Sir,
Thanks for reply for all my earlier posts. I am planning to apply for ISB this year. As going through various sites, I have come to know that the leadership skills are very very important.
Curently I am posted in an OIL sector PSU. Needless to mention that the promotions are very slow and I am still not eligible for promotion since I have not completed 3 years in my firm. Hence I am at the junior most level of managers in my firm. So, in my tenure, there are no instances when I have led a no. of people. In fact, my supervisor is also double my age.
However during my college life, I have a lot of examples which can show the leadership skills.
For ISB, it is bit more important to have a very good work ex in terms of these skills. I am finding it difficult to substantiate my point in the application.
Can you suggest something regarding this issue?
Thanks in advance.
I have got an admit from Hult Dubai for 1 yr MBA.
I just wanted to know how good is Hult Dubai for 1 yr MBA and their placements?
Prav,
I'm not too familiar with the program and it's track record.
But I'll take a wild guess and assume it's definitely not in the same league as the other top 1-year global programs.
Do talk to current and past students to find out what they have to say.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
want to know whether a mba course in singapore of 12 months is equal to a mba course in india of 2yrs. if i do a mba from singapore will the companies give me a job in india.
plz reply
need some real help
Not sure what you mean by 'real help'. But let me try.
Yes, if you join a shorter program (ie. less than 2 years) in Singapore or any other country, then it would have the same if not more value than in terms of the degree being recognised in India.
But getting a job with either is a completely different story. Nobody will 'give' you a job. For good roles, you'll have to struggle and fight with the competition in both cases.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Currently after 8 years, am working in a company as a Zonal head of Marketing. I am the youngest to become the same and the least qualified (academically).
Seems like you've done pretty well for yourself profesionally, without using a degree to get to where you are.
Why do you want to go for an MBA? Probably you should continue feeding the momentum and growing where you are.
Like they say - Don't let education come in the way of your learning.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
I am targeting ISB Hyderabad, top b schools in USA and then Europe in decreasing order of priorities. Please evaluate my profile and comment on my chances of getting into these. Also will this profile help obtain any scholarships? What are the major b-schools I can target best?
Hi Anackh,
I think you have a very competitive profile. You should definitely look at the top schools. However as with most things in life these are tough places to get in - irrespective of how stellar your background is. The probability hovers around 1 in 10 chances. So my take is pick a spectrum of schools such as ISB, few in US top 10, few in US top 20, and a few in Europe. That way you should have around 6-8 schools to begin with. Then start applying on an average of about 3-4 schools per round. More than this it is hard to comment since we don't know a lot about you - most important being your post-MBA aspirations. Perhaps that is why we also have the MBA MAP process for you ;)
As far as scholarships are considered once you get an admit from a school you can try negotiating or applying for specific scholarships that will be available. However I would not bet my money on it (literally and figuratively).
HTH,
Arun - CrackVerbal
Dear Consultant
Pls evaluate my profile for B-Schools in USA.
GMAT: 680 (49Q, 33 V)
3 quick points:
1. I guess you are already on the wrong side of 30. Remember that many top bschools are older applicant unfriendly. Most of them admit students in the late 20s so they would be worried having someone who is 5+ years older to them in the class. Difficult from many perspectives - especially placement.
2. Improve GMAT by a few more points if possible.
3. Try to align your Bschools more on your past work-experience and background rather than just rankings. This means you want to pick schools where you find more people in your industry, and you yourself have a strong network. For example since you have spent time in CA consider MBA programs there such as UCLA Anderson for example.
Arun - CrackVerbal
How do u see University of Strathclyde Business School SKIL MiM india(noida) which is starting its first batch in sep2011 for a puy with cat2009 score(they are accepting it) of 94.34%ile( they will most probably provide a 50% scholarship on this percentile) and 4 years of IT work ex.
Is there any other options like this, which are better for me , on this cat2009 score of 94.34%
Frankly I don't have any clue about these schools (though I cannot speak on behalf of Sameer - I am pretty sure he doesn't either. Heck! I reckon no one else here does !!
)Any reason why you are looking at schools:
1. Which accept only CAT scores? Perhaps time to take GMAT ;)
2. Which are foreign universities that are collaborating with Indian private universities? I don't think they have any "special" value.
