Comments on: How Not to Get Into Harvard Business School http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:48:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: steve http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2787 steve Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:05:45 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2787 Bloody looser!! Get some poison, mix in water, drink it and try to come back again as a human and then again try for HBS. These institutions are actually responsibile for the mess which is going on in the World. Under the name of medicines to Africa for malaria, This HBS has actually helped create world a worse place to live. -Where bastards are prepared? AT HBS. -Where selfish, ignorant, irresponsible so called "result driven", "Goal oriented" Lloyd Blankfien are made? AT HBS. Bloody looser!! Get some poison, mix in water, drink it and try to come back again as a human and then again try for HBS. These institutions are actually responsibile for the mess which is going on in the World. Under the name of medicines to Africa for malaria, This HBS has actually helped create world a worse place to live.

-Where bastards are prepared?
AT HBS.
-Where selfish, ignorant, irresponsible so called “result driven”, “Goal oriented” Lloyd Blankfien are made?
AT HBS.

]]> By: JoseR http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2673 JoseR Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:09:27 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2673 My connection with HBS is not important, I just want to give a message to fellow readers. If you notice some of the other posts, they are from young hopefuls posting current gpa's, work stats, etc. These kids might actually think they have a legitimate shot at getting into a top ten MBA program. They will try to get the right job, try to get the right GMAT score, try to get the right anything to make them right for HBS. After spending so many years positioning themselves and getting what they thought was the "right" everything, they don't get accepted. Then depression insues and that dream they had of being a doctor that vanished when they read this blog, becomes another unnecessary pain. I just wanted to add a disclaimer to this site, that's all. Most common acceptance criteria: 1. Top 30 undergrad with 3.5 GPA 2. IB/PE/VC or Management Consulting job with Big 4 or Bulge Bracket 3. if minority or female 700 GMAT, if other 750 4. "It" factor, that's why they interviews, nerds neet not apply If you do not meet all of these requirements getting into HBS might be harder than you think, proceed with caution. Now people can understand that if they meet some but not all of these requirements, rejection from a top ten MBA is okay and it doesn't hurt to try. But they will be happy getting into a top 50 program because they understand their application fits there. Did I mention legacy and string pulling? Maybe for another day. My connection with HBS is not important, I just want to give a message to fellow readers.

If you notice some of the other posts, they are from young hopefuls posting current gpa’s, work stats, etc. These kids might actually think they have a legitimate shot at getting into a top ten MBA program.

They will try to get the right job, try to get the right GMAT score, try to get the right anything to make them right for HBS. After spending so many years positioning themselves and getting what they thought was the “right” everything, they don’t get accepted. Then depression insues and that dream they had of being a doctor that vanished when they read this blog, becomes another unnecessary pain.

I just wanted to add a disclaimer to this site, that’s all.

Most common acceptance criteria:

1. Top 30 undergrad with 3.5 GPA
2. IB/PE/VC or Management Consulting job with Big 4 or Bulge Bracket
3. if minority or female 700 GMAT, if other 750
4. “It” factor, that’s why they interviews, nerds neet not apply

If you do not meet all of these requirements getting into HBS might be harder than you think, proceed with caution.

Now people can understand that if they meet some but not all of these requirements, rejection from a top ten MBA is okay and it doesn’t hurt to try. But they will be happy getting into a top 50 program because they understand their application fits there.

Did I mention legacy and string pulling? Maybe for another day.

