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From Fashion Design to the MBA: How Ashwini Landed at Kellogg with a 700+ GMAT Score

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Manage episode 520302818 series 2833662
Content provided by GMAC and Graduate Management Admission Council. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by GMAC and Graduate Management Admission Council or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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.

Explore GMAT Prep: https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register

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

  continue reading

74 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 520302818 series 2833662
Content provided by GMAC and Graduate Management Admission Council. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by GMAC and Graduate Management Admission Council or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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.

Explore GMAT Prep: https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register

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

  continue reading

74 episodes

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