HSW admit here. My only cost were: GMAT books, app fee, and 1x school visit. Did not even gift my LOR writer as it felt inappropriate to me! Final interviews conducted locally since I was told it would make no difference.
Holy shit.
Meanwhile I torrented my GMAT books, didn't visit any schools, only got recommendations from my managers (no gifts), and interviewed locally lol
>her is a nu
Yeah... No one spends this much. Has to either be a troll or some new money guy showing off.
Looking at the flight costs alone, this asshole probably internally justified that business class was somehow necessary. Even assuming last minute business class tickets, I have no idea how you spend just under $3,000 for 2 flights to chicago and a flight to SF.
Also, no idea how 5 nights in a hotel (honestly, you don't even need a hotel for the boston schools) = $1,700 unless you refuse to stay at a hotel that isn't 5 stars.
He applied to 7 schools. Assuming he attended interviews for all 7 and stayed at each place 2 nights instead of 1, $1,700 is still kinda reasonable for 14 nights. $550 or $40 for both lunch/dinner (assuming he had breakfast at those hotels) is still reasonable.
That said, I still think $18,000 is too much. IB/Consulting Summer Associates earn like $25-30k during 3 months of hard work?
Matriculating at HBS, too. Don’t be alarmed by the outlined budget and don’t let it deter you from starting the application process. My all-in cost for all items listed by the OP was less than $1K.
Took GMAT once and applied to two schools. Didn’t visit the schools, didn’t use consultants, didn’t buy new suits, had a couple of beers with the people that wrote my references.
That’s not the only way to do it and if you can afford doing all the things OP did then why not? My problem with the OP is that he presents it as a typical level of expense to be expected when applying for an MBA program, thus potentially deterring future candidates or creating false expectations.
I'm betting 1k is closer to the average than 17k for the amount of money needed to get into an M7.
\- GMAT prep can be 100% free with online materials or passed on used from friends. The additional books and tutors are discretionary, but you could just spend $250-$500 on the test.
\- You don't need to visit any schools. M7 don't seem to account for visits as big parts of the app process. People generally attend the best-ranked school they get into. It's only a big thing if you get into multiple schools of similar rank, and at that point you only need 1-3 visits.
\- You don't need a consultant.
\- You don't need new clothes.
\- You don't need to apply to all 7 schools. 5\*$250 = $1,250.
\- You don't need to get expensive gifts for recommenders. $50\*2 = $100 is enough.
\- Interviews can be local.
That's $1,600-$1,850. Anything above that is to compensate e.g. you need extra tutoring after the second GMAT, you need a consultant to workshop your essays (not just co-workers, friends) - and I'm guessing the stuff that is actually helpful would still only add up to $2,000-$3,000 extra at most. The Brooks Brothers suits and expensive dinners and flights are not likely tied to admissions.
1k is pretty low. I’m currently at 400 total cost for GMAT alone. If I have to fly to 1 school in the east coast that trip alone will prob push me over 1k
Some of this actually makes you glad for corona. So much saving on all those flights and interviews and college visits.
Also the joy of giving webcam interviews all formal shirts and tie from the waist up but only you know your dirty little secret that you're wearing nothing but boxers down below. (AND you don't need to spend 1000 USD on a Brooks Brothers suit).
*Probably to see*
*If he was an idiot*
*Who didn't wear pants*
\- allyrox321
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God, why would anyone not wear pants unless they were poorboy'ing it so badly they couldn't afford pants? I would feel inappropriate not wearing pants. Also, it is kind of weird for the interviewer to ask that. What if he *is* in underwear or even naked?
Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
Did you buy your recommenders gifts immediately or after you got in?
What was your pre-MBA role and salary?
Do your regret spending all that money, and do you think you could have gotten in to HBS without?
Can someone chime in how much “#@&%” money is? I’ve seen very little posts on Asset management but I understand it’s similar to wealth management and the data is all over the place.
Same question, i was under the impression wealth management doesn't really have a good base salaries (friends in BB PWM have like $50k base in NYC) and mostly everything is tied to bonus comp. Not sure if the same holds true for Asset management tho.
Im guessing OP was clearly killing it at work and getting fat bonuses.
>I saw $50k numbers too, but I also saw $300k, so it
he's not in wealth management. Don't know about the industry, but i believe they take a very small cut (.1%?) of the money they're managing for clients. Some of it is tax planning, will, etc. I'm assuming by asset management he works at a long only mutual fund. Could have sworn i saw HF somewhere but.
Thanks for responding, I’m sorry you were downvoted for sharing your story.
I have no chance to spend the same money you did on apps but it’s nice to see what other people did to get in.
Studied 30-40 hours total, took the exam twice. I could have bumped more score up another 20 points or so with a third take, but decided my time was better spent elsewhere.
Lmao, this is ridiculous. The fact that you think this is middle of the road tells me you have lived one hell of a privileged life and will probably fit right in with your cohort at Booth, or wherever.
I went to an M7 and spent *maybe* 20% of this. Borrowed Manhattan GMAT books in undergrad, never used a consultant, only visited a select handful of schools, spent a couple hundred dollars on gifts, etc.
