Client Case Study: David V.

First-generation Latinx male admitted to Stanford GSB (full ride), Wharton (full ride), and Harvard Business School

David Vasquez grew up in a low-income family, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams. He attended Columbia University where he earned a degree in Economics. He then transitioned from college to working in finance before deciding to apply to graduate school. 

With The Art of Applying®’s help, David got accepted into Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton with a ton of funding!

Service: All Access™

Join Date: February 2017 | End Date: September 2018

Demographics

• Latino / Hispanic / Latinx
• Low-income background
• First-generation
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Prep Fellow

Application Stats

• School: Columbia University
• Major: Economics
• GPA: 3.60
• GMAT: 750

Acceptances

• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Harvard Business School
• Wharton

Scholarships

• Wharton with a full ride scholarship
• Stanford Graduate School of Business full ride scholarship: Knight-Hennessy Fellowship

Notable Quotes

• “When you’re competing in the MBA realm, it’s not just about academics. It’s not just about work experience. It’s not just about your personal story. It’s a holistic approach. And I knew that I had a story to tell that made me a little unique from most applicants or at least would help me stand apart from those who had similar backgrounds in finance that I did.”

• “The uniqueness of me was a low-income upbringing. It was really selling the story that from point A to point B, I’ve seen a lot and it has shaped the decisions that I’ve made.”

• “The benefit of starting early and really kind of honing in on what you’re looking for and really deciding what you’re aiming for kind of focused me up and really told me I can get there.” 

• “It’s never too early to jump into this process.Don’t hesitate if you feel like it’s something you want to pursue. It’s something I’ve always thought about even if half-heartedly at first. But I started early enough that I had time to study for the GMAT. It’s never too early to start because at the very least, you’ll find out if this is for you or not. Seeking guidance is always the smart way to go.”