Hi Jeremy,
Thank you very much for help that you have been offering. I intend to pursue my MBA in the fall of 2008 and It would be great to have your assessment and advice.
Profile
BE(Hons.) Civil & MSc(Hons.) Chemistry
Overall GPA: 6.29/10 (~2.52/4); GPA (Computer related courses and Electives): 8.18/10 (~3.27/4)
High school: 95.83% in Class 12 and 83.36% in Class 10
GMAT: 730 (Math: 50; English: 39; AWA: 4)
Work Experience: 3 years by July 2008.
Applications Database Administrator with Oracle India (since Feb 2006)
Database Administrators with Ocwen Financial Corporation (before that)
Leadership Experience and team work (Extra Curricular):
During College tenure:
General Secretary for the Students' Union
Headed the inventory control departments for annual fests
Advised the Students' Union as ex-offico
Managed a Forty-Lakh Rupee deal in arranging travel for students
Instructed graduate level students as a professional assistant for a database course
Trained the beginners of Swimming Club.
Managed critical databases of the Information Processing Centre
Member of different clubs: Sponsorships, Marketing, Publications and Correspondence
National Service Scheme
Certified by Oracle Corporation as a Database Administrator (in record time/ 92% Average Score)
After College:
Co-ordinated the social activities group in organising different sports events at Oracle
Initiated significant proposals as a part of the Oracle Food Committee
Currently, leading a social project of Oracle volunteers that aims at raising people from below the poverty line, using micro-credit strategy
. Fundraising for the social project
Need based activities in Oracle Volunteers group
Honestly, I intend to pursue the MBA to gain broad perspectives of how businesses work, enabling me work towards my ambition of becoming a social entrepreneur. The path that I have chosen is: MBA (General Management with a strong International focus)--> Career in management consulting/ strategy ---> entrepreneurship---> social entrepreneurship
Looking forward your assessment and advice.
Thanks.
Hi Jeremy,
I've been following the stellar critiques posted by you on the profiles of MBA aspirants for almost over a year at PG. It's always been crisp, honest and to the point.
I would be thankful if you can have a look at my profile and give suggestions about +/- of it and how can I improve upon those. I intend to apply this year in 2007.
Here is my Profile:
GMAT: 740 (Q49,V41). AWA: 5/6
Undergrad: B.Tech (Computer Science), Class of 2003, REC/NIT Allahabd. 71%
Work-ex: 5 years by the time I join.
Currently working in a small software company(1100 employees) in the Mortgage banking space for the last 3.5 years.
I was managing a team of 6 people as Senior software engineer till now with major job responsibilities including requirements analysis, preparing design of project, allocation of work, writing appraisals of team members, looking after improving key metrices of the project.
Was given company wide award for Excellence in Team values.
Now I've moved to the Business Analyst Role(moving in business side of things in Mortgage Banking space), which is usually reserved for people with MBA degree. Here, my job profile includes interacting with clients to elicit requirements, interacting with the technical team and designing use cases.
I've done 3 certifications from National Stock exchange of India in Financial markets, F&O;, Debt instruments.
I'm also a CFA L-1 candidate and confident of clearing it.
Extracurriculars:
1) Was co-ordinator of College Technical Festival
2) Was involved in organizing pulse polio camp and motivating 200 children in Pulse polio campaign in a village and continued it for 3 years
3) Organizing Company wide Quiz Event which was well received by all and the CEO.
4) Founding an NGO in the field of education for children and hope to achieve the target of enrolling at least 20 children.
I want to switch to I-banking after MBA having worked in IT Fin industry.
What are my chances with repect to schools between 10-20 in US and INSEAD, IESE in europe?
The point which I'm contemplating at the moment is the Lack of brand in my resume. Also, I've no onsite experince although I interact with US/ european clients on telecons.
Please give your candid feedback on the profile and suggest ways on improving upon it.
I would like to know whether I should stick to my company for a while or should I switch back to coding role in IT division of I-banks like Goldman, Morgan Stanley, to get brand name keeping in mind my MBA application.
