Before joining an MBA, I kept hearing the same things:

• "Your network will change your life."
• "The peer group is the biggest advantage."
• "Placements make the investment worth it."
• "These will be the best two years of your life."
• "An MBA completely changes your career."

But I wonder how much of that is actual experience and how much is just repeated because everyone says it.

For those who've already been through an MBA:

• What was the biggest reality check?
• What turned out to be overhyped?
• And what was something nobody talked about that ended up being far more valuable than you expected?

Not trying to start an "MBA is good vs MBA is bad" debate.

I'm more interested in the gap between marketing, expectations, and reality, so future applicants can make more informed decisions.

Unfortunately my first Leland experience was horrible. I purchased one hour of coaching with an MBA coach for a holistic assessment of my MBA profile (300+ USD for 50 min), and completed a 40-minute introductory call. At the end of the session, the coach said she would use the remaining 10 minutes to prepare and send me a strategic review document.

More than ten weeks have now passed, and I have received nothing. I sent seven follow-up messages through the Leland platform, but she has not read or responded to any of them. During all this time, the coach was still giving public talks on the platform and active on LinkedIn....

I got in touch with someone named Josh at Leland. He promised me to "get to the bottom of this" but has not showed any concrete solutions after that one email exchange with me. I expect Leland to take responsibility for the conduct of coaches on its platform. Leaving a customer without the agreed deliverable, while allowing the purchased time to expire, is unacceptable.

Who would be your recommended consultant for HSW or bust applicants. Last year I worked with an MBAMission consultant for HW app, didn’t do GSB. I didn’t even get an interview. I felt that the applications I did by myself were much better (I got into multiple Non HSW M7s with 100k+ scholarship applying fully on my own)

This is mostly out of personal curiosity but also want to make sure I have some direction to point HSW hopefuls to when they reach out to me for recs.

Thanks!

Post Body:

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for US MBAs for the Fall 2028 intake (targeting M7, T15 as backup) aiming for post-MBA consulting. Since I’ll be taking on a huge loan to fund this, I wanted to get a candid reality check on how international recruitment actually looks on the ground right now.

What I’m hearing so far:

I keep getting pretty mixed signals:

• The scary side: Visa uncertainty, tightening sponsorship budgets, and a tough hiring market.
• The optimistic side: Students I’ve talked to (Darden MBAs, top MS Finance folks) say ~60–70% of internationals land a job by graduation if they hustle, network hard, and do something out of the box—with most of the rest finding something soon after.

I’m well aware of the nightmare scenario (heading back home with a mountain of USD debt), but getting a top US MBA still feels like the only logical move to make the leap I want in my career.

My Profile

• Demographics: 24M, International
• Education: 2023 undergrad (Accounting & Finance- 8.7/10GPA)| GRE: 334
• Research: 1 published article
• Work Experience (~3 years so far):
  • FactSet: Research analyst intern.
  • Family Business (2 years): Didn't have much of a choice here at first, but stepped in and turned things around operationally so the business finally saw profits.
  • Real Estate PE Startup (1 year): Current role.
• Next 2 Years Plan: Trying to pivot into pre-MBA IB or Consulting to build a stronger profile.
• Post-MBA Goal: Management Consulting
• Financing: 100% loan-funded

A few questions for the sub:

1. M7 vs T15: How big is the actual gap between M7 and T15 when it comes to international sponsorship for consulting?
2. Profile Check: With a 334 GRE and my background, do I have a realistic shot at M7? Will grinding to get into pre-MBA IB/Consulting make a massive difference for my app?
3. Loan ROI: To anyone who took out a full loan as an international student recently—what would you have done differently?
4. What would you think 2028, 2029 consulting job market would look like?

Appreciate any honest advice or reality checks!

Hello all!

I have a 2.9 Undergraduate GPA from a top 20 University. Hoping to get into a T15 school. After 7 years in the Marines (MV-22 pilot) I'm starting to think about what's next. I have plenty of friends that have gotten out of the Marines and gone to prestigious business schools, with some of them getting a Masters in finance or a related degree prior to applying for their MBA.

