Hi Jeremy!
Thanks, you've been so resourceful I already have an idea as to how I must go about it! I'm an MBA aspirant with one year of experiment. I hope to take my GMAT around a month from now.
Acads: 84,95,79 - awarded for proficiency in Mathematics during my Higher Secondary, nominated for Best Project Award during undergraduate studies.
Extra Curriculars: I have participated and won in contests across the talent spectrum but for sports - Oratorical contests such as Talk Your Way to Japan; my poetry is published at Sulekha.com - Connecting Indians worldwide. Read write Blogs, Groups, Classifieds, Yellow Pages, Movies, Travel. In the following months I hope to make use of a Japanese course I have won.
Leadership: I've been an executive member of significant college bodies and Editor of the College Editorial Board, have been the Employee Contributions in charge for the Editorial Board at the IT company I worked for and have been a member of Leadership forums such as People first. I was also one of my state's representatives for the World Youth Peace Summit 2003 held at India.
Social Service: I started an education-for-all project in college with a group of friends. It has been passed on to the college's social service board now.
Work Experience: I have worked with a major Indian IT Services Company for an international client of high standing. I worked on a trade promotion project and an in-house delivery excellence initiative, and was awarded for my contribution in the creation of a Request For Proposal to our client.
That's about it. I hope to do an MBA in one of the world's top 20 B Schools and being a woman from a South indian family, I do not have much time! Please let me know when I could start and what I could do to make my profile worthy of that dream seat!
Thanks and Regards.
Hi Jeremy
Iam currently working for an IT co in US and planning to start preparing for a MBA degree from a b-school abroad. My profile:
The good part:
1. I hv a workex of 3.5 yrs in the IT industry with abt 1 yr in a client facing position.
2. Excellent academic background which includes an honors degree from an NIT..
3. Above average performer at work and I can certainly get gud reckos from my managers.
The ugly part:
1. I dont really have a gud Extra curricular track record
2. No community work of any sort 
..
3. Average communication skills (No exp in public speaking)
Only reason iam going for an MBA is to fast track my career in the IT field itself while moving towards program management and client partnering roles. (not sure if this reason will be gud enuf for the schools)
So here r the questions to you:
1. Will it be worth doing a MBA from school ranked 20-50 from US?
2. Will european courses suite better for my kind of profile?
3. I want to be involved in some sort of community service while Im in US. How can I take up that?
4. Is my reason to do an MBA gud enuf to be acceptable to even these schools?
Pls feel free to give ur frank opinions.. as I need to make a decision whether I shud go for it or not. Iam planning to give GMAT in May-Jun 2007..
Thanks for your inquiry.
There is certainly no questioning your ability to manage the academic rigors of an MBA program and no questioning the uniqueness and profundity of your professional experience to date. However, your age is a wild card that makes your profile quite difficult to assess. I often tell candidates that the application process is an art, not a science. In your case, it couldnt be more true. I have precedents for helping candidates in their mid-thirties get into top-schools and you would be a comparable candidate. While you cant count on getting into the schools that you have listed, I dont think that it would be unreasonable to try. It will be essential that you establish ambitious, but attainable career goals and prove that your best years are ahead of you. While personal statements are always vital, you will need to pay special attention to yours in order to ensure that you have sincerely expressed your aspirations and convinced the AdCom that you NEED that MBA.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
hi Jeremy
Please accept accolades from me for sterling efforts.
I am a prospective candidate for Fall 2007 MBA class at a top B School. Here is my profile:
Sex: M
Age: 34
Acads
Class X: 85%
Class XII: 86%
Graduation: 87% Bachelor of Eng. From MANIT 2nd rank in Univ.
Post Graduation: 85% M.Tech. From MANIT 1st rank in Univ.
Secured all India 7th Rank (99.90 Percentile Score) in the prestigious GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineers) 1994, a national level accreditation exam in India for Graduate Engineers, conducted by a board constituted by different Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT).
Secured all India 2nd Rank in the prestigious Indian Engineering Services Exam 1994.
