Ask a Consultant! - GMAT/GRE Only

hey
thanks for the efforts for starting this thread and the experts for the guidance.

just some days back, i got to know about BI Norwegian Business School MSc programs(2 yrs) from http://www.studyabroadseminar.com/ and it is accepting gmat/gre/cat score of 2009-10 and even provide good scholarships for cat>90% (i have cat2010 94%ile)

now my question is , if any of you experts have knowledge of the same school and its MSc programs, then plz guide me on the jobs,work permits and value addition from the course.

profile : 4 yrs IT exp with likes of Infosys etc
cat 2010 :94%
gmat 620
BE CSE -65.2%(govt engg college)
x!! - 78.4
x-70%

Took GMAT last week ...Got 700 (Q49/ V37/ AWA 5.0) .

I have an overall 7 years of Work Experience in procurement (5 years in manufacturing , Automobile Industry) and 2 yrs + with FMCG MNC.

My acads are :
Btech pec:- 76% (3rd rank)
10+2 : 77% State board..Class rank amongst Top 5
10th: 82% State board..Topper of school..
Extra curriculars: active member of a NGO working on child education.
Hobbies: Active in sports..represented organisation on various corporate tournaments.
I intend to apply for US / European/ Asian Bschools for Full time MBA course with specialisation in Supply chain Management.
Can anyone suggest which all colleges can be targeted with above credentials.
thanks

Hi,

My profile is as follows -

GMAT - 720 (AWA 5)
TOEFL - 111

Educational Background:
1) B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from West Bengal University of Technology - GPA 8.43/10
2) Class X - 87% (ICSE)
3) Class XII - 82.5% (ISC)
4) Completed a PG Course in Software Engineering from DOEACC Kolkata

Work Experience:
3 years till date as an Assistant Manager (Technology) in India's largest e-commerce company in the B2B space.
Was awarded the best new joiner. Numerous other awards for client management, innovation etc
Interned for 1 year at a Software Development firm as a Trainee Systems Engineer.

Extra curriculars
1) Coordinator of my company's CSR program
2) Member of the Rotary Club and its social initiatives
3) Was one of the elected secretaries of my college
4) Chief editor of the college magazine
5) Numerous awards for quizzing at school, college and corporate level
6) Trekking - Been on numerous treks in the Shivaliks and the Himalayas

Career Goals:
Strategic Consulting in emerging markets in the short term. My long term dream is to start my own consulting firm.

Which are the B-Schools/Programs would u recommend for me? Do I need to retake the GMAT considering a better score would probably stand out more?

The World's Most Powerful MBA Gatekeeper | Poets and Quants

found a great article on Harvard admission process , the mods & Consultants can share wherever applicable

Hi Psychodementia,

Thanks for helping out the applicants on this forum. I gave my GMAT 2 months back and have read through a myriad of general material on admissions to US MBA programs, but I need help in determining what schools would I be a good fit for. Can you please evaluate my profile and answer the questions I have? Thanks!

My profile:

Education
1)National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, India
B.Tech Computer Engg : GPA 8.3/10
2)Georgia Tech, Atlanta, US -
Masters of Science Computer Science : GPA 3.35/4

(+1 technical paper published in an Intl. Conference)

Work Experience
1)Top Computer Hardware Product company in US
Software Development Engineer
3 years in Sept 2011
+Leading a major project with Microsoft.

GMAT
750 , AWA 6.0

Extra Curriculars
1)Undergrad :
- 2 best debater awards, 2 best papers, one play
- Member of Org Committee all through 4 years for about 7-8 major college cultural and tech festivals
- Compere at college cultural and tech festivals
2)Volunteer for 10 or so community events through my employer in US- primarily focussed on children's education.

So here are some questions that I have:
1. What are the schools that I should target? I'm looking at both US and non-US schools, so I'm hoping you could point me to some sort of ranks of schools I could target. Lets assume money is not a criteria.

2. Do you think this is a competitive profile - even within the Indian crowd that applies abroad? I have 2.5 years work ex right now and would have 3.5 by the time of Fall 2012 joining but would having a MS degree compensate for that a bit?

