Ask Jeremy @ MBAMission.com - What it takes to get to the best global business school

mba_mission · September 16, 2006, 5:09pm

You seem to have a very distinct profile. While your grades and scores are strong, you complement them with athletics, non-profit work and differentiated work experience. All of that written, you seem to have cast a very wide web in terms of your professional career and the schools that will meet your needs. You definitely want to narrow your career options as you market yourself to the schools, but should probably get a better sense of your own direction so that you can target certain programs more effectively. Ultimately, what would you really like to do post-MBA?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission
PS As a big Groucho Marx fan, I loved your quote. For that, you get the first emoticon that I have ever used on these boards.

Hi Jeremy,
Thank you in advance for responding. I need help figuring out where I should apply!

This is my profile in brief:
GMAT:
710 (Q.46 V.41)

Undergrad:
Bachelor's in Management Studies (Marketing) - Mumbai University- First Class, but only average marks.

Work Ex:
2 years with a graphic/web design company as a designer + 6 months with Lowe Lintas - Mumbai in Client Servicing, working on Unilever brands.
+ Undergrad work ex in Client Servicing, Sales and Freelance design.

Extra-Curric:
State-Level Handball player: 1999, 2000, 2001
District Level Football, Volleyball, Basketball and Chess.
Lowe Mumbai Football team member- Silver Cup runners up.
Organizing Committee Member + Creative Head of my own college fest (Bhavan's- Athletica- if there are any BMS grads out there who remember )
Won loads of events in inter-college BMS fests both individually and as part of a team.

Community Service:
A couple of design projects I did for an NGO (for free of course )
----
So that's my profile. And this is coupled with a 710 score. I have a lot of faith in my essay writing + letters of reco (I'm on very good terms with my ex boss, my current boss and my college profs) so I know that will be at the least ABOVE average. Now I dunno where to apply to?!!!

This is where I need help! I'd primarily be interested in Marketing/Branding and/or Consultancy so I need to apply to colleges which are known for these programs. Any suggestions??? I'm not opposed to studying Finance or Logistics, but I'd be more comfortable in a school where I know Marketing isn't the LEAST favoured choice.

I have a few colleges in mind, but I have little or no knowledge about their marketing programs + their expectations from Indian students (which I've heard is higher than from everyone else! Apparently, if a class profile GMAT average is 670, you should add another 30-40 points if you're Indian, since they expect more from us!)

This is what I have thought of so far:
UT-Austin McCombs
Univ of North Carolina - Kenan Flagler
Univ of Indiana - Kelley
Ohio State - Fisher
Univ of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Michigan State Univ - Broad
Texas A&M; - Mays

Any ideas as to which one of these are good + which ones aren't + ANYWHERE else I should be applying to?!? (US Only) Should I even attempt the top 20? (Darden, Yale, etc etc?)

Thanks again,
Nandan

mba_mission · September 16, 2006, 5:24pm

Thank you for your inquiry.

I dont think that your answer needs to revolve entirely around weaknesses; you could phrase your essay so that you are approaching your needs in a vacuum. For example, without saying that you are risk averse, you could say that you want to be more of a risk-taker. It is possible, but there is always an implied weakness. I take your point though and I will amend my piece on ISB shortly to clarify.

In terms of your cover letter, I would craft it as a formal letter and I would consider being very targeted in terms of a dream job, as it seems that a dream job could not be vaguely presented. I would need to see your letter to truly determine which path you should choose though.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,
I am IT Professional with about 3 years and 9 months of experience. I have already appeared for GMAT on the 12th of August and scored 760 on that. I am yet to receive my AWA score though.
I have a good academic record.
X 90 % (CBSE)
XII 88 % (CBSE)
BE 83.5 % (MNNIT Allahabad)

I am currently working with TCS and deputed to US for the last 15 months.
I had a few questions on the ISB essays.
For the essay on the cover letter, do I need to name the company and does it need to be in the standard format of a letter.

For the question on the changes, does it really have to be weaknesses or its any aspect that I would like to change.

I plan to submit my application in the first round. Please help me with these questions.