Secured 81st Rank in the Indian Civil Services Exam 1997 (over 200000 participants).
GMAT: 740 (V-42,Q-49, AWA 5.0)
Others:
Awarded Finance Ministers Gold Medal the best officer of the Indian Revenue Service
The Job
Have put in over 10 years as a Civil Servant in the Government of India:
In 1996, I joined the Indian Railways as an Assistant Signal & Telecom Engineer and in 1997 I shifted to the commercial side of the Railways as an Assistant Commercial and Operations Manager. With the desire to work in the finance sector, I joined the Indian Revenue Service in 1998. For the initial 20 months, I underwent intensive training in management, taxation and law.
From April 2000 to December 2001 I headed a Revenue Circle rendering services to over 20,000 salaried tax payers. Heading a team of 10 officials I migrated over 200,000 records from manual registers to an online database, thereby reducing the delay in the issue of refunds from 18 months to 6 months.
From December 2001 to August 2004 I headed a Central Assessment Unit. The assignment involved collation and verification of evidences seized during a nation wide raid at over 80 premises of a large industrial house. My primary responsibility was to investigate the leads emanating from seized evidences and adjudicate afresh the tax liability of the group.
From August 2004 to June 2006 I headed an Investigation Unit responsible for detecting and investigating cases of large scale tax evasion. This involved gathering intelligence on cases of large scale tax evasion and conducting raids on such cases. During raids I organised and lead manpower of up to 400 officials.
Since June 2006, I head a Corporate Revenue Circle managing a revenue (collection) budget of INR 4 billion (USD 900 Million). My promotion to the grade of Additional Commissioner is expected in early 2007.
Extra curr:
Making Electronics Gadgets and Project: During School and College
Advising not-for-profit organizations on tax related issues: As a volunteer for 6 years
Staff Welfare as Joint Secretary/Treasurer of the Indian Revenue Service Officers Association for four years.
Volunteer Community work through Landmark Assisting Program- Landmark Education a global educational company 8 hours a week for last one year.
Post MBA Goals:
Post-MBA my short-term goal is to work with a leading global management consulting company. In the long-term, I intend to start a global consulting firm specializing in change management in the government/public sector.
Over the last many years as a office bearer of the Officers Association and as a local resource I have been associated with the ongoing transformation of the Income Tax Department in India and have experienced first hand the trials and tribulations associated with transformation of large public organisations.
I have short listed Cranfield, Manchester and INSEAD in Europe/Aisa as one-year program and Tuck, Michigan Duke and Wharton in US for 2-year program though I am more inclined towards a 1-year program
Please elaborate on my chances of getting admit in an international MBA especially with my non traditional background. Comments n the choice of colleges are also solicited.
With regards.
Vinod Tanwani
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
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
I always find questions like yours to be quite challenging and to be honest, a bit absurd. After a brief list of facts, it is impossible to select schools on your behalf. Just as you have your own personality, so does each school. I would be more than happy to speak with you to learn about you and your school choice please feel free to contact me at the number below.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
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 UniversityBloomington (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
Thanks for your inquiry.
I dont think that you would have a problem offering your community service as a pastime, but I also dont think it would be wise merely to speak about community service in general. You should select a single commitment within your community service and focus on how this reflects your personality.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
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
From what you posted below, it seems to me that you may have been aiming a bit high. You have a high-GMAT in your favor, but other than that you seem to have no community involvement in nine years, job changes, a typical software profile, low grades from a college of no repute and are an older candidate. What are your standout qualities that will catch the Standford, Kellogg or Chicago AdComs attention? Please let me know what I am missing!
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
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
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Thanks a lot Jeremy.
Really appreciate your patience and hard work in answering all our queries.
Will get back to you as and when I progress and have any other clarification.
Thanks a lot.
Mitesh
It is very difficult to advise you due to the limited amount of information you have provided. I dont think that any schools is particularly PHD friendly or unfriendly. I am sure that your distinct background could be appreciated by many schools. More than anything, you will have to prove that your profound academic background can translate into professional success; the schools will want to be certain that they are getting an innovator, instead of a professor.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
Need some input for school choices.
