Client Experience
Each case requires a different strategy
High-ranking female pilot in RAAF seeking to get into higher-ranked EMBA program
GMAT: N/A
Undergrad: Australian Defence Force Academy
Major: Chemistry and Geography
Honours: completed flying mission to bring home a Special Air Service (SAS) soldier killed in action
Demographics: Australian female
Story
When we met, this client had already been admitted to a reputable business school in Dubai. It was a wonderful accomplishment, but it also made her wonder if she could get into a more prestigious program. Like many successful professional women, she struggled with “imposter syndrome.” Although her resume was incredibly impressive, it didn’t match how she felt on the inside and she was worried that she couldn’t get accepted into a highly-competitive program.
Strategy
We worked together to develop an interview strategy that would convey she had the “right stuff” to get into one of the most selective executive MBA programs in the world. Over several mock interview sessions, we calibrated how to come across as confident without crossing that fine line into cocky.
Result
Admitted to London Business School
When a photo of your dog doesn’t even get you off the waitlist at Duke
GPA: 3.5
GMAT: 680
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Major: Accountancy
Interests: equity investments, golf
Demographics: American male
Story
The former senior strategy and operations consultant, who was working at an early-stage venture capital firm focused on the Internet of Things, was stuck. He wanted Fuqua’s full-time MBA program to invest in him! However, a pesky acceptance rate of 22 percent, made it hard to get off the waiting list. (There are only so many new things you can say at each of the check-in points during the extended admissions cycle. And even a photo of his adorable dog on campus didn’t win-over the gatekeepers at this elite business school.)
Strategy
Since it’s so important to show sincere passion throughout the process, especially while you’re on the waitlist, we wanted to go a step beyond the usual pitch (e.g. new projects at work) at these check-in points. Moreover, we wanted to show why this applicant was a perfect fit for Fuqua. So, we brought both side closer together by making a strong argument in the context of the program’s essay prompt.
Result
Admitted to Duke Fuqua
Indian engineer applying at the height of H-1B visa concerns
GPA: 8.38/10
GMAT: 710
Undergrad: BITS PILANI
Major: Mechanical Engineering, Dubai, UAE
Interests: e-sports gamer, tennis player
Demographics: Indian male
Story
It’s not uncommon to read articles in the American press that companies are reluctant to hire non-US citizens because of potential visa problems. This creates a domino effect in the business school sector as applications from abroad are scrutinized even more cautiously for employability. The last thing that a careers office wants is to encounter placement challenges for a full-time MBA candidate - and everyone involved. That means it’s all the more difficult for the ubiquitous Indian engineer (who already has to stand out in an overrepresented section of the applicant pool) to get accepted.
Strategy
Our goal was to change the perception of the applicant from “Name, the engineer from India” to “Name, the exceptional professional that you WANT to interview!” The key was to convey this applicant’s individuality on each component of the application materials, starting with the resume and then incorporating rich storytelling in the essays. It was also imperative to show a deep appreciation for - and fit with - the school values.
Result
Interviewed at NYU Stern, Cornell Tech and Georgetown McDonough, where he is a current first-year student.
Belgium expat in London who doesn’t like to boast
GMAT: 720
Undergrad: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Major: Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literature: Germanic Languages
Interests: sustainability and multiculturalism
Demographics: Belgium male
Story
A business school’s admissions office, above all, is looking for the answer to the question: why you? For some, that’s easy. For many, it’s exceeding difficult. Perhaps your culture discourages promoting yourself, or maybe that just isn’t in your DNA. You can answer the ‘what’ in your application materials but are having trouble articulating the ‘why.’ This was the case for a training coordinator in the car sharing space. He also needed to convey the value of his experience - as well as his leadership potential- since his job title didn’t do justice to both. More importantly, his most important job was being a devoted dad to a two-year-old-daughter, so he wanted to find a school and location that supported a family/school balance.
Strategy
Over an extensive engagement, we explored his life experiences to identify key inflection points that resulted in personal and professional growth. Those became the foundation to help the admissions team appreciate his achievements as well as his authenticity. The applicant was encouraged to support his statements with concise examples that added substance to his argument for admission. This was further developed in the interview process as well.
Result
Admitted to HKUST