Thanks
Sumit

arpits · September 16, 2006, 5:31pm

Hi Jeremy,

Need ur advice on this..

I have 4+ yrs of experience in HR and IT and by education an Electronics Engineer from Mumbai University.

Major experience has been in PeopleSoft consulting ranging from HRMS to Finance, mostly functional and primarily onsite(3+ years in USA and abt 2 months in Singapore). Currently working for an American Hospital in HR Dept as an Analyst.

Took my GMAT scored 670 :sad:.

Problem is I'm happy with my job, but I want to move back to consulting and relocate back to India. Keeping this in mind I was tagetting ISB, but the chances have become bleak with the GMAT score.

People have said that I might get into a good B School in US as in say top 25, but considering the wish of working in India, investment seems very high.

maverick2k5 · September 16, 2006, 7:21pm

Hi,
I am looking to do Wealth Management as a career. Currently looking at the top schools for finance. But i somehow cant find articles anywhere which would tell these are the best schools for this career. Would someone know which schools I should be looking at.
Currently the ones that I have found out are the ones, but these are the best ones.

Chicago
Columbia
Kelloggs
Wharton
NYU - Stern

Would anyone want to add any other to the list. Cant exactly figure out what should the safety schools be for Finance programmes.

Any help will be really appreciated.
Thanks

d_tayal2001 · September 17, 2006, 7:40am

Hi Jeremy Shinewald
I am Mr Dimple Tayal. I have got 640 score (Quant 50, Verbal 27, AWA 4.5) in GMAT and 263 in TOEFL. Presently i am working in Maruti from last 2 years after completing engineering (mechanical).
My work area is operations. I had a lot of extra curricular activities like member of various committes during college time, participated in cultural programs as well as sports too.
i want to apply in US . can you suggest me where all i should apply so that i have good chances of getting admission.
waiting for your reply
regards
Dimple

rookie21 · September 20, 2006, 6:03pm

Hello Jeremy,

I am studying final year in Bachelors of Commerce under the University of Madras. I would like to pursue my postgraduation in the USA. Here is a brief overview of my scores

Std 10th (CBSE) - 81%;
Std 12th (CBSE) - 84%; (School 3rd rank)
Degree (so far) - 75% (Class Topper)
GMAT not attempted yet

I am looking for a postgraduate degree, specialising in marketing. I do not have any work experience. My biggest worry is finding a job in the US after completing the degree. Many say it is difficult to find a job for a person without work experience. Could you advise me on this issue?

hellojp · September 20, 2006, 6:34pm

Hi Jeremy,
Can You Please reply to my query as well? Thanks in Advance...

Jailendra

Hi Jeremy,
I would request you to please help me....

My profile:
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Nationality: Indian
Education: Ive done a 4 yr Engineering degree in Computer Science with 74% marks. Gold Medalist in Final Year
GMAT:740 (quant-51, verbal-40)

IT Work Ex- About 6 yrs (Last 4 years in Tata Consultancy Services with 1 year in USA, 1 Year in LG Soft India). Currently working as Project Manager (handling a team of 35 people) - seven projects of TCS for ICICI Prudential , Mumbai

Achievements:
 2nd Prize in Wellness & Fitness Challenge Competition at Deluxe Corporation , Minneapolis
 Certificate of Recognition for TACTiCS (Technical Architect Configuration at TCS, Hyderabad)
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Annual Appraisal in April 2004
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Confirmation rating in December 2003
 Star of the Month Award from TCS Mumbai in September 2003
 Got Best Performer Award in German Language Course in ITP Training of TCS in Trivandrum
 Got Best Employee Award in LG Soft India for Period Jan 2002 Jun 2002
 Gold Medallist In Engineering College for the Best Student
 Active Participant in Annual Program ZEST in SRMS Engineering College
 Runner Up in Software Competition in Annual College Program ZEST in 1999
 Runner Up in Dance Competition in Annual College Program ZEST in 1997
 Grade A Certificate in MS Visual Basic Course in SRMS Engineering College, Bareilly
 Successfully led the College Cricket Team for three consecutive years.