I am from a scientific background....have a masters degree from IIT Madras in India and a Phd from a Max Planck i germany (wud have one soon).
I plan to work for 2 or 3 years before I hit B school, bt giving my GMAT next week.
I want to know more about schools that have a track record for accepting people with a background such as mine.
The schools that I aim for are as follows
INSEAD : Dream School, 1 year, Europe, reputed
Queens and Cornell : Found evidence of several students with PhD being accepted there. Feel I can fit well with their crowd of tech intensive students.
Purdue: high acceptance rates (according to BW) and again focus on technology.
ISB : home sweet home
I would like to hear your thoughts on my school choice and please suggest any other schools that come to your mind.
Thanks
Dev
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hello Jeremy,
Just wanna share the good news that i got an admit from Chicago GSB in the class of 2009. I received the famous phone call today evening by about 8:20 PM IST.
I take this moment to thank you for all the help you had offered during the initial stages of the process. Can't thank you enough :)
Iday
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hello Jeremy,
I'm posting on your thread after a long while... to say thank you!! I just received a call from the Adcom at Chicago GSB, confirming my admission into the class of 2009.
I had applied only to Chicago and Tuck in R1. I also have an Interview invite from Tuck.
I wanted to thank you because your advice, both generic, as well as specific helped me majorly while writing out my essays. While I was writing the essays, I had a print out of your Chicago specific advice in front of me.. I also took care to emphasize the 'intangibles' rather than the 'tangibles' as you adviced here.
So thank you once again. I'm sure all the aspirants you have helped through your thread here feel the same.
Regards
Keya
Thanks for your inquiry.
The first rule of the waitlist is.Dont annoy the AdCom! Some candidates have a tendency to pester the AdCom; there is a fine line between being persistent and being a neurotic or a nuisance. You need to respect the AdCom and give them their time to make their decision, as painful as that might be.
Chicago offers you the opportunity to send additional information. You might consider an additional professional reference or an update if you have been promoted or taken on a particularly interesting project. Do not just send a letter because you think that you have to ask yourself: Am I offering them something new and interesting? You might send the letter in a month, if there is something interesting in the offing.
I dont know what your GMAT was but if it was low, you might consider retaking it. Also, you could visit the campus to learn more and personally show your interest in the school.
Best of luck with this process.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
I have been WAITLISTED at Chicago GSB.
I was expecting a ding as my interview was pretty so-so.
Now that I have been waitlisted, I will appreciate any input from you on how I should go about converting this waitlist.
Thanks and Regards
Deba
Hi Jeremy,
I would like to thank you first for the expert advice you are giving in this formum. It is really helpful.
I have tried to go through as many post as possible and want to get some views on my profile and how can it be improved further
GMAT :720
% age engg.:71 %
Work exp: 2.4 yrs now (s/w engg(SAP) what else :smile:)
Will be getting a promotion by the time i start filling the app.
Onsite : 6 months ( 3 months Swizz, 3 months Germany)
Extra cirruc. : Was the captain of the cricket college team,member of the placement comm.
Community service :Nil :neutral:
Have cleared CFA L1 (US) in this Dec 
and getting ready for the assault on L2 this June :grab:
Hope this is some diffrentaitor in my profile.Will this help ?
I'm basically intersted in MBA( Finance) and a course of around 1 yr will be good for me .
My dream college is INSEAD aiming for Jan 2008 or maybe for Sep 2008.Other colleges which I would be trying are Oxford said,judge cambridge,RSM and SDA Bocconni
What are my chances in these colleges ?
Also what else could I do to improve my profile as i have some time left .
Should I go for a language course and maybe learn German/Franch. WIll this help in the application ?
I am also planning to do something to improve on my community service but I want to know is it really very important to show this in the application?
Thanks for replying,
Sam
Hi Jeremy,
First off, I want to thank you for giving such great advice to people on this forum. Your significant time investment is duly appreciated.
I would like your opinion on my situation.
