In the quest for a Top 15 (T15) MBA admit, sometimes the motivation can come from unexpected quarters. Rishika Chatterjee realised this the hard way. But she channelised her unpleasant MBA admission experiences into positive energy and got admits from Duke Fuqua and UVA Darden with scholarships.
She completed her Bachelors of Science from St Xavier’s College (Kolkata) and her Masters of Science in International Management & Sustainability from Sciences Po, a grande école in Paris.
Forté Fellowship with T15 MBA admits
A Tale of Resilience, Strategy, and Some Sleepless Nights
by Rishika Chatterjee
Who Am I?
If you ask my friends to describe me, they’d probably say I’m a mix of a strategist who overanalyses everything and Chandler Bing’s sarcasm — always inquisitive, often cracking jokes at my own expense.
I’ve always been drawn to big ideas and even bigger challenges, whether it was working for Enactus in college, conceptualizing the Startup20 Engagement Group during India’s G20 Presidency 2023, or interacting with 100+ diverse stakeholders at Startup India, Invest India.
As a child, I was fascinated by my father’s entrepreneurial struggles in the construction business, which gave me an early appreciation for the power of innovation.
I carried this passion into my career, working at Deloitte’s Transfer Pricing vertical, then pivoting into the startup ecosystem at Invest India, where I helped shape policies and facilitate investments.
The MBA Dream (Attempt #1)
Last year, I embarked on the MBA journey full of hope, determination — and, let’s be honest, a bit of overconfidence. I was convinced I could manage the applications process on my own, without the help of an admissions consultant.
I applied to 6 top-15 schools. I poured my heart into every application. But unfortunately, the outcome wasn’t what I had envisioned. I got rejections from all of them.
Rejection stings, but it also teaches.
Rather than sulking, I took a step back to reassess my approach.
The GMAT/GRE Struggles
Ah, the standardized test saga. I opted for the GRE, thinking it would be straightforward — until I found myself knee-deep in a sea of words that seemed straight out of a Victorian novel. To make things easier, I started associating words with meanings from my day-to-day life, creating mental links that helped me remember them better.
For math, I took a mock test first to diagnose my weak areas and then practiced them relentlessly, dedicating at least 3 to 4 hours every day after work. I took multiple mock exams leading up to test day, refining my strategy each time.
The effort paid off — I scored 323 (165Q, 158V), a result that gave me the confidence to focus on strengthening my overall application.
My score was decent but not outstanding. Did I retake it? Nope. Instead, I decided to double down on my essays, networking, and storytelling.
Why an MBA (Again)?
Having already done a Master’s in International Management from Sciences Po, Paris, I knew that another degree had to offer something unique and transformative.
My work at Invest India exposed me to the startup ecosystem at a macro level, but I wanted to be in the trenches — building, investing, and scaling businesses. An MBA, with its experiential learning and vast network, was the perfect bridge.
This time, I wasn’t going to wing it. I realized that a structured, well-thought-out approach was crucial, but it got off to a false start.
A popular MBA admissions consultant wrote me off!
I first reached out to a reputed admissions consultant impressed by the success stories he shared. But he was quick to write me off.
He said I had no chance at any of the Top 15 programs, given my modest GRE score.
Other than my score, I think his decision was also influenced by my earlier T15 school rejections. I would’ve been a re-applicant to some of those. I probably wasn’t a sure-shot candidate in his view.
This rejection from an admission consultant stung me more than the rejections I had received earlier from the business schools.
But I had decided I wouldn’t let anyone affect my confidence and self-belief.
Strategy Shift: Enter MCB & My Consultant
I contacted MBA Crystal Ball and had a way better experience. They were firm in highlighting my shortcomings. There was no sugar-coating and no mind games. And they offered to help me overcome the weaker aspects of my profile.
I decided to work with MCB to refine my story, choosing a consultant who understood not just my resume but my journey and aspirations.
Key reasons I worked with a consultant:
- I had a non-traditional background (economics + policy + startups) and needed a clear, compelling narrative.
- I needed to address my second master’s degree and how an MBA made sense.
- I wanted a focused strategy, given my modest GRE score and reapplicant status.
From the first brainstorming session with MCB, it was clear I was in the hands of a pro. My consultant, Avinash, helped me distill my experiences into powerful, differentiated essays — not just a rehash of my resume but a story that resonated.
The Application Grind: Late Nights & Lightbulb Moments
With a mix of strategy, caffeine, and existential crises, I worked through my applications. I applied to Tuck, Duke, Yale, MIT Sloan, Darden, and Georgetown — each for a distinct reason.
What I Found That Isn’t in the Brochures
- Darden’s real strength? The case method isn’t just a learning tool — it’s an intense, immersive experience that prepares you for real-world decision-making.
- Duke Fuqua’s Team Fuqua? I felt it first-hand when an alum from my industry spent 90 minutes coaching me on my essays.
- MIT Sloan’s culture? They don’t just value innovation; they demand it. Their LGO and Sustainability Lab programs showed me a real path toward scaling impact-driven startups.
The Interviews: A Rollercoaster of Nerves and Confidence
Interviews were another beast altogether. Some were rapid-fire, straight-to-the-point, while others felt like friendly conversations over coffee.
My Fuqua interview stood out — it was structured yet warm, and my interviewer genuinely seemed interested in my Innovation Index Framework.
One lesson? Preparation matters, but authenticity wins. Trying to sound like a ‘perfect MBA candidate’ is counterproductive. Instead, I focused on telling my story with clarity, confidence, and a touch of humour.
The Results: A Dream Come True
After months of anticipation, the decisions started rolling in. I got into Darden School of Business and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business with a scholarship — a moment that felt like a full-circle redemption arc. Other results followed, and with each, the self-doubt that had plagued me a year ago faded away.
What Worked & Advice for Aspirants
Reflecting on this journey, a few things stand out:
- Resilience is everything. The first setback doesn’t define you; what you do next does.
- Storytelling matters. Your career is more than a list of jobs — tie it together into a compelling narrative.
- Get the right help. Whether it’s a consultant, mentors, or friends, a strong support system makes all the difference.
- Humor helps. The MBA process can be grueling, but finding moments of levity keeps you sane.
Most importantly, drown out the noise. There will always be people who say:
“Your experience is too little.”
“Your score isn’t high enough.”
“Your profile isn’t diverse enough.”
If I had listened to those voices, I wouldn’t be here today. Your story is yours to tell.
Do not fall into the trope of consultants who only value scores and ‘sure-shot’ candidates.
If someone tries to bring you down, move on. Believe in yourself, in your journey, and find a consultant who sees your potential, which is what made a huge difference for me: working with Avinash and MCB.
At the end of the day, be true to yourself throughout the entire process — because that is what will set you apart.
And hey, if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember — at least you didn’t accidentally call your interviewer ‘Professor’ out of sheer nervousness, like I did.
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