M7A: How Did You Get In?

In this episode, we sit down with Nicolas Echegaray (WG ’21) to unpack his path from Lima to Wharton – including how taking the GMAT early helped him score a 750, how he built a mission-driven narrative around financial inclusion, and how he navigated interviews as a non-native English speaker. Nico also shares how a viral LinkedIn post led him to an internship at Juno during COVID, why he ultimately chose Wharton, and how the MBA ...

In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Ghadban (WG ’23) to explore his unconventional path from a 2.7 GPA and initial MBA rejections to earning a 740 GMAT score in just five days and ultimately getting into Wharton. Chris shares how his early experiences founding a synthetic biology lab at 19, working in clinical strategy and innovation at AstraZeneca, and later moving into venture capital shaped his views on resilience, cur...

In this episode, we sit down with Simo Mohamed Senhaji Rhazi (WG ’22) to unpack his journey from Morocco to Boston College, Wayfair, and ultimately Wharton. Simo shares how he navigated the challenges of being an international student, built an authentic narrative around making a difference in the world through entrepreneurship, and found community in the Lauder Institute’s MBA/MA joint degree program. He reflects on the ups and do...

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Choi (WG ’19, HKS ’19) to unpack his journey from the US Air Force to Wharton and Harvard Kennedy School – and ultimately to entrepreneurship. Alex shares how he built a standout narrative as a veteran applicant, the risk of leaving active duty before knowing he’d been admitted, and how his time at Wharton and HKS shaped his perspective on leadership, service, and career design. He reflects on...

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Willis (WG ’23) to unpack his journey from Notre Dame to Deutsche Bank, GTCR, and ultimately the Wharton MBA. Brian shares how he built his foundation in finance and private equity, what led him to step back and pursue business school, and how the experience reshaped his perspective on career, community, and balance. He reflects on his time at Wharton – from organizing Penn Fight Night to nav...

In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Rolan (HBS ’22) to unpack her journey from small-town Texas to UT Austin, McKinsey, and ultimately Harvard Business School. Bethany shares how she discovered consulting, why she took the GMAT during finals week, and what made her pursue an MBA. She dives into her application strategy – including how she managed feedback, selected recommenders, and leaned into her unique background. We also ...

Kelsey Roberts’ path to Harvard Business School was anything but typical. In this episode, she shares how she applied through the 2+2 program as an engineering student at Georgia Tech and used her deferral to explore manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Kelsey discusses her unique application strategy, the decision to wait four years before starting at HBS, and how her MBA has shaped her impact at Forage. Whe...

Radhika Lokur’s journey to Harvard Business School defies convention. In this episode, she opens up about her background in international development, navigating the MBA application process, and pivoting into a tech role in London. From GMAT challenges to building community at HBS, Radhika shares practical insights for applicants considering bold career shifts – and reminds us that the MBA path doesn’t have to be traditional to be ...

In this conversation, Bob Boniface shares his journey from working at General Motors to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses the value of an MBA, the application process, the impact of COVID-19 on his business school experience, and the lessons learned while running a business post-MBA. Bob emphasizes the importance of networking, being open ...

In this episode, Lesley shares her journey from Korea to HBS, discussing her unique background in blockchain and international relations. She reflects on her decision to pursue an MBA, the application process, and the importance of self-reflection. Lesley highlights her experiences at HBS, the challenges of being an international student, and how her education has shaped her career in corporate finance. She offers valuable advice f...

In this conversation, Ananya Zutshi shares her inspiring journey from her early life in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the biotech industry after completing her MBA at Harvard Business School. The discussion covers her educational background, the challenges she faced during her application process, the importance of networking, and the valuable lessons learned about leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Ananya emph...

Join us as Kellogg graduate – and former healthcare consultant – Jungduk Seo explains how she used MBA school-year internships to pivot into project management. Jungduk shares practical tips on highlighting your holistic story (not just professional milestones) in admissions essays, plus insights on working with an MBA consultant to stand out. Whether you’re exploring a career change or want to leverage internships for maximum impa...

Curious how an MBA can transform your idea of success? Join Michael Mancinelli, a 2021 graduate of Harvard Business School’s 2+2 program, as he shares how his early-admit MBA journey helped him see “success” in a completely new light. Hear his top application tips – including one essay strategy that’s helped five out of six mentees get into HBS – and discover how clarity of purpose can give you a serious edge. If you’re looking to ...

Wondering if an MBA is essential for success? In this episode, Harvard Business School grad Behram O’Habib (Class of 2021) explains why you don’t need an MBA – and yet how his own experience delivered tremendous value, especially as an aspiring entrepreneur. Hear how Behram’s time at HBS shaped his ventures, sharpened his leadership skills, and connected him with a thriving support system. If you’re on the fence about business scho...

From the oil patch to Harvard’s Klarman Hall, Tyrel Sulzer (HBS ’22) walks us through his journey to business school – revealing the strategies that helped him stand out in the admissions process. Listen in as Tyrel shares what sparked his pivot from engineering to an elite MBA program and how he tackled the application step by step. If you’re looking for practical tips and inspiration on making the leap into a top-tier business sc...

Linda Li (HBS ’21) overcame three grueling GMAT attempts, 15 essay drafts, and plenty of self-doubt to earn her spot at Harvard Business School. Hear how her “Why not me?” mantra fueled every step, from ukulele breaks to refining each version of her application story. If you’re wrestling with the ups and downs of b-school prep, Linda’s journey proves that perseverance, mindset, and a little creativity can pay off – big time. Enjoy!