I am 23 years old, Indian (permanent resident) and residing in Massachusetts. I graduated from UMass Amherst with a BBA in Finance and a 3.0 GPA. I took the GMAT a month ago and scored a 700 (48Q/38V) with a 5.5 AWA.
As of right now, I have 2.5 years of work experience. My first job out of college was as a bookkeeper/staff accountant for a very small online retailer. Although the position and company sound unimpressive, I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders for my first post-college job. I worked there for 1.5 years. Currently, I am a property accountant for a medium sized private real estate investment firm based out of downtown Boston, and have been there just over one year. While my day-to-day responsibilities don't have as large of an effect on the company, I am much more immersed in accounting and am responsible for the timely/accurate reporting, etc of a $100 million dollar investment fund.
I am shooting for a Fall of 2008 enrollment in an MBA program, at which point I will have a little over 4 years work experience. I suppose in this time I can try/hope for a promotion but up until now it seems my work experience pales in comparison to what the average student at a top school has. I have not really had much leadership opportunities due to being on the lower rungs of the ladder, besides perhaps training/overseeing of new hires.
I recently got involved in the community and I spend ~3 hours per week teaching kids about Indian culture/traditions and even yoga. As far as extracurriculars, I am really into cars, love wrenching on mine and regularly take part in sanctioned racing events with it.
I would prefer to stay in the northeast for schools and Massachusetts is home to many great ones itself. I am looking at MIT, Dartmouth, Cornell, NYU, and as "safety" schools - Boston College and Boston University.
I would like your opinion on what you think my chances are at the first four institutions. Also, what do you think I can do to strengthen my profile? There is almost a year and half till I would enroll but applications would be due in 8-9 months. I'm not sure if this is sufficient time to really work on anything.
Should I hold off till Fall of 2009 to perhaps get more/better work experience?
Thanks,
Anj
HEY JEREMY
PLEASE HELP
PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IS University of Massachusetts Boston FOR MBA????????
I HAVE TO DECIDE TODAY ITSELF WHETER TO GIVE IT A SHOT OR NOT?
SO PLS HURRY
THANKS IN ADVANCE
hi jeremy
thanks for reply. i took gmat in dec and score in real gmat fell abruptly as compared to scores in my preps.
earliar i was planning to appply to only top 20 but then i had to change my stratergy . i applied to umass boston and got admition with pretty good assistance that reduces the tutuion fee heavily. thanks to my extremely good extra curriculars.
now there are some big questions in front of me.
1. faculty, studies amd worth of MBA from umass boston,
2. job prospect after the course - availbity of jobs and average starting salary,
3. part time job prospects
4. cost of living
5. rank of this mba worlwide.
6. and i have one year of experience in one of the biggies in software firms in india.. Should i wait for next year or apply this year in umass boston.
I need your valuable advise urgently as deadlines are approaching and i need to apply in 2-3 days. )
7. one more thing- i am planning to pursue specialization in Human resources. i have heard that no of jobs are less for HR. Is it the case? and what is the average starting salary? as per my information it is 70000 $. But can u pls confirm it as ihave not found any placement statics for Boston campus. whether uiverstiy organizes job fairs etc or provides any sort of help in finding jobs?
8. i have also heard that the starting salary of people who have pre mba work ex is more than avg. Then in that case, is the starting salary of people with less ex, like me, much lower than average?
.
.
the other side of story is that i am not liking the software job at all. so i am thinking not to waste one year.
if you are a MBA graduate from UMASS boston, and
if u feels comfortable, please share your experience of umass boston in detail:
1. why u chose umass , boston;
2. when u graduated;
3. how easily u found part time job;
4. how easily u found full time job and was it ur preferred job;
5.what was the starting salary and bonuses if any;
6. if big companies dont come to campus then what all u have to do to grab them. and do they give value to degree from umass boston and recriut the people(may be off campus)?
7.what about the alumni network and how much they help in long term;
8. how do guys from umass boston compete as compared to the students from other biggies like chicago bla bla.. in longterm lets say over 10 years;
9. do thier growth in terms of personal , professional and salary wise differ in long term , and if yes how much is the difference?)
after understanding my story, what will be the most preferable option for me - to wait for one year to accept the offer.
