Harvard 2+2 MBA possibilities

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Harvard 2+2 MBA possibilities

by DCRsilver » Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:24 am
Hi everyone, could I get some advice please on the 2+2 MBA?

Education: undergrad: BSc (Econ) Financial Economics, Birkbeck College, University of London: 1st class honours/3.9 GPA. Graduated July 2016.

Postgrad: Masters Degree in Finance and Economics, University of Cambridge, commencing fall 2017. Good chance of scholarship.

Work exp: 4 month internship financial services in 2014, 2 months with the Government Economic Service. I was due to start a 6 month internship in Feb 2017 with ISS Europe doing investment research but had to pull out, which I'll explain below.

GMAT: not yet taken, but given my past academics I think 700+ isn't a problem.

Problems: I didn't take my undergrad degree until age 30 because of a longstanding fight with autoimmune disease and cancer. I did several years of part time work in financial regulation during my 20s, but never full time as this wasn't possible given my health. During my undergrad degree my health improved for a couple years, and I always finished with distinction grades at the top end of the class, finishing magna cum laude (equivalent) and in the top few percent.

I took the year after graduating to work and save money for postgrad study. I was admitted to the very competitive Mphil Finance and Economics masters degree at Cambridge and aimed to save money for this. I was due to start work with ISS Europe earlier this year, when my doctor informed me I had several tumours that needed chemo. So I'm in treatment now, hopefully recovered in time for Cambridge in September.

I want to apply to the HBS 2+2 MBA whilst doing my masters, so I would enter the MBA 2020/21. I think I am academically strong and am sure I can ace the gmat. But by 2020 I'll be 37. Will I be rejected because of my age? I would hope admissions would see what I've managed to accomplish academically given I've also been fighting cancer etc. I had to miss out on my 20s, which couldn't be helped.

In terms of extra curriculars, I cofounded the (very successful) economics and finance society at Birkbeck and also played cricket there. I've already joined the Cambridge Finance and Investment society and I'll also be playing cricket for Hughes Hall at Cambridge.

I also attended Harvard Summer School in 2015 for 2 months right before my GES internship. I know how amazing a place Harvard is and would love to go back.

Career wise, I know precisely what I want, that is, a career in fundamental investment management with a value strategy focus. It was why I went to university and is still what I love. I want to emulate two past HBS grads, Guy Spier and Whitney Tilson, both Baker Scholars, and legends in value investing.

Given my career goals I would also apply to Columbia as that's the Mecca of value investing, however I'd rather do a two year program.

Thanks for reading, any advice appreciated!

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by Dozie@VeritasPrep » Fri Jun 09, 2017 12:20 pm
You are a very unique case and I def want to salute you on all of your perseverance through all of the tough times. You are really impressive! Now, this is a difficult case because I think you may fly in the face of the spirit of the 2+2 program even thought you may be technically able to apply. The spirit is to expose a nurture young business minds and get younger students into their pipeline.

Given your unique circumstances they may be willing to make an exemption. I would recommend reaching out to somebody who handles that persona for a quick chat and explain your situation to see if you are eligible.

I wish you the best of luck here!
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by Donna@Stratus » Mon Jun 12, 2017 1:08 pm
DCRsilver wrote:Hi everyone, could I get some advice please on the 2+2 MBA?
I agree with the other advice- your situation is very unique and I would have a chat with the 2+2 folks and see if they think you are a candidate- my gut says the fact that you already graduated a year ago- regardless of your current age- might knock you out for just that- if this is not an option look at Wharton and UVA to see if you might be considered under those programs. I would be remiss not to mention the most important thing- I want to sincerely wish you all the best with your Chemo and with your health so that you can put this chapter behind you. So more than anything else- sending those good wishes to you!
Education: undergrad: BSc (Econ) Financial Economics, Birkbeck College, University of London: 1st class honours/3.9 GPA. Graduated July 2016.

Postgrad: Masters Degree in Finance and Economics, University of Cambridge, commencing fall 2017. Good chance of scholarship.

Work exp: 4 month internship financial services in 2014, 2 months with the Government Economic Service. I was due to start a 6 month internship in Feb 2017 with ISS Europe doing investment research but had to pull out, which I'll explain below.

GMAT: not yet taken, but given my past academics I think 700+ isn't a problem.

Problems: I didn't take my undergrad degree until age 30 because of a longstanding fight with autoimmune disease and cancer. I did several years of part time work in financial regulation during my 20s, but never full time as this wasn't possible given my health. During my undergrad degree my health improved for a couple years, and I always finished with distinction grades at the top end of the class, finishing magna cum laude (equivalent) and in the top few percent.

I took the year after graduating to work and save money for postgrad study. I was admitted to the very competitive Mphil Finance and Economics masters degree at Cambridge and aimed to save money for this. I was due to start work with ISS Europe earlier this year, when my doctor informed me I had several tumours that needed chemo. So I'm in treatment now, hopefully recovered in time for Cambridge in September.

I want to apply to the HBS 2+2 MBA whilst doing my masters, so I would enter the MBA 2020/21. I think I am academically strong and am sure I can ace the gmat. But by 2020 I'll be 37. Will I be rejected because of my age? I would hope admissions would see what I've managed to accomplish academically given I've also been fighting cancer etc. I had to miss out on my 20s, which couldn't be helped.

In terms of extra curriculars, I cofounded the (very successful) economics and finance society at Birkbeck and also played cricket there. I've already joined the Cambridge Finance and Investment society and I'll also be playing cricket for Hughes Hall at Cambridge.

I also attended Harvard Summer School in 2015 for 2 months right before my GES internship. I know how amazing a place Harvard is and would love to go back.

Career wise, I know precisely what I want, that is, a career in fundamental investment management with a value strategy focus. It was why I went to university and is still what I love. I want to emulate two past HBS grads, Guy Spier and Whitney Tilson, both Baker Scholars, and legends in value investing.

Given my career goals I would also apply to Columbia as that's the Mecca of value investing, however I'd rather do a two year program.

Thanks for reading, any advice appreciated!

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by Thurston » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:58 pm
Super interesting background! In general your age would be a liability in the MBA application process (the odds start ticking down once you pass 32 or so), but I bet that with the right coaching you could tell an incredible personal narrative that would knock the socks off of the admissions committee.

Quick questions: Why go back for an MBA and what are your post-MBA aspirations that it would enable?

The answers to those would help gauge a probability of success, as that's above all else what the admissions committee would want to know.


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