Thanks for being kind and helpful. I just wanted to attract your attention to my post #624 at page number 63, in case it got overlooked. Thanks again; appreciate your help a lot.
Thank you for your prodding. I apologize for any delays. I do my absolute best to keep up with these boards. I enjoy offering free advice to my many friends around the world. Unfortunately, at times, my paid clients can be overwhelming and they must be served. I will always get back to these boards and will strive to dos so more often. Thanks for your patience! Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
thanks for taking out time to answer queries here. here is mine: -
my profile: -
GMAT -770
1. schooling from Delhi. 10th class 2000 - 74.8 % 12th class 2002 - 77.8 %
2. B.E., MIT, Manipal 2006 Agg. - 84.8% Scored 4.0/4.0 in 5th and 8th Sem. descent extra curri including some organizer roles + paper presentation + robotic competition + won national level business plan making comp
3. working in a major IT company since June 2006 Associated with Social service group in Office, Red Cross and Ashya Akruti, an NGO. Total work experience till date - 26 months 4. Have been involved in family business of construction company.
i intend to return to India to join family business.
i am considering Cornell, Stanford.
i need advice which one to choose among following (where do i stand a chance ?). i want course good in finance and entrepreneurship.
wharton, Haas, Duke, Stern, Chicago GSB, Cambridge (1yr)
Recently, we contributed a piece to Manhattan GMAT's GMATTERS newsletter, which we thought might be valuable to all candidates as we near the first term deadlines. I have attached the piece below... Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission
Application Deadlines With admissions boards openly speculating that the financial fallout will trigger record numbers of business school applications, many candidates are no doubt feeling added pressure as the first-round deadlines loom. Well, we have a few simple suggestions that we hope will enable you to minimize your anxiety and possibly even let go of your applications on deadline days.
At mbaMission, our modus operandi is to help candidates hold mirrors up to themselves and see who they are and how to best represent themselves. So, it should come as no surprise that we recommend that once you have completed each application, you show your work to an individual or two you trust (even if this person is not a professional consultant). However, if you do so, we strongly suggest that you limit the number of people you ask. You will discover that because the application process is so subjective, as you add readers, you will also add new and different opinions. Soon, a multitude of alternatives and interesting critiques will appear, and while these ideas will not necessarily be right or wrongas a single candidates stories can be marketed in countless ways they will create unnecessary uncertainty. So, we are not suggesting that you ignore critical feedback, but rather that you not complicate your final days and create doubt where it may not be due. If one or two readers support your ideas and confirm that your application needs minimal work, you are probably best off ending your feedback loop there and clicking submit.
As candidates race to meet deadlines, many will say that they wish they had completed the small details of the applications in advance, so that they could spend their final moments polishing their essays or maybe even decompressing. Indeed, realizing at the last moment that you need to go through dozens of online forms and fill in addresses, phone numbers, parents professional histories, academic information and more can be quite stressful Thus, we suggest that you take some time now to get these details out of the way. By completing these forms early on, you will not only remove a source of deadline anxiety, but you will also ensure that your entire application meets your highest quality standards and has the greatest impact on the MBA Admissions Committee. Further, if you take the time now, you can actually make sure that these short-answer responses strengthen your candidacy. For example, many of the schools ask for thorough work histories, including accomplishments, responsibilities, setbacks and reasons for moving on. These sections are every bit as important as your resume and should be carefully addressed to maximize impact!
Of course, completing your essays and short answer responses is under your control, but recommendations are often stressful, because you must depend on someone elses goodwill to guarantee that they are completed and submitted on time. In our opinion, the easiest way to ensure that your recommenders get their job done is to present them with your own deadline. If the application to your school of choice is due on October 15th, for example, tell your recommenders that you are submitting on the 10th. (Incidentally, submitting your application early can be good for your sanity as well.) By setting this advanced deadline, you can add some pressure on your recommender on the 10th (if he or she misses the faux deadline) and not be forced to deal with a major problem, if this were to have happened on the actual deadline day.
