Hi everyone! I'm applying to the HKS Mid-Career MPA this cycle and would love honest opinions, especially from current students, alumni, or anyone who has applied.

Background
31F, India
BA (Hons) History, Delhi University, 63% (roughly a 3.0 equivalent)
No GRE/GMAT (not required for MC/MPA)

Work experience (8+ years, 9+ by enrollment)

Owner of a digital growth agency serving global clients in the logistics and supply chain industry (2022 to present). Clients across countries. Have used AI to scale and maintain profit margin of 66%

Previously at a global advertising holding company, managing campaigns and budgets for international luxury brands

Earlier roles in health-tech, AI marketing, and ed-fin-tech startups in India

Global exposure

2022 onwards Travelled to 45+ countries while working and building my business remotely.
This includes several African countries, as well as Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, which gave me firsthand exposure to how culture, religion, and history shape everyday life and development

Public service and impact

Used my social media platform to fund school uniforms for children in Uganda

Helped a missionary raise support to build a school in a village in India.

Raised similar funds for orphanage in Vietnam.
(All documents are there)

Why HKS

I want to move into tech policy, focusing on how culture, religion, and colonial history shape whether communities adopt technology and public programmes. One example that stays with me: a dengue-control technology in Uganda was only accepted once local churches endorsed it.

Recommenders

Founder and director of a multinational hospital group I have worked for
Another company director of my current client
Third still being finalized but probably one of my managers.

My questions

How much does a lower undergrad GPA hurt for MC/MPA when work experience is strong?

I know people who apply for these roles hold significant positions. So my chances of admission🥲

Is a private-sector founder background a disadvantage without formal public-sector roles?