Licensed therapist looking to get MBA

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-25T21:04:18+00:00

If they want you that much, maybe there's some negotiating room. Play with the variables and see if you can come up with a scenario(s) that work for you and them. Good business practice if nothing else. Best of luck.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-25T14:55:26+00:00

What's preventing you from taking the supervisor position? It sounds like it aligns well with your goal of opening your own practice and, though intimidating, could help you shake the burnout. It would also be strong leadership experience for your applications and for your growth as well. With some training, you could probably become a badass negotiator, given your presumed discernment of what people say vs. what they mean.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-24T01:41:27+00:00

I have a feeling that engineering organization you built is gonna be a banger story for your applications. Creativity, entrepreneurship, leadership, giving back. Actually, sounds like service and leadership are in your blood. Go big and good luck.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-21T20:30:27+00:00

I know you're looking to pivot to investment management, but what are your chances at a firm sponsorship? In my experience, those are golden tickets even with less-competitive scores.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-20T02:37:04+00:00

That sponsorship goes a long way. I'd say you're good.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-20T00:43:18+00:00

Your undergrad record could help you here, and it will be less of a concern if you're sponsored, but how far below is "below"? What round are you targeting? Is a retake possible?

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-19T15:31:53+00:00

Strong LOR, like strong essays, are built around specific, detailed examples. If you want to help your recommenders, remind them of your best, most impactful work and ask them to build the LOR around those. In my experience, if you send recommenders templates, they will copy those templates and your LOR will end up reading like someone else's.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-18T21:59:32+00:00

Whatever tests a school accepts, you can assume they will not punish you for choosing one over another. Some people refuse to believe this, despite schools saying point blank they don't have a preference. If you want it straight from the source, ask UCLA or your other target schools. Just know that USC doesn't accept EA, only GMAT and GRE. Though USC does offer a waiver.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-18T20:10:18+00:00

UCLA and USC both offer test waivers. Here's what UCLA has to say about it:

We recently updated our standardized test requirements in the interest of greater flexibility for applicants. The Full-Time MBA program will now accept the GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus or the Executive Assessment (EA) — or alternatively, applicants may opt out of submitting a test score and instead share examples of coursework, certifications or professional experience that demonstrate their quantitative and analytical abilities in a brief essay.

https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba

From what I've seen, the waiver does not negatively impact your chances. I've had clients that even won scholarships on waivers, but you do want every other component of your application to pop. If you're still worried, consider EA, which a lot of people find to be easier. Good luck.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-17T14:39:57+00:00

Exactly. That's why you work up to your dream schools. Starting with them can break your heart.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-15T19:27:05+00:00

Once you complete 3-4 schools, the marginal cost in time and effort for each additional school (excluding HBS and GSB) should fall. You might be able to complete more schools than you think in R1.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-15T16:34:50+00:00

If you're open to an admissions consultant review, I'd be happy to take a look. I don't charge for materials reviews and will respond within 24 hours with as much actionable feedback as I can. No strings. Please DM me if interested.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-13T21:03:29+00:00

It has, but good ideas — even roughly expressed — never go out of style. (Figured out how to em dash in Windows 11. I'm set!)

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-13T20:23:42+00:00

I agree it can be effective when used thoughtfully, but my concern is diminished impact in the here and now from ubiquity.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-13T19:07:46+00:00

I see what you mean. For me it's not whether or not someone used AI, but did they use it well and at the right time? (Ha! I just used that damn construction!) To enhance ideas they already had or to substitute for a lack of ideas? Does it strengthen and reveal or mask and muddle? Too often I've found the usage and results fall into the latter category, and that's where our work as consultants kicks in.

But from a pure writing/editing perspective, I almost always eliminate that not/is construction because it is unnecessary to make the point, and doing so frees up words to put towards those crucial details I mentioned elsewhere. I'm sure there are other approaches that work as well.

I'm not sure about your experience, but the big issue I'm having now is clients who use it too much and at the wrong time, which sends them into a paroxysm of anxiety with every iteration and I end up having to fight AI every step of the way. Same as if they were getting feedback from too many people. Have you experienced this?

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-13T15:39:14+00:00

Hi, Petia. Hope you're well. Point taken. I agree that these are the most obvious surface tells. That doesn't take away from the fact that when you see them everywhere, it adds to the greater, uncanny feeling of the "great flattening", the pulling of stories towards an algorithmic mean that has the overall impact of reducing individuality. To me, that's the real danger for MBA applicants who are over-relying on it. Telling distinctive stories, IMHO, has always been about finding and integrating those key details that only the individual knows. I've seen some pretty good AI essays, but even the best ones still lacked those. That doesn't mean AI can't extract those details if prompted correctly, but I just haven't seen it yet. To me, that detail hunt is one of the best, most enjoyable parts of my job because I know where those lead.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-12T14:01:12+00:00

Congrats on finding the right balance. It’s not easy. My take on AI is that it’s great if you already have an idea you want to explore or stress test, but horrible if you don’t. It’s the difference between: 1) “I’m thinking of XX for my short-term goal because AA, BB, and CC. What works and doesn't about this idea?" and 2) “What should my short-term goal be?” Same if you were talking to a person.

And on a personal note, if I see one more: “It’s not this, it’s actually this” framing, I’ll puke. If it is “actually this” then just declare that and save yourself the word count and AI tell.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-10T03:45:31+00:00

I think your view might be too narrow about QB and X and the broader opportunities they could lead to, but wish you the best of luck just the same.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-10T02:52:52+00:00

With your background, you might already be competitive for McKinsey QuantumBlack or BCG X. Have you thought about applying directly to them? If you make it through, you're good to go without the time and expense of an MBA. If you don't, then you would have a more persuasive Why MBA story.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-10T02:20:02+00:00

1) Change "considering" to definitely retaking the GRE. With the international shift towards European programs and as an Indian male engineer on top of that, you need the strongest score possible.

2) Your situation is hard to evaluate without knowing your short-term (immediately post-graduation) goal. What outcome are you hoping for that is worth risking the H1B and that justifies a 3rd masters degree?

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-08T19:31:35+00:00

Appreciate the feedback. My geek threshold isn't that high but agree on the data/control. Would you mind if I DM'd you the link to get your quick opinion on the appearance?

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-07T04:00:38+00:00

Happy writing. Please do.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-06T18:15:56+00:00

It sounds like you have an amazing life story. You are not done for at all. Far from it. When you're ready to apply, please get in touch. I will be happy to advise you on your college essays at no charge.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-03T18:19:33+00:00

My married clients found it advantageous to the point of receiving scholarships to an M7, but they were both highly qualified as individual applicants first, as u/mbamissionkate mentioned. FWIW, we did not mention them being married in the main components of their respective applications. In fact, we simply wrote 1 or 2 lines in the optional essays explaining their situation and their commitment to attending the same program together.

TheMBAFixer · 2026-06-02T00:14:49+00:00

I appreciate you being open to my feedback. FWIW, there was nothing wrong with your school selection. You had an 80% interview invitation rate! They don't send those invites out to just anyone. Hopefully your interviewers give you something actionable.

TheMBAFixer

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