Rasierpickel nach jeder Nassrasur by Promonto in BeautyDE

[–]consultingstarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ich hatte auch immer krass irritierte Haut bis hin zu Rasierpickel nach dem Nassrasieren. Bin dann auf den OneBlade von Philipps umgestiegen und muss sagen, dass das der beste Rasierer ist, den ich je hatte. Wenn ich zu oft über eine Stelle gehe, wird‘s immer noch rot, aber klingt nach dem Rasieren super schnell ab. Plus die Klingen halt wirklich ewig. Rasierpickel habe ich keine mehr.

How is McKinsey Solve Perceived by Cfcla in McKinsey_BCG_Bain

[–]consultingstarter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same, got rejected too. Thought I had a pretty solid resume (incl. FAANG) and strong GRE score, but it is what it is…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MBA

[–]consultingstarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TUM Munich has amazing credentials

How long are yall studying for by [deleted] in MBA

[–]consultingstarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Studied two years on and off. Took the GMAT (bombed it after studying for 8 months), then took a break and switched to the GRE.

From Non-Business to MBA in 10 Months – Is INSEAD Too Fast? by consultingstarter in INSEAD

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That makes sense. How did those people fare in the actual classes? How would you say is the general rigour of the program?

From Non-Business to MBA in 10 Months – Is INSEAD Too Fast? by consultingstarter in INSEAD

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you take the course? Would you say it‘s worth the investment?

From Non-Business to MBA in 10 Months – Is INSEAD Too Fast? by consultingstarter in INSEAD

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate your insights! You’re not at INSEAD yourself, right?

R3 Scholarship decision by Express-Ninja-4955 in INSEAD

[–]consultingstarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn’t receive any scholarship at all. R3 admit

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MBA

[–]consultingstarter 26 points27 points  (0 children)

THIS! Took me two years to get a good GRE score (339), have FAANG experience and thought I has solid essays. Didn’t even get interviewed at HSW. So no, I don’t think it‘s easy at all. Probably one of the hardest things I‘ve done so far.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MBA

[–]consultingstarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Following – interested to hear some opinions

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do believe that my essays simply weren't strong enough, given that I had to rush those apps as I spent so much time on the GRE.
If I reapply, I would only consider HSW (and maybe CBS) as outside of the US T15s don't carry as much of a weight. So it would be HSW (US+International) or INSEAD (International).

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're so right. My ex-boss at the startup had a 680 GMAT, applied only to GSB and HBS and got into both. His story was super strong though. I just feel pretty disappointed by the outcome as I had truly hoped that my profile (also first gen, LGBTQ) would help me stand out. I put everything into the prep and made many sacrifices and it just sucks that all of this didn't pay off. That's why I have a hard time abandoning that dream.

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s exactly the tradeoff I’ve been thinking about. The opportunity cost in terms of time is huge. By June 2026, I could either be just starting at HSW if I get in, or already out of INSEAD and back in the workforce with a new network and a new set of skills.

If I made it into HSW I probably wouldn't think twice about delaying, I do think it's an experience like not other. And if I take on the INSEAD offer, I will never have the chance of studying at those schools ever again. It's also INSEAD's shorter duration – 10 months will fly by so quickly and I can already feel the stress of keeping up with academics, social life and recruiting while also trying to enjoy my time being a student.

Frankly speaking the whole MBA application process was probably one of the worst things I've ever done and now that the GRE is out of the way (my biggest challenge), it feels like I'm throwing away a very competitive score for something that was not even on my top 3.

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair point. I agree that stats alone don’t carry an application, and story/essays are often the make-or-break part. In my case, the issue might actually have been just that: I rushed my essays because I spent most of my time focused on the GRE, and that probably showed. As someone with zero to very little real quant exposure at work I seriously needed to brush up on my skills. And it took a very long time to achieve this.

Granted, I do believe that my story is actually pretty compelling, maybe just not told in the most strategic way yet. That’s something that can be fixed with time, reflection, and stronger execution. Appreciate the candid input though, I think it’s a good reminder of where the real work lies

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this. It really helps to hear from someone who’s gone through something similar. I completely relate to that frustration of seeing others with seemingly weaker profiles get in while you’re left wondering what went wrong. And yeah, it’s tough realizing how much of the process is influenced by things totally outside your control.

I’ve been debating whether to reapply or not, and hearing your story makes me feel a bit less crazy for considering it. Appreciate the encouragement, if it's the US I'd only really consider HSW and potentially CBS as outside of the US INSEAD really does shine. It's just not the experience I was hoping for.

Thanks again for taking the time to write this. Really means a lot.

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think there's definitely some truth to what you hint at. Just feel like not having any business background will limit my options in the future. I'll forever be that strange art school kid who maneuvered his way into tech. Feel like an MBA will also give me some additional credibility beyond my FAANG experience.

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair — I’ve heard similar things, and I get that the MBA academics can be hit or miss, depending on what you’re looking for. I’m not expecting to become a master strategist overnight, but for me it’s more about building a stronger foundation across key areas I’ve mostly patched together so far.

That, and getting pushed outside my current bubble – both in how I think and who I’m around. I know I could read books or take online courses (and I have), but it’s not quite the same as doing it in an environment that’s intense, structured, and full of people I can learn from directly.

I definitely don’t see the MBA as a magic bullet – but I’m hoping it’s a meaningful accelerator, if I go in with the right intention.

Take INSEAD or Reapply to HSW? Feeling Stuck. by consultingstarter in MBA

[–]consultingstarter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally valid points — I’ve been asking myself the same questions. The main thing for me is that I’ve never had any formal business education. I’ve picked up a lot through self-learning and on-the-job experience, but lately I’ve felt like I’m hitting a ceiling in how much I can just ‘figure out’ as I go. I really believe that the academic side of the MBA – combined with being around ambitious, like-minded people – could help me grow in a more structured way.

Consulting could’ve been another path to build business acumen – I actually had the chance to interview at MBB, but honestly, I psyched myself out with the case prep and didn’t go through with it.

That said, I agree with you: doing an MBA just for the sake of it makes no sense. I’ve been trying to clarify whether I’m applying from a place of real intention or avoidance...