Thanks a ton for the patience!!!
Hi Jeremy
You are giving some amazing advice on this forum. Please find time to evaluate my profile.
GMAT- 700,93 percentile (Q 50,V 35)/AWA 5
Degree- B.E - 73% from Delhi college of engineering
Female
I am working in one of the top IT companies in India for past 2 years. total exp 2 years,will be three years when i join b school
I am working as team member (no promotions as promotions are given after 4 yrs in company)
I am trying to shift my profile from test engineer to solutions architect.
I can get good recos from my supervisor
ECA - Good(during high school,college,workplace).
School:
1) won prizes in essay writing and extempore competition for several years in school
2) state level extempore competition prize
3) editor of school magazine
4) few prize in sports too
College
1) Orgazined several managerial events
2) won prize in business case study and some cultural events
3) took active part in open house program - industry , college interaction
Work:
1) Started two clubs- public speaking and - social responsibility at my workplace.
2) won debate competition and prize in essay writing competition
3) organized several fund generation events , mainly motivating people to be a prt of the movement and adding more members to be part of great social effort.
I can get another reco from HR employee at my workplace
Also:
I have also co founded a social entrepreneurship club along with a friend.
Aim. I am planning to change my profile after MBA. Mgmt consulting focus on marketing research , general management
I need advice of following fronts:
1. Feedback on my profile.Which schools should I target?
I am aiming at Tuck,Columbia,INSEAD,ISB,NUS,Darden. Suggest some according to my profile
2.The issue is when I'll join the school i'l hav 3 years of work ex. With no major promotions and falling into competitive IT bracket I am evaluating my chances.
3.How should I decide rounds of application.?
Waiting for your reply...
Angelrich
This year m planning to apply few colleges......but m not sure whether my profile is upto the mark or not....can u please gimme some feedback.....
Profile Btech and Mtech from IIT
Overall GPA: 7.36/10
High school: 79.8% in Class 12 and 92.5% in Class 10 (17th rank in state)
GMAT: (not yet taken) september....but already working on essays
Work Experience: 4 years by July 2008.
. R&D; assitant manager in leading automobile company. Working mainly on project management of new technology. Working among very diverse people, from GM senior managers to Job apprentice ( doesnt speak anythin other than Native language)
Achievements and initiatives
During college days
.National service scheme (NSS)...... tutored 2 kids of institute staff for 2 years, particpated in 10 day project in nearby village, joined an organization (outside institute) and did some work on leprosy awareness programe, Joined sahara organization in my native place and worked on computer literacy for underprivileged children for few days.
. Became member of social and cultural team from hall, Became Gsec of social and cultural of my hall, particpated in few events and led teams on few interhall events
.Head of a team in the organizing committee for an international conference of my department and UIUC.
. Did a project in 5th year.....not so gr8 but can impress anyone i believe....it was on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell.....in a small lab i actually developed a fully functioning part of that cell.... :)
. Got one award on over all activity in my hall.
Professional
. got promoted twice in 3years.
. Among many projects...one project accomplished first time in India, another one first in Indian automobile industry......again not so gr8 but what i said above is true about them.....
. Did some small scale technology projects on value engineering.
Still connected to the sahara organization but at unofficial level.
now i want to pursue MBA in general management with a minor in Finance.....plans to enter management consultancy......
Is it possible for u to assess my profile and give some input? i dont have any international experience....very moderate academic profile...
Hi Jeremy,
This is a very helpful thread and I really appreciate your efforts in guiding MBA aspirants on PG. Please provide your inputs on my profile.
Indian / Male / 27 yrs.
GMAT: 770 (Q 49/ V 47) AWA 6.0
Acads:
X: 88 %
XII: 91%
BE. (Comp Sc.) : 66%
Work Ex: (Total work ex: 5 yrs by Dec 2007)
I graduated in 2002 and for initial 6 months took up a job in a computer-training institute.
Later joined Infosys Tech. Got a promotion last year.
