I'm going to be a Maid of Honor!!!

I apologize, for this has absolutely nothing to do with HBS, but I am so excited that I have to shout it to the world. Today, one of my newly-engaged best friends from high school, Lauren, asked me to be her Maid of Honor at brunch (we went to a really cute restaurant on Newbury St. called Sonsie and I had perhaps the best french toast of my life -- it came with rum bananas and caramel and 2,000 calories, but it was so worth it!). She's getting married this summer at her sister's property in Sudbury, which she says is amazingly beautiful. Her sister is also acting as her Matron of Honor, so I will have a partner in crime, as well as four other bridesmaids (two of whom are also best friends from high school) to help make her special day that much more amazing. Today, Lauren and I went to Priscilla bridal boutique for her first round of dress exploration and then we went to Borders and bought her this massive bridal planning bible. I can't wait to start brainstorming about Bridal Showers and Bachelorette party themes (and I even bought a "How to be a Bridesmaid" book at Borders!)~!

I promise I'll blog soon with some actual MBA news. Things are pretty blah right now as we just chug through the semester and continue the very long, very exhausting internship search. I'm heading to NYC next weekend for the Entertainment & Media Club's NY Trek, so I'll have stuff to add once I return. Also, Admitted Students Weekend is in two weeks and I've volunteered to host one of the lunches, so if any of you readers will be up in Boston, give me a shout!

6 Responses to "I'm going to be a Maid of Honor!!!"

Vu responded on March 1, 2009 at 4:59 AM #

Dear Gabrielle,

I have come across your blog when I searched for insiders from HBS, and must admit I find it really interesting to follow your journey since your first day at HBS last year.

I am one of the applicants to HBS this year, and I have got an interview invitation to HBS. I'm preparing now for the interview, but would also like to get connected to some current HBS students and hear your experience sharing/insights into HBS. Any of your advice on how to best prepare for a HBS interview would be more than appreciated.

In addition, I have a question: most of the advices on google said that we should know who the interviewer is in advance, however I wonder if that's the case for HBS?

I truly understand that you have an extremely busy schedule, but if you can share your insights, it would be great

Sincerely,
Vu

Unknown responded on March 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM #

Hi Vu,

My apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I am happy to answer any questions you have about HBS. Please post your e-mail address as a comment and I will contact you shortly so we can connect.

Take care!
Gabby

Alex responded on March 14, 2009 at 1:18 PM #

Gabrielle,

While going through my typical weekend routine, which includes reading about MBA Programs (particularly HBS) and finance related forums, I stumbled on your site. Let me just say that it's comforting to see that HBS students have a healthy sense of humor and share the same stresses as the rest of us. Furthermore, it was pleasant and very reassuring to see a fellow Orlando native matriculate at HBS.

To be candid, I would love to read about your experiences prior to HBS and why you chose the program. Looking over the US News MBA program data, I've noticed that a minute portion of HBS students come from the Southeast, and I imagine few are from Florida. Obviously, you were able to effecitively communicate your strengths among other things which led to your acceptance. It would be lovely, we could discuss HBS in further detail. I am well aware that the demanding coursework leaves with little spare time, but if you would be so kind to contact me I would be greatly appreciative! You may contact me at alorenzoroja@gmail.com . Hope this semester is as great of a success than the prior. Moreover, I wish you all the best this summer and with you future job prospecting.

Regards,

Alejandro

Irina responded on March 16, 2009 at 9:54 AM #

Dear Gabrielle,

I had an interview at HBS last week, Friday March 13th, and came across your blog while Googling my admissions officer (Gordon Jones)! I was so nervous throughout the half hour conversation and felt like I'd rambled too much. Did you feel good after your interview? How was your rapport with Gordon? What kind of thank you note did you send? Any insight you can offer me would be greatly appreciated. Waiting for the decision date is the most agonizing part!

Best,

Irina

Anonymous responded on March 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM #

Hi Irina,

I think I blocked quite a bit of my interview experience out of my mind because I was so traumatized afterward. Not that the interview was so bad, but just as you said, the waiting (and overanalyzing of my answers) was torture! Best of luck to you and please do let me know if you are accepted.

What I do remember is that Gordan was very kind and that I felt at ease during the interview. I sent him an e-mail note the same day and I believe I mailed him a handwritten thank you as well, although it's tough to recall.

I can tell you that I thought I was definitely screwed after my interview, and I hear that is a common feeling so don't freak out until you hear the news. I had accidentally said that I wanted to be a part of the Stern Follies during my interview (I meant to say HBS Show, but was simultaneously preparing for an interview at NYU Stern and mixed up the club names). ;)

Let me know if you have any questions and again, good luck!

~Gabrielle

Anonymous responded on March 26, 2009 at 11:33 PM #

Hi Gabrielle,

I am running a blog called TotalGadha GMAT (http://www.totalgadha.com/gmat)to help Business School applicants with their GMAT and application procedure. In order to provide the first hand information to the students, I have interviewed a few alumni and current students in past. Here are the sample interviews:

Darden: http://www.totalgadha.com/gmat/2009/02/exclusive-interview-with-darden-business-school-student-anand/

Wharton: http://www.totalgadha.com/gmat/2009/02/exclusive-interview-with-wharton-alumnus-allwin-agnel-aka-pagalguy/

London Business School: http://www.totalgadha.com/gmat/2009/02/exclusive-interview-with-london-business-school-alumnus/

I would like to invite you for the interview. It will be great to get a perspective from a HBS student.

Do let me know if you would be interested. My email id is- tgdagny@gmail.com

-Best