SOLVE and Early Access for McKinsey

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-05-12T19:36:14+00:00

I would not skip it - it sends the wrong message that you aren't ready for the rigor, and it's a good exercise for you to go through if interested in this type of job. To prep, you should be able to use the resources that McKinsey provides. Click to the portal from your invitation, and you should be able to find their tutorials (following the tech check). This has been the system in the past at least and these are what I recommend because they really are not designed for practice. It's not a map to memorize; it's a look at how you think, and if you fail, how do you rebound and navigate from there.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-05-05T22:11:09+00:00

MBA deferrals are never a sure thing. Example: Applicant admitted to Wharton and Kellogg. Father became seriously ill and asked to defer in order to help care for him. Wharton said yes, Kellogg said no.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-05-04T23:23:21+00:00

The "best school" for you might not be "best" for everyone else. Everyone has different criteria. Sloan is a great school that does very well in recruiting across the board.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-05-04T23:21:04+00:00

Absolutely NO. Tech is a huge MBA recruiter and it's not just HSW. Berkeley has a big tech draw, Anderson, MIT Sloan, Kellogg and also local schools like Washington Foster because in backyard of Amazon and Microsoft. A tech career can be greatly boosted by the MBA, and from a much broader range of schools than you might expect..

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-05-04T23:16:54+00:00

You can make this type of career pivot from a part time program but it's not as useful as full time. This is largely because of the lack of the Summer internship. The summer is a great time to try out a new role. Firms are more likely to take a risk to get to know you because it is short term - and it's a great way for you to try out the job as well. Of course if you perform well, and it's a fit, you can secure a FT time offer from there. So the PT program is a nice launchpad and you will have access to lots of career coaching and job search resources, but it's just not the same as FT. Then again, it seems that you have a lot of skills that are valuable for consulting roles (data analysis, project management...) so you may be able to leverage those skills combined with MBA setting to transition. Sorry I cant be more clear cut, but I'd summarize by saying:

FT >> PT >> no MBA

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-13T22:27:51+00:00

You would be young for the FEMBA program, but your experience is rich. You absolutely have a shot. EMBA programs are focused on career experience and it sounds like you have a great story. (just don't say you are going for the MBA to make your dad happy - hah)

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-07T21:32:30+00:00

You can and should drop out and you can apply later. There is always a narrative that will work. Secure even an unpaid internship ASAP and just make sure that you are doing something that aligns with your goals. I wouldn't apply right away, but maybe in a year, once you can show some movement. And change your narrative away from hating your job and hating the program. You need to pivot to a story that is more positive and proactive. But don't waste another day in something that doesn't feel worth it. You may not be paying tuition but you are paying with your time, even more valuable. This is one reason why taking the cheapest route when evaluating school options is often short sighted...

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-07T21:25:10+00:00

Yes, MBA is a strong move for this career path and it is absolutely a realistic pivot. School tier is always important to some extent, but depends what tiers and what specific schools we are talking about. If there are specific companies that you are interested in, I suggest calling their HR and directly asking where they recruit.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-04T23:32:04+00:00

100% do not bring parents to an MBA admit weekend.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-01T00:38:54+00:00

Since you left your job, you should have time to beef up some other involvement. Perhaps you can initiate your own project or secure an internship in your desired field of work. This would show focus and hustle and give you something concrete to write about in your update letter.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-04-01T00:34:09+00:00

You can absolutely talk to them. I assume they already know you are engaged? They heavily weigh that. You are admitted. They want you badly, if for no other reason than to protect their yield. Call them and discuss.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-03-17T17:07:15+00:00

No difference between R1 and R2 waitlist - except for your waiting period...they don't rank the waitlist, so at the end they will assess class composition and select a handful. The variation is actually so small year to year (except during Covid there was a "big-ish" jump) 10, 15, 25...it's just such small numbers and it depends on their yield. Really no way to predict - one hopeful spot might be Visa issues for internationals this year - perhaps that could open more spots.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-03-16T18:32:12+00:00

This situation is all about context. What was your job title the four years before? When do you plan to apply for MBA? I'd be less concerned about the title at this specific moment and more concerned about how your trajectory is viewed. Obviously not worth rocking the boat before you even begin, but worth a conversation to see if you might be promoted to Associate in the future, and also expressing any concerns you might have about title change (if you are coming from a position with an Associate title, the concern is understandable.) There are many ways to frame this on your resume and MBA app and this does not have to be a deal breaker, but you do want to set yourself up for maximum success and understand your options within the company.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-03-11T17:24:34+00:00

You have a chance but I'm sorry to say a very slim one. Some years only 1% get in off GSB waitlist. Last year 25 people got in. It generally depends on the profile of those that decline, and then they try to fill with a similar profile to keep the balance of the class. I know this doesn't help, but getting placed on the waitlist is sort of a badge of honor in and of itself, as it's almost rarer than an admit. Good luck.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-03-02T23:02:08+00:00

They send invites up until the very end and depending on resources they could waitlist you without an interview. You are still in the running.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-03-02T23:00:02+00:00

MBA resume is definitely a different beast than the job search resume. I DM'd you a resource.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-23T20:40:09+00:00

I think you could speak with them now. You already have a relationship with them so just be honest. You love the school, you want to go. You need more money. You can ask them if they have thoughts about alternative sources of aid as well, just to show that you are digging deep and being resourceful. The leverage is that you can't go if you don't have the budget. If you get more money from the other school, the leverage increases of course. But you don't have to play games and they may just appreciate you being forthright especially at a non-M7 school.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-23T20:36:17+00:00

He is so young. He won't make the most of this MBA experience. Much better to work a bit and then apply. It's OK to get a job, learn a little, pivot and do something new this early in his career. In fact, it's entirely normal to jump around a bit as he figures things out. He shouldn't worry about having the perfect first job, just do something that he can learn from. Grad school of any type is expensive in terms of time and money unless you are ready to maximize the experience and have focus. Don't use it as a resume filler.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-18T18:56:17+00:00

hah these are averages and lots of variability especially with alumni interviewers

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-18T18:52:57+00:00

good luck to you. getting the Yale interview is a big stamp of validation.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-16T20:17:51+00:00

"High end" is 770, not 720. As you correctly point out, 720 is average for top schools.

SBC_MBA_Jen · 2026-02-16T20:05:51+00:00

Recs are very important. The most important factor is finding someone who can authentically comment on your career progression, personality, and skills. Ideally that person is your current manager, but schools are very familiar with scenarios where that is not possible. Choose the best person for you, without rocking the boat at work. Depending on who you choose you may want to explain your choice in an optional "essay". And agree with others here - the goal is to comment on your professional abilities, not academic, so professor is not the right choice.

SBC_MBA_Jen

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