2. I've seen a ton of people on forums who have Indian IT Services Industry experience and they are always complaining about how difficult it is for them to get into BSchools but I'm not sure whether I'd be clubbed into that Indian IT pool as well since I haven't actually worked in India and even so, not in an IT Services company. Can you shed some light here?

thanks a ton!
IndigoIntention


if i work in an IT company as BA or consultant, would I be considered a part of the most competitive IIM (Indian IT male) pool of applicants ?


Yessir, no escape there.

Moreover, what is the average workex that Second MBA applicants should have so as to be a competitive candidate.
As you've already planned 4-5 yrs, just like it is for the 'regular' applicants. However, 2nd MBA applicants tend to be older that their peers as they've spent 2 extra years in classrooms.

Can someone please guide me on how to go about building a strong profile for a second MBA.
Your best bet is to finish the current MBA program, work for 3-4 years, try to get into a mainstream consulting role (or at least something related that'll help you build consulting skills). That'll help you build a good profile for the top bschools.

If after 3 yrs of work-ex you still feel a second MBA is important for you, start your application process.

From our experience with second MBA candidates (we get quite a few of those, so you aren't the odd one out), we find that the biggest challenge is to justify the 'why another MBA' aspect. But let's cross the bridge when we get there.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
what universities should I be targeting for 2012. My profile is as follows :
a. GMAT : 750 (awaiting AWA) - split 51/43
b. 2 years of experience
:
Also, planning to apply for MBA at ISB. Any universities outside India I should target for MBA?
:
-VS


Hey VS,

Can't speak for the MS programs, but if you looking at MBA programs, it's very important to demonstrate why your profile is competitive for their programs. Have you 2 yrs action-packed and enriching...compared to those coming in with more experience?

Given a choice, I'd defer ISB. But to test the waters, you could try applying to a few American programs both top ranked and slightly lower ranked.

Select programs that are a good 'fit' for your profile. You don't want to be a re-applicant to your dream schools. But you can definitely experiment with the others.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball



Career Goals:
Strategic Consulting in emerging markets in the short term. My long term dream is to start my own consulting firm.

Which are the B-Schools/Programs would u recommend for me? Do I need to retake the GMAT considering a better score would probably stand out more?


To answer your questions:

1. I would suggest applying to top bschools anywhere in the world - US, UK, or even India (such as ISB). Do not aim for a mid-tier school since strategy consulting might not be easy to get in from anyother school.

2. Your profile is really good but the IIM factor does seem to be the only blot in an otherwise stellar background. However remember this - EVERY YEAR THERE ARE INDIAN IT MALES WHO GET THROUGH TOP PROGRAMS. We are saying difficult - don't read it as impossible

3. No need to take GMAT again unless you think you did a major goof-up and that you can crack a 770 or so.

However articulating your story well and picking the right set of schools is the key.

Arun - CrackVerbal


I intend to apply for US / European/ Asian Bschools for Full time MBA course with specialisation in Supply chain Management.
Can anyone suggest which all colleges can be targeted with above credentials.


I think your aim for SCM is not really a pure MBA aspiration. If you want to specialize then there are various programs:

104 Supply Chain Management Masters Programs & Graduate Schools Page No: 1 - GradSchools.com
Arun - CrackVerbal

just some days back, i got to know about BI Norwegian Business School MSc programs(2 yrs) .........now my question is , if any of you experts have knowledge of the same school and its MSc programs, then plz guide me on the jobs,work permits and value addition from the course.


Hi Panacea,

Are you looking for a panacea for all your ills? If so the truth is - there are none. I am sure not many of heard of that program or know about life in Norway.

As far as Bschool selection is concerned I would recommend you try to do the following 4 steps:

1. Who am I?

Your strengths, weakeness - both in terms of objective numbers (GMAT etc) and subjective parameters (stories, future goals)

2. Who would take me?

Based on this draw up a list of schools where you are in the "striking range".

3. Would it satisfy my needs of doing an MBA?

Would it give me a job? Would it help meet my requirements of brand name, credentials, knowledge, network etc.

4. Where should I apply?

Based on this further trim your choices to about 5-8 where you should be applying.