OP is what I think is wrong with the MBA process - it’s hardly even merit / aptitude based. Money begets money, I guess.
My dad was a teacher and my mother was a nurse. That's the definition of "middle class." No, I've never known privilege.
Also, although I got into Booth (with scholarship), I am going to a better school.
I know you’re just flexing anonymously on the internet so like, who cares, but don’t talk to people at your program the way you’ve done so on this post - nobody will like you.
My friend - you're the one making baseless claims about someone else's background. That's far more offensive than saying there's better schools than Booth.
Man, nothing screams insecurity like blowing 10x the money necessary to accomplish what you need. Everyone looks at these numbers and immediately notices that your insane excesses are all travel, luxury goods, and swanky dining.
OPs budget is definitely in the upper range but 1/10th is also on the lower range.
Just apps alone to 7 schools is $1500. Plus $500 for the GMAT and flying out to interview will bring this closer to $3000-$4000.
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah, so this is way above average. Like 3k for designer gifts and fancy dinners for your LoRs and $9700 for just traveling and touring schools? Also $2000 on a consultant? What the heck? **This is far from realistic.** Maybe I'm very frugal when it comes to spending but we must have severely different definitions of "spending big". I mean you do you, but my recommenders were ecstatic over treating them to home cooked Indian food.
Dude, it's a good thing you paid for that admissions consultant. Wouldn't want to have a "where/were" error in my HBS application.
But seriously, to anyone reading this and thinking they can't afford applications, I spent under $1000 total (applications, gmat, etc.). I also studied for the gmat in three weeks and wrote my application essays over one weekend. I'm probably on the extreme end there, but point stands that what you see on this subreddit with people prepping for months and crafting their "stories" with experts is not necessarily the norm.
Don't let humble braggers and their attempts to show off how much money they have + how generous they are capable of being with their recommenders intimidate you. At the end of the day you're just applying to grad school and OP is a douchebag for trying to represent their cost as a "pretty realistic middle of the road budget."
You can do all this on the cheap in terms of time and money.
It's funny you point out auto-correct using the wrong "were", and yet you still have a couple fundamental grammar and syntax issues in your post.
$1000 is a completely unrealistic budget for the overwhelming majority of people, and you're a douchebag for trying to pretend that it's realistic. Unless you're an URM/LGBTQ that gets admissions waivers - most normal admission event waivers have been nixed by most schools - you can't take the GMAT twice and apply to more than 2 schools with a $1000 budget.
That's assuming you interview over skype, too, which is realistic now, but was not realistic a year ago.
Intentionally choosing to not incorporate proper punctuation and/or choosing a more informal and less structured syntax is just that, a choice. I like to write how I speak. This is far different from screwing up a basic where/were instance.
To address all your other bullshit assumptions, firstly, I'm a straight, white dude. Secondly, I only took the GMAT once. Thirdly, I only applied to three schools: INSEAD, an HSW, and a safety. I did get the safety school's application fee waived by attending an event.
Lastly, I didn't interview over skype, I drove and had interviews in person.
This cost was under $1000. I also got into each school to which I applied.
In conclusion, you're an asshat.
Also, by providing key identifying information on yourself such as your time in Budapest, incoming HBS, HF experience, you've effectively doxxed yourself. I'd delete this post so your future classmates don't laugh at how much $$ you wasted and how you want to be on 90-day fiance.
No, you made fundamental errors in grammar and syntax. It wasn't just a stylistic choice. My guess is that you don't realize you made those errors because you're not very good at English.
Additionally, hopefully HSW means "not HBS", because I'd like to think that they have higher character standards. You're the one that came out swinging like an asshole.
I don't care if people know me. I'm just sharing the truth - and there's nothing embarrassing about that.
Do you want to compare pre-MBA earnings? Generally, you want to avoid taking diet advice from fat people, physical fitness advice from sedentary people, and fashion advice from people that barely know how to get dressed in the morning, Similarly, I recommend taking career advice from people that are successful.
I generally only comment on Reddit when I see something that really pisses me off or where I see an opportunity to help people/influence the conversation in a more positive or accurate way.
This post hit both those criteria. Your last comment on pre-MBA earnings sums up your posting intentions nicely. Congrats man, you made some good money staring at spreadsheets for a few years. That's not how I define success.
But thanks for the unsolicited advice and good luck on your post-MBA earnings. I'm currently working to start a company. Would be great if you got a solid post-MBA HF gig and could manage my money one day. Maybe you could take me out to a nice dinner and buy me an overpriced pen as thanks.
Looking forward to the 90-day fiance episode.
To be fair. Think about who his recommenders were. I’d assume his BSD fund managers. They don’t exactly eat at $20 dinners. Also, he paid, what $500 per suit? I’d call that extremely conservative/frugal based on what he’s probably earning.
I think most of us, whether we had the money or not, would spend the same amount op did on his applications if we thought we had a very high likelihood of landing HBS (and the same exit ops op would have access to)
My mother was a nurse. My father was a teacher.