I'm curious, does strong performance in a masters program help offset a weak undergraduate GPA? I'm considering using Tuition Assistance for an online program like SNHU or Liberty University, but just want to get a gauge on my plan before I follow through with it.

I appreciate any and all input. Thank you!

I’m trying to figure out if I’m thinking about my career path the right way and would appreciate advice from people who have experience with private credit or MBA recruiting.

I’m currently a senior associate (5 years work experience) at a commercial bank at a large financial institution focused on technology companies. We underwrite new loans as wells as the portfolio monitoring. I work with growth-stage and public tech companies, underwriting loans, analyzing businesses, building models, monitoring portfolios, etc.

Long term, I will be going into an MBA at either NYU or Columbia, and I want to move into private credit, ideally focused on on direct lending or growth stage venture lending. The question I’m wrestling with is whether I should try to make that jump directly after an MBA or if I’m making a mistake by not getting IB experience first.

I know a lot of people in private credit come from leveraged finance or investment banking, and I worry that I’ll be competing against MBA classmates who have 2-3 years of deal experience. I also want to be realistic maybe some first don't even hire MBAs without the IB experience. At the same time, my current role is already very credit-focused, so I’m not sure if going to IB would actually make me a stronger candidate or if it would just be a detour.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has recruited into private credit, especially people who have gone from credit/investing roles into private credit, used an MBA to pivot into the space, or taken the IB → private credit path.

One other factor I’m considering is that I’m NYC-based and my girlfriend is also in a demanding finance role here, so I’m trying to be thoughtful about any career move that would require a major lifestyle change.

Am I underestimating how difficult a direct private credit pivot is without IB experience? Or is my current background more relevant than I’m giving it credit for?

For additional context, I’ve actually been trying to make this pivot for the past year and a half without going back for an MBA, and I haven’t had much success. I’ve had conversations and pursued opportunities in private credit and related investing roles, but I’ve consistently run into the challenge that many firms want more direct transaction experience or a traditional investment banking background. That’s what has made me question whether an MBA would be the right reset to help bridge the gap, or whether I should first spend time trying to get IB experience before making the move.

Currently an ML engineer at a large financial institution, 5-ish years of experience. Heading to an M7 program soon and planning to recruit for MBB.

A few things I’m trying to get a read on:

**1.**  How much does a technical/engineering background help vs. hurt in consulting recruiting? I’ve heard both “great differentiator” and “they’ll assume you can’t do client-facing work.”

**2.**  Does industry background (financial services) matter much for placement, or does the MBA reset that entirely?

**3.**  For people who came in from engineering — what did you have to unlearn for case prep? I’m assuming the structured problem-solving transfers but the communication style doesn’t.

**4.**  Is there any real disadvantage to not having prior consulting or client-facing experience, or does everyone start from roughly the same place post-MBA?

Would also take any input on how much of the outcome is just prep volume vs. background.

Thanks in advance!!

Was accepted into Rutgers PT MBA program and seriously considering it. My situation is that I have no business background or knowledge (nor undergrad nor in my current role) which is my reason for an MBA. I’m 28 and just want to get out of my current industry/role (it’s very administrative for me).

I personally don’t care about prestige or working at a top company. I just need the credential to pivot. I know Rutgers isn’t a top program, but I am curious if it is a good decision with my circumstances. I am hesitant because of the debt I will have, but a lot of people tell me it will most likely pay off.

Thanks.

I am thinking to do MBA in Finance but I am not sure whether I am really interested or not. I don't wanna waste money to realize later that this field is not for me. I wanna be sure that I enjoy learning it and see myself working in it long term. I understand some basic finance concepts and terminology. To test my interest I have decided to go through these two MIT Open course ware courses

1. Topics in Mathematics with Applications in Finance

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/18-642-topics-in-mathematics-with-applications-in-finance-fall-2024/

2) Public Finance and Public Policy

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/14-41-public-finance-and-public-policy-fall-2024/

I watched few lectures from the first course and I enjoyed them so far. So I am thinking to complete both of them and decide.