HTH,

Arun - Crackverbal


1. What are the schools that I should target? I'm looking at both US and non-US schools, so I'm hoping you could point me to some sort of ranks of schools I could target. Lets assume money is not a criteria.


You have not mentioned what you want to do post-MBA. That will be a crucial question to determine where you want to apply - including geography. Even if you are a bit unclear at this point, I strongly recommend you do the R&D; (wetfeet, vault are some online resources) and come up with a strong post-MBA goal.


2. Do you think this is a competitive profile - even within the Indian crowd that applies abroad? I have 2.5 years work ex right now and would have 3.5 by the time of Fall 2012 joining but would having a MS degree compensate for that a bit?


NIT + GeorgiaTech with those grades, and a 750 GMAT to boot you don't need to worry! Your experience with a bluechip company is great too. So by that you don't have any issues. However you will need to articulate your stories well. And as mentioned in the earlier point show clearly how an MBA from that school will help you reach wherever you want to be.


2. I've seen a ton of people on forums who have Indian IT Services Industry experience and they are always complaining about how difficult it is for them to get into BSchools but I'm not sure whether I'd be clubbed into that Indian IT pool as well since I haven't actually worked in India and even so, not in an IT Services company. Can you shed some light here?


Technically you are still IIM but there are various things which will make it different such as non-service background, US experience etc. It is upto you to articulate it well in your essays

Arun

Hi..
Myself harshit jain age 28 yrs

having 12+3+2 yr of education
b.com from symbiosis
m.c.m from indsearch ,pune

2yr exp in it -3i infotech from 2006 to 2008

presently working in family business in varanasi but am looking to move out.i have hesitation and doubt about how and what
course to select .whether gre or gmat ?my area of interest is
in financial and it related.

I know here u r advising about specific things but just help me out
and please let me know if i start preparing know and apply for 2012 fall....my age will be 29, i am bit hesitant about that also...r my hesitation justified...?


Regards,
harshit

Hey, m an engineering student now onto 4th year B.E(Hons.) in EEE from BITS Pilani. Next semester i ve got my 6months intership in Gurgaon and then one full semester for placements. I want to do and MBA (field not decided ) from an good university in US after working for 2-3 years after engineering.
My profile includes :
95.6% in 10th CBSE
93.4% in 12th CBSE
my cgpa is kinda bad, passout cgpa will be about 6.7/10
lots of extracurricular in college
1. I am really confused on when to give GMAT. During next six months i ll probably get ample free time and coaching facilities ( in Gurgaon ). So should i go for it and give GMAT this december or smething? The problem is by the time i get 2-3 or more years of work experience, the GMAT score will be old. I know its valid for 5 years, but is it a good idea to give GMAT this dec? If not suggest me more than one options as for when should i prepare and give GMAT.
2.As for the job after engineering i have some options as i have time to prepare for the interviews which will be after 6 months, software, IT, finance, communication or EEE related ( kinda tough to get ) . Comment on which will be better option as i want to go for MBA after 2-3 years of working. I want to do something that ll give me the best CV.

Thanks

Hi,

I am Anand. I am currently working in an IT company as a team lead. I am giving my gmat on july end. My profile is as follows:

X : 94%
XII : 94 %
U.G.: B.E. ECE from Anna University 70%
WorkEx: 3 yrs IT

Could any1 let me know if I have a chance to get into the a)Top 10 or B) Top 20 B-Schools outside India and in tat case what would be the minimum score requirement ?

presently working in family business in varanasi but am looking to move out.i have hesitation and doubt about how and what
course to select .whether gre or gmat ?my area of interest is
in financial and it related.
:
Regards,
harshit


Harshit,

GRE and GMAT will take you along different routes. So read up a little more on the internet about courses that accept these test scores.

Without knowing your intentions, it would be incorrect (in fact, misleading) to recommend either of the two.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball

thanks for reply/...i am perplexed by vast data on internet.i request you to let me know good 4-5 institutes for M.S in Financial Eng. and supposedly good gre score for them.If u can enlighten me on various source (on internet) to know about good university for particular course..then it will help in researching...

regard and many thanks for quick reply.

p.s : if i do gmat does scope in financial field is more compared to gre(which one is better )

Hey VS,

Can't speak for the MS programs, but if you looking at MBA programs, it's very important to demonstrate why your profile is competitive for their programs. Have you 2 yrs action-packed and enriching...compared to those coming in with more experience?

