Hello Jeremy
This is an update. I am done with submitting R1 applications to H/W/S/K and Chicago. Just received an interview invite from Chicago. Kellogg waived my interview. Waiting to hear from the others.
thanks,
Iday
but I am too late to apply now. but how are the placements?
but I am how much priority is given to GMAT candidates? but how is the return on investment (20 Lakh+)
Hi Jeremy,
Your views and tips are amazing and am sure the members of this forum are really getting some useful help in their questions.
Thanks a lot. :)
I have been a silent reader for a while now and have read all your posts, which have given a good idea about the whole US MBA thing.
I plan to do my MBA in the near future and have to start working towards it.
Here is my profile:
Education :
10th : 62.64%
12th : 75%
Graduation (BE in Information Science) : 86.16% (College topper and class topper, one of the top 50 students in the university)
Some good progress in the grades from school level to grad level.
Have not taken GMAT.
Work:
Well, as most of the Indian applicants I too belong to the s/w industry. Have 2+ yrs of experience and will have 3+ yrs by the time I apply to the b-schools.
Working with the service provider company and for very reputed client. Have a good career progression as I was recently promoted to the next level.. from Software Engineer
to Senior Software Engineer. Usually people have to wait for about 3-4 yrs to get a Senior Software Engineer position. Good sign as I acheived this in 2 yrs.
Also I have to mentor the new joinees and give them training. Recieved appreciation from the client many times regarding my work.
Extra Curric:
Taken part in lots of plays in school and college, play lawn tennis, snooker, bowling, dancing(have given stage performances), calligraphy
Was the president of the cultural and technical clubs during engineering. Organised the events like the annual day and technical fests in graduation.
Community :
Volunteer with Dream-a-Dream and CRY.
At Dream-a-Dream, used to teach drama and was also one of the main organisers for the Monsoon Miracles program, also was part of the two member volunteer
team to take the kids to the 4 day adventure trip where, they were taught various life skills (team building, leadership, decision making, communication skills etc)
also given the Star Volunteer Award for my contributions to the organisation two years in a row. At CRY, will start working in the rigth to education campaign.
Ran the Bangalore marathon in 2005 and 2006 in aid of Dream-a-Dream and have participated in the various fund raising events at DaD.
Reason for MBA:
I am looking to switch my career from IT to finance, basically am a career swithcer. And MBA is the best way to go about it.
I still have a year before I start applying so, trying to build my profile and overcome all the shortfalls (hope I can do that).
Also, I am looking at doing a CFA program(as a part of profile building) and complete atleast two levels before applying since I am looking at the finance field (IB) post-MBA.
Will continue to work on enhancing the personal and community work profile too.
Now I need some inputs regarding the shortfalls in my profile and my chances at the top-15 US schools.
I am looking at schools such as Chicago(is the best option as am a career switcher), Columbia, Tuck, Wharton, Harvard(being very opptimistic 😃 ) and also Ross & Darden.
Thanks,
Mitesh
Hi Jeremy,
I need your advice on my INSEAD app with reagrd to essays.
I want to understand that in which essay I can put information about extra curricular activities e.g. in which essay should I mention about my community service and cultural commitee activities.
There are following essays :
1. strength/weakness (400 words)
2. failure. (250 words)
3. Career goals (500 words)
4. Two accomplishments (400 words)
5. What would you say to a foreigner moving to your home country(250 words)
and two more
1. Job description (250 words)
2. Career progress till date (250 words)
Word limit puts a restriction that I cant talk much about extra activities in last 2 essays. it cant go to #5 or #2.
That leaves me with #1, #3, #4. Can I fit my passion for community service (It is v true. Have been involved with it for last 13 years now)? If I do that, where can also add that I have sit on the core cultural commitee for my office, organising various events, anchoring events (both sports, cultural), street plays, fashion shows?
Please suggest.
