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Top 10 MBA Programs

MBA
New answer on Nov 30, 2023
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Mar 13, 2019

So this inquiry is not directly related to consulting, but it's a backup plan for me in case my current search for a consulting job at a top company fails. I just wanted to know if I would be accepted and granted a scholarship (Full or partial) for one of the top 10 MBA programs like INSEAD, Wharton, HBS, Stanford, ....etc with a gpa of 3.41. I graduated in June 2017 from a top university in the middle east with a degree in Electrical engineering and I have been working for a leading company in the IT market.

Thanks in advance,

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 30, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi!

Different grad schools have different requirements, and some weigh heavier on what you did beyond academic grades. In short, it's hard to tell. You need to research each of them and ideally speak with a couple of people who studied there. 

Sharing with you a guide on how to approach the application process and how to select an MBA school:


Good luck!
Cristian

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Alexander replied on Mar 13, 2019

I think it depends on the rest of the application. While your GPA is not great, I think that you can make it work if you show clear growth since then. For example, having an outstanding GMAT score would help you a lot, especially in contrast with the GPA. Keep in mind, though, that a really high GMAT score can take months and hundreds of hours to come by, so you will want to plan for that. Further, you can demonstrate growth in your essay. I've heard that giving compelling arguments for why you want to do the MBA, and of what it'll let you achieve, can make a huge difference. I'd recommend heading to GMATClub.com and reading testimonials for further inspiration and advice.

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B on Mar 18, 2019

is a 3.4 GPA really considered low for Insead? Does it really matter after 4-5 years of work experience?

Vlad
Expert
replied on Mar 13, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

HBS, Wharton, Stanford give you a huge scholarship (up to 90% of tuition) if your previous income was low compared to their standards and you have no assets.

Best

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Guennael
Expert
replied on Mar 13, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

"can", yes of course. There are so many more components to this however, including leadership positions, career trajectory,...

Truly, your question is impossible to answer other than with a 'may be'. I know people with worse background who got it, and people with perfect credentials who did not. You gonna have to apply and see for yourself I'm afraid.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Nov 18, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To make a better informed/educated decision, i would look at ranks such Financial Times + Poets 6 Quants.

On top of that... is a lot about personal preference. Mine, US.

Good luck!

Best is the international benchmarks such as Poets and Quants and FT!

(edited)

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B replied on Mar 25, 2019
McKinsey cases only

If you don't mind my asking, what have you decided? have you applied to those places for an MBA? if yes, were you successful ?

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Anonymous B replied on Mar 13, 2019

A full or even partial scholarship at top 10 with 3.41 GPA from a middle east I'd say is unlikely.

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Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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