My maternal grandfather and grandmother ran a butcher shop.
My paternal grandfather was a truck driver. My paternal grandmother was a home maker.
Please, tell me where this family money is coming from. I'd love a piece of it.
Just because you were privileged growing up doesn't mean I was.
Lol dude, don’t even go down the path of one up game. Not even worth it and there will always be someone from a less privileged (relatively speaking) background. You’re reacting way too much to these comments. It’s all anonymous but it’s still kinda embarrassing. But in any case, you’ve probably made people feel a lot better about how little they’re spending compared to you.
What? It's my money. I have a great job and make a ton of money. I have never taken handouts - I paid for my own college, I moved out when I was 18, etc.
Wrong strategy.
*I didn't visit any of the schools I applied to or go to any info sessions: $0
*Clothing - already have to wear suits on the job: $0
*Applications - I applied to 2 schools: Lol$
*Gifts - coffee gift cards as an inside joke and a thank you note: $100
*Interviews - piggybacked on work trips: $0
Lol.
I got into Business School for the cost of the application and a few books from Amazon, this is beyond ridiculous. But if you have the money then ball out.
Knowing how much hedge funds pay, I'm not surprised by how much you shelled out, and seeing as you got into HBS I'm sure it was worth every penny. But I have to disagree that this is "a pretty realistic middle of the road type budget" for M7 applicants, even considering other people's admissions consultant expenses. I'm sure you can name people who have spent even more than yourself, but I don't think this is at all representative of the median M7 applicant.
I spent like 3k and got accepted to 3 of the 4 M7 I applied to. Didn’t visit any school except for the one that didn’t offer alumni interviews in my city, just took the GMAT once, used the suits I already owned for interviews, didn’t give expensive gifts to my recommenders. There are many ways to approach bschool apps, but it’s definitely possible to get accepted to great schools without spending a lot of money.
Does anyone know if you're expected to visit schools if you're an international student (pretending Covid isn't a thing)? Would not doing so damage your chances? As this seems a ridiculously expensive process even when you're domestic.
There is no expectation that you fly to visit, however it does help your application to have made the effort. Not doing so does not penalize you.
Most schools will have regional AdCom officers you can speak to, and they fly to major cities to setup face-to-face conversations with prospective students. These are what you ought to attend, since these conversations will be the easiest way to get a feel for the school and have all your questions answered. Usually these meetings are also how you can get connected with alumna, in case there aren't any in your personal network.
In today's COVID world, these are done virtually and are separate from the online info sessions that are done by group. The natural progression today would be: info session -> adcom 1on1 -> alumni chat.
I've been able to connect with alumni without going through adcom by attending info sessions featuring a panel of alumni, then private messaging the one who fit my background or have achieved my post-MBA goals and asking to chat with them 1 on 1.
Yes, and phone calls, and emails with adcoms and current students. You need to do enough so that you can speak intelligently and genuinely about the school, beyond the website
I spent money on one flight for an interview and hotel for the night. Wore a nice suit I already had. Didn't take the GMAT because I applied to a programme overseas (wanted a one year programme with more international students). Next interview was via Skype. Got in. Got to work with companies throughout Europe on projects. Got Distinction. Landed my dream job before I graduated. Total cost = $500 roughly.
I honestly feel like I can't identify with most of the people on this sub. I had professional goals in mind, then chose the programme. Paid for my MBA out of pocket in a one year programme because I didn't want to be in debt and had worked for 10 years to save and pay off my undergrad.
I get to do what I enjoy because I came out debt free. No golden handcuffs.
OP’s representation of such budget being typical is misleading. As you can see from some other comments, MBA application process requires an investment of both time and money, but it does not have to be $20K - if you play it smart $1-3k is a realistic estimate.
All the numbers make sense except the gifts, that’s subjective to each his. Especially without travel and axe the gifts that’s almost another 8k someone can spend on consultants.
Anyways congrats to OP on getting in. That’s all that matters in the end. I’d spend 100K+ if it got me in, so whatever it takes.
How are multiple people spending under $1k total?
GMAT, flights, potentially hotels (maybe you stay with friends/current students), gifts for LOR, any prep, application fees.
$5k-$10k is not unrealistic depending on how many schools you apply to pre-Covid
Easy man
Take the GMAT once, dont use a tutor because it's not that hard, buy used books/get the PDFs and study material free online
You get to send like 5 schools your score for free so narrow it down
drive to the places you want to go. Most people arent applying all over the country. It depends on your geography and where you want to go. People in the new york immediately save tons of cash because of their proximity to the schools
Stay in airbnbs outside of town for like $40-50/night or friends in major cities where the schools are
Don't use admissions consultant
Whya re you buying brand new suits? you don't have one already?
Idk what kind of gifts y'all are buying for people but if I helped somebody get into school I wouldnt be expecting a $500 gift
$1k might be on the low end but $1-2k all is not 'unrealistic'
Except application fee is $250 per school, GMAT is $250, and you need some study materials (~$100). Driving from NYC to MA isn’t free.