Thanks
Ajay
Hi Jeremy,
My profile:
BE (Electronics): 87% from Delhi College of Engineering
Work Exp:
- 4.5 yrs in a European Semicoductor MNC (in top5 semiconductor companies)
- got 2 promotions
- leading a team of professional engineers for IP development
- worked in France for 1 year
- technical trainer, imparts training to customer divisions
- actively participate in cultural activities in company and also in sports activities.
- developed and conduct training programme for new hires in my department.
- filed 4 patents so far.
GMAT- 730 (Q50, V39) AWA-4.5
Extra curriculars: Started an informal school in a local community for under-privileged children
- used to run an Adult literacy programme (started by Delhi Government) center in 2000-01.
- recently joined Center for Science and Environment and working as a volunteer (as of now). Did so to follow up the "Global Warming" issue in the world.
- Organized some technical and cultural events in college-time in Technical and Cultural fests respectively.
- a good salsa dancer. sometimes perform in local-events.
-student member of IEEE
- Passionate about Rafting.
I've already applied to Duke. In addition I'm applying to Tuck, MIT, Michighan and INSEAD. My idea is to go for general management with specialization in Operations and technology Management.
do my choice of schools looks good?
Do I have too good a profile to be able to apply to Harvard?
Please also point out any shortcomings/weak sections of my profile.
Thanks a bunch.
Vijender
Hey jeremy,
I received the interview call for INSEAD in teh first Round. The interview/s is scheduled for sometime in December. Any suggestions on how to prepare for it ?
-KJ
Dear Jeremy,
I will give a brief details about myself and need your opinion on this.
Age 35, 10+ IT Experience (Japan, Europe exp of 6+ years). I am leading team size of 25 now and handled positions like Project Manager, Customer Engagement Manager etc.
I want to do full time MBA in international management (with focus on Global Supply chain management and then gradually move the value chain in Manufacturing industry in India) for switch in my career.
When I approached IMD in Switzerland, they said my chances are very slim for full time MBA.
So, I want your views on how do you see my chances of getting admission into top Business schools in US. Are the chances very slim for full time MBA? There is no way I can plan for switch in my career at this stage?
Yet to take GMAT. Planning to take in March 2007. (You can expect around 680)
Regards,
Sripada
While i was writing a essay which asked about why MBA type of question. I think i have made a mistake. I just want to make know how huge this is.
I wrote something to the effect that my previous managers have not been so great and i had hoped that they had done a better job. I also wrote that some lacked aptitude and some lacked training and they followed management practices blindly while i tried to understand its gist and then customized and improved the processes and stuff.
Now this is a small part of my essay, but looking back I worry how this will be percieved. I wrote what i truly felt from my experiences but .......
Anyways, i have submitted the form already so I can't change anything. I just wonder how will this affect by application.
Can one below average essay or a slip destroy the application?
Hi Jeremy,
I need you invaluable advice on my chances of getting into the Top B schools.
First of all, let me introduce my profile to you.
Class Xth 74.6
Class XIIth 77.2
B. Tech ( IIT Delhi) , CGPA of 7.42/10. (passed out in 2004)
I was department rank 7 out of a batch strength of around 40.
I do not have any great extra curriculars ( only got certificates in school in quizzes and sports). Just did Social service as a part of curriculum in IIT (had to complete 200 hours of NSS actvities)
Managed few Math olympiad certificates in Xth and XIIth.
I have around 2 years of work ex right now and I plan to apply in 2007 (September /October) which means I will have a work ex of more than 3 and a half years when I join B School.
Work Ex
I worked for around 5 months in a KPO (data analysis). Did not get satisfaction.
Then got in to a core market research firm and worked there for 1 year and learnt a lot, handled a lot of clients over there. Left that job too for more learning as I was getting saturated over there. So joined another growing market research firm to have some more exposure on business development/ client handling and still working there for 6 months now.
Q1 I am yet to take GMAT now. (What should be an ideal score to strengthen my chances???)