HTH,
Arun - CrackVerbal
i want to pursue an MBA in finance.do i have a chance in any of the top b-schools?would my undergrad CGPA lower my chances?
it would matter a lot to me if u can suggest anything to enhance my profile so as to get into a top B-school.
thank u
Undergrad GPA will be a pain but then don't worry too much. I am assuming you took some tough courses and hopefully the GPA showed an upward trend.
Your profile looks very attractive but considering you fall in the demographic of Indian Male it makes it a tad bit tougher (atleast you are not a dreaded "IT engineer"
). My suggestion is to look at a few top 15 schools but also hedge your chances by spreading it out to other schools - especially APAC/Europe.There is little you can do in the next few months than focus on articulating your stories well. That is perhaps the lynchpin to your success at this point.
HTH,
Arun - CrackVerbal
For ISB, it is bit more important to have a very good work ex in terms of these skills. I am finding it difficult to substantiate my point in the application.
ISB (of all places) should understand how PSUs work! This infact strengthens your reasons to do an MBA. So don't worry!
Showcase leadership experience not through title/position but through roles and responsibilities. Did you shoulder something important though you were a junior member? Did you take an initiative at work which bettered the quality for your colleagues? Anything that makes you go over and beyond the call of duty help. Yes - your college experience helps too but I would want to pick some professional ones.
Arun - CrackVerbal
Hello Consultants,
My Profile:-
Xth - 88%
XIIth - 86%
Graduation - B.E. (Mechanical Engg.) from BITS-Pilani, CGPA = 8.23/10 (Passed this year (May 11) only)
Other Stats:
GMAT Score 750/5.0 (Q50; V41)
Gave CAT last year, secured 99.44%ile (but no Calls); Confirmed call to XLRI (HRM).
However, Will Be joining TATA (Core Mech. Profile) for my first job in a couple of weeks (am not interested in HR)
Extra-Curriculars:-
Have been Actively involved in Debates/Dramas at School Level
Have been involved with Department during College
Have good Internships to boast of (3 Internships during college and I did decent work at all of them)
Other than that average
Target:-
Since I gave up really good Calls within the country, I am looking at top notch B-schools in US/UK. Interested in doing MBA in Finance. Furthermore I am thinking of applying to schools after 2 years of Work-ex. Also, I do not want to wait for more than 3 years to do MBA (If it takes more than 3 years I would rather take up whatever B-school I get after 3 years). Hence, I want to know what part of my profile should I upgrade/Focus on and How to do that. My main weakness are:
>>Currently, a lack of good Recos. (Although in the next 2 years I hope to get them). However, one query - is it ok to get recos from ppl within the same organisation??
>>No special Extra-cirriculars/differentiating factor in resume. I am good at event managements/debates etc which I have done all through my life (in our community like organising events at dussehra/makar sakranti etc; other get-to-gethers within the society etc .. however these events dont really have a proof so I won't be able to mention then in my essays/resume). In addition I will be playing poker (which I feel complements my other strengths etc and I plan to incorporate the same in my essays if possible - I hope that's not a bad idea!!)
I am asking these questions early on so that I can better focus on my resume/career growth. As I want to get an admit after 2 years, it implies that I have effectively just about 1.5 yrs to get my recos/differentiating factors (yaa it sounds funny) in place. Hoping you can guide me regd the same.
Thanks in advance and once again Kudos for the great forum and support.
Hello Consultants,
My Profile:-
Xth - 88%
XIIth - 86%
Graduation - B.E. (Mechanical Engg.) from BITS-Pilani, CGPA = 8.23/10 (Passed this year (May 11) only)
Other Stats:
GMAT Score 750/5.0 (Q50; V41)
Gave CAT last year, secured 99.44%ile (but no Calls); Confirmed call to XLRI (HRM).
However, Will Be joining TATA (Core Mech. Profile) for my first job in a couple of weeks (am not interested in HR)
Extra-Curriculars:-
Have been Actively involved in Debates/Dramas at School Level
Have been involved with Department during College
Have good Internships to boast of (3 Internships during college and I did decent work at all of them)
Other than that average
Target:-
Since I gave up really good Calls within the country, I am looking at top notch B-schools in US/UK. Interested in doing MBA in Finance. Furthermore I am thinking of applying to schools after 2 years of Work-ex. Also, I do not want to wait for more than 3 years to do MBA (If it takes more than 3 years I would rather take up whatever B-school I get after 3 years). Hence, I want to know what part of my profile should I upgrade/Focus on and How to do that. My main weakness are:
>>Currently, a lack of good Recos. (Although in the next 2 years I hope to get them). However, one query - is it ok to get recos from ppl within the same organisation??
