What can you expect from an M7 MBA? Is the competition to get in worth it?
As an Indian student in the Kellogg MBA program, Apara got an experience that went way beyond academics. The former McKinsey employee chose to return to McKinsey after completing her MBA. She explains everything that happened before, during and after her MBA from an M7 business school.
Life during and after an M7 MBA
From Kellogg to McKinsey
by Aparajida Subramanien
My name is Apara, and if there’s one thing that’s defined my life, it’s my love for nature and adventure. I was always the kid who’d rather be outdoors – kayaking in Seattle (I even once spotted a grey whale!), diving, hiking, or just soaking in the quiet energy of the wilderness.
I’ve always sought balance: in my 20s, I was laser-focused on climbing the corporate ladder, but as I entered my 30s, I found myself searching for quieter passions and deeper meaning. I’m a voracious reader, a podcast junkie (especially anything about personal growth), and a movie buff who loves the magic of a theatre weekend.
Professional career: McKinsey and the road to an MBA
Before Kellogg, I worked in the research arm of McKinsey India, specializing in economic development topics. Landing the role was a blend of preparation, networking, and a bit of serendipity – I was drawn to McKinsey’s reputation for impact and the opportunity to work on projects that genuinely mattered.
The experience was intense and transformative. But after a few years, I realized I wanted more. An MBA felt like the natural next step – a way to reboot my career, build a global network, and discover what I was truly passionate about.
GMAT story: Persistence pays off
My GMAT journey was a lesson in resilience. I took the test in August 2017, and scored a 700 on my first attempt – only to have the score revoked due to a testing centre issue. It was a setback, but also a blessing in disguise.
I regrouped, enrolled in a Princeton Review Accelerator course, and focused on GMAC’s official resources and practice tests. Taking the test once helped me understand the pressure, and the one-month intensive prep taught me shortcuts and strategies I hadn’t considered before. My second attempt? A 740.
Application strategy: Finding my fit
I applied to Kellogg, Booth, Wharton, LBS, Cambridge, IESE, and ISB – mostly independently, after realizing that working with a consultant wasn’t the right fit for me. My support system was a mix of alumni, McKinsey seniors, and friends who’d walked this path before.
I received admits from Kellogg, Booth, LBS, Cambridge, and IESE, with scholarships from LBS (30%) and Cambridge (70%). Wharton was the only school where I didn’t get an interview invite.
What set Kellogg apart was the people. Every conversation with students and alumni felt genuine, warm, and inspiring. I loved that Kellogg valued not just what you’d accomplished, but who you were as a person. It was clear that this wasn’t a school for lone wolves or showboats, but for collaborative, high-impact, low-ego leaders who wanted to pay it forward and make a difference.
– M7 admit reveals GMAT profile building plan and MBA application strategy
Kellogg experience: Community, growth, and lifelong friends
Kellogg is special in so many ways. My favourite class was “Personal Leadership Insights,” where we dove deep into understanding ourselves as leaders – our values, strengths, and blind spots.
The faculty, especially professors like David Besanko, were incredible. I still remember receiving a heartfelt email from him after graduation, telling me I exemplified the best of Kellogg and would be missed in his class. That kind of personal connection is rare, and it made me feel truly seen and valued.
“You exemplify the best of Kellogg, and I hope I have the privilege of being the teacher of many students like you in the years ahead. You were a genuinely positive force in my class, and I am very glad I had the chance to be your teacher” – Professor David Besanko
Kellogg’s culture is also deeply woman-centric, with a female dean, Francesca Cornelli, and many inspiring female professors and classmates. I found my best friends here – people who’ve become like family. We travelled to 12+ countries together, supported each other through ups and downs, and built memories that will last a lifetime.
The KWEST trip – a pre-orientation adventure where you travel with 24 new classmates and aren’t allowed to talk about your job or where you’re from – was a highlight. It forced us to connect as people, not resumes, and set the tone for the collaborative, inclusive culture that defines Kellogg. And being part of “Special K!”, Kellogg’s annual comic musical, was both hilarious and deeply bonding.
Classmates: Diversity and connection
My classmates came from everywhere and were engineers, bankers, entrepreneurs, artists, consultants, and more. The diversity was both exhilarating and humbling. But Kellogg’s collaborative ethos made it easy to connect.
Everyone was eager to learn from each other, and the culture encouraged vulnerability, empathy, and support.
What Kellogg looks for: High impact, low ego
Having been part of the admissions process, I can say Kellogg looks for well-rounded candidates who embody the “high impact, low ego” mindset.
The school values those who pay it forward, who thrive in teams, and who bring something unique to the table – whether it’s theatre, sports, or community service. While industry background is less important, Kellogg has a strong reputation in consulting, CPG, and marketing, and is growing in finance recruitment.
Lessons learned: Networking, brand, and making the most of Kellogg
The most enjoyable part of Kellogg was the sense of community and the opportunity to reinvent myself. The biggest frustration? Sometimes, the sheer volume of opportunities made it hard to focus.
But I learned that networking at Kellogg isn’t transactional – it’s about building real relationships. The Kellogg brand opens doors, but it’s the alumni network and the pay-it-forward culture that truly set it apart.
My advice to future students: Dive in fully. Get to know your classmates beyond the surface, take risks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The biggest peeve I’ve heard from classmates is FOMO on all the amazing things happening at once.
But remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about finding what matters most to you and going deep.
Life After MBA: Returning to McKinsey, Pivoting to AI
After Kellogg, I joined the corporate strategy team at American Express. It was a great experience, but I realized I didn’t see myself in credit cards for the next 50 years. I craved variety and the chance to work across industries, which led me back to McKinsey – this time in their San Francisco office. The recruiting process was a mix of leveraging my Kellogg and McKinsey networks (Former McKinsey consultant shares MBA application tips for management consulting applicants).
Now, I work in product at an AI PaaS company, helping to revolutionize the experience for company leaders. Every day, I draw on lessons from my MBA – whether it’s leading cross-functional teams, thinking strategically, or communicating with empathy
Unexpected Surprises and the Power of the Alumni Network
Life after the MBA has been both expected and full of surprises. I knew the Kellogg network was strong, but I didn’t realize just how global and supportive it would be. The alumni club in Dubai is vibrant, as is the one in Bangalore (I’m a member of both).
Life Outside Work: Giving Back and Exploring New Passions
Outside work, I make it a point to explore new hobbies and places – whether it’s hiking new trails, trying out local restaurants, or volunteering for the Kellogg admissions team.
As an alum alumni interviewer where I have had the chance to interact with multiple future Kellogg students and gain valuable insights into their aspirations, motivations, and the diverse perspectives they bring to the Kellogg community. It’s a way to stay connected, pay it forward, and keep the Kellogg spirit alive.
Final Thoughts: The Kellogg Difference
Kellogg isn’t just a business school, it’s a launchpad for personal and professional transformation. It’s where I expanded my voice, my tribe, and the confidence to chase bigger dreams. If you’re looking for a place that values authenticity, collaboration, and impact, there’s nowhere better. Lean in, be yourself, and let the journey surprise you.
– Apara
As an admissions consultant with MBA Crystal Ball, Apara is accepting a few mentoring requests. Reach out if you’d like to work with her on your MBA applications: info@mbacrystalball.com
