From Engineer to MBA Star: How Abhishek Secured a $120K Scholarship at UCLA Anderson with LilacBuds

About Abhishek

Abhishek, a talented software engineer at Microsoft with four and a half years of experience, had always envisioned transitioning from a technical role to entrepreneurship. His goal was not merely to pivot into product management but to build a network that could support his ambitions of launching an edtech venture. Recognizing the need for a global perspective and refined leadership skills, Abhishek decided to pursue an MBA. His 715 GMAT Focus Edition score set the stage, but he knew the MBA journey demanded more than academic excellence.

Why LilacBuds? The Need for Professional MBA Consulting

Coming from an engineering background, Abhishek realized the MBA admission process was far more intricate than his previous academic experiences. Beyond test scores, it required crafting compelling essays, building a standout resume, and acing interviews—a holistic approach to personal branding that was unfamiliar territory. Understanding this, he sought guidance from LilacBuds, renowned for transforming technical profiles into well-rounded, competitive MBA applications.

The Winning Strategy

LilacBuds began by diving deep into Abhishek's professional and personal journey, helping him connect his experiences to his future goals. They worked collaboratively to:

• Highlight Impactful Work: His role in developing Microsoft's Immersive Reader, benefiting users with disabilities, was positioned as a testament to his passion for accessibility and education technology.
• Clarify Career Goals: Abhishek's desire to launch an edtech startup became the centerpiece of his narrative, demonstrating both purpose and clarity.
• Essay Perfection: Through numerous brainstorming sessions, LilacBuds helped Abhishek infuse a personal touch into his essays, showcasing his growth and alignment with each school's values.
• Interview Mastery: From mock interviews to video essay practices, LilacBuds ensured Abhishek refined his communication, transforming from a technically sound applicant to a confident, engaging storyteller.

Result: Prestigious Admits and a Life-Changing Scholarship

Abhishek applied to four top-tier MBA programs: UCLA Anderson, MIT Sloan, UC Berkeley Haas, and Stanford GSB. The results were remarkable:

• Admitted to UCLA Anderson with an $120,000 scholarship, covering 80% of the tuition.
• Interviewed at UC Berkeley Haas and also Waitlisted at MIT Sloan, keeps doors open to more admits at prestigious institutions.
• Rejection from Stanford GSB, but he had no regrets, as he knew the super-dream nature and highly selective nature of the program.

Abhishek's feedback on LilacBuds’ MBA Consultation

Abhishek credits LilacBuds for being instrumental in his success. He appreciated their comprehensive approach—from storyboarding essays to meticulous interview prep. He noted how LilacBuds' personalized mentorship helped him discover and articulate his mission with clarity and confidence.

"LilacBuds made me feel secure in my MBA journey. From brainstorming essay ideas to late-night interview preparations, their support was unwavering. I wouldn't have achieved this without their guidance."