]]> By: Joshua Steimle http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2666 Joshua Steimle Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:29:41 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2666 Out of curiosity JoseR, what are your qualifications for making these statements? Not that they don't sound credible, I'm just wondering if you're a graduate of HBS, work in admissions at HBS, are an admissions consultant, or just someone repeating what they heard someone else say. I agree the age issue is a big one, although I've heard from recent HBS students that there are people well into their 30s and some in their 40s in the MBA program, so apparently it's not out of the question to get in when you're "old" even if it's the exception rather than the rule. And yes, my 710 GMAT is nothing to be excited about, although since I got that with minimal studying from a GMAT prep book I think by putting a bit of real work into preparation it wouldn't be too hard to get that above a 760. I think for me the greatest challenge is going to be my background/experience. I'm in a much better place now than I was when I applied the first time a few years ago, but I'm still not where I need to be to even think about having a shot at getting in. Out of curiosity JoseR, what are your qualifications for making these statements? Not that they don’t sound credible, I’m just wondering if you’re a graduate of HBS, work in admissions at HBS, are an admissions consultant, or just someone repeating what they heard someone else say.

I agree the age issue is a big one, although I’ve heard from recent HBS students that there are people well into their 30s and some in their 40s in the MBA program, so apparently it’s not out of the question to get in when you’re “old” even if it’s the exception rather than the rule.

And yes, my 710 GMAT is nothing to be excited about, although since I got that with minimal studying from a GMAT prep book I think by putting a bit of real work into preparation it wouldn’t be too hard to get that above a 760.

I think for me the greatest challenge is going to be my background/experience. I’m in a much better place now than I was when I applied the first time a few years ago, but I’m still not where I need to be to even think about having a shot at getting in.

]]> By: JoseR http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2665 JoseR Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:03:55 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2665 Okay Josh, let me explain. The typical accepted applicant at HBS is from a top undergrad (mostly Ivy or just out of, like a georgetown, hopkins, wash u, or berkley) and has worked at a blue chip management consulting firm, investment banking/VC/PE firm, or military with time overseas (coming out of the naval academy or west point). These people don't have to go to HBS. If they get in, it's icing on the cake but they have plenty of other options in life because given their upbringings, they have an established network and will do well for themselves HBS or not. Then there are people who NEED to get into HBS to expand their network, gain a respectable university on their resume, and land a great job with a stellar firm. These people won't get in, the people who don't absolutely need to go to HBS but it would be nice and come from previously described background, will. Sorry buddy, there is still hope for you but not after 30 and only if you can up your GMAT to a 760. Oh yeah, sell your company and start angel investing out of boredom, that should boost the resume too. Okay Josh, let me explain.

The typical accepted applicant at HBS is from a top undergrad (mostly Ivy or just out of, like a georgetown, hopkins, wash u, or berkley) and has worked at a blue chip management consulting firm, investment banking/VC/PE firm, or military with time overseas (coming out of the naval academy or west point).

These people don’t have to go to HBS. If they get in, it’s icing on the cake but they have plenty of other options in life because given their upbringings, they have an established network and will do well for themselves HBS or not.

Then there are people who NEED to get into HBS to expand their network, gain a respectable university on their resume, and land a great job with a stellar firm. These people won’t get in, the people who don’t absolutely need to go to HBS but it would be nice and come from previously described background, will.

Sorry buddy, there is still hope for you but not after 30 and only if you can up your GMAT to a 760. Oh yeah, sell your company and start angel investing out of boredom, that should boost the resume too.

]]> By: Joshua Steimle http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2663 Joshua Steimle Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:05:02 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2663 Let's see...so you're saying that nobody who is qualified for HBS should go there. Am I understanding you correctly? And who says the only reason to go to Harvard is to get filthy rich? I wouldn't mind being filthy rich, I suppose, but that's not my primary reason for wanting to go there. If that were my only reason, then I would have given up on the idea a long time ago because I agree with you that a person doesn't need to go to HBS to become filthy rich. Let’s see…so you’re saying that nobody who is qualified for HBS should go there. Am I understanding you correctly?

And who says the only reason to go to Harvard is to get filthy rich? I wouldn’t mind being filthy rich, I suppose, but that’s not my primary reason for wanting to go there. If that were my only reason, then I would have given up on the idea a long time ago because I agree with you that a person doesn’t need to go to HBS to become filthy rich.

