Eight Months Pregnant and No Excuses: Bindu’s ?2.24 Crore MBA Success Story
Jatin Bhandari
Top Global MBA and Masters Admissions Coach with INR 175 Crores of Scholarships & 2600+ Admits: Working Professionals, Fresh Undergrads, and Senior Execs: Top Tier International Admissions in Business, Tech, and Science
When I think of applicants who inspire me, there are few stories as extraordinary as Bindu’s. She didn’t just overcome challenges—she redefined what was possible. In her ninth month of pregnancy, she was doing MBA interviews. At eight months, she was preparing for those interviews, all while balancing her full-time job and application process with unwavering discipline. She didn't take a single day off work, didn’t give herself any room for leniency, and managed to secure ?2.24 crores in scholarships across admits from Tepper, Ross, McCombs, and USC Marshall.
This isn’t a story of an applicant who simply worked hard; this is a story of an applicant who lived every moment with clarity, resilience, and purpose. If there’s one thing Bindu taught me, it’s this: excuses are just illusions when your vision is clear.
A Journey Unlike Any Other
Bindu’s journey was anything but conventional. Most applicants preparing for an MBA might take a few months off to focus on the GMAT, essays, and networking. Not Bindu. When she came to me, she had no plans of taking a break—not from work, not from her personal commitments, and certainly not from life.
What makes her journey so powerful isn’t just the fact that she managed it all, but how gracefully she did it. While navigating one of the most pivotal years of her life, she not only stayed committed to her job but also to her health and hobbies. She was running every morning, staying active, and keeping her mind sharp. Her doctor would often ask, “How are you doing this?” Bindu’s answer was simple: “I told myself I have to do it.”
A Challenging Starting Point
Bindu’s journey began like many others—an accomplished software engineer with a stellar track record, but her initial goals lacked direction. When we first connected, she envisioned a future in IT consulting, building upon her technical background. Her initial narrative, though genuine, lacked the depth needed for top schools.
She believed that her technical expertise and experience in IT could transition smoothly into consulting. While the connection was logical, it wasn’t strong enough to stand out. Admissions committees at top schools don’t just want logical stories—they want compelling, purposeful narratives that tie past experiences to future aspirations with clarity and impact.
The Turning Point: Redefining Goals
When Bindu first came to me, her initial goals revolved around IT consulting. She had a strong technical background and envisioned working with consulting firms to drive digital transformation. While her intentions were clear, the narrative wasn’t connecting well enough to her MBA aspirations. It was clear that we needed a sharper, more distinctive focus.
Through extensive discussions, we realized that her true passion lay in building impactful solutions. Bindu had always been fascinated by creating products that solved real-world problems, and we saw an opportunity to align her technical expertise with a future in product management. Together, we crafted goals that not only highlighted her background but also demonstrated how an MBA would bridge her skill gaps and enable her to excel as a product manager.
Here’s how we redefined her goals:
This transition from consulting to product management was a game-changer. It added clarity, direction, and purpose to her narrative, making her application stand out in an incredibly competitive pool.
Balancing Act: Pregnancy, Work, and Applications
If there’s one word that defines Bindu’s approach, it’s “discipline.”
Her day would start early with a morning run—her way of keeping her mind and body in sync. Then came her full-time job, where she excelled as a software engineer, managing critical projects that drove efficiency and revenue growth. Post work hours, she would dive into MBA preparation, whether it was writing essays, attending webinars, or networking with alumni.
And all of this was happening while she was pregnant.
By her ninth month, most people would’ve slowed down, but not Bindu. She was preparing for interviews, scheduling mock sessions with me, and ensuring that every response she gave was polished and impactful. She didn’t use her pregnancy as an excuse—she used it as motivation. “I knew it was going to be difficult,” she once told me, “but I was prepared for it. I was ready to put in whatever it took.”
The Application Process: From Good to Exceptional
When I first reviewed her application drafts, I noticed one thing: Bindu wasn’t afraid of hard work. Every piece of feedback I gave her was taken to heart. She didn’t just implement changes—she internalized them. If I told her a particular essay lacked depth or clarity, she would come back with a version that was entirely transformed.
Her essays began to reflect her authentic voice—her passion for solving problems, her ability to lead teams, and her vision for creating impact in the consulting world. She wasn’t just telling a story; she was painting a picture of who she was and who she aspired to be.
Networking: Building Bridges
One of the critical aspects of Bindu’s journey was her approach to networking. Despite her busy schedule, she made time to connect with alumni and current students at her target schools. These conversations weren’t just about gathering information—they were about building relationships and gaining insights that would strengthen her applications.
Through these interactions, she gained a deeper understanding of each program’s culture, values, and offerings. This allowed her to tailor her essays in a way that resonated with each school. When admissions committees read her applications, they didn’t just see a qualified candidate—they saw someone who genuinely belonged.
Interview Preparation: The Final Push
By the time Bindu reached the interview stage, she was already a transformed applicant. But we knew that interviews required more than just preparation—they required presence.
We worked on crafting responses that were not only clear and concise but also reflective of her personality. From “Why this school?” to “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge,” every answer was rehearsed, refined, and ready.
What amazed me most was her energy during mock interviews. Even in her ninth month of pregnancy, she brought enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence to every session. It was no surprise that she aced her interviews and left a lasting impression on every panel.
The Results: Scholarships and Admits Galore
Bindu’s hard work, discipline, and resilience paid off in the best way possible. She received admits from four top schools:
A total of ?2.24 crores in scholarships—a testament to her incredible journey.
My Reflection
In over 2 decades of working with applicants, Bindu’s story stands out as one of the most inspiring I’ve ever witnessed. Her ability to balance pregnancy, work, and the rigorous MBA application process is nothing short of extraordinary.
But beyond her achievements, what truly inspires me is her mindset. She didn’t let circumstances define her; she defined her circumstances. She showed that with clarity, discipline, and determination, anything is possible.
A Message to Future Applicants
If you’re reading this and thinking about postponing your MBA journey because of work, personal commitments, or other challenges, let Bindu’s story be your inspiration. She didn’t wait for the “perfect time.” She created her own path, faced every obstacle head-on, and came out victorious.
Bindu, you’ve set a new benchmark for what’s possible. I’m not just proud of your achievements—I’m in awe of your spirit. Congratulations on this incredible milestone, and I can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll create in the world.