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

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

Business schools don't officially prefer one professional sector over the other, but, there are so many Indian technology candidates that a finance candidate can be a breath of fresh air for a tired admissions committee. Still, you should not be deceived -- your application as a whole is what is important. As long as you display excellence in everything you do -- professional, personal, academic, community, extra-curricular, etc. -- your profile will stand on its own.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by ashwinkgopal

Hi Jeremy,
I just finished my graduation in Engineering this may and I'm yet to land on a job. I took my GMAT last month and scored a decent 680 and AWA 5.5. I feel this is not bad for a first attempt, although I plan to retake and score 750+ next time. I want to make my career in the Wall Street/iBanking after my MBA. So, I was told that in order to make it into TOP US universities, one needs a great quality workex in a good sector. Is it true that universities have sectoral preferences when it comes to admitting students in their class? I do understand the fact that they look forward to make the class diverse. Is it true that IT experience isn't as valued as manufacturing/finance work experience? The main reason I am asking you this is because, at the moment, I've the freedom to decide between IT and finance (stock markets research side). Other details: Graduation-Engineering- 68% and extracir. activiities include essay writing, quizzes and other aptitude/olympiad tests.

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I apologize, but I really can't be of any help when it comes to an ISB/NUS debate. My expertise truly lies within the North American and European schools. Nonetheless, I hope that you are content with your choice!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by mealiennothuman

Hi Jeremy,

Within India, Indian School of Business has a very good reputation. Can you tell me how reputed is ISB internationally. If given a choice between National University of Singapore and Indian School of Business, which would be a better choice.

I weighted all the pros and cons that I could think of and I still am not able to think of any reason which would answer, "What does ISB have which NUS doesn't?" other than the reputation. But then again as I mentioned before I do not know if it is as reputed among non-Indians as well?

Can you help me out? Which one would be a better choice?

Thanks,
Abhishek.

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

While your profile was somewhat limited, I nonetheless think that you have applied to such a range of schools where the competition is reasonable that you should find multiple homes amid them. i would be quite surprised if this were not the case. I would look forward to you enlightening me with your results.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by pinkii

Dear Jeremy,

I really appreciate your work and need your guidence.
Please evaluate my profile and comment on the schools selected by me.

I am interested in 2 year Full time MBA program for fall 2008.
I am applying in R2.

Profile:

GMAT: 640 ( Q 49, VA 29) AWA- 4.5
TOEFL: yet to be taken
X : 87.29%
XII: 83%
B.Com.: 76%
Diploma in Corporate communication and advertising
Currently pursuing one year course of Finance to make my education 12+4
Academic achievements: exellent, Have been University Topper Twice

Work Ex: 2 years by June 2008( One year in a local Co. and One year in MNC)

Extra curriculars: average

Community services: asscociated with blind girl asscociation and other small activities

I have applied to the following schools at the time of my GMAT.

1) Case Western Reserve University - Weatherland School of Business - MBA 2 year ( As suggested by you)

2) Pepperdine University - The George L. Graziado School of Business and Management - MBA Full Time

3) University of Arizona - The Eller College of Management -MBA Full Time

4) Uni. of Georgia - Terry College of Business - MBA Ful Time

5) Uni. of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business - MBA Full Time

I intend to apply to the following schools:

1) Brigham Young University - Marriott School of Management

2) University of Minnesota/Twin Cities - Carlson School of Management

3) University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business

4) Georgia Tech College of Management

5) Uni. of California, Davis Graduate School of Management

Please let me know my chances in all the colleges mentioned above. I want to have atleast 2 to 3 secured universities where chances of admission are very high.

Please reply. I don't have time to retake GMAT. Is it ok if I apply to the above schools with the score of 640?

I know it's a long post but I really need your help

Thnx in adv

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I honestly cannot comment on schools that have strengths in HRM. With respect to entrepreneurship, many schools have specialities and strengths. Babson focuses their MBA on entrepreneurship. Columbia has a variety of impressive programs including an incubator. Etc. Most schools have a myriad of business plan competitions, mentorship opportunities. Etc. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, as so many schools have these resources. If I absolutely had to rank the schools, HBS, Stanford, Columbia, MIT and Babson would standout -- though many more deserve very honorable mentions.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by ajeesh.aj

also am planning to giv gmat next year.am in my final year right now. after that am willing to work in d IT industry for 3yrs and den use my gmat score. do u think this is a good idea?

[MBA Mission]

To answer your second question, GMAT scores are good for five years. Schools tend to have a bias toward GMATs that are taken closer to an application date, but three years should not be too much of a problem. After all, you will be applying in two....

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by ajeesh.aj

also am planning to giv gmat next year.am in my final year right now. after that am willing to work in d IT industry for 3yrs and den use my gmat score. do u think this is a good idea?

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

You seem to have solid scores and impressive extra-curriculars, but I don't see the type of standout professional experience that is typical of HBS and Stanford admits. I would recommend having a few more conservative choices, if you are determined to attend a US school.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by vineetdixit

Hi Jeremy,

Personal Profile:Male, 28 yrsIndian Citizen
Undergrad – B.COM (70%) (how do you convert marks to CGPA??)
Above average performance in School
Chartered accountant – second attempt (2004), CS inter – first attempt (2002)
Left CS to pursue core finance profiles. Did not want to go to compliance or accounting profiles

GMAT 1st Attempt:740 (49Q, 42V)AWA - awaited

Experience – 4.5 years by the time I start MBA
Company A (1.25 years experience) : selected from campus. Placed in one of the Business Units (standalone) as financial analyst – Monthly MIS, performance analysis reports (customer wise / product wise etc), adhoc management requirements, costing, trade policy monitoring & annual plans. Apart from that handled sales and receivable accounting, excise and indirect tax accounting and compliance.