Finally, we strongly recommend that you not fret about the smallest of details. Candidates do not get rejected for exceeding the word count by one word, choosing to use a Calibri font instead of a Times New Roman font or stating their GPAs to the second decimal place instead of the third. Remember, the Admissions Officers are not mean-spirited people, just searching for reasons to reject you. So, if you have a small lingering question about the application itself, you can connect with the Admissions Office and ask someone there. Most often, they will tell you to use your judgment. As long as your broad story is compelling, the smallest of details should yield to your overarching themes.
Thank you for your inquiry. A note to start: I dont think that a high-school failure will be relevant to an MBA admissions committee. Your work experience seems quite impressive the international and entrepreneurial angles should provide for good stories that can enable you to break the mold so to speak. You will need to present yourself as a high-level international manager. Dont start any essays with, I started my career as a software engineer, but focus on what makes you distinct your current experience. I do think that you should have a shot at top-15 programs. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for helping out partcipants.
I am planning to apply for MBA for 2009. My profile is from a very competitive group Indian/male/IT.
GMAT - 700 AWA 5.0 Education: Metallurgical Engineer from IIT-JEE Experience - 9 yrs 3 months by Sep-2009 International Experience - 3 yrs 2 month in US, 1 yr in China, 1 yr 3 months in UK (till Sep 2009) Career progression Software engineer-->Programmer Analyst---->Project Manager -----> Senior Project Manager
Leadership assignments since June-2005.
A unique experience of leading a culturally diversify,multi lingual team of 26 Chinese, 12 Indians and 1 American in last assignment.
Won muliple awards in project execution and cutomer delight and Branding categories.
I have a huge FAILURE story. I failed in Physics, chemistry and mathematics in undergraduate examination and have to repeat my XII standard. After that I got selected in IITJEE the top engineering college in India.
I am also a founder member of a business venture in India which is doing very good.
Please let me know if this profile fits for any top US or UK school.
Thank you for your inquiry. If you think that your US experience will be significant and will be a wellspring of stories meaning that it offers something impressive and different as compared to the rest of your career I would hold off and apply in R2. If this is merely a continuation of your existing work in a different location, I would apply now. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
For an assignment, I would have to go to USA soon. But the timing is such that the trip will be after the R1 deadlines for some colleges. My question is, to bring in the US experience in my essays, etc, should I apply in R2? Or should I go ahead with the applications and submit them in R1 and maybe mention that I'd be going to US shortly and hope to gain such and such experience/exposure.... I wanted your advice on this issue
You seem to have a lot going for you as a candidate. Your strong GMAT score, professional leadership/high-level responsibility and extensive community work are all big positives. Again, as in my second to last post, you will need to ensure that you are telling this high-level story, right away. You cant afford to lose someone with the earliest stages of your career. Your age and over-representation are concerns, but I think you should have a shot at a top-15 school. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
First, my profile in brief:
# Indian, Male, 30yrs/9.5 yrs work-ex next fall # Acads - avg (median of the class), though from NIT Nagpur (in US context, ranked just below Ivies) # Working in IT, on ERP/CRM. Will have been a Project Manager for almost 3.5 yrs by next fall, earned PMP certification in 2007 # GMAT 740/6.0 (2008 ) # Have managed initiatives that have directly impacted the bottomline of the organization # Have managed development of dashboard that enables the CEO to assess Sales VPs' performance (interacted with the directorate office for this) # Have managed sunset of an organization application # Post-MBA goal is to move into Technology management, specifically targeting CIO/CTO role down the line.
Extra Currics: # I've been mentoring colleagues & peers towards earning their PMP credential. Just one success so far, but he happened to be my supervisor in the past. # I've been involved in connecting college alumni (via our unofficial message board), have been global moderator since past 3 years # I've been supporting our alumni trust fund for past 3 yrs, though only financially. My annual contribution covers about one semester's tuition for a student, the fund has sponsored 14 students so far. This summer have started working with the admins to have it registered as a charity organization. I'll be designated a "founder member". Not sure when it'll happen, though - lot of factors are in play. # Early this year I helped a team member obtain a donation of computers from the organization to setup a computer lab in his village's primary school - personal financial contribution + obtained contribution from peers (for lab infrastructure), and counseling on how to tackle the bureaucracy # I am an avid motorcycler and hiker, have been to about 35 hikes/fort-visits. I try my best to spread awareness and curiosity about my people's history at work - though this is a very sporadic and informal activity.
