Client Case Studies
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” MBA candidate, but there are strategic ways to optimize your candidacy. Check out these client case studies, describing the challenges, experiences, and success of actual b-school applicants who in recent years have engaged the admissions consulting services of The MBA Exchange. These descriptions confirm that — while most applicants have vulnerabilities — through well-planned strategies and diligently executed tactics, admission is achievable at schools that they thought were beyond their reach.
Client Case Study #1: Low GPA, No Quant Coursework
“Wayne” graduated from a second-tier university with a low GPA in a qualitative major. Since the resume/CV didn’t confirm his capacity to excel in a competitive, rigorous academic setting, we devised a three-part strategy to enable this client to compensate for his low GPA by demonstrating his ability to handle academic rigor through other avenues.
Client Case Study #2: Low GMAT Score, Qualitative Background
Two GMATs and two scores of 630 – plus a quant score that is significantly weaker than “Elizabeth’s” verbal score. Given that this client’s undergraduate major and work experience were not quantitatively rigorous, it was a major concern. So, we created a strategy to enable her to compensate for her low GMAT score and land three admits to top b-schools.
Client Case Study #3: Undifferentiated/Technical Work History
Although “Sunil” could handle the quantitative and analytical rigor required by MBA programs, his professional experience was undifferentiated and highly technical. Our approach enabled him to diversify his candidacy, gain admission to three schools and land a five-figure merit-based scholarship!
Client Case Study #4: No International Experience
Strong academic, professional and personal profile? CHECK! But “Gavin’s” lack of international living or working experience would have been perceived as a constraint by adcoms. By engaging our four-part strategy, this client related his pursuit of an MBA to his interest in gaining cross-cultural experience – and landed admits to his top-four schools.
Client Case Study #5: Constrained by Short Work History
“Joyce’s” full-time work experience was significantly below the average of 3+ years for admitted applicants at her targeted schools. So, we devised a three-part strategy to help this client position and present her relatively short work history as sufficient preparation for b-school success.
Client Case Study #6: Reapplicant in Need of Re-tooling
Because of his high GPA, GMAT and strong professional experience, “Adam” did not understand how he could improve his candidacy. Analyzing his prior applications and considering other elements of his candidacy — such as career goals and extracurricular activities — we determined why he was not offered admission and devised a focused strategy to strengthen his candidacy for the following year. Result? Admit offers into his three dream schools.
Client Case Study #7: Older Full-Time MBA Applicant
Having worked for 8 years and in his mid 30s, “Luka’s” candidacy would have been perceived by adcoms as more appropriate for a part-time or EMBA program. In response, we devised a three-tiered strategy to help him develop a strong rationale for a full-time MBA program, and demonstrate his ability to contribute substantially and uniquely to the student community.
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