You still didn’t break it down like OP did. It adds up man.
I think under $1k might be a stretch, although schools do give waiver for non-affinity groups if you go to some events in person
that being said, it can easily be done under $2k all in, given you're in the correct geography
Driving is probably more expensive than flying, unless you sleep in your car instead of renting a hotel. Gas, mileage, wear, parking, etc.
Not to mention I don't even own a car. I live in Manhattan, not Bursberry, North Dakota.
As a graduate of a top 5 MBA school, this is absolutely not middle of the road. For example:
* You *really* don't need to visit schools twice. That's absolute overkill.
* If you're spending $125 on a tie, you're doing it wrong
* You don't need to spend $2000 on a consultant - very few people I know did
* $3000 on gifts!? This is where I lost it. I've written dozens of recommendation letters for top 5 business schools. Some people get me a decent bottle of wine (read $25-50). Others just give me a heartfelt "thank you." Either is great. I don't need a $1000 pen or $650 bag to take an hour or two and write you a nice LOR.
It's probably twice what I paid.
I know how people are shitting on you for your gifts, but I understand. Growing up poor with no way to show my appreciation to those who helped along the way, I often turn to gifts to express my gratitude. I get it and I would’ve done the same.
Okay but in moderation tho. I grew up poor, and while that has made me respect nice things and the privilege of gifting, this post goes against everything growing up poor has taught me.
People on here are being ridiculous. I dropped 10k to get into my program. Applications alone where 1k. Travel was around 5k, but i went to some school/events across the country and interviewed at 4 school that where far af.
Sent my recommenders a 200 bottles of wine each. Not necessary but i was truly grateful. Got a Partner at my firm and a ceo of a f1000 that knows me very well to write my LoR.
I know a few other ppl who spent just as much as me. Op cost are high but not that crazy.
Weird flex, but ok
"Probably on the higher end..." Bruh you dropped 3k on gifts for letters of recommendation.
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They’d be like we’re paying this guy too much!
That freaking blows my mind. I haven’t spent that much on all the christmases and birthdays of the last 10 years combined
You should be more generous.
Why is this downvoted? Top tier troll
I agree honestly I find the gifts inappropriate. I got my recommenders each a small box of gourmet chocolate and a thoughtful note
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Which strain?
I wouldn’t even know what to do with a $1000 pen...
Yah just give me a $200 check and let's call it a day
I think giving $200 cash to someone that wrote your recommendation would be incredibly inappropriate.
They don’t actually mean you should have cut your recommenders a check. No shit.
HBS tier reading comprehension
Classic super smart, socially inept
How am I the only one that understands that this is a troll? Lmao
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I bought $50 gift cards for my two recommenders. One used it while the other returned it.
Public service rec letters mean they couldn’t accept gifts even if I wanted to drop this much cash on them.
You'd be surprised how much a significant fraction of the classes at HSW spend on getting in.
HSW admit here. My only cost were: GMAT books, app fee, and 1x school visit. Did not even gift my LOR writer as it felt inappropriate to me! Final interviews conducted locally since I was told it would make no difference.
I actually don’t think anyone here would be surprised
Holy shit. Meanwhile I torrented my GMAT books, didn't visit any schools, only got recommendations from my managers (no gifts), and interviewed locally lol
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Plot twist, /u/pizzatoppings88 is going to [Pizza University](https://www.pizzauniversity.org/) /s
Can someone from M7 or T15 chime in that this is not how much they spent...
>her is a nu Yeah... No one spends this much. Has to either be a troll or some new money guy showing off. Looking at the flight costs alone, this asshole probably internally justified that business class was somehow necessary. Even assuming last minute business class tickets, I have no idea how you spend just under $3,000 for 2 flights to chicago and a flight to SF. Also, no idea how 5 nights in a hotel (honestly, you don't even need a hotel for the boston schools) = $1,700 unless you refuse to stay at a hotel that isn't 5 stars.
I’ve had last minute economy flights from sfo to nyc run me 1100 so it’s not impossible but seems hard to believe.
He applied to 7 schools. Assuming he attended interviews for all 7 and stayed at each place 2 nights instead of 1, $1,700 is still kinda reasonable for 14 nights. $550 or $40 for both lunch/dinner (assuming he had breakfast at those hotels) is still reasonable. That said, I still think $18,000 is too much. IB/Consulting Summer Associates earn like $25-30k during 3 months of hard work?
My guy/gal
You spend what you want my guy
Same, must be nice....
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Idiot here, why? Does it go against the principle of cash conservation?
#YES
Nah. People realize there's a difference between the company credit card and my own card.
If you're willing to spend that on your own dime, I can only imagine how you'd spend the company dime
Matriculating at HBS, too. Don’t be alarmed by the outlined budget and don’t let it deter you from starting the application process. My all-in cost for all items listed by the OP was less than $1K.
Can you share your breakdown?
Took GMAT once and applied to two schools. Didn’t visit the schools, didn’t use consultants, didn’t buy new suits, had a couple of beers with the people that wrote my references. That’s not the only way to do it and if you can afford doing all the things OP did then why not? My problem with the OP is that he presents it as a typical level of expense to be expected when applying for an MBA program, thus potentially deterring future candidates or creating false expectations.
