[vineetdixit]

Dear jennifer,

I am aiming from Harvard, Wharton and INSEAD for MBA. Could you please comment on my profile for these schools. I am also contemplating Stanford.
I have already applied in Harvard (R3) and INSEAD (R1). I know that Harvard R3 is very tough to get in but I did it as i could save one year in case i get in (Do i have a good chance???). How strong is my profile for INSEAD as i donot have any international experience and my exp is on the lower side??? Should i Apply in harvard again in case i do not make it this time (read some comments in other forums (BW) that Harvard does not take re applicants favorably???) Should i apply in wharton and stanford this year in R1 (- is my profile strong for these schools??)

Post MBA I am looking at a Finance career preferably in a PE. Since Private Equity does not usually pick up people from schools I will be first joining an IB firm / management consulting and take good experience and then try to move in to PE.

Personal Profile:
Male, 28 yrs Indian Citizen
Undergrad – B.COM (66%) (First Class)
Chartered Accountant – 2004, Company Secretary (intermediate) – 2002
Left CS in-between because i did not wanted to go to compliance or accounting profiles

GMAT 1st Attempt:740 (49Q, 42V)AWA - 5/6

Experience – 4 years by the time I start MBA

TATA Steel (bearings SBU) (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.

Dr Reddys Laboratories ltd: 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.
* Core team member (3 members in total) – rolled out first ever finance magazine in company B – involved in conception, design & editing and final release. Also pasrt of core committee for organizing Global Finance meet
* Creator and one of the first core member of cultural committee in collage
* Scripted, directed and Acted in street plays in slums to motivate people to send their children to school

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by dishu_gupta

Hello jennifer,

What cn b a gud answer to.....

Why u want 2 change ur stream completely from engineering to finances........??? or why finances....???.....help me out....

Thanks in advance

Hi, Dishu. The best answers to these kinds of questions show that you really aren't changing so much. Show the financial side of what you are already doing or show your previous finance education and/or experience. Then you can highlight what you liked about this field and what excites you about the industry.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
jbloom@accepted.com

[Accepted]

[quote=saahilk63;1004754]Dear Jennifer,

I've been reading your posts, and think that they're awesome.

I'm interested in doing an Integrated Marketing Communications program. I've short listed Medill School of Journalism and Emerson College. Could you please give me some admission tips for these programs. And could you suggest some colleges that are known for their marketing programs.

I've Scored 700 (Q-47 V-thirty eight in my third attempt. First two scores were 560 (Q-44, V-25) and 560 (Q-48, V-20).


I worked with a newspaper in the marketing department for 2 years and have been working with my dad, who makes corporate films, for the last one and a half years.

I’m not sure whether I should do an MBA or an MS in marketing. Please guide me.

I've also pasted my resume below.

Thanks
Saahil

Hi, Saahil. The programs are very clear about what attributes they are seeking; they have written out a whole list in the letter of recommendation forms. Your essays (and the letters of recommendation themselves) need to demonstrate (with examples and numbers) how you have led, taken initiative, and made an impact on organizations and teams.

Another key attribute that goes very far in a successful application is demonstrating that you know why this specific program is the one for you. You sound very certain that you need a strong Integrated Marketing program - make sure your essays explain why this education is critical to your goals, how you will be an asset to the program, and *why this school's program is particularly strong* (over any other marketing program).

When you truly demonstrate that you have strong experience to contribute and a real love of a specific program, the schools tend to fall in love ;-)

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted.com - Helping you write your best!

[priyom]

Hi Jenifer,

Could you please address my previous post...

Regards,
Priyom

Originally Posted by priyom

Hi Jenifer,

Brief Profile:


Acads:
ICSE (10): 88% (1999)
ISC (12) 88.3% (2001)
BE in IT from Jadavpur University (79.2%), top 10 in class (2005).

