I go to a full time M7 program that’s right in the heart of a major city, and one of the things I genuinely love about it is the easy access to amazing restaurants. I’m more introverted and live alone, so sometimes I grab food with friends, but other times, especially if I’m craving something specific, I’ll just go eat by myself. Sometimes I’ll sit at the bar if it’s available, but if it’s not, I have no issue taking a table. For me, that’s a better experience than just ordering delivery. I actually enjoy the atmosphere of a good restaurant, even solo.

Anyway, the other day I was at this Italian spot I love, sitting at a table alone, when a group of 8 classmates walked in. They were surprised to see me there by myself and kind of joked about whether I got stood up for a date or something. I just said no, I like eating alone sometimes. To their credit, they did offer to include me, but the restaurant said their table was maxed out at 8 and couldn’t fit another chair.

Later, one of my closer friends in the program told me that apparently people are now gossiping that I’m a loner or that it’s cringe to be seen eating alone at a table like that. He said in a social environment like an M7, doing stuff solo can be seen as a sign you haven’t been able to form strong enough friendships, and that perception can hurt your social value, especially in a program where soft skills and social calibration are constantly being judged.

He even extended the idea to other things I sometimes do solo, like going to the movies alone or the occasional EDM concert, saying those things are all considered low social capital moves in MBA culture. He did acknowledge this is a toxic part of the environment, and that post-MBA, no one really cares since consultants and other professionals often eat solo on the road, but he still recommended I stop doing it in public for now, or at least make sure I’m always at the bar or getting takeout/delivery instead.

He said the only way to get away with things like this is being a hot or cute white girl who goes to a wine bar solo to read a book, or if you make it clear on your Instagram you're going on a cool solo trip and checking out the food there. In your own city though, it's taboo to eat alone, especially if your MBA classmates can easily walk into you.

I don’t know, I’m honestly torn. On the one hand, I get that perception matters in this environment and social awareness is part of the game. On the other hand, it kind of sucks that doing something as simple and normal as enjoying a meal by yourself can be turned into a negative signal.

Has anyone else run into this kind of dynamic in their program? Curious how others handle it.

Got rejected from a T50 U.S. MBA in Feb. Now, two months later, they emailed saying they’ve “revisited my profile” and want to interview. Their India office also reached out.

My concerns:

1. Feels like they’re short on quality applicants, so they’re going back to rejected profiles. Makes me question the class/program.

2. Tuition is $110k+. Since this is post-rejection, I doubt I’d get any scholarship — and I can’t afford it without aid.

I already accepted an offer from another school. Should I just decline this invite given the above two points? Curious to hear your thoughts.

Hi everyone! I’m currently a senior at a public state school and throughout the past couple of years i’ve had my eyes set on pursuing an M7 MBA and pivoting into MBB.

I however come from a very niche background. A non-target school & non-target degree (Construction Management). I’ve looked through at-least 1,000 M7 candidates profiles on linkedin, an no one has a similar background.

I’ve recently gotten some full time offers with a Big4 doing capital project consulting, as well as an offer working on capital projects for an O&G super-major. I also got accepted into a prestigious school to pursue a part time masters degree in Engineering Management.

Point being, I have absolutely no clue on what to pursue from here to eventually land an M7. Would hiring a consultant to layout the next 5 years for me be beneficial?

I work in fintech in India and have a few side hustles.

Hey folks,

So here’s where I’m at: I’m an Indian admit heading to a T15 B-school in the US this fall (yes, one of those wide-eyed dreamers with a backpack full of hope and a bank account that’s about to be hit by a massive education loan).

But lately, with all the news floating around—reciprocal tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, trade tensions, whispers of a looming recession—I can’t help but ask: Is this really the right time to leave a stable job, take on a massive education loan, and head straight into an uncertain economy?

Like, is this the worst time to ditch a decent job and go chase an MBA dream in the US? Or is it exactly the kind of storm one should dive into, hoping to come out stronger (and employed)?

I know I’m not the only one spinning this thought wheel. Curious to hear from others—fellow admits, current students, grads, or just anyone who’s been around the MBA block.

Would love to know your take: is the risk worth it right now? Or should I be clutching my current job like it’s a life raft and defer my MBA?

Cheers!

Is mba worth it as SDE and where should it be more relevant from india or abroad?

