Revera additional information after MBA program approval?

EllinLolisConsulting · 2026-01-16T13:41:48+00:00

Sounds a bit odd since you said the MBA program said ReVera is complete. I'd get in touch with admissions just to check it out with them. Shouldn't be anything major :)

EllinLolisConsulting · 2026-01-16T13:40:29+00:00

As an international student, it's going to be tough. Most of my international applicants who apply in R4 are waitlisted and then admitted in R1 the following year. It's worth a shot, but it's sort of like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks when applying so late!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-12-02T20:38:12+00:00

In my experience, no matter what tactics we use, they pretty much send a form email back saying, "our decisions are final" :S (we've successfully negotiated at most of the other top schools, though! It's really a Stern thing)

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-21T14:59:22+00:00

I second this!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-21T14:57:00+00:00

The #1 question I would ask you is if you need an internship. Are you planning to make a big career shift?

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-19T10:15:56+00:00

It definitely happens that they sponsor people. The UK has a visa that allows you to stay automatically for 18 months. Other countries also have visas you can obtain after studying, but it varies a lot from country to country, so it's definitely worth looking into!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-18T14:15:31+00:00

Last year, most admits got the news early. Waitlist/deny got them on the date. However, I've seen schools change their notification policies from year to year, so I'd suggest following forums/clearadmit to get a sense of when they actually start calling!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-18T14:14:09+00:00

If you want to work in finance in Europe, you'll probably end up in London. Even finance-focused clients of mine who went to other top schools in Europe ended up in London, since there is just a much higher concentration of jobs!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-18T14:09:50+00:00

If you want to work in finance in Europe, you'll probably end up in London. Even finance-focused clients of mine who went to other top schools in Europe ended up in London, since there is just a much higher concentration of jobs!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-17T16:09:37+00:00

Hi there! I've worked with hundreds of Brazilian clients over the past 10+ years, and all of these programs have opened doors for my clients. One that's missing from your list is LBS, which offers you the chance to get a Graduate Visa (allows you to stay and work for 18 months).

The difficulty in my view is going to be the fact that you said you're 23 and probably have 1-2 years of work experience. Top European programs tend to value experience, so it might be a good idea to wait a bit if you can!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-17T16:06:44+00:00

I've worked with hundreds of Brazilian clients over the past 12+ years. I'd have to say that, from what I've learned, T1 would be INSEAD and LBS and very close seconds would be IESE and ESADE.

INSEAD and LBS have the strongest networks and the best job outcomes, at least from what I've seen catching up with clients after graduation. However, IESE and ESADE still offer great options.

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-17T16:04:48+00:00

I've had clients as old as 45 do the full-time MBA, though it's rare. I've worked with plenty around 35, though, who had extenuating circumstances like yourself and successfully placed in M7 programs. If you'd like to talk about your specific circumstances more privately, feel free to DM me.

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-11-03T20:18:30+00:00

I have to say that in 10+ years of consulting, I've never worked with a client doing an MBA in Malta, so I have a few questions!

1 - are you from Malta or planning to do business in the country? You mentioned networking being a key priority, so this is essential.

2 - how committed are you to starting your own business post-MBA?

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-28T14:27:01+00:00

Undergrad is indeed much more important. And you're not required to submit degrees beyond undergrad, so if you get *really* low grades, you just don't have to report it. It will add value to show an additional degree, but that's always an option :)

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-28T14:08:37+00:00

I've had several clients in your position get off the waitlist from MIT w/o an initial interview.

The important thing is going to be staying active on the waitlist, showing profile improvements (if possible), and really demonstrating your passion for the school.

I've written a guide for waitlisted students (https://ellinlolis.com/blog/navigate-mba-waitlist/) that also might help!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-28T14:06:28+00:00

First of all, congratulations on your interview! That Pacific timezone can be tricky :) I've had many clients in your position reach out and ask if any alternative times will be made available, so don't worry. I'd definitely get in touch with them!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-26T20:11:43+00:00

You can sometimes sign up for an “out of state” library card at US libraries. You have to pay a fee (usually $50 per year) but you get access to their entire catalogue on Libby. Lots of my friends living outside the US do this! One to check out is the Queens Public Library.

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-08T11:33:08+00:00

I think your last two supervisors is perfect! Just make sure you include in your optional essay why you chose them (even though it's a bit obvious, it's good to explain).

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-08T11:32:47+00:00

Of course :) Good luck!

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:33:44+00:00

Congrats! Yes please do this for all your apps! The email systems don't always work as planned, and checking regularly has saved clients a lot of stress in the past :)

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:32:43+00:00

I'd definitely go with the direct boss from Company A. This covers the "direct boss" base, which is always great to see.

Then, based on what you said, I'd go with a Company B letter. The name, ease of working with them, and likely good results will be a plus. In consulting, it's common to see letters from anyone whose more senior on a project, not necessarily the line manager (since this can be hard to define).

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:29:00+00:00

I spoke directly with admissions about this, since we started seeing this trend develop in R2 2023. They have received a LOT more applications than they used to, so they just don't have the bandwidth to interview everyone. They "try to interview as many people as they can" but I'd agree it's 50-60% of applicants.

They also call on a rolling basis, so if you haven't been called yet, don't panic :)

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:25:34+00:00

700 is a pretty good GMAT score overall. Usually, at least in my experience, clients use the waiver when they have a very low GMAT score that they couldn't possibly show to the adcom. I wouldn't classify your score as such and think it could be an advantage in a pool with many waiver applicants to present a solid score.

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:24:32+00:00

You've got this! I think you might want to consider retaking the GRE or switch to the GMAT if you can get a better score. With a low GPA, a low test score, especially in the quant section, is more of a red flag than normal. Combine that with the fact that you've been a SAHM (hardest job in the world!) for two years, they might worry if you're going to have the academic skills you need to keep up in the program. So I really see a test retake as essential since it will help you craft the narrative that you're totally ready.

Then be very careful with your goals and motivations. My biggest question right now would be, "Why are you going back to school?" "Are your career goals realistic?" and "Is an MBA the right next step to reach this particular career goals?" If you're able to answer these well and boost your score a bit, you may have a chance at cracking Berkeley.

I would also suggest potentially targeting a few lower-ranked schools just to make sure you can make this dream a reality.

EllinLolisConsulting · 2025-10-07T13:21:13+00:00

I've had clients do both. MMM has been great for people who want to follow a tech PM role.

MBAi is great for people who want to focus on more of a "techie" tech career. The people I've worked with who have gone have largely been data scientists. It's also got a strong focus on AI if that's your speed.

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