Working in US since last two years. Handling a 4 member offshore team. Good performance in company, but no awards/ recognitions to mention.
Self improvement efforts: While on job, I got some technical and quality certifications over last 3 years.
Extra curr:
Recently joined a volunteer organization in USA.
Last year I was involved in organizing an org-wide event.
Represented sports at state level during school days.
A few awards in various competitions during school.
Reason for MBA: Wish to start off with IT consulting and in the long run, get into strategy.
Based on this profile, please suggest what kind of colleges should I be applying for. In case of MBA from USA, is it a risky proposition for non-residents? Is it true that companies mostly look for green-card holders and getting H1 sponsors is difficult if you don't get into top 10? Please advise.
Thanks,
Pankaj
Hi,
I needed help on the GPA part, how exactly do I know what my GPA is on a 4 scale when we had percentages and the min passing was on 35%.
Knowing what my GPA would be according to universities would be an important criteria in choosing the right schools cuz i think it does play a part apart from my score and work-ex too.
Thanks
Puneet
Hello Jeremy,
I am Ashwin,a mechanical engineering graduate with 73 % aggregate.
>I am the third highest in our college but when it comes to grading it in the GPA it is 2.6 which is very low.Have i done it right?
??:
>I am currently working as A Supplier Quality Engineer for GM North America through ACS India Pvt.Ltd.I have 2 years experience in Quality Assurance in the Automobile Industry.
>I am looking for an MBA in supply chain management for Sep 2008.Am i late?Please refer some universities.i need financial aid.I have registered in the MBAmission for a free consultation too.
I would be greatful if ya help me.
Thanks a ton.
Ashwin:)
Hi Jermy,
Have u missed my last post ?
I am still waiting for your reply.
Last post is on Page no 39 of this thread.
Kindly reply.
I am going to be blunt. With a couple of Fs and minimal community service you are shooting quite high with a selection of the top-schools. What exactly makes you think that you can be competitive at Wharton, for example? Am I missing something?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
I am planning to apply for the Class of 2010. I am primarily interested in consulting and have picked Kellogg+Chicago+Insead for Round 1 and Wharton+Tuck for Round 2. Would request you to evaluate my profile.
Undergrad: B.Tech (Materials and Metallurgical Engineering), Class of 2005, IIT Kanpur. 6.2/10 with a couple of F's. Top drawer extra-curriculars at campus (part of the institiute debating, quizzing, dumb charades teams-national certifications/represented the campus on quiz shows on BBC), won numerous events ranging from movie making competitions to sports events. Similar profile at school as well where I won some international and national debates etc.
GMAT: 760 (Q50,V42). AWA: 6/6
Work-ex:
I work as an Analyst in the field of Analytics for a UK based financial services major. Experience in the areas of marketing analytics, customer retention, forecasting and predictive analtyics. Been in the same firm all along since October '05. Was in a smaller business research role at another firm for a couple of months - am not planning to include that in the resume.
International work ex of 6-7 months which includes an ongoing consultant stint at the Malaysian arm of my firm (as part of their Quality team) where I have been responsible for setting up MI processes and ensuring implementation. Have also generated significant business for my India arm - to the tune of couple of man-years. I am now moving to a Client Servicing role for a couple of months as part of the above stated 6-7 month period wherein I will develop client focussed analysis.
I have been reporting to the COO of the Malaysian arm for about 4 months now and she can be one of my recommenders. Alternatively, might get my senior manager to recommend as he could take out more time and will be more flexible to write what I tell him! Any pointers on this one? One will be from my manager.
Duration: 2+ till date. Will be 3 when I join.
Additional info:
-Level 1 diploma in French from Alliance Francaise, Kuala Lumpur. Should be able to get a Level 2 diploma as well by the time I apply.
-Have passed 1 actuarial paper - Economics, recognised by Actuarial Societies of India and UK.
-Minimal community experience till date.
-Lots of involvement in other activities at work such as founding a budgeted club. Certain other initiatives have borne fruit and are in practise. I can ofcourse quantify them.