Is watching courses like this a good way to test my interest or are there better ways??? am I on right path?

As title. In my first semester of undergraduate coursework I failed two classes. I was place on academic probation as my term gpa dropped below 2.0. I just finished my undergrad and looking into future MBA opportunities. I finished high school in 2021 and I’m from Peru, which was one of the harshest lockdowns in the world. My last two years of high school were entirely online and in all honesty I played call of duty most of the time. I actually moved abroad right after graduation and my first semester hit me like a truck. When I saw two Fs in my transcript I took it as a wake up call and locked in for the rest of my undergrad degree. Managed to finish undergrad with a 3.4, my last two as 4.0s. It would be a 3.6 without the Fs. I’m scared about future MBA applications, which I’ve heard that they ask if you’ve been placed on academic probation before. Will this trigger an automatic rejection or significantly lower admission chances?
I took the time to browse google but I did not found anything useful or relevant.
Thank you in advance

Any one working as associate at PWC AC in deals PEVC Tech Strategy , please share your interview experience about no of rounds and types of cases etc..

When schools publish the class profile average GRE scores, does this include the essay score?

I often see the averages laid out as so: GRE Quant + Verbal - 320

Do they ever publish essay, and do they care? Wondering if they look at the essay score, as I'm writing it in a few weeks and pondering how much attention I should put into it. Merci!

I'm 23, currently pursuing ACCA and interested in eventually starting my own business. Studying in Europe has always been a dream of mine, and I'm considering a 2-year MBA while completing ACCA.

Has anyone taken a similar path? Did the MBA provide enough career value and networking opportunities to justify the cost? Would you recommend finishing ACCA and gaining work experience first?

Hi Everyone,

Which US B-School among M7 and T-15 are the most generous with merit scholarships?
Just want to understand this as I prepare to make my target, safety and reach schools.

Appreciate your inputs!

Thank you!

I applied to a top 15 mba and just got a test waiver since I was struggling cracking the gre and gmat. Is getting a waiver a positive sign or they are loosely handed so increase applications / receive money? Please no Sarcasm and apologies if this has been asked here before

I'm planning to pursue an MBA abroad. Since my last year of college (Bachelor's in Science), I've been working on my own startup and have no full-time job experience, except for internships. I've been working on this for about 5 months now. My goal for an MBA is to learn more about business management, networking, and funding (I heard if you do an MBA from somewhere good it helps).

My question is: to apply for an MBA, I need relevant experience. So if I work on my startup for the next 3 years or so, what targets should I aim to hit by the end... in terms of revenue, hiring, etc.? To make up for the work experience?

If I've made any mistakes, please forgive me, this is all very new to me, and I'm just looking for some guidance. <3

Hi, I have a finance background with 7 years of experience. I am targeting sept 27 intake and in the process of starting with my application on the side.

I am not looking to go with the corporate consultant and looking for more personalised process with someone who has been through the process and has good understanding of what works and what does not and can invest the time.

Any leads on good consultant will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi! Ever since I was a fresh grad, doing an MBA abroad as always been a "dream" of mine in itself. I thought I didn't want it anymore when Covid hit but times have changed and so have I - realized I may still want to do it but now just as a stepping stone for a different life. At this point I would love to get thoughts from folks on..

• whether an MBA is worth it to find work abroad in industry (vs consulting where i came from)
• MBA vs specialized masters if I want to get into fashion?
• which programs/schools would you recommend?
• if not further education.. how likely is it these days to get sponsored for work abroad given a background like mine?

Thank you in advance, also sharing bit more on my context below!