Considering my aspirations and my profile, which business school(s) in the US would you recommend?
Thank you for your inquiry and for your patience and indeed politeness in your second post. As I wrote before, I do my best to offer free advice as frequently as possible and sometimes, during the busy season in particular, it can take some time to respond thoughtfully. Again, your understanding was/is appreciated.
With respect to problems getting visas, during downtimes when there is immense competition for few jobs, it is certainly much harder to find any random employer that wants to invest time and money into helping a recruit get a job. That written, most major firms have a formalized process for these things and would simply ensure that if they want you at their firm that you are taken care of. Anecdotally, I know of many internationals who had no problem getting visas with Fortune 500 firms during the last dip in the economy, the tech bust. As for your candidacy, your GMAT is fantastic, but I am not sure that you have enough of a story for top schools. Your work experience seems to be very technical and somewhat common am I wrong? Further, your extras seem to all date back to India have you done anything during your past two years in the U.S.? Thus far, Stanford seems like a big reach and Chicago and Darden seem rather optimistic as well. Would you consider another year to build out your profile? Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for taking time to provide your valuable inputs.
I have a few questions :
1. I have read some stories in business week and other forums that international students face problems getting work visas, and given that one has already taken a big loan, it can be a very scary scenario, because one will definitely need an American or European salary at least for two years to pay back the loan. What are your thoughts on the visa scenario?
2. Given my profile( which I 'll briefly describe) , what are the schools that I should be looking at ? Currently I have sent my score to stanford, chicago gsb, darden, isb,& oxford(said). Should I consider more or different programs (considering that I want to go into consulting post mba). Will oxford be a good program considering that I intend to switch career form technology to consulting?
A brief snapshot of my profile follows --
Gmat-- 760/5 Academics- Passed from one of the Top 15 colleges of India. (silver medal (93% ) ) Excellent academic record in school (before college). Good participation and prizes in Debates, declamations, Quizzes etc. Have presented two papers- one in a national seminar, In 2nd , I was a co-author .(this was for Freescale semiconductors India Technical Conference) Professional -- Working as a Design Engineer with an American giant in semiconductors headquartered in Texas, since last 2 years will be 3 by the time I join school in 2009. No international visit but have worked with teams across international geographies(France, USA, UK) Good growth in responsibilities. (Got monetary recognition also ) Extra curricular-- Was President of a club in college; Active in organization of college tech and cultural fests; Was in the core committee responsible for various functions. Silver medal in fast men cycling ; Have worked in tribal villages of an Indian state in literacy enhancing missions. Have taught students Maths and Physics at my village. Also taught classes of engineering drawing in college for 2nd year students. Involved with CSR arm of my company in the effort to help underprivileged kids go to school. Post mba aspirations -- strategy consulting/Corporate Planning
It 'll immensely help me if you can kindly somehow manage some time to answer my questions.
At what schools I have a reasonable chance of getting scholarships?