-Freelanced for a while for an advertising agency as a copywriter while working full-time
That's it I guess! Looking forward to your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
Will appreciate if you can analyze ISB's essays too. I am listing them down for your quick reference.
The ISB culture stresses on a diverse mix of students; life at the ISB is a unique experience for the students. How will your candidature contribute to this culture at the ISB? (300 words max)
A million dollars or knighthood: what would you choose and why? (300 words max)
You have a new manager who has just joined your organisation. As a part of the handover, the outgoing manager is describing each person reporting to him. How do you think the outgoing manager will describe you to the incoming manager? (300 words max)
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
Thank you very much for help that you have been offering. I intend to pursue my MBA in the fall of 2008 and It would be great to have your assessment and advice.
Profile
BE(Hons.) Civil & MSc(Hons.) Chemistry
Overall GPA: 6.29/10 (~2.52/4); GPA (Computer related courses and Electives): 8.18/10 (~3.27/4)
High school: 95.83% in Class 12 and 83.36% in Class 10
GMAT: 730 (Math: 50; English: 39; AWA: 4)
Work Experience: 3 years by July 2008.
Applications Database Administrator with Oracle India (since Feb 2006)
Database Administrators with Ocwen Financial Corporation (before that)
Leadership Experience and team work (Extra Curricular):
During College tenure:
General Secretary for the Students' Union
Headed the inventory control departments for annual fests
Advised the Students' Union as ex-offico
Managed a Forty-Lakh Rupee deal in arranging travel for students
Instructed graduate level students as a professional assistant for a database course
Trained the beginners of Swimming Club.
Managed critical databases of the Information Processing Centre
Member of different clubs: Sponsorships, Marketing, Publications and Correspondence
National Service Scheme
Certified by Oracle Corporation as a Database Administrator (in record time/ 92% Average Score)
After College:
Co-ordinated the social activities group in organising different sports events at Oracle
Initiated significant proposals as a part of the Oracle Food Committee
Currently, leading a social project of Oracle volunteers that aims at raising people from below the poverty line, using micro-credit strategy
. Fundraising for the social project
Need based activities in Oracle Volunteers group
Honestly, I intend to pursue the MBA to gain broad perspectives of how businesses work, enabling me work towards my ambition of becoming a social entrepreneur. The path that I have chosen is: MBA (General Management with a strong International focus)--> Career in management consulting/ strategy ---> entrepreneurship---> social entrepreneurship
Looking forward your assessment and advice.
Thanks.
Hi Jeremy,
I am planning to do an MBA in the top US b schools in 2009. a brief intro about me. I am an engineer with a MBA degree from a decent b school in India. Have close to 3 years experience as of date. I am yet another IT professional who is currently working in the US. Have decent acads and decent extra curriculars , but nothing really stellar. I am pretty confident that i can score what it takes to get into the top B Schools. But considering that i am yet another IT pro how do i differentiate myself. To be honest i dont think i have any leadership role in my current organisation . what attributes do i need to hone to make a strong claim.
will having an prior MBA be a deterrent?
Looking forward to your advice.
Regards,
Cleo
Hi Jeremy,
I am an MBA from one of the IIMs ( Indian Institute of Management) and have been working as an investment banker involved in Private equity and M&A; transactions for the corporate finance division of a Big 4 accounting firm in India for the past 4 years. I'll be made an AVP in 1 year Max, so have already crossed the analyt and associate levels in IB . I have done well at the firm and have consistenly been rated among the top performers. . While i haven't had a permanent stint outside india but i do travel frequently to other countries for business.
I am considering applying for an MBA again for various reasons not the least of which is that i feel my earlier MBA was quite premature and honestly, I would like to once again go back to school but in a much more diverse environment than what Indian schools offer. I am considering applications to Wharton/Stanford/HBS/GSBC.. mostly because till now i havent researched much on any other schools
While i feel that the MBA is not that attractive for me in monetary terms since i am happy with what i am being paid , its mainly my urge to go back to school and to take a step back to put things in perspective which is driving me towadrs another MBA.