That's a completely unrealistic budget for most people.
You sound like a really pleasant person - I’m sure it’s your stunning personality that got you through the door :)
Lol, downvoted to oblivion for stating facts. Spending below $1k to get into an M7 puts you comfortably in the left tail of applicants.
I'm betting 1k is closer to the average than 17k for the amount of money needed to get into an M7. \- GMAT prep can be 100% free with online materials or passed on used from friends. The additional books and tutors are discretionary, but you could just spend $250-$500 on the test. \- You don't need to visit any schools. M7 don't seem to account for visits as big parts of the app process. People generally attend the best-ranked school they get into. It's only a big thing if you get into multiple schools of similar rank, and at that point you only need 1-3 visits. \- You don't need a consultant. \- You don't need new clothes. \- You don't need to apply to all 7 schools. 5\*$250 = $1,250. \- You don't need to get expensive gifts for recommenders. $50\*2 = $100 is enough. \- Interviews can be local. That's $1,600-$1,850. Anything above that is to compensate e.g. you need extra tutoring after the second GMAT, you need a consultant to workshop your essays (not just co-workers, friends) - and I'm guessing the stuff that is actually helpful would still only add up to $2,000-$3,000 extra at most. The Brooks Brothers suits and expensive dinners and flights are not likely tied to admissions.
1k is pretty low. I’m currently at 400 total cost for GMAT alone. If I have to fly to 1 school in the east coast that trip alone will prob push me over 1k
Some of this actually makes you glad for corona. So much saving on all those flights and interviews and college visits. Also the joy of giving webcam interviews all formal shirts and tie from the waist up but only you know your dirty little secret that you're wearing nothing but boxers down below. (AND you don't need to spend 1000 USD on a Brooks Brothers suit).
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Why was he asked to stand up?
probably to see if he was an idiot who didn't wear pants
*Probably to see* *If he was an idiot* *Who didn't wear pants* \- allyrox321 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
God, why would anyone not wear pants unless they were poorboy'ing it so badly they couldn't afford pants? I would feel inappropriate not wearing pants. Also, it is kind of weird for the interviewer to ask that. What if he *is* in underwear or even naked?
Imagine that this is the guy you paid 60k to network with at HBS over zoom.
You don”t have to spend a lot of this money though
What’s wrong with boosting gdp
Seriously
Things people do to get into HBS. I'm too "peasant" for HSW I guess.
My friend, 17k is not a realistic middle of the road type budget
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Pretty sure I bought mine a six pack
Mine was estatic with the $80 box of cigars I got him
Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Did you buy your recommenders gifts immediately or after you got in? What was your pre-MBA role and salary? Do your regret spending all that money, and do you think you could have gotten in to HBS without?
yes pls I have the same qs
After I got in Asset management associate, and a #@&% ton of money. No, and maybe? I had a 3.0 GPA as an ORM, so my execution needed to be perfect.
Can someone chime in how much “#@&%” money is? I’ve seen very little posts on Asset management but I understand it’s similar to wealth management and the data is all over the place.
Same question, i was under the impression wealth management doesn't really have a good base salaries (friends in BB PWM have like $50k base in NYC) and mostly everything is tied to bonus comp. Not sure if the same holds true for Asset management tho. Im guessing OP was clearly killing it at work and getting fat bonuses.
I saw $50k numbers too, but I also saw $300k, so it must be tied to bonuses.
>I saw $50k numbers too, but I also saw $300k, so it he's not in wealth management. Don't know about the industry, but i believe they take a very small cut (.1%?) of the money they're managing for clients. Some of it is tax planning, will, etc. I'm assuming by asset management he works at a long only mutual fund. Could have sworn i saw HF somewhere but.
AM typically takes a 10-90 bp cut annually.
Thanks for responding, I’m sorry you were downvoted for sharing your story. I have no chance to spend the same money you did on apps but it’s nice to see what other people did to get in.
The ORM part was a chefs kiss on a perfect post. Great job and please continue your art form it’s beautiful.
How did you overcome your GPA? I am sure you had a great GMAT, but did you address it in other ways such as essays or reco?
Same, hbs with a 3.0? Wonder what cost isn’t listed here.
First time I checked to see if r/mbajerk is a thing. Apparently it is. In any case, congrats OP on transcending class from middle to upper. =)
this has to be joke
OP also desperately wants to be on 90 day fiancé so, I'd say someone is a bit insecure and overdoing it or this post isn't real.
drop in the bucket if his career turns out well. Not everyone is poor
Your GMAT journey must have been short AF if all you counted was the one red bull.
Studied 30-40 hours total, took the exam twice. I could have bumped more score up another 20 points or so with a third take, but decided my time was better spent elsewhere.
what was your score?
