In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today's scale), earning admission—and a scholarship—to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why non-traditional applicants should see their backgrounds as an advantage, not a barrier. Ashwini also explains how her GMAT skills still show up in the classroom and in consulting recruiting—and how confidence, mindset, and self-reflection powered every step of her journey.

You can follow Ashwini's MBA adventures on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at classes, campus life, and what it's really like to be a business student with a fashion-tech edge.

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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GMATbyGMAC

Takeaways:

• Creativity can lead to a successful MBA journey and prep plan.
• Self-reflection is key in GMAT preparation.
• Non-traditional backgrounds can be advantageous in applications.
• Choosing the right business school is crucial for fit.
• A strong GMAT score can open doors to not just top schools, but scholarship opportunities.
• Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Utilize resources that match your learning style.
• Confidence is essential for non-traditional candidates.
• Success is achievable with dedication and the right mindset.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ashwini's Journey
05:03 The GMAT Experience: Preparation and Strategy
10:23 Choosing the Right Business School
15:32 Leveraging a Unique Background in Applications
21:06 Advice for Non-Traditional MBA Candidates
25:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways