The Beginning of My Journey
I have always been drawn to the world of business and finance. Growing up in Lahore, I pursued my O-Levels and A-Levels at Lahore Grammar School, completing them in 2020. It was Covid 19, so I had received my predicted grades which were excelent. That same year, I joined LUMS, one of the top universities in my country, to study Accounting and Finance. From the very start, I knew I wanted to push boundaries, and my time at LUMS only strengthened that ambition.
During my undergraduate years, I immersed myself in entrepreneurship, leadership, and networking. I was the Convenor of the Young Leaders’ and Entrepreneurs’ Summit, led the LUMS Entrepreneurial Society, and was elected as the Batch Representative for the LUMS Student Council. I also founded ‘LUMS Candid Leaders,’ a student-run talk show where I invited CEOs and industry leaders for discussions. These experiences shaped my perspective and strengthened my application for one of the most competitive MBA programs in the world.
How I Got Into the Silver Scholars Program
The Silver Scholars Program at Yale is incredibly selective, accepting only about 20 students globally out of thousands of applicants. When I first heard about it during my sophomore year, I was intrigued. It offered an early admission into an MBA program, allowing students to study for a year, work for a few years, and then return for their second year at Yale.
Originally, the program was only available to Yale undergraduates, but about 10 to 15 years ago, it opened up to students from around the world. This change made the selection process even more competitive, as now students globally were vying for a limited number of spots.
No one from Pakistan had ever made it into the program before, which only motivated me further. I knew I needed to craft a compelling application that would stand out in a pool of highly accomplished candidates, many of whom had years of work experience.
Building My Pathway to Success
My journey to Yale was shaped by the diverse experiences I gained during undergrad. Alongside my leadership roles at LUMS, I completed multiple internships. At the end of my freshman year, I interned at Nestlé, and by my sophomore year, I was deeply involved in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. When Endeavor launched in Pakistan in 2023, I was part of the founding team, working closely with startup founders, venture capitalists, and C-level executives.
This role gave me a global perspective, as I engaged with unicorn startup founders in Southeast Asia and billion-dollar AUM funds in South America. These experiences exposed me to the venture capital world, fueling my passion for business and entrepreneurship. They also helped me articulate a clear career vision in my application—a crucial aspect for MBA admissions.
The Application Process
The Yale MBA application process was rigorous and required strategic planning. Academic excellence was essential, so I maintained a 3.7 GPA and scored 335 out of 340 on the GRE. However, what truly made my application stand out was my essay.
Yale’s prompt at the time was, "What is your biggest commitment?" It took me nine to eleven drafts to get it right. I eventually centered my essay around my biggest commitment: redefining possibilities. I drew an analogy between myself and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, who entered the film industry without connections in an industry dominated by nepotism. Similarly, I entered the business world without traditional family ties or networks. This personal and professional journey, backed by real experiences, formed the core of my essay.
Networking also played a key role in my application. Yale's application fee is typically $250, but I discovered that if a current student or alum referred you, the fee could be waived. I reached out to an MBA student at Yale, someone I had connected with during undergrad, and he referred me, helping me waive the fee and further strengthening my credibility. This small yet impactful strategy reduced my financial burden and demonstrated my ability to leverage networks—an essential skill for any business leader.
Making History as a Silver Scholar
Being accepted as Pakistan’s first-ever Silver Scholar at Yale was a groundbreaking achievement. Out of thousands of applicants, I was among the 5% selected, making history not just for myself but for my country. Additionally, I received the Dean’s Scholarship, which covered a significant portion of my tuition. Because of that, I don’t have to work at all. Which I found out to be a good thing as the Yale MBA program is extremely rigorous.
My first few weeks at Yale were surreal. I arrived in the U.S. a month after getting married, making the transition both exciting and unique. Yale’s welcoming environment made adaptation easy, with well-structured orientation programs and networking events. The MBA experience itself has been transformative—I now sit in classes with peers who have spent years at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and other global firms. The exposure and network I have gained have been invaluable.
One of the toughest parts of being a Silver Scholar is job recruitment. Unlike traditional MBA students who have years of experience under their belts, Silver Scholars are coming in fresh from undergrad, which can make breaking into certain industries trickier. But the upside? Early access to an incredible MBA network and top-tier resources that help level the playing field. Yale’s MBA program brings together students from all kinds of backgrounds—not just business, but also medicine, engineering, and the arts. Being surrounded by such a diverse group has really broadened my perspective and opened up so many career possibilities I hadn’t even considered before.
Advice for Aspiring MBA Candidates
For students aspiring to an MBA at a top business school, my advice is simple:
Start networking early – Build meaningful connections with mentors, alumni, and industry professionals. Your network is often more important than just your GPA.
Have a clear purpose – Don’t blindly follow trends; understand why you want an MBA and how it aligns with your long-term goals.
Gain relevant experience – Strong internships, leadership roles, and impactful extracurricular activities matter as much as academic performance.
Write amazing essays – Your story and vision will differentiate you more than just test scores. Admissions committees want to understand your motivations, challenges, and aspirations.
Be strategic – Whether it’s finding ways to waive application fees or reaching out to people in your target industry, take initiative.
The journey to a top-tier MBA is challenging, but for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are immeasurable. If you have a clear goal, a strong work ethic, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible.
