{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From Fashion Design to the MBA: How Ashwini Landed at Kellogg with a 700+ GMAT Score","description":"In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today\u2019s scale), earning admission\u2014and a scholarship\u2014to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why non-traditional applicants should see their backgrounds as an advantage, not a barrier. Ashwini also explains how her GMAT skills still show up in the classroom and in consulting recruiting\u2014and how confidence, mindset, and self-reflection powered every step of her journey. You can follow Ashwini's MBA adventures on&amp;nbsp;Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at classes, campus life, and what it\u2019s really like to be a business student with a fashion-tech edge. Explore GMAT Prep:&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/www.mba.com\/gmat-exam-prep Register for the GMAT:&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/www.mba.com\/exams\/gmat-exam\/register Watch on YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@GMATbyGMAC Takeaways:  Creativity can lead to a successful MBA journey and prep plan. Self-reflection is key in GMAT preparation. Non-traditional backgrounds can be advantageous in applications. Choosing the right business school is crucial for fit. A strong GMAT score can open doors to not just top schools, but scholarship opportunities. Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress. Utilize resources that match your learning style. Confidence is essential for non-traditional candidates. Success is achievable with dedication and the right mindset.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini's Journey 05:03 The GMAT Experience: Preparation and Strategy 10:23 Choosing the Right Business School 15:32 Leveraging a Unique Background in Applications 21:06 Advice for Non-Traditional MBA Candidates 25:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways ","author_name":"Inside the GMAT","author_url":"http:\/\/www.insidethegmat.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39070655\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195558605"}