Seeking a prompt response in time.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks and Regards
I will try to sort through the information and make a candid assessment. It seems to me that you have a strong record of academic and professional achievement, proven by grades, publications and promotions. Further, your entrepreneurial experience, depending on your involvement which you describe as abstract, should be quite helpful to you, as a differentiator. What you seem to be missing is that wow professional accomplishment, something that many in IT face. Further, your limited community activity is a liability and something that you should definitely target in the coming year. Your college extras will not be enough; you should get involved ASAP with an organization about which you are passionate.
I think that you should have a good shot at UNC, UCLA and UT-Austin, Smith; Haas, Tuck, INSEAD and LBS should be reaches. Which GSB are you asking about?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
I thank you for all the patience and the hard work that you have been putting in helping prospective B-school graduates. I have a few questions about my candidature for MBA.
Ive a typical run of the mill profile of a Indian-IT male, want to take your advise on how to improve the odds.
I am a 2004 graduate of BITS Pilani (one of the top 5 institutes in India) and currently have 2.5 years of experience as a CRM consultant in one of the BIG 4 of IT companies. Im planning to apply for fall-2008(I will have 4 years of exp+. 6 months of internship) which includes one year in Australia.
Ive had a steep learning curve from a Software Engineer a couple of years ago to managing a project team of 15 people now. Im the onsite coordinator, here in Sydney for my team in India. Though Im a software engineer, Ive been exposed to managing the client and the team simultaneously and my role currently is purely of a Manager with the client. Ive also had a hand in making proposals and winning a couple of small projects for my company.
On the academic front here are the details
10th Grade---90%
12th-Pre-University94.2%, a State ranker.
Graduation8.4/10., Mechanical Engineering with Chemistry as a dual degree.
My graduation has been a unique combination of core sciences of mechanical engineering and the intricacies of chemistry. On one side, Ive researched and published papers in complex multivariate algorithms in the area of Supply chain Management and on the other side researched and synthesized nano powders in the field of nano technology
Ive had a good share of extra-curricular activities, I represented my university in Cricket and Hockey .I was the coordinator of An All India Technical festival held in my university and had a big role in winning grand prizes. I was also involved in a entrepreneurial start up company with my friends, albeit at an abstract level. Im still a active member of the company on a voluntary basis though. The only thing I havent done is community service at a higher magnitude, though I did have a couple of stints with CRY India and NSS Pilani, and AID Bangalore.
Im sure and confident that I will fare well in my GMAT which Im to take in the next couple of months.
Here are the points; I feel I can sell about my profile
Experience in niche area of CRM consulting and add to it the packages Ive worked on
Rapid growth from a Software Engineer to a Team Leader managing 15 people. International experience in a niche market like Australia and client exposure to emerging markets like Singapore, Malaysia and NZ.
Very good academics since high school and a good GMAT (710-730 range).
Entrepreneurial stint and the role in shaping the company Ive to glorify this a lot more.
Leadership skills in managing a team of 45 in the ALL INDIA festival.
Extra curricular activities, represented university at the highest level.
My questions to you are:
What are the areas I should improve and how?
Do you think I have a good chance at the likes of UNC, GSB, UT-Austin, UCLA, Tuck, Smith, MIT, UCB, LBS, INSEAD I would like to stress on Insead, LBS, UNC,GSB. Im being realistic and know Im no good for W/H/K/C.
Also, the most important question, I would like to major in marketing, strategy and consulting. Are there schools which offer this? And can I justify my application by stating that Ive had a versatile profile of being a mechanical engineer, to interning as an industrial engineer to working as a software engineer, to a CRM consultant.
hi jeremy
Please evalutate my profile and suggest me required course of action as soon as possible
Regards
Hi Jeremy
Request you to please comment on my profile for MBA in the USA/Europe. Plan to apply for this Fall
Education:
1. B.E. Electrical from National Institute of Technology, Karnataka in 2004 with GPA of 3.6/4 ( 7 best College in India. Stood 6th in my Branch)
2. Class XII : 87.6%
3. Class X : 87% . Topper in School
Profession :
1. Product Marketing Executive : Larsen and Toubro Ltd. (July 2004- Oct 2005)
Was part of the Fast Track Program. Handled All India Support for a Newly launched product. My contribution was recognised. Ex Boss can vouch for it.