Thank you for your inquiry. I am not sure that I have much to add on the MSC in finance vs. MBA front. This really is a question that you need consider, depending on your professional goals. An MSC is narrowly focused in one area and the MBA is broadly focused and will teach you various disciplines do you need one or many to succeed in your field? I think that your experience is very strong it seems that you are a real standout in that you are building your desk. This is a VERY tough time to be applying from the financial field, due to the fact that there are so many strong finance candidates in the pool and so few jobs for graduates. I would be hopeful that you could leverage your experience at a school like NYU. I think that the Chicago, Wharton and Columbias could be challenging for you. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy, Thanks a lot for all the advices that you have already given out to fellow puys. Not only it helps the concerned person, it also helps others like me to form an opinion about things around. I have read many posts of yours and would like to ask certain questions. My profile is as follows: Xth grade : 89 % XII grade : 84% Btech IT-grad(class of 2007) from a not so well known university in new delhi(IP univ). I dont know how to convert my academic score(81% for 8 sems) into a GPA. I was ranked in top 5% of my undergrad college. GMAT: 700(Q50,V34) , havent recd my AWA score yet. Work ex: Starting from june 2007, I have been working with ICICI bank in their treasury. I worked one year as a derivatives trader at Mumbai and currently im working as a forex trader at new delhi. I would have a total of 2 years of work ex by fall 2009. Leadership initiatives: I was selected to set up a new forex desk at New delhi for my organization. My current role involves not only trading forex, but also building this new desk here. In due course of time, the organization plans to recruit more people on da desk, but I wouldnt be leading them. The reason being that my organization recruits only MBAs for treasury(I was lucky to get it right after my Btech) and thus no new recruits would report to me. During college: Lots of leadership initiatives. I was co-founder of a business club in the college. Lead it as chairman during final year of my college. Conducted various events under that banner(all of them business oriented ). I was a student representative at colleges placement cell. Organized many placement oriented events for fellow students and juniors. High school: Served my school as Head Boy during 12th and Vice Head Boy during 11th.. Extra curricular activities: Loads of them. From being a co editor for colleges annual magazine(twice) to writing and presenting technical papers. Cant really list all here. Social Work: I have never been involved with any NGO in my life. But on my personal level have taught two under privileged teenagers learn basic computer skills over 2 years. It helped them find comp related jobs and start earn a decent living for their families. I have also taught some poor children in my locality. Here are some of my questions and doubts: 1)I started my quest for GMAT with a Fall 2009 Admit as my target. But as my research progressed, I realized that I may not be able to make it to top 10-15 schools. Since, my core area of interest was Finance, I decided to apply for Masters in Finance and allied courses which are offered by many b schools. Can you advice me anything for admits to following programs: Haas: Masters in Financial Engg Tepper: MS in Computational Finance Princeton: M Fin LBS: MFin Said: Msc Fiancial Economics 2)With my kind of profile, can you suggest anything about MBA admits? In case I apply by R2, can I realistically look at some of the progs which are good for finance? In case yes, what would be those univs. I want to pursue a career in Finance only and I am pretty sure about it. Please if you can advise anything on that.
Thank you for your inquiry. International experience can be an asset to you, but it is not crucial. Many candidates get into top-programs with domestic experience only. This is but one piece of a much more broad and interesting puzzle. You should not feel that if you only have domestic experience that you are at a disadvantage. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy, Could you please tell me if it is important to have international work experience to get into a top B-school in Europe (especially the UK) and in the USA? Thanks.
Thank you for your inquiry. It is a tough time to be an applicant from a financial field but you have strong experience/impressive international experience (again, an asset but not a necessity see my last post), decent grades and GMAT, CFA level one and seemingly taken initiatives in NGOs. On the face of it, it seems that you could be competitive at top schools, though I think Wharton and Harvard are stretches. If you can differentiate along the lines of your unique international experience, you might be able to hold the attention of the AdComs at Stern and Columbia could be competitive. Put quality before speed -- don't rush your R1 applications if they won't be the best they can be. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Jeremy,
Really appreciate your help ..your all post were quite insightful. I am planning to apply for my mba-2009..range i am interested in is top 20 worldwide.Can you please evaluate my chances..
Academics: Undergrad:3.6..top 10 college India, GMAT: 710 (Q50,V36) Work Exp 2.5yrs current in the biggest US I-Bank. International Exposure: Been to NewYork,London,Tokyo..tons to write here because my trips were critical to the business success in the region. Others:CFA-Level1 (JUNE 2008,Many finance certification like from NSE (National Stock Exchange of India),AMFI (Association of mutual fund of India).
Extracurricular: Committees head of many activities at school/college..many sports awards i can add there..even national level.
Social Activities: Member of an Organization started by our college students since college days..(5 yrs)...the license of this as ngo is still pending..can i write this? After leaving college became a member of other ngo in bangalore..from last 2 yrs..have done some work to write about.