I would like to ask you how well i would fit with the adcom's requirements for the schoools mentioned above, given my profile. I've listed the important stuff below :
Indian , Male, 26
GMAT : 790
CAT : 99.8
Work Ex : 4+ years in Corporate Finance (M&A;,PE) division of Big 4 accounting firm( 2 years as Associate 2 as Sr. associate, Will be promoted to AVP by the time I apply)
As part of my previous MBA, i interned with the firm and was taken on as a full time employee on completion of the internship. I have worked with corporates of all sizes, Government of India/State government, PE Funds, Investment Banks etc. I've been involved in transactions to the scale of $5 billion. Since teams are usually very small in ivestment banking, level of involvement tends to be extremely high. I've mostly focused on infrastructure and Metals . I've been involved in highly publicized and visible transactions, but i dont think people in the US (specifically the adcom) would be aware of them.
I have always been given significant responsibility, and now I handle entire mandates independently. Travelled extensively in India and also to Europe,US, Middle East for business.
Would be able to secure excellent recommendations from CEO and Managing partners of the firm. Since I have worked with various investment banks/private equity funds, would be able to secure a reco if required from them also.
Previous Education
IIM : top 10% of class
(Spent a term in France on exchange program)
Engg : GPA - 3.3/4 ( From a leading technology school in India)
10+2 - 80% ( Average at best 
) Do they even go this far ?
Extra Currics : School/College Level Dramatics, Was usually involved in organizing any big events, editor of magazines for both sschool and college, won international competitions during stay at IIM.
Comm Service: Used to teach/mentor children at an NGO in nearby community, got doctors to hold medical awareness camps there( by involving my brother,who is a doctor , MD from Temple Univ. )
Also, just to make you aware of the alternate route, If i stay with the firm for another 5-7 years, I am confident of becoming a partner. And even if I dont, enough private equity funds / Investment banks are there to welcome seasoned professionals and they'd be willing to pay as much or more than i would get post a Wharton/HBS MBA, that too in india.So in PPP terms, the picture would be better ( And I'm not even counting the cost of an MBA in the US + opporunity cost of leaving the job for 2 years) .
I just mentioned this to drive the point that my decision is not being driven by monetary considerations. Coming to the questions, I'd be happy if you could tell me what areas should i focus on to make my application stronger? Is a previous stint at IIM viewed negatively or positively? And also, do these schools encourage MBA candidates to pursue doctoral studies ?
Cheers
Dude M. 
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for the honesty - I need more of that.
I have 2 F's - both in non major subjects and in the 1st half of my academic degree.
Community experience: I guess I wasnt clear enough on what exactly constituted community service. As part of my copywriting/creative consultant experience, I worked pro-bono and my work won an international advertising award.
My basic profile however is the same as outlined above. Heavy quant based work-ex, especially during the initial part of my career; differentiated work-ex and experience in leading cross-functional initiatives during the last 6 months. Work impact across 3 countries (Malaysia, Singapore and UK) and 4 clients. Active outside work-life, as is evident through my ad work, leadership of my club and langauge certification.
My biggest draw-back, at least as I understand it, is the seriously bad academic profile. I am hoping that can get mitigated to some extent by the IIT degree, the strong GMAT and the quant based work-ex.
If you believe that I am still aiming very high, do suggest the range of schools that might make more sense: Stretch, Reach and Safeties.
Thanks,
Varun
Hi Jeremy,
Just wanted to thank you on the insights you have been providing on the essays. Appreciate your effort.