Given a choice, I'd defer ISB. But to test the waters, you could try applying to a few American programs both top ranked and slightly lower ranked.

Select programs that are a good 'fit' for your profile. You don't want to be a re-applicant to your dream schools. But you can definitely experiment with the others.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball


Thanks for the reply Sameer.

I've had a very good experience working for my present company and client. I have spent 9 months onsite in US with the client as well (and would be able to pull a recommendation from them as well).

A few followup questions :

a. Why do you ask me to defer ISB application? I heard from an admissions counselor that I would get atleast a call based on my current job profile and GMAT score. Please let me know your thoughts on this as I was banking on this option.

b. How do you rate my chances in the top 10 B-schools in US?

Thanks and regards,
Vishwas

Hi ..
I will start with my introduction..
I am Priya.. have been a frequent visitor on PG but posting for the first time ..
I hv the typical INDIAN/Engineer/IT profile with the only difference being that I am a girl :)..I did my B.Tech in Comp Sc from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology bearing a CGPA of 9.07/10..
I passed in 2009 and have since been working with Wells Fargo, Hyderabad..
I have always wanted to do a MBA but did not want to wait for long and thus applied for Masters In Management program at HEC, ESCP, ESSEC and Imperial..
Gave GMAT in 2 weeks and scored a low but managed to pitch in a strong application and thus got through ESCP, ESSEC and Imperial..
But I am at the inflexion point of my career and now at times feel may be I am too late for MIM.. Also, when I always wanted to do a MBA why not wait and apply this year for next year fall when I will have a decent work-ex of 3 years..
But with this I hv just too many points to worry about.. Is my profile too generic??
I hv good EC's, will improve my GMAT for sure but am just worried abt the profile thing..Anything I can do to improve it?
Also, if I apply this year as in in round 1 for next fall to schools like NUS, NTU, INSEAD, ISB what are my chances?? As of now am not too keen on US schools because of the cost involved..
When I apply I will hv around 2yrs and a months experience but when I join it will be 3 years..what will they consider? my work-ex wen I apply or till I join?
I hv too many questions and hv to take a quick call on MIM vs MBA so luking forward to the experts reply on this forum..
Please help!!



But with this I hv just too many points to worry about.. Is my profile too generic??
I hv good EC's, will improve my GMAT for sure but am just worried abt the profile thing..Anything I can do to improve it?
Also, if I apply this year as in in round 1 for next fall to schools like NUS, NTU, INSEAD, ISB what are my chances?? As of now am not too keen on US schools because of the cost involved..
When I apply I will hv around 2yrs and a months experience but when I join it will be 3 years..what will they consider? my work-ex wen I apply or till I join?



I know this sounds like a recursive abbreviation (GNU is Not UNIX) but here goes: MIM Isn't MBA!!

For starters you have not mentioned what you want to do post-Masters? Do you want to remain in IT - do you want to switch your career stream? What geography you want to work in? etc etc

GMAT is a huge make-break factor. With a 640 it will be virtually impossible at top bschools. Yes - being a woman has its advantages 😉 but then remember that there are a lot of young ladies like you are applying to Bschools! Read this here. Nothing much you can do to help your profile but how you articulate your stories will be very, very important.

The schools typically will look at the number of months of full-time experience at the time of joining their course.


Arun - CrackVerbal

Thanks for the quick reply..

I will be very frank with my post MBA or masters goal ( I cant always be in the applications)..

As of now I feel consulting is where I belong and thus would like to switch into it..I presented the same in my MIM apps..but to be very honest I want to take MBA as an opportunity to discover myself..maybe I begin with the dream of getting into mck, BCG or bain and den end up opening a store!!
I do not wanna grow much into the technical domain is something I know for sure..Geography is no constraint..

GMAT - i will improve for sure..that was a 2 weeks effort but den do I stand a chance for the programs I mentioned ..

Kindly guide..