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 shaped his transition from investment banking to becoming COO of a fast-growing fintech startup.This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at ⁠⁠juno.us/m7a(00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno(00:34) Opener(01:01) Introducing Nico Echegaray(01:58) Pre-MBA Background(03:34) Motivation to Pursue an MBA(04:43) Taking the GMAT Early(05:36) B-School Selection Process(07:19) Starting the Application Process(08:05) Hiring an MBA Admissions Consultant(08:20) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative(11:09) MBA Application Challenges(11:54) Preparing for MBA Interviews(13:42) Value of an MBA Admissions Consultant(14:57) MBA Application Results(16:42) Wharton MBA Highlights(17:51) Advice for Future Applicants (and Current Students)(19:08) Post-MBA Career(24:07) Juno(25:42) Working as a COO(26:18) Changes to Federal Student Loans(27:24) Value of a Wharton MBA(28:21) Advice for Future Applicants

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, curiosity, and impact in the biotech ecosystem. He reflects on using Wharton as a platform for exploration, the real ROI of an MBA, and the mindset that helped him turn setbacks into success.This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at ⁠⁠juno.us/m7a(00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno(00:34) Opener(00:59) Introducing Christopher Ghadban(02:13) Undergrad Academics(03:13) Early Entrepreneurial Ambition(04:43) Professional Experience at AstraZeneca(06:19) Why MBA?(07:55) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative(11:20) Rejection and Reapplying(15:24) Scoring a 740 on the GMAT(16:53) Wharton as a Networking Platform(18:10) Was a Wharton MBA Worth It?(19:31) Post-MBA Career in VC(23:54) Advice for Future Applicants

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 downs of the GMAT, his experience as a Leadership Fellow, and his transition from McKinsey Canada to the startup world at Clutch.This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at ⁠juno.us/m7a⁠.(00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno(00:00:34) Opener(00:00:57) Introducing Simo Mohamed Senhaji Rhazi(00:06:18) Discovering the MBA(00:09:05) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative(00:11:28) Why MBA?(00:13:10) GMAT Challenges(00:16:25) MBA Prep Courses vs. Tutors(00:17:11) MBA Program Selection(00:18:47) MBA Welcome Weekends(00:19:17) Impact of COVID(00:20:48) MBA/MA Lauder Joint Degree Program(00:23:33) Wharton Leadership Fellows(00:26:09) Recruiting for MBB(00:28:57) McKinsey Canada(00:30:01) Strategy & Ops at Clutch(00:31:12) Advice for Future Applicants

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 the transition from the military to big tech, his roles at Instagram and Alchemy, and how those experiences led him to co-found YourNegotiations.com, a consulting company helping job seekers earn more by mastering salary negotiations.This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a(00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno(00:00:34) Opener(00:00:49) Introducing Alex Choi(00:03:01) Decision to Attend B-School(00:03:36) Military Background(00:05:13) Why MBA?(00:07:21) Finding Mentors(00:08:31) Crafting a Compelling Narrative(00:11:15) Career Highlights Recap(00:12:32) MBA Application Challenges(00:15:04) School Selection(00:16:20) Working with an Admissions Consultant(00:17:13) Going All In(00:17:39) GMAT Strategy(00:19:08) Applying for a Dual Degree(00:20:13) Opportunity Cost of the Dual Degree(00:20:54) Value of the Dual Degree(00:21:27) Was It Worth It?(00:21:58) Why Wharton(00:23:10) Time Management as an MBA Candidate(00:24:45) Post-MBA Career Update(00:25:28) Founder Journey(00:26:54) Launching YourNegotiations.com(00:28:08) Wharton Resources for Entrepreneurs(00:30:03) Bootstrapping vs. Raising VC(00:32:22) Long-Term Goals(00:33:45) How to Get in Touch with Alex(00:34:19) Advice for Future Applicants