Community work:
 Member of the Disaster Management Group for TCS mainly involved in blood donations to the victims and also visiting the affected people at regular intervals during any disaster like recent Mumbai train bomb blasts.
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the under Privileged Children (fisherman community at Colaba)
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the Blind Children at Tardeo School.

I want to pursue my MBA in finance.

I have shortlisted following schools:

Wharton (Round 1)
Chicago (Round 1)
LBS (Round 1)
Harvard (Round 2)
Yale (Round 1)
Insead (Round 1)
University of Michigan (Round 2)
Darden (Round 1)
ISB (Round 2)

Can you please suggest that where all i have a good chance of admission with decent scholarship? Do I need to add more safe bets to the above list?

Thanks in advance....

sanjeev_florida · September 29, 2006, 3:27pm

Hey Jeremy,
I just have a quick question.
My GMAT is 750 (Q49,V42). But my AWA is 4.5. Will this be a problem for my chances in the top 15 univs?

Thanks,
Sanjeev

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:20pm

Avina,

I will respond to your questions one-by-one:

1. Given that I have performed diverse roles, would my professional background that be viewed as negative by adcomms of B schools? From experience, I know most recruiters have viewed my profile as positive or negative depending on the role (but mostly positive)

Considering your communications background, I am sure that you can nuance or spin your story positively. The Admissions Committees are not demanding that every single step in your career be part of a b-school trajectory; they want to understand the logic of your decisions and know that b-school is a vital part of your future.

2. As I am currently in a role where I am stagnating, should I consider a job change? Or will too many job changes also be viewed negatively? Would better performance and career path balance the frequent job changes? I dont see how staying on in this role will help me.

This is a very difficult question to answer. Generally, my recommendation is to follow the path that is most logical to you professionally and personally, because it will enable you to be the most content in your job and achieve the most. If you are unhappy, you will be unmotivated and this will be reflected in a lack of promotions, strong references, etc. Still, I would need to know a lot more about you personally; switching jobs is not something that I can advise someone to do after reading a brief profile, so take what I have written with a grain of salt.

3. I am working towards strengthening my profile. This includes working really hard at the GMAT and doing a Diploma In Financial Management to ramp up quant ability and offset the bad UG grade. Also plan to do an online calculus course from a US University. Is this the right approach or is there something else I should be doing? I am willing to do whatever it takes and even delay applying (by 2 -3 years) till I build a strong profile.

This path seems very comprehensive and logical.

With my current profile I am realistic enough to know that I wont get into the US Top 10. Is my goal of 15 to 30 realistic?

I think that it will be difficult for you to challenge for a spot in a top-ten school. You have a differentiated professional background and are an international female, both of which are appealing, but you have weak grades and no extras. While it is certainly not impossible, it is unlikely. You might reach for one, but keep your remaining options in the 15-25 range open.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Dear Jeremy,

Have been reading this thread in detail and have found them most helpful.
My Profile in Brief:
Age: 29, Female

GMAT: Currently preparing for it. Am confident of getting 680 but will aim for 700

Academics: School topper. BA Political Science - First Class (60%) Quite bad. Did a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management from MumbaiUniversity.
Work Experience: Started out with a year in a travel agency. Realised early on that I was not suited to working in the travel & tourism industry. The dotcom boom in the late 90s helped me find a foothold in web content. I enjoyed the work, as I am a naturally gifted writer with very good written and communication skills
2yrs as a tech journalist followed by 2 years handling Tech PR at a worldwide PR agency. Did extremely well with quite a few successes. Moved to an operational communication role in a telecom company for a year. Quit as I there was no growth path in the particular role. Moving into a totally different role (i.e. operations) would have meant losing out on my major USP communication. But performed well and had a huge impact on the organisation.
Currently Manager Corporate Communication in an Indian textile and apparel company (wrong career decision!). Not much opportunity for growth here too as corporate communication in this organisation is more service provider role than a proactive image management role. Have some international exposure through International PR, work with our JV partners in Europe. But have never worked overseas
Total Experience: 7 Years (6 years in communication)
Community service: Volunteer occasionally for health camps etc but not on a regular basis
Interests: Skiing and adventure sports, painting, play the piano and the guitar