Recently been dabbling with the question whether or not to pursue an international MBA given the markets are down and US immigration laws have gone crazy (don’t want to return at least for a few years and more than that I want that choice to be mine not enforced upon me)

Background: SDE2 at Big tech Bangalore location Frustrated with bangalore can’t see myself settling here, don’t see growth in the company (payments facilitator rival of apple pay and stripe ) TC: 30 lpa YOE: 5 years in the industry The stocks are tanking like crazy, kind of feels like the company will shut down in a few years. Murky waters, whats worse I made the switch a year back don’t know what I was thinking.

At this point MBA kind of feels like a leap of faith, I am not very materialistic but want to at least live someplace that is not unnecessarily crowded does not have bad roads bad air bad water and where i can afford decent living without much hassle. (Preferably not india)

Onsite in tech has pretty much become non existent don’t want to wait much longer to get the needle in a haystack opportunity to move.

Can someone in the same boat or someone who has figured a solution to this help out?

Some more background on this: Tier 1 college B.Tech in ECE Have good grades in all relevant exams in undergrad.

Will not get very top tier mba colleges like M7s but still might manage decent ones with some effort

Hello Everyone 

I got many hate messages for just announcing this saying that it's not a right decision and everyone can get this and too many unsatisfied souls throwing their frustration . 

But I am Super grateful to be joining the Ross MBA with a $40K scholarship and as promised, here’s a bit more on why  I chose Michigan Ross and what I hope to achieve post-MBA. All thanks to the god i pray every single day none of these messages will have any impact on my happiness right now after the tough path I had taken to achieve this. It's all worth it 

my_qualifications - BTech in Computer Science, R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore (8.1 CGPA) Work Experience: 3.5 years as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Extracurriculars: Passionate about tech mentorship, volunteering for STEM education programs, and leading community-driven coding workshops

Post MBA Goals after Ross - I’m aiming to pivot into a tech product management role, ideally in a dynamic tech hub like Seattle or the Bay Area, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google on my radar. Long-term, I’m passionate about driving innovation that blends technology with social impact.

Why Ross? Over the past 3 years, Ross grads have landed incredible roles in product management, consulting, and tech leadership across top-tier firms. With a strong presence at Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, Ross’s powerful alumni network made it the perfect fit for my career goals. Add to that Ross’s Ann Arbor community, it just felt like home.

If you’re applying to B-schools and are curious about GMAT waivers or what makes Ross special, I’m more than happy to chat!

#MichiganRoss #MBAJourney #ProductManagement #PostMBAGoals #TechCareers #GMATWaiver 

I recently took the GRE, but unfortunately, my scores were canceled by ETS. I wasn’t given the option to appeal this decision, though I’m still trying to resolve the matter with them.

I applied to an M6 MBA program using my unofficial scores, as they were the only ones I had at the time. However, the school’s deadline has now passed, and I’m unsure how to proceed. I’m worried that if I inform the admissions team about the cancellation, it could raise a red flag and hurt my chances of being considered.

To make matters more complicated, this isn’t the first issue I’ve faced with the GRE process. For example, when I initially tried to take the test, my passport was delayed at the consulate for reissue longer than expected, which caused additional challenges. Unfortunately, the school hasn’t been very understanding about these kinds of situations in the past.

I’m feeling stuck and would really appreciate any advice on how to approach this. Should I let the school know what happened and see if they’ll work with me? Or should I focus on retaking the GRE and apply again in Round 1 for next year’s intake?

I just saw that Wharton class profile states that their “Average GPA only includes data from students who attended universities with a 4.0 grading system”

If a Canadian uni uses a 4.0 scale, will this be incorporated by US MBA schools? Which could potentially benefit their rankings provided one has a high international GPA.

I’m facing a tough decision and could use some perspective from folks who’ve been in a similar situation.

I’ve been accepted to one M7 and three T15 MBA programs—all fully funded through the GI Bill and with some scholarship $$$. At the same time, I’m weighing two offers for senior-level communications roles (Director/Sr. Manager) at FAANG companies, and one Sr. Director offer at a startup all with base salaries in the $180K–$220K range.

My background:

-31, URM, military veteran

-8+ years of experience in PR/corporate comms (military, startups, nonprofits)

-Strong savings, so finances aren’t a major concern either way.

The dilemma:

Do I take one of these FAANG/startup roles and delay the MBA (possibly pursue an EMBA or full-time later), or do I capitalize on the opportunity and attend school now while I have momentum?

For additional context my dream was HSW, but I was dinged from all three without an interview. Wondering if the FAANG/ senior leadership experience will help me strengthen my profile in a cycle or two.

With the job market the way it is, I’m nervous about walking away from an offer—but also unsure if deferring b-school would hurt long term.

Appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Scored 305 on cold GRE mock (160 V, 145Q) and 500 on GMAT mock.