Recommendations:I believe i will be getting very good recommendations from people of VP level.
The only area of concern i have is i am a part of a very small team (of 5 ppl) as generally the case in an i-bank..i don't have any sort of managerial exp..although i have a promotion every year till now..will that cover up?
The only reason i want a MBA to speed up my progress in finance sector... Do i have a chance? in say columbia,stern insead..can i even write HBS/wharton here..given 2.5 exp should i wait for 1 yr?
and i am currently very time constraint..i may miss R1 deadline for many..as my essays are not yet complete...what do you suggest...R1and ok essays OR R2 and somewhat better essays?
Thank you for your inquiry. I am a little perplexed by your profile. You are running a successful firm that is getting national attention and you want to go back to school to become a consultant? What are your plans for your firm? Generally, entrepreneurs love the entrepreneurial life and will do anything to maintain it. This is not to say that an MBA cant be helpful to them, but most dont write about wanting to join the world of consulting. I see this as being an obstacle, unless it is really logically explained. What is your angle here? Further, despite the comments of others, we are just not seeing the numbers for Indian candidates with MBAs. Having consulted with three top-ten schools, we have one that can't allow students with MBAs into their program, one that does it every few years and another that hasn't done it in years. I don't have the whole story on this but it seems unlikely to me that HBS, Stanford or Kellogg will be options, though I hope that you can prove me wrong. I do think that if these schools were to make an exception, they would do it for a formidable entreprenur. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Dear Jeremy
Appreciate all the help you are providing us mba-hopefuls with. Here's a brief profile of my background. I'll ask my question at the end:
- 28 / Male / India / Entrepreneur - BCom with 75% marks from Sydenham College, Mumbai Univ. (one of the best in town) - MMS (MBA with a different name) in Finance from one of India's best business schools - JBIMS, Mumbai (2003 batch) - Post MBA 15 months with Tata Consultancy Services as Assistant Business Analyst in New Delhi - Quit TCS to launch a startup that I've been running successfully for the past 4 years. Incidentally it's a venture in the Pet (dogs, cats) industry and is the only company of its kind in India and has received extensive media coverage both on TV and in print. - Active Extra curriculars - Held leadership positions in diverse clubs in college from Dramatics to Poor Students Education Relief - Chairperson of the placement committee at JBIMS - Actively involved with an animal welfare NGO for the past 15 months - GMAT score of 740
I am very clear on why I wish to pursue another MBA and my career direction post MBA (which incidentally is to get into Management/Strategy consulting with Mck, BCG, Bain) and I should be able to express this clearly in my essays. I'll also be able to explain what I plan to do with my startup if I join B-school.
Now I am only looking at applying to the following 5 schools - Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg & INSEAD. I am not interested in applying to any other schools since I already have an MBA and am doing reasonably well for myself so I only want to go to the schools of my choice else I would continue with what I am doing at the moment.
With this information, could you please answer the following questions for me:
1) Do I stand a chance at any of the schools of my choice? 2) If Yes, then in which school or schools do you think I stand a stronger chance? 3) Any aspects of my application that you feel I should pay extra attention to, in general or with regards to specific schools? 4) Any other school that you think I should apply to (given my career focus- Consulting/Big 3)?
My profile is as follows: GPA: 7.5/10 BTech Computer Science & Engg - IIT Kharagpur 2005 Work Ex as of today 3.2 yrs at 2 large telcos - Verizon and Bharti Airtel.
Started out as a system developer and became a system analyst in under one year. Was working on a project that gave $20m savings to Verizon. Got a good offer as an Asst Manager at Bharti airtel in 2007, which was a direct entry into management especially managing a partner team(s). Current Role: Enterprise Architect - managing partners like IBM, Oracle etc My current role is very close to a technology consultant where we raise red flags, advisories and share best industry practices. Also, involved in the planning and strategy of the company and to help the company invest in the right way over the next 5 years.
GMAT score: 710 (49Q, 36V), AWA 5.0
Recommendations: CIO & Chief Architect, Vice President - whom I work directly for.
My short term goal - get into management consulting Long Term goal - Become part of the leadership team in a large company.