Languages: Can speak French and learning Spanish
Goals: Marketing and Brand Management. Hope to work overseas for a few years before returning to India.
Universities: Top 15 25 US schools, Mid-tier schools in UK and Europe in Fall 2008 or 2009
Would appreciate it if you could help me with the following:
1. Given that I have performed diverse roles, would my professional background that be viewed as negative by adcomms of B schools? From experience, I know most recruiters have viewed my profile as positive or negative depending on the role (but mostly positive)
2. As I am currently in a role where I am stagnating, should I consider a job change? Or will too many job changes also be viewed negatively? Would better performance and career path balance the frequent job changes? I dont see how staying on in this role will help me.
3. I am working towards strengthening my profile. This includes working really hard at the GMAT and doing a Diploma In Financial Management to ramp up quant ability and offset the bad UG grade. Also plan to do an online calculus course from a US University. Is this the right approach or is there something else I should be doing? I am willing to do whatever it takes and even delay applying (by 2 -3 years) till I build a strong profile.
With my current profile I am realistic enough to know that I wont get into the US Top 10. Is my goal of 15 to 30 realistic?
Look forward to your response!!
Avina

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:33pm

Thank you for your inquiry and for your words of encouragement.

In your cover letter, you will need to show your qualifications for your dream job so you will have the opportunity to discuss your past. You wont be able to go into detail, but you should certainly identify your professional merits and, of course, try to present them in the most positive light. It is a challenge, as you have a lot more to do in those three hundred words, but it can be done and indeed will be done by many.

The key in this question will be to make your professional accomplishments active, so that you are not stating facts, but are using them as part of a continuum:

Good: As I managed an alternative energy project generation project for General Electric, I not only developed financial and managerial skills supervising a team of eight and a budget of $11MM, but I also saw a meaningful future in clean power

Bad: I worked for two years at General Electric. There, I managed a team of eight and an $11MM budget for an alternative energy project. Then, I transferred to United Technologies. I

You are not providing a biography you are providing active reasoning for how and why you have certain goals. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

First of all.. Hats off to your patience while answering the queries... You are doing an amazing job... You certainly saved many of us from committing blunders in our essays...

I had a query related to an ISB essays I have quoted above.
I was not able to figure out whether and how the CV be included in 300 words, as the question mentioned 'accompanying your CV'.

I mailed the Adcoms at ISB and got a prompt response:

------------------------------------------------
Dear Patron,
You just need to write a covering letter and not the CV itself.
Regards,
Srinath
Manager - Admissions & Financial Aid

------------------------------------------------

My question now to you will be: How important do you think it is to incorporate the salient feature of your CV in the essays, given the word limit is just 300 words? Schools in US generally ask to upload your CV separately.... But there is no place in the ISB app for your CV...

Should I try and squeeze the prominant part of my CV into the essays, or should I somehow expect my recommenders to write about it? ??:

Thanks for your help,
Righty

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:36pm

Thank you for your post.

I got a bit carried away with your question about the essay and forgot to add that there definitely is a place for your resume as they need to understand the sequence of events in your life.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

http://www.isb.edu/pgp/visit/admissions_criteria_applirequire.htm

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:41pm

Thanks for your inquiry.

The profile that you offered is pretty vague so it is difficult to say what the problem is with your application. Have you sought feedback?

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,
My profile is as follows
I am an IT engineer working with Asia's largest IT organization. My GMAT score is 660. I applied this year in Yale and carnegie universities but got the rejection from both of them
My marks are as follows
Bachelor in computer science -73%
Masters in computer application -75.25% (with distinction)
I have been deputed in US for the past one year and have received numerous awards and appreciation from the clients.
I have also been involved in charity organization fot the last 5 yrs.
Extra curriculars - Average
I am planning to apply for Virginia, Ohio and LBS. I dont know how much chances do I have. So I would really appreciate your guidance here. Please let me know in what all universities should I apply.
Thanks
Aru

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:43pm

As requested, MBAMissions analysis of essay questions continues today with NYU (Stern).