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 navigating personal loss – and offers candid advice on slowing down, staying grounded, and making space for what matters. Today, Brian is part of the Alpine Investors team, where he focuses on building and scaling services businesses alongside founders – combining the discipline of private equity with a people-first approach to investing.This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a(00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:00:34) Opener (00:00:45) Introducing Brian Willis (00:02:07) Decision to Attend B-School (00:03:56) Why MBA? (00:05:48) Application Timeline (00:06:35) Writing the Application Essays (00:08:09) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Pool (00:09:28) Essay Tactics (00:10:04) LOR Strategy (00:10:47) Developing Extracurriculars (00:11:48) Making Time to Build a Well-Rounded Profile (00:12:22) Time, Treasure, and Talent (00:13:32) How to Craft a Cohesive Narrative (00:15:21) School Selection (00:16:30) MBA Application Challenges (00:17:06) Retaking the GMAT (00:17:49) Taking PTO to Finish Applications (00:18:56) Leveraging Your Network (00:20:53) Wharton MBA Highlights (00:22:35) Family Illness and Loss (00:23:29) Learnings from Wharton (00:24:59) Post-MBA at Alpine Investors (00:26:15) Hard and Soft Skills Development (00:27:02) Favorite Classes at Wharton (00:31:07) Long-Term Goals (00:32:38) Advice to Future Applicants

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 explore her biggest takeaways from HBS – from classroom insights with Professor Ryan Buell to building lifelong friendships during the pandemic. Today, Bethany is focused on people and organizational performance at McKinsey, with an eye toward eventually “getting the ball” as an operator.

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. Whether you’re an early-career applicant or exploring nontraditional MBA paths, Kelsey’s story offers inspiration and insight.

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 transformative.

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 to new opportunities, and the skills gained from an MBA that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey.

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 for prospective MBA students, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and self-awareness.

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 emphasizes the significance of introspection and resilience in navigating her career path, as well as the impact of her MBA experience on her entrepreneurial endeavors.

USC Marshall MBA candidate Kate van Keulen shares how she secured a generous scholarship – even when friends and colleagues questioned the value of business school. Hear how her “scrappy research” and negotiation skills earned her $50K off tuition, plus the mindset shift that kept her focused on what she knew was right for her career. If you’re looking to fund your MBA journey, Kate’s story is a must-listen. Enjoy!

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 school or looking to build something of your own, Behram’s journey offers a refreshingly honest take on what an MBA can (and can’t) do for you. Enjoy!

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 elevate your business school candidacy and rethink what “success” really means, you don’t want to miss this episode.

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!

Ever wonder how to pick the right business school for you? Jeff Simnick (MBA/MPH, Berkeley Haas ’20) reveals why Haas was his perfect fit – and shares the “killer essay hook” that had the admissions office laughing out loud. If you’re torn between multiple programs or want to stand out with a memorable application, Jeff’s story proves the power of following what you want, not just what you think you “should” do. Enjoy!

In this special episode, co-host Alex Neuber (HBS ’21) steps into the spotlight to share her own MBA journey – complete with the best (and worst) admissions advice she received, what she’d do differently, and how she’s channeling her business-school experience into entrepreneurship. Ready for a little tough love on getting started? Alex’s mantra says it all: “Book the damn test!” Enjoy!

Ever wonder how authenticity and kindness fit into the high-pressure world of investment banking? Matt Ochalski (Booth ’23) breaks down his extensive application process with co-hosts Alex and Julia – from setting his recommenders up for success to using the essay as a tool for self-discovery. Hear why leading with kindness might just be your biggest advantage – and how it shaped Matt’s journey to Booth and beyond. Enjoy!

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 impact, her journey offers valuable guidance. Enjoy!

Ever felt stuck in MBA admissions limbo? In this episode, we tackle the dreaded waitlist – why it might be better news than you think – and break down what to do if you land on it. We also share practical advice on whether to apply in Round 1 vs. Round 2, and which test (GMAT or GRE) might play to your strengths. If you’re overwhelmed by all the “maybes” in the process, this deep dive is for you. Enjoy!