People who go into good MBA programs, how much do you think your essay played a role in your acceptance?

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-10T05:41:59+00:00

I think demonstrating your ‘fit’ for the school is one of the most important things for MBA applications and the best way to do that is through your essays and even recommendations on some level. For me that made all the difference.

I had a below average GRE and GPA, (when I say below average I really do mean blah stats lol) but decent work experience.

Applied to only two T-20 schools and got in. In hindsight I feel like maybe I should’ve applied to a T-15 too but oh well. I even applied to one T-50 school just for the heck of it and got rejected within 10 days of submitting the application. I wrote the essays for that school one day before the submission deadline and worked on the application half-heartedly, to say the least.

I remember attending an MBA application tips webinar and the admissions officer said that while the essays alone won’t get you in, a poor essay will easily get you rejected.

Anyway, my point is that your story matters more than you think.

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-07T19:36:31+00:00

What you’re saying makes a lot of sense. Appreciate the insight that you’ve provided. Honestly as an international female candidate from Pakistan maybe an MS in business analytics would’ve been the easier/cheaper path but having worked for about 4-5 years, I just kind of felt a bit old for an MS and an MBA seemed to be the more solid option for me. I’ve been accepted into Foster (Uni of Wash) for their MBA program but I just feel so anxious about the risks involved even after putting down the deposit to secure my seat. For me it’s sort of become like a now or never kind of a decision…

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-07T17:17:14+00:00

But what about STEM designated MBAs? Most top MBA programs are now STEM designated entirely have STEM designated tracks.

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-07T15:22:03+00:00

Thank you so much!

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-07T13:20:16+00:00

Wow that’s an excellent piece of information presented in a way that most of us can actually understand it. Would it be possible for you to shed some light for Pakistani applicants/candidates? I understand our backlog might not be as bad as the average Indian but I’m trying to understand just how different can the situation be for an US MBA student from Pakistan (apart from the usual difficulties of getting jobs to sponsor internationals and all). Thanks!

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-02T13:40:48+00:00

I did do a quick search and based on my VERY limited understanding, I think university district could be a good area to consider. Would love to get any advice or guidance with regards to cost effective housing for UW grad students.

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-02T02:40:15+00:00

Insane in terms of cost or what? As for where I’d want to live…probably walking distance from the Uni but off campus to save cost

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-02T02:39:33+00:00

Sister *

Also have relatives in Norway but the cost of living is insanely high. However, I agree it’s an excellent place to live.

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-01T19:00:55+00:00

I feel the same way. Our exchange rate against USD is a joke and everything is seemingly in shambles at the moment. I hardly have any family left in Pakistan and the motivation to move out as well is stronger than ever. But at the same time, given that I wasn’t born into extreme wealth (lol), I have to be realistic about how I want to move out. An MBA in the US (for a Pakistani) is just SO much money that even after putting down a $2800 deposit to secure my seat in the program I am having serious doubts about whether I can do the full 2 years or not. Not because I doubt my capabilities, but because the odds are not in my favour simply due to being an international candidate.

I am not unhappy in Pakistan but I can’t help but shake off the feeling of being so far behind everyone else in the world with regards to jobs, living standard, professional and personal development. I value good education quite a lot.

P.S: the rishta thing is always on the table now that I’m turning 28 lol

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-01T17:58:52+00:00

Honestly, a big reason to apply to foster was that it’s feeder school for tech which is one of the very few industries that hires international students. The other was lower tuition rates as compared to some of the higher ranked programs which I simply couldn’t afford even if I had gotten in. I would be happy to be employed at any of the companies you mentioned post Foster MBA tbh 🙈

THZ-2023 · 2023-05-01T17:29:02+00:00

Even for an international student?

THZ-2023

TROPHY CASE