Q2 What else do you feel I lack and should work upon in the given time frame to make my profile the best???
Q3 I think I love finance and want to go for it. Which best schools I shall apply to???
Please give me your kindly help and advice asI am eagerly waiting to listen from you.
I am very dedicated towards my goal of pursuing an MBA .
So please be brutally frank on the critical assessment of my profile and advices.
Thanks.
hi Jeremy
Please accept yet another accolade from me for the effort being put in by you.
I have recently been selected for one year Post Graduate Program in Management at IIM, Ahmedabad. However, i want to give a shot at a international school. Here is my profile:
Sex: M
Age: 31
Acads
Class X: 79%
Merit certificate in Mathematics
Certificate in languages
Certificate for scholarship in lieu of monetary scholarship
Class XII: 84%
Graduation: 65% Bachelor of Science (Physics)
Joined Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology for Masters in Computer Application, a 3 year course but left it after one year (scored 72%) to take up a job at State Bank of Hyderabad, one of the associates of State Bank of India.
GMAT: 730 (Q-49, V-40, AWA 5.5)
Others:
Certificate courses from NSE (NCFM) in Debt and Basic Securities;
Certificate program on valuation of shares;
Workshop on fixed income research.
The Job
Have put in over 8 years in job in a bank in the following fields:
1. Credit Management: Managed credit in two main branches of the bank: Overseas Branch Mumbai and Industrial Finance Branch Delhi managing credit desk of over Rs.100 crores ($ 20 mn) for 3 years.
No. of people I managed - 3
2. Treasury Management: (for last 3 years) Roles include - MIS, research of equity and debt (portfolio size $ 3 bn), Mid-Office functions involving risk measurement and management including periodical Top management reporting on investment particulars.
No. of people I manage - 2
Major experiences/Unique identifiers - worked in rural areas of interior districts of India as a banker and came close to many facts of a developing country and its pitfalls - a couple of them emotional and arising an ethical situation. This was followed by a contrasting work experience in very modern and tech savy department like treasury department besides top branches in metro cities of Mumbai & Delhi catering to corporate clients. Thus i have, during my 8 years as a banker, interacted with customers ranging from farmers, artisans, corporate, market makers in the indian financial scenarios.
Currently pursuing masters in finance(MFM) part-time from Mumbai University which gets over in May 2007.
Extra curr
Singing. A couple of awards for it.
My concerns:
B-schools in US prefer a 10+2+4 years education background, while mine is 10+2+3, discounting to zero my one year of incomplete MCA. Will the US B-schools consider my 10+2+3 years education as eligible to apply? Will my MFM cover this requirement?
I don't think i have involved myself in community service in a way that merits a mention. How weak does that make me?
I have shortlisted Cranfield, Cambridge, Oxford and INSEAD in Europe/Aisa as one-year program and Stanford, Tuck, Columbia and Duke in US for 2-year program though i am more inclined towards a 2-year program as it won't be as strenous as a one year program is.
My one main reason to do mba is to have a global perspective as i see myself as an entrepreneur in 10 years from now.
Would like to know if i am proceeding realistically?
Thank you.
Tejbir Singh
Jeremy,
Have a question on the application process for International Applicants. Do I need to send any documents through snail mail in addition to completely filling the online application?(recommendation letters sent online as well).
My understanding from the websites is that this is indeed the case and that attested transcripts need to be sent post admission. I'm applying to the following schools .. Wharton, Kellog, Chicago GSB, Columbia and Sloan/Stern.
Thanks,
Pratap
Hi Jeremy,
Thank you a lot for the analysis on my profile. I went through the link gven by you. Infact, I found all the tips given in the link very helpful. The site is really helpful for all who is aspiring for B-Schooling.
Your inspiring comments on my profile have boosted my confidence very much. And I am sure your tips would help me immensely in my application process.