>>No special Extra-cirriculars/differentiating factor in resume. I am good at event managements/debates etc which I have done all through my life (in our community like organising events at dussehra/makar sakranti etc; other get-to-gethers within the society etc .. however these events dont really have a proof so I won't be able to mention then in my essays/resume). In addition I will be playing poker (which I feel complements my other strengths etc and I plan to incorporate the same in my essays if possible - I hope that's not a bad idea!!)
I am asking these questions early on so that I can better focus on my resume/career growth. As I want to get an admit after 2 years, it implies that I have effectively just about 1.5 yrs to get my recos/differentiating factors (yaa it sounds funny) in place. Hoping you can guide me regd the same.
Thanks in advance and once again Kudos for the great forum and support.
Frankly I don't have any clue about these schools (though I cannot speak on behalf of Sameer - I am pretty sure he doesn't either. Heck! I reckon no one else here does !!)
Any reason why you are looking at schools:
1. Which accept only CAT scores? Perhaps time to take GMAT ;)
2. Which are foreign universities that are collaborating with Indian private universities? I don't think they have any "special" value.
HTH,
Arun - CrackVerbal
Hi Arun
you r right, but i had been bold once by gmat(june,2009) with only 620 after lot of prep @ jamb**e chandigarh and lot of self study
if you can guide me, for a classroom class coaching at delhi-ncr, i will be thankful to you
Hi Arun
you r right, but i had been bold once by gmat(june,2009) with only 620 after lot of prep @ jamb**e chandigarh and lot of self study
I would suggest not to dilute your MBA dreams because of GMAT. You have taken it only once - there are many who take it several times. My suggestion would be take it another time and try to push it above a 660-680 threshold and then you would have a shot at mid-tier schools.
Regarding prep I suggest you explore some online options as well. You can PM either Sameer (MCB) or me to know more about it.
Arun - CrackVerbal
I am asking these questions early on so that I can better focus on my resume/career growth. As I want to get an admit after 2 years, it implies that I have effectively just about 1.5 yrs to get my recos/differentiating factors (yaa it sounds funny) in place. Hoping you can guide me regd the same.
Thanks in advance and once again Kudos for the great forum and support.
Everything looks good but applying to top schools remains competitive as ever. Here are some suggestions:
1. Try to get into TAS. With your GMAT it should be just the interview. This will be a great experience for you. (actually this is not for MBA but for life in general).
2. Try to take up 1 extra-curricular within Tata - and try to build something sustainable over the next few years (actually this is not for MBA but for life in general).
3. Try to excel at work and build good relationship with peers/bosses. (actually this is not for MBA but for life in general).
I hope you get the gist of what I have said. Essentially improve your circle of concern and thereby your circle of influence. (actually this is not for MBA but for life in general).
Arun - CrackVerbal
PS: Pun intended!!
I have just completed my B.Tech from IT BHU Varanasi.
Mechanical Engineering CGPA 7.99/10.00
12th - 83%
10th - 94%
I have been placed in Reliance Industries Ltd., Jamnagar as a GET and
after one year I will be inducted in the manager Job family with Manager
Job Title (Its not me but my offer letter talking 
).
I am planning to do my MBA from US after 2-3 years and would like to
start the process of grooming myself for top 10 schools.
My questions are specific:-
1) What are the qualities, skill set or attributes, the top notched schools
are looking for in the aspirants?
2) I have not been great in sports or other extra curricular activities in
college (and am crying over the spilt milk), so what should I do now?
I play guitar but havent performed on stage, I like photography but
havent been awarded, I play Tennis but was not in the college team.
Will they buy all this or should I market my self better by avoiding some
truths and adding some lies on my resume?
And I have got these 2-3 years before applying so how should I utilise the
time in the best way to model myself as a perfect candidate?
For e.g. I am trying to learn French, will it help??
3) These schools tend to put a lot of stress on community services/social
work. Should I engage in some??
4) I recently took CAT and got 98%ile without any coaching, preparation
or whatsoever and am pretty much confident I can get a decent GMAT
score with some preparation. So when should I start preparing?
