Phoren B-school Assistance Desk

[reachmonil]

Originally Posted by Simba

Hey I will modify Monil's post above!!

Gr8!
Now we need to make the first post sticky, how do we do that?!

[kunjai]

Hi All,

I am highly confused as all other aspirants out there.

My prior acads are not at all extra ordinary (revolve around 60% in 10th and 12th, 53% in grads). Presently pursuing PG diploma in Finance from Rajasthan university(expecting something around 55 types).

Whenever I check websites of universities and profiles of students, I get confused; looking at there age(average is 29,I m 21),looking at there experience(average is 5 years,Right now I have just 1 year exp and may be I ll have 2.5 at the time of admission).

Now I have few questions in my mind

1) What if I go for some good school in India for MBA thru CAT then maybe after some years of exp, I apply to unis abroad.

2) Will unis abroad (esp US) accept this as I am obviously not targeting top 25.

3) Is it good idea to start preparing for GMAT and just keep on working because it will take another year or so to get admission. I will be able to secure admission in good universities with this profile.

4)What should be the target score for GMAT if I go after MBA.

5)My target is 25-50 in US or 10-15 in UK or top 5 in Aus, is it possible. What shld be the ideal score for GMAT?

Please reply as this can be very crucial for me. You all can understand this very well.

Thanks and Regards

[akshatpa]

Hi

For the preperation of SFP we need to show 1st year expenses in liquid and acess to second year expenses which may be in the form of fixed assets.

Most of my savings are in the form of Mutual Funds and Shares. Can this be shown in the SFP.

Regards

akshat

[akshatpa]

Originally Posted by kunjai

Hi All,

My prior acads are not at all extra ordinary (revolve around 60% in 10th and 12th, 53% in grads). Presently pursuing PG diploma in Finance from Rajasthan university(expecting something around 55 types).

Whenever I check websites of universities and profiles of students, I get confused; looking at there age(average is 29,I m 21),looking at there experience(average is 5 years,Right now I have just 1 year exp and may be I ll have 2.5 at the time of admission).

Now I have few questions in my mind

1) What if I go for some good school in India for MBA thru CAT then maybe after some years of exp, I apply to unis abroad.

2) Will unis abroad (esp US) accept this as I am obviously not targeting top 25.

Many US schools do not allow a second MBA degree ie if you already have a MBA degree you may not be eligible for some of them. If u are really targetting good b-schools in India, you might not need a second MBA degree from US. An academic course is never a subsitute for work ex.

Originally Posted by kunjai

3) Is it good idea to start preparing for GMAT and just keep on working because it will take another year or so to get admission. I will be able to secure admission in good universities with this profile.

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years and hence it may be a good idea to give them when you are in college as mostly it is difficult to find time for preperation while you are working. If your acads are a problem try working for a Good GMAT score to compensate for the same. If you have a good work ex and co-curricular activities that would help you much more than anything. Most b schools like a balanced profile and good leadership and team skills, if you stories to demostrate that you would sail through even with low acads.

Originally Posted by kunjai

4)What should be the target score for GMAT if I go after MBA.

Target scores before and after MBA would not matter much. If you have significant quality work ex and community activities, you might get a relaxation in GMAT scores but definately not because of a MBA degree

Originally Posted by kunjai

5)My target is 25-50 in US or 10-15 in UK or top 5 in Aus, is it possible. What shld be the ideal score for GMAT?

There is nothing of sort of a target score as there are applicants with 750+ GMAT who are unable to secure admission. though 700+ is considered respectable.

A word of caution; securing a job in below 20 rank US b-schools and is really difficult. There are loads of indian students who realize their mistake after joining in such institutes. Do not just choose a lower rank univ just because you feel that you may not be able to compete with others. Instead set a goal and try to work out a strategy to achieve that goal. If you are in a position to finance your education and interested in a MBA abroad for international experience only then go for these institutes, otherwise it would be a highly risky situation. Also do remember that Job permits are a bit difficult in europe.

Would suggest that you do a sufficient research on whether an international MBA suits your career plans. Read through the tons of material on internet and elsewhere. (there is plent of info available even on PG). Then decide suitable and work for the same.