Thanks a lot once again for the service rendered to me and the fellow PGites.:)
Regards,
Hitchcock
Hi Jeremy,
I am a B-tech graduate, working with a top Indian IT firm from 3years (A profile similar to every second PG). Now I am looking for a leap in career by perusing an MBA (And thatis what every PG is here for)
I am looking for some good b-schools in Asia pacific (including INDIA where GMAT score is accepted) preferably a 12-16 mth. course (Now this is some thing quite different). I am planning to take GMAT soon (as its too late to apply for CAT).
I have done some analysis and come up with the following list and also my doubts:
1) ISB (India) Excellent schoolbut I am too late to apply now.
2) NUS (Singapore) Excellent school
3) SP JAIN PGDM (INDIA) Very Good school
4) HKUST (Hong Kong) Very good school
5) NTU (Singapore) Good school :satisfie: but how is its reputation and placement?
6) SP JAIN GMBA (Dubai/Singapore) Good school :satisfie: but how is the return on investment?
7) AIM (Philippines) Good school :satisfie: but how is its reputation and placement now?
Please recommend any school or course which I have missed. Also give suggestion on the schools and courses I have mentioned or any thing else.
Thanks
Hi Jeremy,
I need help in shortlisting my list of schools to apply to. Please help me to choose 6 schools out of following list (I wanna go with strategy of 2+2+2 (safe):
Purdue University
UCLA - Anderson
LBS
Kellog
Univ of Michigan
CM Tepper
Duke University
MIT - Sloan
Columbia
Oxford : Said
Univ of Maryland
Indiana University-Bloomington (Kelley)
IESE
Georgetown
My profile:
BE (Computer Science & Engineering) - 74% , Active volunteer in College annual functions
GMAT : 740 (q51,v40,awa5)
Work Ex: 6 years
Currently working as TCS Project Manager handling a team of 40. I am also member of TCS corporate Strategy team.
Lots of community work for Maitree (TCS social service wing)
Early promotion and star of the month award in TCS, Best Employee award in previous company (LG Soft India).
I have also worked on Bombay Stock Exchange Project for 2 years, so I have a good exposure to stock market and other related factors. I also have a very good hands-on expereince in portfolio management.
I am aiming for MBA in Finance(mainly investment banking).
Please help me with this selection.
Thanks in advance.
hellojp
Hi Jeremy,
Your views and tips are amazing and am sure the members of this forum are really getting some useful help in their questions.
Thanks a lot. :)
I have been a silent reader for a while now and have read all your posts, which have given a good idea about the whole US MBA thing.
I plan to do my MBA in the near future and have to start working towards it.
Here is my profile:
Education :
10th : 62.64%
12th : 75%
Graduation (BE in Information Science) : 86.16% (College topper and class topper, one of the top 50 students in the university)
Some good progress in the grades from school level to grad level.
Have not taken GMAT.
Work:
Well, as most of the Indian applicants I too belong to the s/w industry. Have 2+ yrs of experience and will have 3+ yrs by the time I apply to the b-schools.
Working with the service provider company and for very reputed client. Have a good career progression as I was recently promoted to the next level.. from Software Engineer
to Senior Software Engineer. Usually people have to wait for about 3-4 yrs to get a Senior Software Engineer position. Good sign as I acheived this in 2 yrs.
Also I have to mentor the new joinees and give them training. Recieved appreciation from the client many times regarding my work.
Extra Curric:
Taken part in lots of plays in school and college, play lawn tennis, snooker, bowling, dancing(have given stage performances), calligraphy
Was the president of the cultural and technical clubs during engineering. Organised the events like the annual day and technical fests in graduation.
Community :
Volunteer with Dream-a-Dream and CRY.
At Dream-a-Dream, used to teach drama and was also one of the main organisers for the Monsoon Miracles program, also was part of the two member volunteer
team to take the kids to the 4 day adventure trip where, they were taught various life skills (team building, leadership, decision making, communication skills etc)
also given the Star Volunteer Award for my contributions to the organisation two years in a row. At CRY, will start working in the rigth to education campaign.