5) Financially, these schools can crush you, so are there enough options
for loans/scholarships if I get an admit (One thing I cant boast about on
my resume is my DDC-Day Dreaming Capabilites 
)
6) Finally, whenever I open any of the websites of the top schools, all I
come across is LEADERSHIP qualities and good academics. Where do I
stand with my academics. Further I dont have much to say about
leadership right now (actually have a lot and I do believe I am a good
leader but have nothing to authenticate it, I mean dont have certificates
to prove it.) So what should I do from now onwards, or what should I
keep in mind, so that LEADERSHIP is everything that is reflected
everwhere on my CV? And will I have to switch jobs or change companies
to have a better chance at the admission?
So in conclusion how should I spend the next 2-3 years so that I will get
an admit easily in the top schools??
Its really a daunting task to answer each post and you are keeping up with the good work and I hope mine will also be answered 😉
. My suggestion is to look at a few top 15 schools but also hedge your chances by spreading it out to other schools - especially APAC/Europe.
Arun - CrackVerbal
dear sir,
do u think i have some chance in b-schools like Darden,Dartmouth,cornell,georgetown ?the reason why i specifically chose US b-schools is because they offer loans (be it co-signer/no co-signer) and they do have the best placements.
imviky SaysHoping to get a reply by Sameer :-P
Thy wish is my command, sire.
I have been placed in Reliance Industries Ltd., Jamnagar as a GET and after one year I will be inducted in the manager Job family with Manager Job Title (Its not me but my offer letter talkingMubarak ho sirji. They seem to have discovered their next generation successor.
1) What are the qualities, skill set or attributes, the top notched schools are looking for in the aspirants?You've answered this further down in your post. But yes, if you look at most school websites, they all talk about leadership, managerial potential, maturity beyond your years etc etc. They are also looking for a candidate with the potential to plan for the future. Which is why they talk about post-MBA goals and how the MBA is going to help you get there.
2) I have not been great in sports or other extra curricular activities in college (and am crying over the spilt milk), so what should I do now?Two options:
- Take part in ALL the games at the local, district and regional level in every single sports event from gilli-danda to professional wrestling and try to compensate for the lost years.
- Stop stressing about it and just focus on your strong points. Everyone wasn't born for sports.
I think you know what my recommendation is going to be there.
I play guitar but havent performed on stage, I like photography but havent been awarded, I play Tennis but was not in the college team.Just one word of caution. Please don't use this style in your essays, buddy. Adcoms will end up confused whether you are trying to get in or get out.
Will they buy all this or should I market my self better by avoiding some truths and adding some lies on my resume?You are putting the IT BHU and Reliance brands at stake here sir. Stick to what's true and if schools still like you for who you are rather than who you are trying to be, they'll invite you. Senti, I know, but that's how I like it.
And I have got these 2-3 years before applying so how should I utilise the time in the best way to model myself as a perfect candidate?Stop trying too hard. Wait for opportunities that come to you at work and in your personal life and grab them.
For e.g. I am trying to learn French, will it help??Only if you end up in a French speaking country or if you are applying to schools like INSEAD where there's a language requirement.
3) These schools tend to put a lot of stress on community services/social work. Should I engage in some??If your heart says so, yes. If the scheming brain in there is trying to work out some game theory jugaad with Adcoms, then don't.
4) I recently took CAT and got 98%ile without any coaching, preparation or whatsoever and am pretty much confident I can get a decent GMAT score with some preparation. So when should I start preparing?Take it in the year that you want to apply.
5) Financially, these schools can crush you, so are there enough options for loans/scholarships if I get an admitNope, unfortunately the sources of financing have diminished since the meltdown. Hope they are back to their regular levels by the time you are ready to apply.
6) Finally, whenever I open any of the websites of the top schools, all I come across is LEADERSHIP qualities and good academics.Answered this point earlier. No knee-jerk reactions please. Go ahead and join Reliance and get some kick-a$$ experience over the next few years.
:
So what should I do from now onwards, or what should I
keep in mind, so that LEADERSHIP is everything that is reflected
everwhere on my CV? And will I have to switch jobs or change companies
to have a better chance at the admission?
So in conclusion how should I spend the next 2-3 years so that I will get an admit easily in the top schools??Irrespective of your GMAT score or work-ex, life at the top schools is never going to be 'easy'. So drop that adjective from the vocab for now and get ready to slog and slug it out.
