HBS Odds - The Truth NEEDED!

[PFWinkler]

What an awesome feature to have! Anyway, thank you in advance. Planning on applying to HBS round 1 NEXT year and some mbaAdmissions feedback would be most welcome! Current I am 26 (will be applying when I am 27) with 4yrs of Investment Banking experience at one of the top firms on Wall Street. Top GPA (3.8) at a small private college, and GMAT of 710. More importantly though,
I also lead the single largest men’s ministry group at a MAXIMUM security jail here in New York. Truth a life changing experience. HBS is the only school I plan on applying too. What are my odds?

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for your post. While there really isn't a way to provide exact "odds" per se, so far it sounds like you have a strong profile.

B-school admissions is holistic in nature... instead of say a formula where they plug in xyz GMAT and grades etc and get a yes or no outcome (actually in some ways law school admission is closer to that btw)... the admissions committee look at all aspects--generally in 3 areas:

1) Academic ability-- can you handle the academic rigor of the program. Evidenced through your GMAT and prior academic work primarily.

2) Professional experience-- what industry and role/s have you worked in; what experiences have you had in leadership, teamwork, influencing others, contributing to results, making an impact. How does this past experience lead to your future career goals, and why is the MBA needed along the way? Evidenced through your resume, essays, and recommendations primarily; and eventually interview as well.

3) Personal factors-- what about YOU is unique? What traits and experiences will you bring to the class and classroom? Evidenced through your essays, your past activities/involvement, interests, and potentially recommendations and interview.

Given that you have a solid GMAT and GPA, you've got area #1 covered. It sounds like you'll have some good experience to draw from re: work experience, as long as you can put together compelling essays. So if you are able to get across strengths in all of these areas, including personal factors and what about you is unique... you could have a shot at HBS. I still would say it'd be challenging simply because there are SO many qualified applicants who apply each year/round!! So there is an element of subjectivity in terms of getting the committee to really be 'wow-ed' by YOU and your application above others.

Hope that helps, good luck to you!