Ran the Bangalore marathon in 2005 and 2006 in aid of Dream-a-Dream and have participated in the various fund raising events at DaD.
Reason for MBA:
I am looking to switch my career from IT to finance, basically am a career swithcer. And MBA is the best way to go about it.
I still have a year before I start applying so, trying to build my profile and overcome all the shortfalls (hope I can do that).
Also, I am looking at doing a CFA program(as a part of profile building) and complete atleast two levels before applying since I am looking at the finance field (IB) post-MBA.
Will continue to work on enhancing the personal and community work profile too.
Now I need some inputs regarding the shortfalls in my profile and my chances at the top-15 US schools.
I am looking at schools such as Chicago(is the best option as am a career switcher), Columbia, Tuck, Wharton, Harvard(being very opptimistic 😃 ) and also Ross & Darden.
Thanks,
Mitesh
Hi Jeremy,
My profile:
BE (Electronics): 87% from Delhi College of Engineering
Work Exp:
- 4.5 yrs in a European Semicoductor MNC (in top5 semiconductor companies)
- got 2 promotions
- leading a team of professional engineers for IP development
- worked in France for 1 year
- technical trainer, imparts training to customer divisions
- actively participate in cultural activities in company and also in sports activities.
- developed and conduct training programme for new hires in my department.
- filed 4 patents so far.
GMAT- 730 (Q50, V39) AWA-4.5
Extra curriculars: Started an informal school in a local community for under-privileged children
- used to run an Adult literacy programme (started by Delhi Government) center in 2000-01.
- recently joined Center for Science and Environment and working as a volunteer (as of now). Did so to follow up the "Global Warming" issue in the world.
- Organized some technical and cultural events in college-time in Technical and Cultural fests respectively.
- a good salsa dancer. sometimes perform in local-events.
-student member of IEEE
- Passionate about Rafting.
I've already applied to Duke. In addition I'm applying to Tuck, MIT, Michighan and INSEAD. My idea is to go for general management with specialization in Operations and technology Management.
do my choice of schools looks good?
Do I have too good a profile to be able to apply to Harvard?
Please also point out any shortcomings/weak sections of my profile.
Thanks a bunch.
Vijender
Hey jeremy,
I received the interview call for INSEAD in teh first Round. The interview/s is scheduled for sometime in December. Any suggestions on how to prepare for it ?
-KJ
Hi Jeremy,
I am applying to RSM for their Oct 2007 batch. The topic of their second essay is 'Describe your favorite hobby, pastime or sport and explain how it reflects your personality'.
Can I write about my involvement in Community Service for this essay. I wasn't sure because they are expecting a hobby or pastime.
thanks in advance!
Manas
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for the great work you continue to do. It would be really nice if you could please evaluate my chances as well.
My profile:
GMAT: 730 (Q49, V40) AWA:5
Age: 31. Married and have a 2 year old kid.
Education:
BE (Mech): 55% from non reputed college in India
School / High School: X:83%, XII: 78%
Professional certifications:
PMP, CSQA, Six Sigma Black Belt
Work Exp:
- Current Role: Program Manager leading a team of 40 plus people
- In Software, fastest promotions in my mid sized company
- Total 9 years. Working in US for last 6 years. Worked in 8 US states at various fortune 500, start-ups and mid size companies.
Extra curricular:
Moderate as professional, very active in college and held general posts (hence the lower undergrad GPA)
Status:
Permananent Resident in USA.
Round 1 schools: None.
Round 2 schools: Kellogg, Chicago, Ross, Columbia, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS. My idea is to go for general management. Want to be a entrepreneur down the road and basic motivation for doing an MBA is (1)brand value and (2)alumni network.
Does my choice of school look good? What can I strongly market as my USP? Please also point out any shortcomings/weak sections of my profile.
Thanks a lot!
SS