Udit’s Success Story: Rotman, IE and ESADE MBA Admits with Scholarship

[Intro by Arvind Kumar]

How does it feel to have not one, not two, but THREE top MBA admits?

Udit’s MBA journey was nothing short of incredible, but this success didn’t come easy.

With a B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College and 5+ years professional journey across 3 sectors, Udit’s career spanned both startups and multinational corporations.

Despite putting in the effort to significantly improve his GMAT score (615 GFE), it was still on the lower side for top MBA programs. He knew he had to go beyond numbers to stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Instead of dwelling on what couldn’t be changed, we focused on what we could – crafting the strongest possible application.

From the start, we built a strategy that highlighted his strengths, clarified his goals, and conveyed his story in a compelling way. Every essay, every interview prep session, and every round of feedback helped refine his approach.

The result? Udit secured admits from Rotman, IE and ESADE – and to top it off, he earned a scholarship from Rotman!

With 3 admits in hand, Udit had the luxury of choice – a position every MBA applicant dreams of. He ultimately chose Rotman to begin his next chapter.

Over to Udit.

Background and Motivation for an MBA

Before applying to business school, I graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, one of India’s top institutions.

My professional journey spans five years, during which I gained diverse experience across the Automotive, Packaging, and Technology industries.

Over the past three years, I worked in a CEO’s Office role, where I engaged in corporate strategy, high-stakes decision-making, and managing cross-functional projects. This role exposed me to the fast-paced challenges of startups and the structured operations of multinational corporations.

As I progressed, I realized I needed to deepen my global business acumen, expand my network, and gain exposure to international markets to advance toward senior leadership roles. Pursuing an MBA felt like the ideal step to strengthen my technical and soft skills for navigating today’s dynamic business environment.

Self-GMAT Preparation

Preparing for the GMAT required resilience and adaptability.

I started with structured coaching from platforms but soon realized these methods weren’t driving the improvement I needed. Recognizing this, I pivoted to self-study, relying heavily on online resources.

Through countless hours of practice and a strategic focus, I achieved a 100-point improvement on my GMAT score (615 GFE).

Application Strategy

When selecting schools, I prioritized institutions with strong brand value, global reputation, excellent placement records, and robust connections to consulting and entrepreneurship.

Canada and Europe emerged as ideal geographies for propelling my career forward. I dove deep into the application process by networking with alumni, attending information sessions, and engaging in coffee chats to understand each school’s culture and expectations.

Despite my efforts, I faced challenges as an Indian male applicant in an overrepresented demographic. Additionally, my GMAT scores posed an initial hurdle.

To overcome these obstacles, I emphasized my strengths: my diverse industry experience, my transition from operations to strategy, and my leadership roles during undergraduate extracurriculars.

I worked hard to craft a profile that highlighted my adaptability, professional achievements, and potential for growth.

Differentiating Factors

The breadth of my professional experience made my application stand out.

Having worked in Automotive, Packaging, and Technology industries, I offered a unique perspective on business operations and strategy.

My role in the CEO’s Office demonstrated my ability to contribute at a strategic level, while my leadership in undergrad clubs highlighted my collaborative skills. Additionally, my commitment to self-improvement, evident in my 100-point GMAT score improvement, reinforced my narrative of resilience and determination.

Combined with a strong GPA and certifications, these factors presented a well-rounded and compelling application to the admissions committees.

Interview Experience

My Rotman interview was an intense one-hour session focused on my academic, professional, and personal journey.

The conversation covered my career progression, short- and long-term goals, and examples of leadership and teamwork. Rotman’s emphasis on adaptability and integration into diverse teams stood out, as the interviewers probed how I would contribute to and benefit from the program.

To prepare, I worked closely with Arvind (admitStreet), conducting a detailed mock interview. Arvind’s targeted questions and actionable feedback helped me refine my responses and deliver a confident, structured narrative. This preparation ensured I presented my story effectively and aligned with Rotman’s values.

Results and Final Decision

With Arvind’s guidance, I secured admission to the Rotman School of Management with a CAD 25,000 scholarship. Rotman’s strong consulting ties, leadership development focus, and prominent position in the Canadian market aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.

I also received admits from top European schools like IE and ESADE, but Rotman’s emphasis on innovation and its unparalleled connections to the consulting industry solidified my choice.

Working with Arvind / admitStreet

Collaborating with Arvind was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA journey. From our first interaction, his structured and methodical approach stood out. He helped me shortlist schools that aligned with my goals and provided insights into crafting tailored applications for each.

Arvind guided me through essay writing, encouraging me to reflect deeply and bring out the essence of my experiences. We refined each essay through multiple iterations to ensure alignment with each school’s values. His attention to detail and commitment to quality made the entire process smooth and focused.

For Rotman’s unique ‘Spike Factor’ question, Arvind’s comprehensive questionnaire helped me frame a response that captured my professional journey and extracurricular strengths. He also supported video interview preparation, scholarship essays, and negotiations, ensuring every aspect of my application was polished.

I wholeheartedly recommend Arvind (admitStreet) for their expert guidance. Their structured, personalized approach transformed my overwhelming application process into a clear, actionable plan resulting in admits from 3 top B-schools: Rotman, IE and ESADE.

Advice for Prospective MBA Applicants

To MBA aspirants, I recommend starting early to maximize scholarship opportunities and thoroughly researching your target schools.

Engaging with alumni and attending events can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your application.

While a strong GMAT score is important, it’s not the only factor. Highlighting your professional achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to personal growth is key.