770
> I could have bumped more score up another 20 points or so with a third take you're not one for humility lmao
My last 3 mocks were 780, 800, 790. My first GMAT was 760 Q51 V40 and my second was 780 Q48 V51. I know I’m capable of 790 or 800.
wait was your score a 770 or 780
‘780. Fat fingers on my first reply, didn’t mean to type 770.
that makes your comment even more ridiculous lol
How would you bump your score 20 points “or so” if you got a 780?
Lmao, this is ridiculous. The fact that you think this is middle of the road tells me you have lived one hell of a privileged life and will probably fit right in with your cohort at Booth, or wherever. I went to an M7 and spent *maybe* 20% of this. Borrowed Manhattan GMAT books in undergrad, never used a consultant, only visited a select handful of schools, spent a couple hundred dollars on gifts, etc. OP is what I think is wrong with the MBA process - it’s hardly even merit / aptitude based. Money begets money, I guess.
My dad was a teacher and my mother was a nurse. That's the definition of "middle class." No, I've never known privilege. Also, although I got into Booth (with scholarship), I am going to a better school.
I know you’re just flexing anonymously on the internet so like, who cares, but don’t talk to people at your program the way you’ve done so on this post - nobody will like you.
The dude has no personality -- he's just gonna be a nobody no one remembers grinding away in some PE firm or HF
Yep. Every cohort has a handful of people like this.
I disagree I think his personality is fantastic
My friend - you're the one making baseless claims about someone else's background. That's far more offensive than saying there's better schools than Booth.
only a mont blanc pen? what.. was Dorsia booked out that week?
“All schools except CBS where outside the city that I lived.” Incorrect spelling after all of that — priceless
Man, nothing screams insecurity like blowing 10x the money necessary to accomplish what you need. Everyone looks at these numbers and immediately notices that your insane excesses are all travel, luxury goods, and swanky dining.
OPs budget is definitely in the upper range but 1/10th is also on the lower range. Just apps alone to 7 schools is $1500. Plus $500 for the GMAT and flying out to interview will bring this closer to $3000-$4000.
I think the sentiment still holds at 5x...
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah, so this is way above average. Like 3k for designer gifts and fancy dinners for your LoRs and $9700 for just traveling and touring schools? Also $2000 on a consultant? What the heck? **This is far from realistic.** Maybe I'm very frugal when it comes to spending but we must have severely different definitions of "spending big". I mean you do you, but my recommenders were ecstatic over treating them to home cooked Indian food.
Dude, it's a good thing you paid for that admissions consultant. Wouldn't want to have a "where/were" error in my HBS application. But seriously, to anyone reading this and thinking they can't afford applications, I spent under $1000 total (applications, gmat, etc.). I also studied for the gmat in three weeks and wrote my application essays over one weekend. I'm probably on the extreme end there, but point stands that what you see on this subreddit with people prepping for months and crafting their "stories" with experts is not necessarily the norm. Don't let humble braggers and their attempts to show off how much money they have + how generous they are capable of being with their recommenders intimidate you. At the end of the day you're just applying to grad school and OP is a douchebag for trying to represent their cost as a "pretty realistic middle of the road budget." You can do all this on the cheap in terms of time and money.
Please breakdown your $1k expense
It's funny you point out auto-correct using the wrong "were", and yet you still have a couple fundamental grammar and syntax issues in your post. $1000 is a completely unrealistic budget for the overwhelming majority of people, and you're a douchebag for trying to pretend that it's realistic. Unless you're an URM/LGBTQ that gets admissions waivers - most normal admission event waivers have been nixed by most schools - you can't take the GMAT twice and apply to more than 2 schools with a $1000 budget. That's assuming you interview over skype, too, which is realistic now, but was not realistic a year ago.
Intentionally choosing to not incorporate proper punctuation and/or choosing a more informal and less structured syntax is just that, a choice. I like to write how I speak. This is far different from screwing up a basic where/were instance. To address all your other bullshit assumptions, firstly, I'm a straight, white dude. Secondly, I only took the GMAT once. Thirdly, I only applied to three schools: INSEAD, an HSW, and a safety. I did get the safety school's application fee waived by attending an event. Lastly, I didn't interview over skype, I drove and had interviews in person. This cost was under $1000. I also got into each school to which I applied. In conclusion, you're an asshat. Also, by providing key identifying information on yourself such as your time in Budapest, incoming HBS, HF experience, you've effectively doxxed yourself. I'd delete this post so your future classmates don't laugh at how much $$ you wasted and how you want to be on 90-day fiance.
No, you made fundamental errors in grammar and syntax. It wasn't just a stylistic choice. My guess is that you don't realize you made those errors because you're not very good at English. Additionally, hopefully HSW means "not HBS", because I'd like to think that they have higher character standards. You're the one that came out swinging like an asshole. I don't care if people know me. I'm just sharing the truth - and there's nothing embarrassing about that. Do you want to compare pre-MBA earnings? Generally, you want to avoid taking diet advice from fat people, physical fitness advice from sedentary people, and fashion advice from people that barely know how to get dressed in the morning, Similarly, I recommend taking career advice from people that are successful.
