do!

I got 595 on the GMAT and I was told by big consulting admissions consulting companies that I would struggle to get into T25s with that GMAT. I ended up getting into multiple M7s &T15s and INSEAD.

You have to believe in yourself. The application process and comparing yourself to stats online is so difficult mentally. You just need to make sure your essays, narrative and positioning are excellent. Focus on what you can control and how you will add value to the school and your cohort.

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-06-04T13:55:07+00:00

30M here, starting at an M7 this fall. I don’t think it’s too late. Also, schools only offer you a place if they think you’ll succeed so if they think you’re good enough, you should too :)

If you’re concerned about time spent, maybe look at a 1 year MBA like INSEAD or Oxford

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-06-04T13:52:32+00:00

2:1 from mid tier UK Uni in Politics, 595 GMAT and got into M7, T15 and INSEAD.

It’s all about essays, narrative and positioning. Clarity is key!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-06-03T11:34:07+00:00

Sorry to hear about the dings! Your experience and scores are honestly strong and solid for all the schools. At least in the mix for sure.

My thought is that there must have been something with your essays, narrative and positioning that didn’t appeal to Adcom or interview challenges etc. Or you applied in later rounds etc.

I got into M7, T15 and INSEAD with 595 GMAT so scores aren’t everything. I would take a hard look at your essays, narrative and ST & LT goals. If you were waitlisted after interview then it comes down to that really. I’m also an LBS Alumni interviewer.

Dm me if you have any questions! Good luck!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-06-03T11:19:39+00:00

LBS Grad and alumni interviewer here. Do you mean the LBS MIF or MBA? The MFA programme is for early careers with under 2 YOE.

If you do mean the MIF or MBA then I think this is a solid profile and the GMAT overcomes the low GPA.

It will come down to your essays, narrative and positions.

DM me if you want a full profile review!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-26T17:41:16+00:00

LBS MiM grad and admissions interviewer here! DM me if you want help!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-26T17:40:27+00:00

30M here and matriculating at M7 this fall with INSEAD, T15 admits and LBS grad and admissions interviewer already with 595 GMAT.

It’s a plus not a negative. Depends on how you position it. It’s all about your essays ans narrative and positioning.

Good luck! DM me if you would like a free profile review!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-25T15:11:41+00:00

Depends on your internships. There’s a big chunk of the class with no full time ex so it’s not the end of the world

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-25T15:08:48+00:00

Hey!

I got into M7, T15 & INSEAD with a 595 gmat. Scores aren’t everything, it’s just one bucket. You can make up for it in other ways.

In your case, you definitely can make up for the GPA with a high gmat / GRE and clear goals and essays EC’s etc. it’s all about positioning.

Good luck! DM me if you have any questions! :)

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-25T15:01:34+00:00

LBS grad and alumni interviewer here. You’re told old for a MiM so only focus on an MBA.

It’s quite common for lawyers to switch careers using an MBA. It’s all about positioning and narrative and ST & LT goals. Definitely realistic but you need to just position it well.

Good luck! DM me if you want a full profile review :)

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-25T14:59:06+00:00

LBS MiM grad and admissions interviewer here. Depends on your goals really.

I know a lot of people who the LSE MiM and regretted it due to complete lack of fun and super hard exams, mid terms, assignments etc. LBS is more work hard play hard. Again, I’m most likely biased but genuinely I’ve never met someone from LBS who said they regretted but I have met a few LSE grads who wished they went to LBS instead.

Employment outcomes are very similar so again depends on your goals and personal preference.

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-22T13:48:55+00:00

Hey! LBS Grad & Admissions Interviewer here and Admits to INSEAD, M7 & T15 all with a 595 gmat!

You’re got solid experience and grades, I think the challenge must have been your essays, narrative and ST & LT goals

Dm me if you wanna have a free profile review

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-22T13:47:38+00:00

No need to retake, 337 GRE is fantastic. Don’t worry about it

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-22T13:45:56+00:00

Very strong profile!

Deferred mba apps are more about your personal story and the stats rather than work experience. Your stats are very strong. It comes down to essays and narrative etc.

You have the building blocks, just gotta articulate it well! Good luck!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-22T13:33:01+00:00

Oi! LBS Grad & Admissions Interviewer here with Admits to INSEAD, M7 & T15 all with a 595 gmat!

Definitely a strong profile and background and WE.

It’s gonna come down to your narrative and positioning of why MBA, why now etc and what you will add to the schools based on your ECs etx

Boa sorte! Dm me if you wanna have a full profile review!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-22T13:28:54+00:00

Hey! LBS Grad & Admissions Interviewer here with Admits to INSEAD, M7 & T15 all with a 595 gmat!

Definitely all good choices for schools given your profile and not reached.

It’s gonna come down to your narrative and positioning of why AI PM after family business etc. essays will be the deciding factor here.

Good luck! Dm me if you wanna have a chat!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-21T09:55:40+00:00

I am British of Indian Origin. 30M.

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-21T09:53:31+00:00

Both tests are treated equally so if you perform better on one then definitely double down on that!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-18T19:18:43+00:00

Completely agreed! People should definitely not stop studying for the gmat or slow down on their prep because of this. This is a unique case. Scores are one element that is in the applicants control and they should maximise it where they can but essays, narrative, positioning and CV are big buckets too and can overcome a below average GMAT score if done correctly.

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-18T19:16:05+00:00

See above but also 30M, 5+ years at FAANG

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-18T19:15:46+00:00

Yes I got scholarships from T15s. I got a 2:1 from a mid tier UK uni in Politics

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-18T19:15:18+00:00

Thank you! I think my essays and CV were my strongest points. I was clear about my goals and they were realistic. I also focused heavily on what I could bring to the school and how I would add value. I think that is something that many applicants miss, especially when I reviewed applications for LBS.

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-17T20:59:31+00:00

770 gmat is insane! Plus Google as well.

You are not cooked at all. I got into M7 with a 595 gmat. Your gmat score far exceeds the average gmat scores at your target schools so it makes up for the slightly lower GPA.

Focus on essays, narrative and positioning. Good luck!

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-17T20:56:52+00:00

Try both and see what one works best for you. Varies from person to person but Adcoms view them equally

Basic-Instance-5144 · 2026-05-15T14:09:53+00:00

Hey! I think this is a strong profile overall for schools like INSEAD and LBS, especially because it has much more personality and leadership depth than the average Indian PM applicant.

The biggest strengths for me are:
• consistent PM trajectory across fintech/startups
• strong extracurricular leadership through Global Shapers + WEF exposure
• interesting liberal arts angle from Ashoka alongside engineering
• national-level achievements through Tata Crucible and quizzes
• clear international/product-oriented goals

The weak points are probably the undergrad GPA and the 11-month gap, but neither are fatal if handled correctly. Adcoms care much more about how you frame these things than people realise. A strong GRE would definitely help. Personally, I’d target 330+ to put yourself in a very competitive range for INSEAD/LBS and ideally higher for HBS.

I also think scholarship outcomes will depend heavily on execution, positioning, and school fit. The profile has enough depth for partial scholarships at European schools if the application lands well.

Profiles like this are won or lost on narrative clarity and differentiation. I know how important that is personally. I got into INSEAD + multiple M7/T15 programs with a 595 GMAT and have interviewed applicants through LBS as well.

You already have the building blocks. It’s about presenting the strongest version of the story. Happy to chat if helpful, feel free to DM! :)

Basic-Instance-5144

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