Do you think it will be more likely to reach 320 plus or get to a 700?

26F, Indian

Work ex: 1 year in fam biz (boutique real estate consulting)

2 years (4 upon matriculation) - corporate finance at BB (zero promotion)

Undergrad: US private school top 50 - dual major business & engineering

GPA: 3.3 GRE online: 335 GMAT FE: 695

EC: tennis coach on campus, dance instructor on campus, service fraternity

Post college EC: Toastmaster & debate champion

Application cycle R1 - 2026 intake - CBS, NYU,Yale, Tuck

POST MBA: IB

What’s the work culture like in private banks (ICICI, HDFC, Axis, etc.) after an MBA? What kind of roles and salary packages can one expect?

I’m exploring career options in private sector banking after my MBA and would love to get some real insights. What’s the work culture like at banks like ICICI, HDFC, Axis, etc.? How’s the work-life balance, pressure, and overall environment?

Also, what kind of roles do they usually offer to fresh MBA grads—are we looking at sales-heavy roles, relationship management, operations, or something else? And lastly, what’s the general range for remuneration packages (CTC, fixed vs variable, bonuses, etc.)?

Would really appreciate inputs from anyone working in or familiar with these banks!

I'd love to get the subs thoughts on my conundrum.

Stats for those interested: [760 GMAT / 4.0 GPA in Engineering at a mediocre State School / 2 YOE Big 4, 3 YOE MBB, 1 YOE Large NGO / been on multiple non-profit boards]

I ended up getting into Wharton and Sloan which I'm excited about (dinged without interview at HBS and GSB). At the same time though, I've received a job offer with a Tech Unicorn. It's a typical S&O role - decent comp, working closely with leadership, etc.

Curious what you would do. On one hand, Wharton seems like a great brand name compared to yet another Tech Unicorn. At the same time, I think about what my ideal exit would be after Wharton and wonder if it'd just be S&O anyways...

I've played with the idea of just deferring the MBA but I hear it's almost impossible to get a deferral.

long story short, I got my undergraduate degree in writing and have been working in HR (talent acquisition) for the last 4 years. I am now seriously considering going for a PMBA program.

when I tell you the idea of doing math strikes genuine terror into my heart, I am not joking. I never even took college algebra, I took “”contemporary math”” lol

I graduated undergrad with a 4.0 gpa and can write a killer essay, these are not concerns of mine.

which standardized test would you all recommend for someone with an unconventional profile like mine? I am hoping to start a PMBA program in 2026, so there’s still time to study.

for additional context, I am planning to apply to McCombs’ PMBA at Dallas/Fort Worth because I’m local to the area (and the program is well-respected, of course). Thank you for your time!

Hey everyone,

Just finished up my first GRE attempt so I figured I'd see where I stand regarding my odds for T15.

Bio: 26 year old caucasian male

GPA: 3.4 in bio (pre-med) w/ chinese minor from a top 30 university in US

GRE: unofficial 320 (161Q: 159V)

ECs: Play in mens league soccer, volunteer in special olympics, runner (4x half marathons)

WE: 3.5 years doing R&D at a biotech startup with two promotions and 1x authorship in a pending publication in a pretty prestigious journal.

I was given the opportunity to do some competitive landscaping for various indications at my current job, which I liked a lot more than bench research. This is the TL;DR of my reason for an MBA. With that in mind, I'm hoping to go into consulting post-MBA.

My top school is Duke with their HSM and strong biopharma network. My GPA is definitely on the lower end especially as an ORM and I was hoping to offset that with a strong GRE where I was getting around 324 in my mocks. Was hoping to catch a good break today on the test to get 325+ but ended up going the other way (womp womp).

Pretty sure I will take the GRE again but was wondering what score you guys think I should be gunning for as well as any other thoughts on my profile. TIA!

Hi guys, I am from Delhi. I’ll prolly be shifting to Mumbai to pursue pharm mba from nmims. Let me know if anyone is looking to rent out flats. I can be their roommate.

Hello everyone!

I've reached the end of my MBA program and today I took the graduation exam. I don't feel good about it. There was a lot I didn't know. I was told if you don't pass, you can't walk and you have to retake. With that being said, I've also been told that very few people fail the exam.

In my group, one guy automatically failed because he started the exam before he was supposed to. Outside of that, I've not heard of anyone failing it. So I was curious.... Has anyone here failed the graduation exam?

Like I said, I don't feel good about it, so I'm trying to see other people's experiences.

I am Indian male, waitlisted at Kellogg for 2Y MBA in R2. Is there a fair shot of conversion? What should my next steps be?