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

NYU (Stern)

Next: Cornell
Previously Posted: HBS, Chicago, Columbia, Haas, MIT, Darden, Tuck, Wharton, Stanford, LBS, Kellogg, Duke, Michigan, INSEAD, UCLA

Essay 1: Professional Aspirations
Think about the decisions you have made in your life. Describe the following:
(500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

(a) What choices have you made that led you to your current position?
(b) Why pursue an MBA at this point in your life?
(c) What is your career goal upon graduation from NYU Stern? What is your long-term career goal?

Essay 2: Fit with Stern
The NYU Stern community is one of our strongest assets. Please answer the following questions about community:
(500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

(a) What is your personal experience with the Stern community? What actions have you taken to learn more about us?
(b) How would you contribute to our community as a student?
(c) How will you benefit personally and professionally from the Stern community?

Yet again, because of significant overlap from school to school, we offer our document on personal statements. Please email [email protected] for an electronic copy which will help you approach this essay.

NYUs only minor deviation is its question What is your personal experience with the Stern Community Stern wants to ensure that you have done your homework and truly understand why it is the right school for you. In order to impress the committee, you will need to discuss a priori experience with the school via alumni, students and/or admissions officers and especially via campus visits. For those who are abroad, it is still possible to learn a great deal by reaching out to the school in order to arrange to speak with current students, for example, by phone. Discussing repeated visits to the schools websites will only mean that you have achieved a minimum; it is vital that you show specific effort in your research and thus purpose in your application.

Essay 3: Personal Expression
Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use any method to convey your message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative.

All submissions become part of NYU Stern's permanent records and cannot be returned for any reason. Do not submit anything that must be played or viewed electronically, that is perishable (e.g. food) or that has been worn (e.g. used clothing). If you submit a written essay, it should be 500 words maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font.

In NYUs famed essay three, you are offered a phenomenal opportunity to differentiate yourself in two distinct ways. First, you can differentiate yourself via the vehicle that you choose to develop your persona. By choosing a creative and captivating avenue, you can grab the attention of the Admissions Committee and compel them to read your content closely. While a baseball card may be captivating, it may not be a good choice because it limits you to a picture, your height, weight, birth-date and a very brief bio; meanwhile, a eulogy theoretically written by your best friend (dont use this idea, it is now public) is sufficiently broad that it allows you to probe all that is unique about you. Indeed, once you have set yourself apart via your vehicle you can continue to differentiate via your content. Ideally, you will exploit the opportunity to showcase a diversity of professional, personal, academic and community accomplishments, few of which will be advertised in essays one or two.

HI Jeremy,

I was wondering when you would be able to post the analysis of NYU Stern essays !!!! specially the third Essay
(Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use any method to convey your message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative. All submissions become part of NYU Sterns permanent records and cannot be returned for any reason.
We do not recommend submitting anything that must be viewed or played electronically, or that is perishable (e.g. food). If you submit a written essay, it should be 2 pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font.).
Pls let me know the extent to which I can let my imagination run wild on this essay.

Thankx

Azeem

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:45pm

As an addendum, definitely let your imagination run wild. While your vehicle should not be outrageous for its own sake, a creative vehicle will differentiate you from the pack. We love this essay, because it is so versatile and interesting that it can make any candidate shine.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

HI Jeremy,

I was wondering when you would be able to post the analysis of NYU Stern essays !!!! specially the third Essay
(Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use any method to convey your message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative. All submissions become part of NYU Sterns permanent records and cannot be returned for any reason.
We do not recommend submitting anything that must be viewed or played electronically, or that is perishable (e.g. food). If you submit a written essay, it should be 2 pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font.).
Pls let me know the extent to which I can let my imagination run wild on this essay.

Thankx

Azeem

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:49pm

Thanks for your inquiry.

There must be some confusion I illustrate in my post that they do not have a loan program for internationals.