Hi jeremy,
u do a great job
simple question
pleasse suggest me a list of schools ,(or atleast where i can get a handle on this info)
a) schools with a good name in strategy in us.
b) One year MBA course worldwide- which are good in strategy.
my profile
5 years sales mangement work-3 promotions,2 companies, 3 stints-no1 manager last year.
gpa 3.0
Engineering graduate- bad acads.
community work-avg
Extra cocurrium- good.
so list of colleges will help me a lot
thanks jeremy
Hi Jeremy and all,
Thx to all u PG guys for all the help!:satisfie:
:thumbsup:
Short profile :
21, female, born and lived for 19 years in Ro, went to college in Germany, int University.
work exp - 2 years as a student assistant - clerical issues, customer care stuff like that
- 1 year sales manager
leadership - started and running 2 clubs ( 1 has 4 years1/2 and 2 offices - rethorics for highschool kids, 1 has 1 and 1/2 - sports club) got finances for both ( about 1000 $ )
community service -scout since I was 9 and other activities for at least 2 years each.
So far, so good. the bad part comes now :
i am doing so many activities, including college fuuuun, thus my gpa is not perfect --> about 2.4 US gpa... yeah :((( and it might get better this semester - if I am really good --> 3 US.
GMAT.. there is the only thing that I can improve - planning to take it in February 2008, and I want to apply for R3 at Harvard, Columbia, UPenn and I am not sure about the 4th one, but probably East Coast US. Even though... my globetroter side tells me to go for India 😁
what do you think?
is it possible to get in?
Hi Jeremy,
I went through the entire thread and found your posts truly insightful. I would like to present my profile to you for your careful scrutiny.
Academics
X- 90.8% (CBSE)
XII- 86% (CBSE)
B.Tech. (Information & Communication Technology) - 3.1/4 (81%)
GMAT
Score : 770 (V:44 Q:51)
Experience
Worked for more than 2 years (3 years by fall 2008 ) in semiconductor industry in Circuit Design in India. Have been pretty successful at work, earning top grades at office and also a promotion. Seen significant increase in work responsibility over the past 2 years as well as have done mentor ship of new trainees. Recently, won an award for my work at office.
Have held a teaching assistant post for a course in Interactive Design in my final B.Tech semester. This opportunity was given only to the brightest in my undergrad school.
Extra-curricular activities
- Not a lot during college. But was a member of various communities at college.
- Wrote a couple of papers at work and a paper at my undergrad school which was selected at the IEEE student paper contest from R10SPC area (ASIA)
- Am the champion of the hardware community at my organization which is a community of 250 members
- Taken up courses in Japanese language and plan to write a certification exam in Dec, 07
- Am involved in teaching under-privileged refugee children through the community service efforts of my organization for the past 2 years.
In my profile, what I see as my most weakest links are the extracurriculars, especially at my undergrad. Also, the number of years of work experience is a little less. I hope to write good essays.
I plan to apply to following schools:
Wharton, Chicago, Kellogs, Stern, Sloan and Tuck.
I wanted to know if my list of schools is realistic and if I have a decent chance of getting through any of them.
I am looking for a MBA and have an interest in the consulting domain. I am not sure whether my past background can be a hindrance and whether my list of schools accurately mirrors my needs and is realistic.
Hope to see a an insightful reply from you soon! 😃
HEllo Jeremy...
I am really impressd with the kid of replies you give people. Detailed and very helpful as i see.
Had a few doubts regarding MBA and what comes after that :)
First of all, is it very difficult to get a job in the UK after an MBA course? Would US be a better choice that way?
Secondly, if i am looking at a school in UK would my profile (detailed below) be strong enough to be accepted by good schools like Manchester, Said, Cranfield etc...?
Age: 25 years, assuming i join by Aug 08
Education: BE
Acads: Decent. Aggregate of 78% in BE.
Work ex: 1 Year in an IT company and 1 year 10 months in a finance and market research firm, assuming i join by Aug 08 (experience in only India)
Extra Curricular: Represented India in the 14 International Youth Leadershoip conference held in Prague, Czech Republic in July 2007
Social: Actively involved in teaching blind students at an orphanage every alternate weekends. Have been involved in one or the other social activity for the past 8 years. Again no certificate.
Extras: I also work as a part-time journalist and write weekly articles to a local weekly. This is beacuse I have a flair for writing. (Okay, right now i am in a hurry and am not sounding my best
)
GMAT: HAve to take the exam. Date in September.
Kindly throw some advice my way please.
Thanks in advance.