From self-doubt to success: How the GMAT helped me land a spot on the HEC Montréal MBA

TL;DR

• Natasha overcame GMAT struggles and self-doubt through persistence and support, ultimately earning admission to the HEC Montréal MBA 
• She chose her business school by prioritizing affordability, fit, ROI, and long-term goals
• Official GMAT resources, podcasts, and consistent practice helped her grow confidence and rediscover resilience

Natasha Furtado, a marketing account manager at Thales Defense and Security, has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Even before entering the business world, she had already earned accolades, including the marketing medal for most outstanding graduate student during her bachelor’s degree in marketing.

With a strong drive to forge an exciting career path in business, Natasha set her sights on an MBA. However, one hurdle remained before she could begin her journey—the GMAT exam.

From battling self-doubt to navigating challenges with the GMAT quant section, we sat down with Natasha to learn more about her journey to MBA success and how she secured a spot on the prestigious HEC Montréal MBA program.

Q: What made you decide to join an MBA?

A: I always knew I wanted to pursue my MBA—it was a dream of mine. From the moment I started my undergraduate studies, I knew I needed to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible. Initially, my goal was to attend the John Molson School of Business in Montréal, where I completed my undergraduate [degree]. So, throughout my studies, I focused on reaching that goal.

Q: What were you looking for in a business school?

A: I wanted to gain experience abroad. I'm an Austrian citizen, but I was born in Canada, so it was always a dream of mine to live in Europe and travel easily. However, my plans shifted as I gained industry experience and explored my options.

I was looking for a program that was affordable, accessible, and offered the right resources and environment. My choice came down to McGill and HEC in Montréal. I attended information sessions, visited their websites, and reviewed their brochures countless times. In the end, I trusted my instincts and the connections I made with people, which led me to feel that HEC was the right school for me.

I applied, and with my GMAT score, I was admitted. [Natasha was also accepted onto the Queen’s University Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates and was offered a scholarship].

Q: How much of a challenge did the GMAT present?

A: Before starting my journey, I was confident that I would do well in the quantitative sections because I had really enjoyed math-based courses during my undergraduate studies. So, it was a big surprise when I struggled with the quant section. 

I felt discouraged at multiple points, but having a strong support system and believing in myself made all the difference. In fact, it seemed like everyone believed in me more than I believed in myself.

Q: What made you start looking at the GMAT?

A: When I first graduated, I was invited to an MBA info session where various schools were represented. That’s when I first learned that the GMAT was pretty much required to apply to any program in Montréal. It made me realize that if I wanted to pursue an MBA, I’d have to take the GMAT.

I also felt that committing to the GMAT would give me a clear goal and a sense of purpose, helping me get back into the mindset of studying. 

Whether or not I ended up needing the GMAT, I knew the experience would be valuable because I love learning, even if it's not always directly applicable in day-to-day life. The GMAT helped me grow mentally, and I’m glad I went through it.

Q: Which resources did you find most helpful?

A: I would recommend using the official GMAT resources if you can, since they’re created by the people who make the test and are designed to help you succeed. Listening to podcasts and hearing other people's stories was also incredibly enlightening and helpful throughout the process.

Additionally, really dive into the official guide—understand the ins and outs and grasp the underlying theories well. Try to have fun with it, even though it can be challenging. Celebrate those moments when you do well and get the answers right.

For me, the biggest takeaway wasn’t about the score itself. The persistence and strength it took to go through the process reminded me of who I am.

Q: How did you figure out the best business school for you?

A: I listened to quite a few podcasts to help me decide which school was the best fit for me, and I really wanted to consider the ROI of doing an MBA, whether at an Ivy League school or [elsewhere]. 

Reflecting on it, I realized that I’ll make the most of whichever program I choose. Of course, schools differ in terms of resources and curriculum, but ultimately, I believe it’s the applicant and how they apply themselves that truly makes the difference.

I envision myself continuing to work and live here [Montréal], which strongly influenced my decision. The timeline also played a big role. The application deadlines didn’t leave me much time to explore all my options. 

I felt that this was the right moment to pursue my MBA—before I take on more responsibilities like starting a family—so, I decided to seize this opportunity, apply this year, and maximize my experience once I’m in the program.

Q: Did you apply for any other business schools?

A: I'm the kind of person who goes after what I want, and if I don't get it, I just try again. So, I only applied to HEC Montréal and didn’t apply to any other schools. 

The application process for an MBA is a crucial part of your educational journey because it forces you to reflect on whether it's really something you want to pursue. I think this reflection improves both the program and the overall experience because it deters those who aren’t fully committed.

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