Consultant with Engineering Background from Spain Accepted to Wharton, Columbia, and MIT Sloan
Ever since he studied engineering during undergraduate, Miguel knew that he wanted to eventually get an MBA. He started his career in private equity and consulting in Spain, and enjoyed his work. In 2019, he began working towards his goal of attending business school in the U.S. and exploring new industries.
In preparation for his application, Miguel scored an impressive 760 on the GMAT before he started working with us. He shared, “I slightly underestimated the competitiveness of the [MBA admissions] process at first. I thought my stats were more than enough to drive me through the whole process.”
As Miguel connected with other MBA applicants, he found that many of them had put more thought into their story. That’s when Miguel realized that he may need a more holistic approach to crafting his applications. After coming across The Art of Applying®, Miguel scheduled a Breakthrough Call. Our comprehensive approach to the admissions process was what ultimately sold Miguel on working with us, and he signed on to the Application Accelerator®.
However, Miguel’s work with us looked a bit different than most of our clients. He signed on to work with us in July 2019, intending to submit applications in September 2019. Even on a tight timeline, we worked with Miguel to yield some impressive acceptances. Miguel was accepted into Wharton, MIT Sloan, and Columbia Business School.
While his impressive GMAT score didn’t hurt, Miguel shared how important working with us was for him. Miguel said, “The most valuable thing…[was] to have someone to talk to, who knew the process…and had already been through the process in some way before.”
At the beginning, Miguel admits that he underestimated the admissions process, but came to realize the value of working with The Art of Applying®. For applicants who are debating whether or not to apply on their own, Miguel shared, “I highly recommend seeking help because [The Art of Applying®] consultants know what the process is like. They’ve been through it a few times and they can help you make the most out of your stats and capabilities and background.”
We couldn’t agree more Miguel. We wish you the best in business school, and beyond!
Start Date: July 2019 | End Date: May 2020
Applicant Information
- GPA: 3.7
- GMAT: 760
- Work experience: Consulting and private equity
- Major: Engineering
Acceptances
- University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Columbia Business School
Scholarships
- MIT Sloan School of Management – $25,000
Notable Quotes
On looking for help with his MBA applications despite a strong GPA and GMAT:
“I had no idea about the [admissions] process itself. And I’ve learned a few times… there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. There’s people who’ve done it before and basically taking from their experiences makes the learning process much quicker…”
On what led him to work with The Art of Applying®:
“The duration of the [Application Accelerator®] program and the service which went far beyond the usual essay drafting and application drafting…it offered a suite of services and support beyond that. That includes not only decision making in terms of what school to attend in case you have a choice. But, also support [for] how to negotiate scholarships, as well as access to a network of other applicants and former successful applicants to both scholarships and schools that create kind of a well rounded comprehensive offering.”
On leveraging The Art of Applying® former client network to help with scholarships:
“Particularly for non-Spanish scholarships, there were a couple of former clients who had obtained the scholarships… [who were] really helpful once I progressed in the scholarship process… I’m still in touch with both of the guys who helped me. [They] have been passing on a couple more ideas on more scholarships to look for and have been very helpful in helping me prepare for them… That’s been the area where I’ve benefited most from from other applicants.”
Miguel’s advice to other applicants who are debating whether to apply on their own or work with a consultant:
“I soon realized when I started talking to other friends that their essays and their stories, even though they had slightly less powerful stats, were much more powerful than mine. That’s when I started thinking about how to frame a story that made sense… The process is much more holistic and comprehensive than it seems at first… Don’t underestimate the process!”
Leave a Reply