Regards

Akshat

[girish_mangtani]

Hi folks,

I had posted this in another thread but it was closed. So i am pasting it here expecting replies from the likes of PG, Simba, senapati, poseidon etc....

here it goes....


Hi friends,

I have been admitted to Olin school of business, washington univ in St louis and Babson university.

I request stalwarts to help me decide which univ to choose as there isnt much difference in the rankings (BW rankings).

My profile

wrk ex - 2 yrs

Industry -- IT-Banking

GMAT -- 710

Goals -- Financial Consulting (Strategy).


After my bit of R&D, this what I have concluded.


Washington - Olin

Pros

1. Better known school for finance and consulting.
2. Small class size of arnd 140. (Biggest attraction for me as i am a career switcher hence personal access is imperative).
3. No major schools in and arnd the location (St Louis) and decent cluster of companies. So decent chances of local placements.

Cons

1. $ 90 k fees for two years. (Biggest worry factor.)
2. No scholarship.
3. Loan given by the univ is $15k/yr (that too will be confirmed after I join the program.)
4. Huge debt burden after grad.


Babson Univ

Pros

1. $34000 scholarship for the first year (Biggest attraction for me).
Have no idea abt aid for 2nd yr as I have yet to negotiate with the school.

2. Lesser Debt burden after graduation.

3. Location - Boston (bit expensive but more job prospects).

4. Has the brand recognition but because of its entrepreneurial program.

Cons

1. Again Location. With schools like Harvard, MIT, BU etc in the locality, job search will be tougher.

2. I am not sure about its performance in finance and consulting specializations.

3. Class size of 350 (Kinda puts me off)


Its the classic case of choosing between higher ranked univ with no scholarship and lower ranked one with hefty scholarship. Had it been 10 -12 grands, I'd have ignored. But 34k for the 1st year makes me consider it seriously.

I need suggestions regarding the choice of school. PG, Senapati, Poseidon n other champs, Please provide inputs and info you have which can help clear the air of confusion and take the right decision.

Regards,
GM

[Simba]

Originally Posted by kunjai

Hi All,

Now I have few questions in my mind

1) What if I go for some good school in India for MBA thru CAT then maybe after some years of exp, I apply to unis abroad.

2) Will unis abroad (esp US) accept this as I am obviously not targeting top 25.

3) Is it good idea to start preparing for GMAT and just keep on working because it will take another year or so to get admission. I will be able to secure admission in good universities with this profile.

4)What should be the target score for GMAT if I go after MBA.

5)My target is 25-50 in US or 10-15 in UK or top 5 in Aus, is it possible. What shld be the ideal score for GMAT?

Please reply as this can be very crucial for me. You all can understand this very well.

Thanks and Regards

1) Sure u can do it. But be aware some of the TOP univs abroad do not accept prior MBA.

2) Oh, if not top 25, I guess they will. You will have to do ur own research!

3) What? I thot u will do ur MBA abroad after a few years! So, why are u starting to study now?

4) Hmm.. something above 700 is decent. But a higher score doesnt hurt

5) Read the first post again, esp the blue high lighted one

Simbaaaaaa

[Simba]

Originally Posted by akshatpa

Hi

For the preperation of SFP we need to show 1st year expenses in liquid and acess to second year expenses which may be in the form of fixed assets.

Most of my savings are in the form of Mutual Funds and Shares. Can this be shown in the SFP.

Regards

akshat

SFP????

[Simba]

Originally Posted by girish_mangtani

Its the classic case of choosing between higher ranked univ with no scholarship and lower ranked one with hefty scholarship. Had it been 10 -12 grands, I'd have ignored. But 34k for the 1st year makes me consider it seriously.

See which of the programs fit your future plans... in terms of placement, network, brand value etc etc. Go to a place where you think you will grow. As I dont know much about either of the 2 places, I would not be a right person to comment. But if YOU are worried about $ for 2 yrs, it will make sense to go for one with scholarship!

Simbaaaa

[saurabh123]

Hey guys I am working in Cummins India Ltd. I am planning for an MBA abroad by aug 2007. Pen down your experiences and also let me know any stuff which i need to know. thanks

[akshatpa]

Originally Posted by Simba

SFP????

Statement of Financial Proof. The Doc that needs to be submitted for getting I-20