Company B: Part of corporate analytics and MIS group – working closely with top management (CFO primarily) for presentations, performance analysis (MIS along with qualified notes on performance of each Business unit), one – of adoc analysis and reports to attract attention towards potential area of improvements, Due diligence on BU (7 different segments) planning & preparing company plans, back office support to IR department, External benchmarking, preparing MD&A for annual report
I joined this company in Feb 06, was promoted in June 07

Extra Curricular:

• Vice captain in school
• Active participant in Plays in school and collage
• Black Belt Shito Ryu Karate. Prior Active member of social activities in karate school. Mostly involved teaching self defense to women and those who cannot afford the karate school.
• Core team member (3 members in total) – rolled out first ever finance magazine in company B – involved in conception, design & editing and final release.
• Creator and one of the first core member of cultural committee in collage
• Member of the organizing committee of annual day celebrations in collage

Target Schools:
harvard, Wharton & Kellogs - Please tell me what chance do i hold for them

[MBA Mission]

While something tells me that this advice will be a bit late, my advice for both of these schools is simply to relax and be yourself. Both schools are known for very laidback interviews where candidates have a chance to be themselves and express their sincere interest in the school itself and then connect their values and experiences to the school. As long as you manage(d) your time well and are sincere, then you should be (or have been) fine...

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by thetoastedbread

Hi Jeremy,

Any interview advise for Tuck and Darden?

Many thanks.

Kindest,
- TTB

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I am not sure that I can advise you on the GMAT scores necessary for ISB. Nonetheless, i do think that your medical experience is quite distinct and will likely be welcomed in the classroom. i don't think that your experience will be counted as six months -- all of the practice involved in your education will no doubt result in some additional credit.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by docmba

Hi I am Doctor from Kerala, I have a job experience of 6 months working as an Asst Surgeon in a Rural PHC, i have consistently scored more than 60% marks during my M.B.B.S. I also have scored 82% marks in my 10th std and 84% in my 12th std and was involved in a lot of extra curricular activities at school level, there wasnt much in college since there weren't much activities as such. I was the school captain and the best outgoing student in my school. i have participated in lots of community works during my M.B.B.S and my work as an Asst Surgeon including being involved in the work during two viral fever epidemics in kerala in 2006 and 2007.At present I'm preparing for GMAT. i would like to know what score in GMAT is required to secure an admission in ISB and whether my 6 months work experience is enough.Is it true that even though ISB prefers candidates with 2 years of experience , it will consider applicants with lesser work experince in exceptional cases.

[MBA Mission]

Thanks for your inquiry.

Your work experience is phenomenal, but you will have to overcome a significant obstacle, due to the fact that you already have an MBA. Further, your GMAT might be an issue at INSEAD, but less so at Cambridge and Oxford, which are generally less competitive. Regardless, the first issue is key and you will have to write an optional essay that clearly outlines your reasons for needing a second MBA and how it will dramatically change your career -- quite a tall order.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by addiegloriam

Hi

I am new to this forum and to pagalguy for that matter ..........

have a few questions .........

How does one compare an Oxford or a Cambridge with say an INSEAD ......pros , cons etc ..

Hw much weightage is given to one's GMAT score , i know that most schools refer to the GMAT score as just one criterion but still ........

I am 26 / M / Non IT (for the first time in my life i think that this might be an advantage for me) ......

I already have a prior MBA from a top Indian school .......

Will have around 42 months of work ex by the time i start wid my MBA (36 months Intl Exp) ........

Work for a trading company that primarily deals with agricultural commodities .............

Have worked in more than 7 countries (mostly in Africa and South America) .....

Manage a work force of 85 employees and a business worth $50 Million......

Good Acads (not spectacular) - 10th standard - 80% , 12th standard - 87% , B.com (hons) (Delhi University) - 61% , MBA - 7.5 / 9 (GPA) ............

Good extra co ( I have been an avid quizzer , have learnt jazz dance fr over 3 yrs and done professional theatre for over 3 years) .....

Now , the weakest link in my profile , my GMAT score - 660

Hw much is the low score going to impact my chances ?? .....

I am not averse to taking the stupid exam again if need be........

Plz advise ????????????????? Should i go ahead wid the apps .........

I am looking at INSEAD , LBS , HBS (not necessarily in that order) .......

USP - I have handled teams of more than 80-90 employees and have been heading a product out of a country for the past 2 years , also my african experience is something that makes me different from others .......atleast that's what i assume .......

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I apologize, but I do not have a strong understanding of the HULT MBA in Dubai. I can't be of much help in this area. Sorry...

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by barkers

Hello Jeremy,

I need some information regarding the HULT MBA (Boston), which has started its new campus in Dubai. Can you tell me about the placement opportunities after MBA from HULT? (If you have any idea)

My profiles is


GMAT- 560 awa 4/6 (I am retaking the GMAT exam on Dec29th)

TOEFL -- 95(ibt)

Work Experience of 4.5 years by August 2008.
International experience 2 years (in UK for past 1.5 years)

Good Number of Extra curricular Activities


I am looking for doing 1 year MBA from either Indian MBA college and college in USA which could give me funding. Funding is the major problem for me.

CAn you please suggest me which colleges should i look for , so that i can be more practical ?