]]> By: JoseR http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2662 JoseR Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:25:05 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2662 Josh, I have a question, then listen carefully to my advice. How much money have you made from your business and are you ready to sell your business? If your business is sellable and/or you've already made a pile of cash, start reading Michael Porter books, investigate search funds, and attend a cheap MBA program that will give you the basics of corporate finance and financial accounting. If you can't figure out how to successfully leverage your wealth through exotic equity investments after that, then you aren't Harvard material anyway. The only reason to go to Harvard is to get filthy rich and if you've already got a few million in the bank, you can be filthy rich without dropping 200K on an education. Josh,

I have a question, then listen carefully to my advice. How much money have you made from your business and are you ready to sell your business?

If your business is sellable and/or you’ve already made a pile of cash, start reading Michael Porter books, investigate search funds, and attend a cheap MBA program that will give you the basics of corporate finance and financial accounting.

If you can’t figure out how to successfully leverage your wealth through exotic equity investments after that, then you aren’t Harvard material anyway.

The only reason to go to Harvard is to get filthy rich and if you’ve already got a few million in the bank, you can be filthy rich without dropping 200K on an education.

]]> By: H UK http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2657 H UK Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:15:38 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2657 Hi guys, I am another aspirant for a (Harvard) MBA! I have read the blog and the posts above. Credentials: Again my academics are not so great, I achieved a GPA of 3.2 in Mechanical Engineering at a UK university. Albeit I have a distinction in PG Diploma and Masters certificate from reputable universities. I have various other professional certifications, about 18 months experience as a Project Engineer in a small firm with a decent level of responsibilities not possible with a larger firm. I aim to progress well within industry and hopefully attain Chartered Professional status prior to MBA application. I was recently elected Chairman for the young members panel with a professional association, and have been awarded Young Engineer of the Year. Referees: I have currently planned to have my MSc project supervisor (distinguished/world authority) who thinks highly of me, a professional mentor, a certified Project Manager/Mechanical Engineer. I aim to apply in about 3 or 4 years time, so I am in the planning stages now. I have not done the GMAT yet, although I think I would do well in this with preparation. Without sounding desperate, I would just like to have some feedback on chances with Harvard. I can draw up a plan to cover all the different requirements. My only big concern is the fact that they would look at my low GPA unfavourably despite academic success post graduation? Although the website states avg GPA for MBA entrants is 3.63 meaning there would have been successful applicants with GPA similar to mine. I would be grateful if anyone would care to comment on this. H UK Hi guys,
I am another aspirant for a (Harvard) MBA! I have read the blog and the posts above.
Credentials:
Again my academics are not so great, I achieved a GPA of 3.2 in Mechanical Engineering at a UK university. Albeit I have a distinction in PG Diploma and Masters certificate from reputable universities. I have various other professional certifications, about 18 months experience as a Project Engineer in a small firm with a decent level of responsibilities not possible with a larger firm. I aim to progress well within industry and hopefully attain Chartered Professional status prior to MBA application. I was recently elected Chairman for the young members panel with a professional association, and have been awarded Young Engineer of the Year.
Referees: I have currently planned to have my MSc project supervisor (distinguished/world authority) who thinks highly of me, a professional mentor, a certified Project Manager/Mechanical Engineer.
I aim to apply in about 3 or 4 years time, so I am in the planning stages now. I have not done the GMAT yet, although I think I would do well in this with preparation. Without sounding desperate, I would just like to have some feedback on chances with Harvard. I can draw up a plan to cover all the different requirements.
My only big concern is the fact that they would look at my low GPA unfavourably despite academic success post graduation? Although the website states avg GPA for MBA entrants is 3.63 meaning there would have been successful applicants with GPA similar to mine.
I would be grateful if anyone would care to comment on this.
H UK