What are my chances of getting into: Columbia, Chicago GSB, INSEAD, Yale & Kellog?
Thanks for the initiative and your efforts. I am sure they are very helpful.
I am an Army officer with three years of service. I will be completing my mandatory five years in 2010 and I am planning to hang my uniform after that. I intend to pursue an MBA from any of the top B school in the US. I have got combat experience by means of leading men under fire since i have spent most of my time in an active counter insurgency area. I am responsible for military operations in an area of around 50 square km and command about 100 men. I do not have any international exposure, but served in the remotest of places in India. GMAT is yet to be taken, but pretty confident of a decent score. (say around 700) Academics not so good but have managed first class. (70%) About the accomplishments on the professional front and community service, a decoration for gallantry is on the cards + done well in Military course with good gradings to speak about + active involvement in Military civic action programs.
Although i have done some research on google, hands on experience is more reassuring. Pls answer my queries on the following.
1. How much value does military experience command in top US schools? Also which of the top ones are "military friendly"? What is the scope of an applicant with military background among the competitive Indian applicant pool? 2. I dont have any brand/blue chip to talk about. My brand name would be Indian Army Hope it will be of value? Pls advise. 3. I hold a three year bachelors degree in physics. Which of the top 10 accept a three year degree? 4. Will my lack of international exposure be a hindrance? 5. Financing the MBA. Loan options? 6. As of now, i have my mind on Stanford and tuck. What would be the other options? Post MBA, I want to get into consulting. 7. Is it possible to transition into consulting with the kind of background i have? 8. Is TOEFL waived if the medium of instruction for UG degree had been english?
Any tip to translate my background into an effective application essay will be very helpful.
I guess you missed my query(post 639 on page 64). Quoting it below... Please respond to it when you find time.
Regards, Prasanna
Jeremy,
I'm an Indian IT applicant(Oh no..not again!). I gave my gmat last week and scored a 660.
My profile:
B tech Computer Engg- 3.5 GPA from a decent institute GMAT - 660(Q-48, V-33) AWA-5.0 Work ex - IT - 3.5 yrs(by dec '08 ) with a giant MNC. Worked with top clients(America online, GE). 6 months overseas exp. I've been leading a team of 6 for the past 2 years. Technically not very challenging but my current project has provided decent scope to prove my leadership abilities. Was the youngest module lead in my project.Currently onsite leading an integration effort.
Decent community experience. Been involved with a scholarship program for the under privileged. Not very active due to frequent travel. But whenever I find time I do house visits, talking to the parents of the kids applying for scholarship and participate in disbursing funds and evaluating their financial claims.
I'm looking to move into IT business development, technology consulting or project management with an offshoring perspective.
My worry is my Gmat score, especially my verbal score. I'm really confident of my verbal ability and I think I can address this to a certain extent in my essays. I scored the 99th percentile in CAT(exam to gain entry into the top Indian MBA programs);. Moreover, my hobbies include crosswords and reading and these are, IMO, fair indicators of my verbal ability.
But I'm not sure if essays alone can be used to convince the ad com. Will I be compared with other Indian IT applicants(read: 700+ gmat scores)? Even if I do manage to secure admission, I'm wondering whether my gmat score will be a weak link when it comes to getting financial aid.
I'm looking at Tepper, Krannert, Darden, Smith(Maryland), UC Irvine(Merage),Carey and TAMU(mays). (Generally schools with good technology presence)
Please evaluate my profile and target schools and let me know if it would make sense to apply this year. If not would a better Gmat score improve my chances of admission and scholarship in further rounds this year? Also, will a good toefl score help offset my poor gmat verbal score??
Before penning down my broad list of queries,I'd like to say that I appreciate your initiative in starting such a good thread to answer the queries of the prospective MBAs like me.