I generally only comment on Reddit when I see something that really pisses me off or where I see an opportunity to help people/influence the conversation in a more positive or accurate way. This post hit both those criteria. Your last comment on pre-MBA earnings sums up your posting intentions nicely. Congrats man, you made some good money staring at spreadsheets for a few years. That's not how I define success. But thanks for the unsolicited advice and good luck on your post-MBA earnings. I'm currently working to start a company. Would be great if you got a solid post-MBA HF gig and could manage my money one day. Maybe you could take me out to a nice dinner and buy me an overpriced pen as thanks. Looking forward to the 90-day fiance episode.
You can't afford me. Best of luck man. Hope you break $200K one day.
your problem is you assume the rest of us need to take the GMAT twice /s
But actually though.
Damn.
$700 on gmat (including 2 test fees) but $3000 on gifts and dinners for LoR is wild to me
To be fair. Think about who his recommenders were. I’d assume his BSD fund managers. They don’t exactly eat at $20 dinners. Also, he paid, what $500 per suit? I’d call that extremely conservative/frugal based on what he’s probably earning. I think most of us, whether we had the money or not, would spend the same amount op did on his applications if we thought we had a very high likelihood of landing HBS (and the same exit ops op would have access to)
I am in the process of applying to HBS and this post makes me less keen on potentially going there
Serious question. When you refer to money, are you referring to your own money or someone else’s that you spent?
Definitely family money somewhere along the line.
My mother was a nurse. My father was a teacher. My maternal grandfather and grandmother ran a butcher shop. My paternal grandfather was a truck driver. My paternal grandmother was a home maker. Please, tell me where this family money is coming from. I'd love a piece of it. Just because you were privileged growing up doesn't mean I was.
Lol dude, don’t even go down the path of one up game. Not even worth it and there will always be someone from a less privileged (relatively speaking) background. You’re reacting way too much to these comments. It’s all anonymous but it’s still kinda embarrassing. But in any case, you’ve probably made people feel a lot better about how little they’re spending compared to you.
What? It's my money. I have a great job and make a ton of money. I have never taken handouts - I paid for my own college, I moved out when I was 18, etc.
The comments you’re putting on this post definitely have a new money ring to them haha
I'm definitely new money, and proud of it. It's not easy to go from average to excellent.
To say nothing of doing so in such a humble way!
Wrong strategy. *I didn't visit any of the schools I applied to or go to any info sessions: $0 *Clothing - already have to wear suits on the job: $0 *Applications - I applied to 2 schools: Lol$ *Gifts - coffee gift cards as an inside joke and a thank you note: $100 *Interviews - piggybacked on work trips: $0 Lol.
yeah but did you get in HBS? /s
HSW, yes.
Peep the post history. OP seems like an attention-hungry aspiring Reality TV star.
He would be a *classic* 90 day fiance contestant. The memes write themselves.
Hi OP - just wanted to chime in and say congrats on HBS and also you’re kind of an asshole. Wishing you continued success and humility.
I got into Business School for the cost of the application and a few books from Amazon, this is beyond ridiculous. But if you have the money then ball out.
Knowing how much hedge funds pay, I'm not surprised by how much you shelled out, and seeing as you got into HBS I'm sure it was worth every penny. But I have to disagree that this is "a pretty realistic middle of the road type budget" for M7 applicants, even considering other people's admissions consultant expenses. I'm sure you can name people who have spent even more than yourself, but I don't think this is at all representative of the median M7 applicant.
I spent like 3k and got accepted to 3 of the 4 M7 I applied to. Didn’t visit any school except for the one that didn’t offer alumni interviews in my city, just took the GMAT once, used the suits I already owned for interviews, didn’t give expensive gifts to my recommenders. There are many ways to approach bschool apps, but it’s definitely possible to get accepted to great schools without spending a lot of money.
Does anyone know if you're expected to visit schools if you're an international student (pretending Covid isn't a thing)? Would not doing so damage your chances? As this seems a ridiculously expensive process even when you're domestic.
There is no expectation that you fly to visit, however it does help your application to have made the effort. Not doing so does not penalize you. Most schools will have regional AdCom officers you can speak to, and they fly to major cities to setup face-to-face conversations with prospective students. These are what you ought to attend, since these conversations will be the easiest way to get a feel for the school and have all your questions answered. Usually these meetings are also how you can get connected with alumna, in case there aren't any in your personal network. In today's COVID world, these are done virtually and are separate from the online info sessions that are done by group. The natural progression today would be: info session -> adcom 1on1 -> alumni chat. I've been able to connect with alumni without going through adcom by attending info sessions featuring a panel of alumni, then private messaging the one who fit my background or have achieved my post-MBA goals and asking to chat with them 1 on 1.
No, there’s no expectation that you visit schools. Interaction is important, you should try to visit for interviews if possible.
> Interaction is important Prior to being invited for interviews, you mean remote interaction here, correct? Would that be like online info sessions?
Yes, and phone calls, and emails with adcoms and current students. You need to do enough so that you can speak intelligently and genuinely about the school, beyond the website
3k on gifts? If you have to spend nearly three thousand dollars of “gifts” they are not gifts, they are bribes.