Carnegie Mellon No direct school sponsored program offered

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,
All that I came to know from website indicates that CMU does not offer guaranteed loan(w/o cosigner). But here you have indicated that it has nocosigner loan. Where did you this info from?
Paresh

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 2:59pm

Abishek,
It is challenging to advise you on this issue, because your universe is o wide-open - MBAs and MSCs from anywhere around the world. I suppose that if you are seeking to enter the marketing filed and are concerned about your competitiveness, you might choose programs in locations that you want to be in when the program concludes. In other words, if you can get into a program in Australia, but don't want to live there, your degree will be moot, as an Australian MBA won't open as many doors in Europe.
There are a variety of considerations and I will start you off with a few below; my advice to you is to select a few of the aspects that are the most important to you - maybe four of them -- and try to find a school that matches most of them - maybe . That should be a good start for you as you try to identify the right programs:

Reputation/Prestige: Domestic Reputation vs. Prestige abroad
Location: Urban Campuses vs. University Towns
Size of Class: Intimacy vs. Anonymity
Teaching Method: Lecture vs. Case
Core Curriculum: Mandatory Core vs. Flexibility
Recruiting: Target firms coming to campus?
Specializations: Marketing, Finance, International?
Alumni: Base Size, Depth, Loyalty?
Facilities: Modern vs. Antiquated
Professors: Teaching vs. Research

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,
i am pursuing my mba from a institue in delhi.4 months into the course i really dont think this is adding any value to me and am thinking about an mba abroad.
to begin with im very confused as ulike the other participants on this thread i dont have much knowledge abt the global mba scene nor am i an IIT or academecially topper(infact i have been below average).
with the small research i have done(primarily 1 yr courses) i have got conflicting impressions....some say MSC some say MBA,some say no job assurance and some say tht will not b an issue.i will need placements(even if not campus ones).
im a plain B.Com grad with 3 years work ex in IT sales and Banking BPO.i am willing to appear for Gmat if req.
could u guide me which country to consider,wht kinda course(master or mba)-i m passionate abt marketing so would like to make a career out of it.

is getting a ork visa after the course an issue?a lot of pple have given me responses like if u go to u.k u wont get jobs etc and places like australia u cant stay on after the course.

also abt financing the course-since i wont qualify for scholarships with my poor acads what other options will i have?

my brother is posted at london so is thr any options in london whereby i could enroll n stay with him to save on the living costs.
tough one,but for starters give me a direction whereby i can further research upon.
thanks
abhishek

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 3:06pm

Thanks for your inquiry.

Your profile is clearly very strong; the fact that you have already taken entrepreneurial risks before school, will bode well for you as you can claim to have entrepreneurship in your blood as opposed to the many others who aspire to be entrepreneurs. Your impressive professional background is complemented by a solid GMAT, above average grades, professional awards and strong recommendations.

I am curious as to why you went from an independent success to join an IT firm, but as long as that can be explained, I think you should have a compelling story. Stanford is always difficult, but there should be a top-ten school for you. I would focus on the top-ten for now and wait to apply to the 10-20.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy ,
first of all let me congratulate you for the wonderful effort you are putting in here.

with just 2 years full -time experience(@ matriculation) , i was confused whether i should apply to any of the top 10 B-schools ,
I also have completed 3 years , as an entrepreneur.
Heres my profile :
1)Gmat 710,Toefl Scheduled this week
2)Current Age :23
3)Excellent Acads-Merit list in SSC , HSC.
4)Above Average Acads in Undergrad - 63 %,Mumbai Univ(Because of the entrepreneural engagement)
5)Founder and Proprietor of a Retail Shop since feb 2003, which later became a major distribution chain for Power Solutions.
Turn-Over above $1 Million in 2005.
6)Awarded 'Best New Dealer' by one of the vendors for the year 2003.
7)joined a global IT/Consulting Firm (Campus Recruitment) in mid-2005.
recipient of the Super New Joinee Award, which is given to the top two percent of the new joinees worldwide.
9)Excellent Recommendations from supervisor(IT Firm) as well as Regional Manager (Vendor)

With all these i intend to apply this season , but would like to have ur opinion on whether i will be competitive @ top 10 B-schools esp :Stanford ,Chicago ,Kellogg,Michigan.

my list contains other bschools ranked between 10 and 20 -such as CMU,UNC etc.

thanks!
kritik787

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 3:08pm

Thanks for your post.

