Different perspective

An MBA in the US is almost "the best thing ever" (business-wise of course). When I tell Americans about my acceptances at number of M7 schools, they tend to be seven times as amazed as I am. They would trade their mothers, sisters and wives for a spot at any of these schools. Names such as HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Chicago, MIT, Kellogg and Columbia impress them a lot.

Well... the thing is that an MBA is only "nice to have" addition from an international perspective. In the US one needs it to accelerate career or change the job. Outside the US, it's not the case. At private equity firms, investment banks, top industry companies or strategic consultancies, people get promoted without an MBA. A degree from Wharton will help, but lack of a degree from Wharton will not make or break you. American CEO usually has an MBA; non-American CEO rarely has an MBA. And so on...

Understanding this difference helps both sides: Internationals and Americans. Internationals should understand that they should approach applications process differently than their American peers. Especially, that they should take advice from American peers with a grain of salt. Not because it's wrong, but because it's given from the different (American and not international) perspective. Americans, on the other side, should understand that there is hope for those without HBS degree (especially outside the US).