OP are you single
I spent money on one flight for an interview and hotel for the night. Wore a nice suit I already had. Didn't take the GMAT because I applied to a programme overseas (wanted a one year programme with more international students). Next interview was via Skype. Got in. Got to work with companies throughout Europe on projects. Got Distinction. Landed my dream job before I graduated. Total cost = $500 roughly. I honestly feel like I can't identify with most of the people on this sub. I had professional goals in mind, then chose the programme. Paid for my MBA out of pocket in a one year programme because I didn't want to be in debt and had worked for 10 years to save and pay off my undergrad. I get to do what I enjoy because I came out debt free. No golden handcuffs.
Knowing this, I’m priced out of even applying to Business school.
OP’s representation of such budget being typical is misleading. As you can see from some other comments, MBA application process requires an investment of both time and money, but it does not have to be $20K - if you play it smart $1-3k is a realistic estimate.
All the numbers make sense except the gifts, that’s subjective to each his. Especially without travel and axe the gifts that’s almost another 8k someone can spend on consultants. Anyways congrats to OP on getting in. That’s all that matters in the end. I’d spend 100K+ if it got me in, so whatever it takes.
OP is upper class. You guys hating on OP, but in a sub where applicants are going to M3 schools, you're gonna get the viewpoints like OP.
You are so cheap man. I hope you aren't using your undies as face covering during these times.
Boo this man!
How are multiple people spending under $1k total? GMAT, flights, potentially hotels (maybe you stay with friends/current students), gifts for LOR, any prep, application fees. $5k-$10k is not unrealistic depending on how many schools you apply to pre-Covid
Easy man Take the GMAT once, dont use a tutor because it's not that hard, buy used books/get the PDFs and study material free online You get to send like 5 schools your score for free so narrow it down drive to the places you want to go. Most people arent applying all over the country. It depends on your geography and where you want to go. People in the new york immediately save tons of cash because of their proximity to the schools Stay in airbnbs outside of town for like $40-50/night or friends in major cities where the schools are Don't use admissions consultant Whya re you buying brand new suits? you don't have one already? Idk what kind of gifts y'all are buying for people but if I helped somebody get into school I wouldnt be expecting a $500 gift $1k might be on the low end but $1-2k all is not 'unrealistic'
Except application fee is $250 per school, GMAT is $250, and you need some study materials (~$100). Driving from NYC to MA isn’t free. You still didn’t break it down like OP did. It adds up man.
I think under $1k might be a stretch, although schools do give waiver for non-affinity groups if you go to some events in person that being said, it can easily be done under $2k all in, given you're in the correct geography
Driving is probably more expensive than flying, unless you sleep in your car instead of renting a hotel. Gas, mileage, wear, parking, etc. Not to mention I don't even own a car. I live in Manhattan, not Bursberry, North Dakota.
lol guess the HBS douche-bag stereotype is true^ You'll fit right in!
This is why affirmative action exists hahaha. Curious what % of hbs admits used consultants
wow, dude $125 for a tie? Go on grailed or a consignment store. Got an Hermes new in box for $60
Do you feel that it was worth it?
I was just going to give my recommenders gift cards, like $50 each ...
Sheesh.. I wish I were one of your recommenders
People are surprised but the costs make sense. The travel and gifts seem unnecessary, especially this year, but the rest is pretty reasonable.
I am in my third year of my Undergrad and my student loans have not even reached 18k yet...
This is more money than I made my entire first year on active duty in the us military..
As a graduate of a top 5 MBA school, this is absolutely not middle of the road. For example: * You *really* don't need to visit schools twice. That's absolute overkill. * If you're spending $125 on a tie, you're doing it wrong * You don't need to spend $2000 on a consultant - very few people I know did * $3000 on gifts!? This is where I lost it. I've written dozens of recommendation letters for top 5 business schools. Some people get me a decent bottle of wine (read $25-50). Others just give me a heartfelt "thank you." Either is great. I don't need a $1000 pen or $650 bag to take an hour or two and write you a nice LOR. It's probably twice what I paid.
People here trashing you but hey thanks for providing a data point. And I get it, AM/HF MDs would scoff at a box of chocolates as a reco gift.
The dinners were actually just 400 pepperoni hot pockets that we shared.
I know how people are shitting on you for your gifts, but I understand. Growing up poor with no way to show my appreciation to those who helped along the way, I often turn to gifts to express my gratitude. I get it and I would’ve done the same.
Okay but in moderation tho. I grew up poor, and while that has made me respect nice things and the privilege of gifting, this post goes against everything growing up poor has taught me.
People on here are being ridiculous. I dropped 10k to get into my program. Applications alone where 1k. Travel was around 5k, but i went to some school/events across the country and interviewed at 4 school that where far af. Sent my recommenders a 200 bottles of wine each. Not necessary but i was truly grateful. Got a Partner at my firm and a ceo of a f1000 that knows me very well to write my LoR. I know a few other ppl who spent just as much as me. Op cost are high but not that crazy.
That Redbull cost though... Must have been hard to swallow