I certainly would never deem a post, (not) imp enough. I try to be thoughtful and thorough in my replies and sometimes it takes a while for me to get to everyone (I do have paid clients that need attention!). I appreciate your patience!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

abhishek1711 Says
jeremy seems tht u either missd my query or felt that it wasnt imp enough !!!

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 3:15pm

Thanks for your inquiry.

You seem to have very strong academic, professional, community and personal credentials. For you, it will all be about execution. You are quite ambitious nine schools in two rounds! You should never sacrifice quality for volume; each school expects that you will make your own case creatively for them. This is just a cautionary note please be careful and make sure that your essays are thoughtful and that you are applying with precision.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

[U][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#800080]www.mbamission.com[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U]
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,
I would request you to please help me....

My profile:
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Nationality: Indian
Education: Ive done a 4 yr Engineering degree in Computer Science with 74% marks. Gold Medalist in Final Year
GMAT:740 (quant-51, verbal-40)

IT Work Ex- About 6 yrs (Last 4 years in Tata Consultancy Services with 1 year in USA, 1 Year in LG Soft India). Currently working as Project Manager (handling a team of 35 people) - seven projects of TCS for ICICI Prudential , Mumbai

Achievements:
 2nd Prize in Wellness & Fitness Challenge Competition at Deluxe Corporation , Minneapolis
 Certificate of Recognition for TACTiCS (Technical Architect Configuration at TCS, Hyderabad)
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Annual Appraisal in April 2004
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Confirmation rating in December 2003
 Star of the Month Award from TCS Mumbai in September 2003
 Got Best Performer Award in German Language Course in ITP Training of TCS in Trivandrum
 Got Best Employee Award in LG Soft India for Period Jan 2002 Jun 2002
 Gold Medallist In Engineering College for the Best Student
 Active Participant in Annual Program ZEST in SRMS Engineering College
 Runner Up in Software Competition in Annual College Program ZEST in 1999
 Runner Up in Dance Competition in Annual College Program ZEST in 1997
 Grade A Certificate in MS Visual Basic Course in SRMS Engineering College, Bareilly
 Successfully led the College Cricket Team for three consecutive years.

Community work:
 Member of the Disaster Management Group for TCS mainly involved in blood donations to the victims and also visiting the affected people at regular intervals during any disaster like recent Mumbai train bomb blasts.
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the under Privileged Children (fisherman community at Colaba)
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the Blind Children at Tardeo School.

I want to pursue my MBA in finance.

I have shortlisted following schools:

Wharton (Round 1)
Chicago (Round 1)
LBS (Round 1)
Harvard (Round 2)
Yale (Round 1)
Insead (Round 1)
University of Michigan (Round 2)
Darden (Round 1)
ISB (Round 2)

Can you please suggest that where all i have a good chance of admission with decent scholarship? Do I need to add more safe bets to the above list?

Thanks in advance....

mba_mission · October 1, 2006, 3:20pm

Thanks for your inquiry.

In my opinion, if you know that you want to live in India, you might be better off building your Indian network during b-school in India, as opposed to doing so in St. Louis for example. If you were to be a strong candidate for a top 5 school, I might advise otherwise as some of those brand names open doors quickly, but, if you are certain that you want to return and I dont think a top-25 would be as valuable.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBAMission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

Need ur advice on this..

I have 4+ yrs of experience in HR and IT and by education an Electronics Engineer from Mumbai University.

Major experience has been in PeopleSoft consulting ranging from HRMS to Finance, mostly functional and primarily onsite(3+ years in USA and abt 2 months in Singapore). Currently working for an American Hospital in HR Dept as an Analyst.

Took my GMAT scored 670 :sad:.

Problem is I'm happy with my job, but I want to move back to consulting and relocate back to India. Keeping this in mind I was tagetting ISB, but the chances have become bleak with the GMAT score.

People have said that I might get into a good B School in US as in say top 25, but considering the wish of working in India, investment seems very high.