]]> By: Oscar Danilo http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2650 Oscar Danilo Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:21:32 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2650 This is my case: -GPA: 4.0 (95 out of 100, in the top 5 students of my whole class(among other majors), and the #1 inside my major) -Major degree received: Marketing & International Business -College: Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana -Country of origin: Honduras, Central America. -Leadership skills: I lead ALL my group-made class projects (leading groups of 4 to 15 people) in every single class and it was the one with ALWAYS the best score. I was elected by my classmates or postulated myself as volunteer to lead (ALWAYS). University representative in Latin American Model UN XXII at Cholula, Mexico at the Crisis committee (I played the Air Force Commander role, and we won a war against Egypt) Member of Class committee during high school and choreographic team member (national champions 2002, 2003). -Work experience: Retail for 5 months in Orlando Florida as intern, specifically at World of Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, I got the highest grade among all the other interns, according to my managers feedback (I was "moving ahead"). GMAR & TOEFL- Not yet taken Age: 21 What are my chances? This is my case:

-GPA: 4.0 (95 out of 100, in the top 5 students of my whole class(among other majors), and the #1 inside my major)
-Major degree received: Marketing & International Business
-College: Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana
-Country of origin: Honduras, Central America.
-Leadership skills: I lead ALL my group-made class projects (leading groups of 4 to 15 people) in every single class and it was the one with ALWAYS the best score. I was elected by my classmates or postulated myself as volunteer to lead (ALWAYS). University representative in Latin American Model UN XXII at Cholula, Mexico at the Crisis committee (I played the Air Force Commander role, and we won a war against Egypt)
Member of Class committee during high school and choreographic team member (national champions 2002, 2003).
-Work experience: Retail for 5 months in Orlando Florida as intern, specifically at World of Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, I got the highest grade among all the other interns, according to my managers feedback (I was “moving ahead”).
GMAR & TOEFL- Not yet taken
Age: 21

What are my chances?

]]> By: Jan http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2523 Jan Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:15:57 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2523 Thanks for this - do you know if HBS actually reference checks your extracurricular activities? Also, in the awards section if you simply listed something as a " merit based award", is that providing sufficient detail or should I have been more thorough in my application? Thanks for this – do you know if HBS actually reference checks your extracurricular activities? Also, in the awards section if you simply listed something as a ” merit based award”, is that providing sufficient detail or should I have been more thorough in my application?

]]> By: Al http://www.donloper.com/harvard-business-school/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school.html/comment-page-1#comment-2520 Al Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:05:40 +0000 http://72.47.194.140/uncategorized/how-not-to-get-into-harvard-business-school#comment-2520 Hello everyone, I had a important question regarding the recent acceptance of the gre and gmat for b-school. While I don't plan on applying for a few years, I scored reasonably well on the GRE, 770 quant 680 verbal, and I didn't study for the verbal so that could go up a bit. The testing service says that this score converts to a 720 gmat. Now I was wondering if that would be considered good enough for a prestigious MBA, not only harvard but chicago, mit, stanford, etc. I know this is only one component of the application, but I would want to study and take the gmat now before I get entrenched in a investment banking job with its insane hours. Just for background I am a master student in statistics, and work running a business concurrently. Has anyone used the GRE successfully for admission, I don't want to disadvantage myself in the future by using the wrong test. Hello everyone,
I had a important question regarding the recent acceptance of the gre and gmat for b-school. While I don’t plan on applying for a few years, I scored reasonably well on the GRE, 770 quant 680 verbal, and I didn’t study for the verbal so that could go up a bit. The testing service says that this score converts to a 720 gmat. Now I was wondering if that would be considered good enough for a prestigious MBA, not only harvard but chicago, mit, stanford, etc. I know this is only one component of the application, but I would want to study and take the gmat now before I get entrenched in a investment banking job with its insane hours. Just for background I am a master student in statistics, and work running a business concurrently. Has anyone used the GRE successfully for admission, I don’t want to disadvantage myself in the future by using the wrong test.

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