Coming to the my question(or questions!!), the following is a brief profile of mine: Work Exp - 2+ years in a reputed MNC GMAT(2nd attempt) - 710(V40, Q49, AWA 5.5) Xth - 82.2(CBSE) XIIth - 96.9 B.Tech - 7.66 (NIT) Extracurriculars - 8/10 ( Self-rated :oha:) My fields of interests are Operations, Marketing and Finance(In that order)
Considering this profile, could you please suggest the B-schools I could apply keeping my chances of getting in as realistic as possible. I have shortlisted the following as of now: 1) HBS 2) Stanford 3) Yale 4) Tuck 5) Wharton(??)
I'm really not able to proceed any further as I'm not able to finalize my list. Also, I would like you to consider that I definitely need some kind of funding for my MBA coz I have not saved much Please help me out here Thanks in advance.
Thank you for your inquiry. Because you are interested in Media, your choices with respect to the American schools are somewhat limited. Columbia, NYU, UCLA and USC all have standout programs in this regard. If you can effectively parlay your new media story, you could have a chance at these schools, with USC being somewhat safe, UCLA and NYU being competitive and CBS being a reach. You will have to quickly show yourself as a cutting edge, driver of change, in order to grab hold of the imagination of the admissions committee and then keep their attention with your plans going forward. Thereafter, you will need to diversify your story and show accomplishment in your other areas the Green Rating Project seems like an excellent cutting edge showpiece. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Thanx for a great initiative.
My doubt is @ my stretch, realistic and easy schools. I intend to go for General Management with focus on entrepreneurship. The industry I am looking at is Media/Entertainment/Technology. Also, my focus will be Asia-Pacific in long term. What can be my choices?
Here is my profile - GMAT - 680 Percentage score: 68% at B.E. Class Rank: Not sure Undergraduate University: Bachelor of Engg. from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (not really a well-known one, but everything in India is very competitive - I had 93% marks in 10+2) 3 years of work experience : Started as trainee manager, now working as Asst. Manager; Was in direct contact with MD for most of the projects; was a member of core team which was entrusted with initializing and managing change from a print media company to a multimedia company; was sent abroad for new media workshops and seminars; completed Dale-Carnegie leadership training in company's first batch as youngest team member, taken some important corporate initiatives etc. - in sum, I have a work profile which I can bank on Extracurricular Activities: Lots of sport and cultural activities - National Cadet Corp 'B' certificate holder (second highest of 3); Best Sportsman Award; Worked on some student committees in college etc. Community Service: I was Regional Volunteer for Green Rating Project - a UNDP funded national level project to assess environmental impact of various industries. This stint was not a long term but was important and was undertaken by CSE a internationally recognised NGO. - I am also active in an alumni group which works for networking, fundraising, supporting etc. activities. After graduation, I appeared for Civil Services exam - I was into it for about 3 and half years - could not clear it but cleared 2 of the 3 stages of exam. I don't know whether to term this bad or good. Good part is- out of more than 150,000 candidates who appear for this exam every year, only about 1000 can make it to 3rd stage. My concern is that for this period, I can't claim any work experience.
Thank you for your post. You spend a considerable number of words below expressing your anxiety around your GMAT score. With regard to Tepper, Krannert, Smith, Irvine and Carey, your GMAT score should be competitive (a bit low for Darden but not unacceptable). You will need to really focus on your professional experience your leadership and international experience coupled with your volunteer experience which seems more profound than you realize (house visits!) I would not hold back if I were you Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Jeremy,
I'm an Indian IT applicant(Oh no..not again!). I gave my gmat last week and scored a 660.
My profile:
B tech Computer Engg- 3.5 GPA from a decent institute GMAT - 660(Q-48, V-33) AWA-5.0 Work ex - IT - 3.5 yrs(by dec '08 ) with a giant MNC. Worked with top clients(America online, GE). 6 months overseas exp. I've been leading a team of 6 for the past 2 years. Technically not very challenging but my current project has provided decent scope to prove my leadership abilities. Was the youngest module lead in my project.Currently onsite leading an integration effort.
Decent community experience. Been involved with an scholarship program for the under privileged. Not very active due to frequent travel. But whenever I find time I do house visits, talking to the parents of the kids applying for scholarship and participate in disbursing funds and evaluating their financial claims.
I'm looking to move into IT business development, technology consulting or project management with an offshoring perspective.