Good luck.
Phew...you are making us work too hard, buddy!
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Hi,
This is my first post in PagalGuy. Got to know about this website some time back from my friend, who said "Dude, they can help u wil anything regarding ur prep" . I will be giving my GMAT on 1st of august. I wanted advice on the Bschools list that I should provide to the GMAC at the time of the test. Following are my details and constrains :
Profile : (NATIONALITY - Indian)
Expected GMAT score : 720-750(AWA should also be good enough).
Experience : 3 yrs in Semiconductor Industry - Currently working for European Semiconductor Giant.
BTECH : Electronics and Communication Eng. From NIT Hamirpur (batch 200
- CGPI 8/10
12th : 92% (Recieved Merit awards and Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship for BTECH education)
10th : 86% (Maths-Science = 92%)
ExrtraCurricular : COrdinator at College Festivals. Conceptualised COllege's First year book. College Placement Cordinator. Recieved Intra-organisation excellence awards. Working for an NGO presently and was previously involved in teaching of underpreiveledge children.
Constrains :
1. Interested in Specialisation in MARKETING.
2. Majorly Interested in MBA from US or ASIAN usniversity.
3. Budget is the constrain : Would need scholarship and loans heavily.
4. As my GMAT date is a little late, so would be in a rush while applying for colleges. Need spaced application dates.
5. Please also suggest me the rounds in which i should apply for which college (Sorry if i m asking too much )
My List as of now :
1. Kellogs (Please tell me if its true that it has a bad reputation with Internation Students)
2. Darden
3. Berkley -California University
4. ISB
5. Kenan-Flagler (University of North Carolina) - / (I am selecting it over Kelley Indiana University considering Kelley's bad Reputation for international student placement)
I would be very much grateful if anybody can help me through this.
Following are the questions that i have :
1. Is the list good enough, other wise please suggest me other colleges in replacement and also the reason why.
2. I am confuse between selecting Indian college ISB or any other ASIAN college. (Considering the cost of education at some other Asian colleges like NUS and Nayang is comparable, which one has better future prospects and study approach)
3. Kelley is Good for marketing, but its reputation among international students is playing it down. It is true ? (Because Kelley provides good Financial Aid and cost of education is also very reasonable)
4. Last but very important. Depending upon my profile, if i am able to get a good GMAT score that i have mentioned, are the schools good enough. Or I should apply for more schools. AND what is the best time strategy to follow for these schools (Considering all schools in round 1 or dividing them between round 1 and 2 (How?)).
Thanks a TON in advance
Regards
Varun
Hi All ,
Please review my profile:
Indian/IT/Female.
dual degree (B-Tech in CS +Masters in Mathematics) with from BITS-PILANI CGPA - 8.4/10 XII - 97% X- 92%
GMAT: 680 (gave gmat in 2009)
Work Exp as of now: 2 +1yr (paid internship as part of college course work at an IT giant)
Primarily worked in Product Development , Release and operations management.
Intl exposure : Onsite :Uk and US for a couple of months.
ECs:represented AP state at the national level volleyball tournaments while at school.I still play for my organization at the corporate events
State level Table tennis player.Co -founding member of TT club in my company.
President of Mathematics association while at college.Have won prizes for various projects.
volunteer activities : was active during college days.Now not so much.
Guys...Do i stand a chance at any of these schools ?
University of Virginia (Darden)
Duke University (Fuqua)
University of Texas--Austin (McCombs)
Dartmouth College (Tuck)
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
Others : I and my friends have been working on a mobile application as part of a location based crowd-sourcing business since 2 months.It is still in development phase -Not sure how to properly portray this point in my essays.I'm afraid with the wrong choice of words the adcoms might get a feeling that i'm trying to cook up a story just for the sake for projecting Entrepreneurial Experience.
Appreciate the help guys !
hello all...
i am currently doing B.Tech from MNIT and i am in my 4th year. I am very interested in taking GMAT but have no clue as to from where i should start..
1. When should i start preparing for it and how soon should i give the exam if i want to join the batch starting from 2012?
2. How should one go about looking for and applying to the colleges that are relevant?
3. Where can i find the consolidated information on the Indian and Foreign colleges that accept GMAT scores?