Kellogg School of Management

CANDIDATE:  FA, India

QUALIFICATION: MS Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University; BTech, Institute of Chemical Technology

PRE-MBA INDUSTRY: Healthcare

EXPERIENCE:  7 years

GPA: 3.59/4 (Masters) | 8.59/10 (Bachelors) 

GRE/GMAT: 675 (GMAT Focus)

ADMITTED TO: Kellogg School of Management, Yale School of Management

A Healthcare Innovator’s Journey to Kellogg and Yale SOM

Background

Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in India, FA developed a global perspective and a strong belief in the power of education. Boarding school instilled resilience, while national debates, team sports, and skating reflected his competitive spirit and drive. Influenced by role models like his grandmother, a women’s literacy advocate, he came to see education as a tool for empowerment. At Carnegie Mellon University, he explored bio-inspired materials for healthcare, deepening his interest in science-driven impact.

These early experiences shaped his path in R&D. With over seven years of experience in the healthcare industry, FA led wound care product development and contributed to global regulatory and commercial efforts that supported successful launches. Through this work, he developed a deep passion for medical innovation and a commitment to creating patient-centred solutions that address care gaps and expand access. FA approached us to help articulate this vision, aligning his personal motivations with a focused, purpose-driven career narrative.

Approach

FA’s commitment to expanding healthcare access was shaped by personal loss and seven years in medical device R&D. We helped him articulate how these experiences informed his long-term goal of launching a healthcare startup focused on cost-effective, innovative solutions. He refined his post-MBA goal of transitioning into product management and identified how the school’s offerings could connect his technical expertise with his entrepreneurial vision. We also supported him through the waitlist process, advising him on how to navigate it effectively and submit thoughtful updates that reinforced his interest and strengthened his candidacy.

Key Takeaway

Through a personal and purpose-driven narrative, FA connected his technical accomplishments to a broader vision for impact in healthcare. He successfully converted his waitlist at Kellogg, earning both an admit and a merit-based scholarship. He also received an offer from Yale SOM, reflecting the clarity and strength of his overall application.

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