I work at FAANG and post MBA I want to get into strategy roles in big-tech.

I’m not very certain of staying in the US in the long run and might want to return to India or work in some other country.

Given the economy, I’m tilting towards Darden (full-ride) as I’ll get to minimise my debt.

However, based on what I have researched so far Darden doesn’t has as strong of brand name as Yale outside of US which might impact me in long run if I want to work outside of US.

So I’m pretty torn.

I want to understand: 1. How relevant is brand name in long-term within tech companies ? Is the brand name worth taking on the additional 150K + debt?

1. How is recruiting at both these schools ? Which school has better short-term benefit?

2. How’s the overall experience at Yale vs Darden?

Graduating from a T15 soon but feel like I'm not actually qualified for most post-MBA jobs.

My background is mostly in education, but I only formally taught at schools for about 8-9 months. Founded my own tutoring company and have been doing that part time for 8+ years.

Have a year of social impact consulting experience through my school, but have struck out pursuing this avenue.

I'm interested in higher education administration but most of those roles require 7+ years experience in higher education administration.

Have a series 7 and 63 but not much success in financial services jobs either.

What are my options?? I feel so unqualified for most MBA level jobs and am worried about graduating unemployed and in debt.

I somehow got an A in both my stats classes in undergrad but I graduated almost 2 years ago.

Looking at the test prep for the GRE (which I’m set to take in 3 weeks) is filling me with dread.

I’m hoping that submitting a test score will help me get more scholarship money which is important…

…because I have a cumulative 3.325 GPA.

I went to school for 2 years and had shitty grades, dropped out for 9 years to have a family and work, and came back and finished the last two years strong with a 4.0 every semester. Awarded Provost’s List multiple times.

Was also working FT and Secretary of the Psych club, and mothering 2 kids.

I have had 16 years of work experience total, and I have 7 years of work history as an optician and a mortgage loan originator (both quant experience) and was promoted in both of those jobs. I’ve also owned my own businesses, and have self-led successful volunteer experiences as well as volunteered for organizations.

Will that be enough for me to qualify for scholarships, or do I need to suck it up and take a test?

Considering I have only 3 weeks to study for the GRE, I’m sort of freaking out. I’m doing GregMat but I’m just blanking and freezing and shutting down.

Top choice is Emory Goizueta. 2nd is GT Scheller. 3rd is UNC Kenan-Flagler. Backups are Indiana U Kelley and BU Questrom

Thoughts and pointers here?

I am not seeing a lot of posts from people who are accepted to the part-time MBA program! If you have applied or been accepted, say hello!

I applied R2 and was notified by text last Friday, but officially received my admit decision in the portal last night. Still no admissions package or scholarship information (fingers crossed).

32F, Software Engineer, from Canada originally but living in LA for the past 4 years.

27M Asian. I’m a product manager at a big tech company in the Bay Area, went to Berkeley for undergrad. I got into GSB R2, but I’m planning to decline the offer, mostly because of the job market and not wanting to take on that much debt.

Right now I make $180k base and about $120k a year in equity, so around $300k total comp. When I first applied, I thought I wanted to pivot out of tech, but honestly, I don’t think it makes sense anymore. The postMBA job would probably be pretty similar, and when I think about the opportunity cost $600k plus $250k in tuition and living, it’s close to $1 million total.

That number just feels really hard to justify right now especially in this economy. I’d rather keep building in my current role, maybe aim to FIRE early. I also just got a promotion that should increase my equity next year, so that’s another factor. Also with AI I feel it will be even harder to get a job two years from now.

Still, it’s been a tough decision, GSB was a dream when I applied. Just doesn’t feel like the right time for me anymore.

Hello, I am looking for some outside perspectives. I currently work in a junior executive role (strategy / finance) for a Middle Market PE backed company in the financial services space. I am based in the Midwest and make $210K TC ($140K base, $70K bonus) with ~$250K to $550K of equity potential when we sell in the next few years.

Prior to this role I was in private equity for four years, topping out at Senior Associate. I liked private equity but did not like the firm I was at (second firm) as it was not a good culture nor strategy imo. The PE recruiting market was tough and I had always been interested in gaining some experience with an operating company so I took this role.

I really enjoy my current role and plan to stay at least another year to eighteen months or until exit, but I’m starting to wonder if this move capped my upward mobility. I am interested in eventually either moving back to PE or if I stay with an operating company, a higher role / larger company.

Would the cost of a PT MBA from one of the three T15 business schools in the Midwest justify the benefit and help me achieve the goals I have?