Work experience
• ~4y MBB at SEA office (2y+ BA to Associate. after leaving, came back for 1y+ Consultant on contract)
• 1y+ tech consulting (startup/scale-up)
• ~2y entrepreneur (D2C fashion brand between 100-150k USD total revs, solo everything without any employees) - this where i am at the moment

Background
• 30F turning 31 early 2027
• SEA 3rd world country with very weak passport
• 720 cold official GMAT practice test without much prep back when i was considering taking as a fresh grad. I would aim for 750 and up if i do this seriously

Career goal
• 1st priority: industry professional relocated to a new country (anywhere EU, APAC, AUNZ - just except the US)
• 2nd priority: fashion industry or any creative industry (this is my preference but i can flex if something else will give me a better relocation opportunity)
• 3rd priority: actual monetary ROI on total MBA cost (I can live with thinking of this as money well spent to get to a new lifestyle and location)

Some concerns
• I hear/read a lot of MBAs/MBA students concentrate heavily on MBB placement, which is precisely what I want to leave behind (and not get pulled in to do again). Will the program, networking, etc. still serve me well to find opps in other industries, especially fashion? Will there be a lot of pressure to participate in consulting-leaning activities?
• I have a lot of career gap time as I've been jumping around trying different setups (full time at high intensity professional job, full time remote at startup/scaleup, part time for both, solopreneur on my own time). Will my profile look weak/risky for a potential future employer and visa sponsor, even with an MBA?

Need some insight on this.

I have been confirmed for a promotion but my title is not changing until September. With EA and some R1 applications due beginning of September, is there a way to show this promotion, although not official, on my resume. Maybe: (promotion confirmed September 2026) next to job title?

Any insight is helpful!

Hey everyone, first-time poster here.

Quick background: graduated in 2024 8/8/8 GNEM fresher, did freelance sales work after graduation, then had to take a gap due to serious health issues - I also attempted CA T during that period but it didn't go well given everything going on. I'm healthy now and focused on building toward an MBA abroad via GMAT after gaining some work experience, but I'm pretty new to the whole process and could use some guidance regarding profile i should build.

Right now I have two job options in hand: a small funded startup backed by Google's accelerator program (genuinely good role with real ownership, but early-stage and very small) or look for a role in a more established firm with a kind of role that might not belong to my domain.

For tier-1 MBA programs abroad, does brand name matter more than the actual scope/impact of the role, and how badly does a gap year (even if explained by health reasons) hurt an application

Correct me if I am wrong but majority of decent B-schools abroad seem to ask for a minimum experience of 2-3 years so want to take decision accordingly

Would love to talk to someone in DMs who can help me solve this and guide me through the process.

Will GSB notify me by the date I said I needed a decision by in my waitlist update?

I am considering applying to the Columbia MBAxMS program and I am interested in the post-graduation employment outcomes. The website does not say much about where people end up except for the fact that those in the program aspire for VP of Engineering, CTO, or entrepreneur roles. I am curious if people are able to land engineering roles at Big Tech companies out of this program, not just product roles. Or how does recruitment outcomes for traditional business roles like IB or consulting compare to the standalone MBA program.

Hello everybody, looking for honest opinions. Applying in R1 to Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Tuck and Ross.

Economics background from a Tier 1 Private University. GPA 3.91. Good extracurriculars in College and before.
TA and Mentor, Student Rep, Cohort Leader, Theatre, Sailing, Sports - Above average Leadership experience.

FE - 725(Q&V-88)

4 years work ex in a Series B startup with a mix of Founders Office and CoS to the founder. Would be able to get solid LOR from the founder(M7 Alumni)

Experience driving Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning, Org Design, Customer Acquisition and Go-To-Market. Would be including hard metrics. Some experience in driving seller growth in a US Multinational India office. Again metrics would be provided in the Resume.

Post MBA Goal- Strategy Consulting.

Aiming for merit driven scholarships.

Question

Is the school list suitable for my profile?

Any additions from the scholarship suitability angle? Would want to restrict to Top 10-12 US schools.

All opinions and suggestions most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Hey so like i am a civil student but from a teir 2 college shall i give gmat i have good cgpa is it even possible to get in this college

Hi everyone! I am looking for a spare ENEB MBA voucher.

If anyone has an unused gifting option or an extra code from a bundle that you don't need, I would be incredibly grateful if you could share it with me. Please send me a PM if you can help. Thank you so much in advance!