My worry is my Gmat score, especially my verbal score. I'm really confident of my verbal ability and I think I can address this to a certain extent in my essays. I scored the 99th percentile in CAT(exam to gain entry into the top Indian MBA programs);. Moreover, my hobbies include crosswords and reading and these are fair indicators of my verbal ability.
But I'm not sure if the ad com can be convinced just by the essays. Will I be compared with other Indian IT applicants(read: 700+ gmat scores)? Even if I do manage to secure admission, I'm wondering whether my gmat score will be a weak link when it comes to getting financial aid.
I'm looking at Tepper, Krannert, Darden, Smith(Maryland), UC Irvine(Merage),Carey and TAMU(mays). (Generally schools with good technology presence)
Please evaluate my profile and target schools and let me know if it would make sense to apply this year. If not would a better Gmat score improve my chances of admission and scholarship in further rounds this year? Also, will a good toefl score help offset my poor gmat verbal score??
Thank you for your post. This is a question that I have asked directly to admissions officers and have heard contrary responses. Many say that they are open, but there is very little evidence of this in their decisions. I am pleased that you have some anecdotal evidence for Wharton, Yale and LBS. I would welcome any additional anecdotal responses. This is a valuable topic that will add potential opportunities for many people. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
I thought it was quiet common for students, specially those having an MBA from an Indian b-school, to go for a second MBA from an international school like a Harvard or a Wharton. In fact I know of innunmerable people who have an IIM/work ex/foreign b-school MBA profile.
Even right now two of my seniors from JBIMS, Mumbai are pursuing their second MBA at Wharton and I know of two others, one who's been at London Business School for a year and another who's just started off at Yale. Majority of the Indian students at IMD, Lausanne already have an MBA & the case at INSEAD is also not very different
I had also checked with Harvard, Wharton & INSEAD and they said they were absolutely open to people pursuing their second MBA, as long as they could explain their motivations for doing so which is hardly difficult. I mean everything about an international MBA is different right from the Curriculum to the Teaching Structure to the Batch Profile to the Employment Opportunities.
In fact for some reason admissions consultants are the only people who are not sure of or aware of this fact. I spoke to 4 of them out of which 3 said that I was not eligible to apply to any school in the US which is absolutely incorrect.
hey, i have done my masters in biotechnology and bioinformatics,and now i want to pursure MBA.i wanna know whether i should do my MBA from abroad or india itself?...is their any difference in that?....thnx
Sid, Thank you for your inquiry. Congrats on your whopping GMAT score. I think that your success at schools like Cornell, Haas, Duke, Stern, Cambridge and Chicago will hinge on your ability to convey your commitment to your family firm and the opportunities that lie therein. AdComs are favorably predisposed to family businesses; a family business means that you are employable upon graduation and that you will most definitely have a leadership position in the firm. So, you should really consider this angle and if you can address it and show that you have thus far accomplished in your existing career, you should be competitive at most of your target schools. Unfortunately, I dont see the wow accomplishment that is necessary for Stanford. Sincerely, Jeremy Shinewald MBA Mission www.mbamission.com 646-485-8844 Skype: MBAMission
Hi Jeremy,
thanks for taking out time to answer queries here. here is mine: -
my profile: -
GMAT -770
1. schooling from Delhi. 10th class 2000 - 74.8 % 12th class 2002 - 77.8 %
2. B.E., MIT, Manipal 2006 Agg. - 84.8% Scored 4.0/4.0 in 5th and 8th Sem. descent extra curri including some organizer roles + paper presentation + robotic competition + won national level business plan making comp
3. working in a major IT company since June 2006 Associated with Social service group in Office, Red Cross and Ashya Akruti, an NGO. Total work experience till date - 26 months 4. Have been involved in family business of construction company.
i intend to return to India to join family business.
i am considering Cornell, Stanford.
i need advice which one to choose among following (where do i stand a chance ?). i want course good in finance and entrepreneurship.
wharton, Haas, Duke, Stern, Chicago GSB, Cambridge (1yr)
Hope it will be of value? Pls advise.