2. Sales Engineer - Industry : Schneider Electric ( Oct 2005 - Dec 2006) : Handled Sales for Mumbai worth Rs. 150 Million . Highest Sales in the Western Region. Key Account Manager for 3 of Schneiders Biggest Accounts.
3. Sr. Marketing Engineer : Schneider Electric ( Jan 2007 Onwards ) : Responsible for Product marketing for Western Region. Own Target of Rs 600 Million. Youngest Person in the company with such profile.
Extra Curricular :
1. Member, Toastmasters International
2. Very Good Extra Curricular Record in College. Branch Rep for 2 Years. Secratary for 2 College Clubs. Editor College Magazine. Numerous prizes in Intra/Inter college events.
3. Social Work : Nothing on record. Helped lots of people/friends find jobs.
GMAT :
Plan to take it up in May 2007. Expect 730+ Easily.
Keenly looking at Schools for consulting/Marketing. No Co-signer option is a must.
Schools Targeting :
1. Kellogg
2. Insead
3. Ross
4. Darden
5. LBS
Request you to please advice on my fit and suggest more schools which are reachable for my profile.
Thanks for the Advice.
I have read through lot of your responses and I appreciate your time & blatant response.
Since mid 2006 I have been contemplating to write GMAT with Ivy League schools in mind, however my study was broken thrice at crucial stage and finally I decided to better wait to apply in Oct 2007 than to rush through in Dec 2006.
My background:
- 26 years old, male, 5+ years of experience by Oct 2007.
- My school grade are decent Xth th 80 & XIIth 85%.
- My college grade is poor 50%
- I did a PGBDM in marketing (2years full time class room & management trainee program) & started working and there on my academic was good & work experience has been above average (compared to peers)
- I think I should manage 700-720 in my GMAT in June 2007.
- No community service
I want to know from you if I stand any chance of getting admitted to Ivy League given my background, most of which I cannot change at this stage. In order for you have understanding I am giving you details of my work experience:
1.While pursuing PGBDM (equivalent to MBA) from Wigan & Leigh UK (from their Delhi campus) I was the only one who got placed for a management trainee program (even before the course began) at an Indian IT company. I had excellent learning in my 10 month span working with top business associations of India. I was selling new concept & training products.
2.I landed up being offered almost 20 times my stipend as an Admin/Office in-charge of American software co, and this was a fulltime employment unlike the previous traineeship.
Given my past sales exposure & my interest in pursuing sales carrier, I started assisting sales to cos which had office in US & UK by being India point of contact.
Given the past experience of my Co being cheated by previous Admin Mgr, I was soon promoted as General Manager, and later made Additional Director as Indian Co required a signing authority for various legal & govt purposes.
The size of this team I am heading has been 3-5 people.
I have been youngest GM at the age of 23 & also youngest sales manager. Independently selling $100k to a million dollar deal to businesses.
Though our India operations hasnt done extremely well but we have been profitable and sailed through difficult times in 2006 where two of our international were closed.
We are now expanding (adding staff) as my last years have started showing results.
By the Oct this year I would have set up an international help desk in India to help reduce our technical support expenditure.
I am not from McKinsey, Citibank ..etc. neither am I working in a top co in our telecom/IT field. In fact the very reason I want to do MBA from Ivy League is to join such cos.
I can have recommendation letters from my current boss VP of Sales residing in US, my CEO again in US & Director of my MBA institute.
I can justify the timing (& need for 2nd MBA) however my college grades are pathetic.
Am I being overly optimistic, rather unrealistic in dreaming about HBS? Given my working hours (India time until midnight) & travel, I would probably be very happy if I get to study for 2 hours every day & hence I dont think I would be able to join a community service.
Your thoughts?