GMAT: yet to take

Work Ex: nearly 3 years till date
2005-2006
Joined a top Indian IT services firm in banking domain. Worked with client: Bank of America in a number of critical projects. Suggested and successfully implemented some business process enhancements resulting in huge time and cost savings for the firm.
2006-07
Joined a startup company (Telecom domain) and led a product development project team of 5 people for client Motorolla, USA.
2007-present
Joined the Consulting unit of one of the Big Four firms with a promotion. Worked with US based clients on Technology Solutions as well as Strategic Change projects and have received formal client appreciation twice in last 10 months. I would be going to US in September to work with our US firm on a stint of about 8 months. During that time I’ll be leading a team of 8 (belonging to 3 different locations) as Onsite Coordinator.

Extra Curricular Activities:
Captained school Cricket team, member of college as well as Company (for all 3 companies) cricket team. Won a number of swimming and Table Tennis tournaments in corporate competitions.
Co-founder of Toastmaster club (public speaking club, and elected as Treasurer) in my first company.
Founder and (elected) President of Toastmasters Chapter in my present company.
Regular contributor to company newsletter.

Community Work:
In 2005/06, worked with company foundation for education of slum kids.
In 2006, co-founded an NGO which sponsors education for poor but meritorious school students. We already have over 150 beneficiaries across the country.

I want to start applying in late 2008 (for session starting in 2009) when I’m already in US. I was ideally targeting 2010 session but if I get in this year, nothing like it.

My post MBA career goal is to either work as a strategic consultant in Tier 1Management Consulting firms like Mc, BCG, etc. or as Senior Business Analyst / pre sales for good IT services companies.
I am primarily targeting schools strong in Consulting as well as Technology, but getting very good scholarship is extremely important for me. Another important criterion is good brand recognition (preferably in India as well).

Given these requirements and constraints, I have narrowed down my search to 2 schools in US – Darden and Emory.
Insead is my dream school but I’m not sure if I have a chance there.
I’m also interested in HEC, Oxford and Cambridge though would like your opinion about the programs there, especially on the placement front.

Could you please comment about my chances at the aforementioned schools and suggest any other schools you deem fit.
What range of GMAT score should I target to have a good shot at decent scholarships?
Any other pointers/suggestions to improve or address the weak points in my profile would be highly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Priyom

[iim.aspirant]

Dear Jennifer,

I am targeting the 2009 entry at 10-20 ranked US Schools. Though I like INSEAD, Darden, Tepper and Stern, I am not sure of my chances as well as other schools where I should apply. But first, my profile at a glance:

Electrical Engg from one of the top colleges , 720/5.5, 4 years work-ex by June 09 - (presently) front-end research in a strategy consulting firm as a senior analyst, (past) 2 years equity research (US cap goods sector) as an offshore associate of a top-3 US IB client in Mumbai(my ex-company's client, and I worked as a full time equivalent (FTE) associate). I can get recos from the analysts I worked with - two of whom are Director/VPs in NY. My acads are average (first class but no distinction), but I believe my extra curriculars and varied work-experience should somewhat compensate. Also, I was actively involved in corporate trainings and recruitment in my previous organization.

I am interested in pursuing a career in MC.


I have won few certificates in litrary activities such as debates, GDs etc and other events such as Business plan and business case contests in various colleges across India. Though I have not pursued social service as a full-time activity, I do make sure that I donate enough to sponsor 5 cataract operations each year and have also sponsored 1 child's complete education. Besides this, I am a frequent blood donor.

While in college, I started a club that was aimed at improving the communication skills and business acumen of engineering students. This was because I realized even the best students found a tough time writing cover letters/ CVs, and such an effort would go about helping them. The club was a success and drew almost 100 members in a short space of time.


I changed my job because after two-years of back-end work, I had nothing much to add to my cv/learn, and the front-end role came as a pleasant breather, an opportunity to learn further, and gain diverse work-ex. Though I am quite happy with my career progress till date, I will soon come to a point where my company will only hire MBAs (as consultants), and hence, I see not much further upside to my growth. An MBA, therefore is what I am looking at.

Coming back, what more should I do and which schools should I really look at ?

Regards
I.A

[quantcheck]

Hi Jennifer,

I am currently working as Senior Automation Engineer in a Software MNC in India.
I have a experiance of 24 months(2yrs).

I would be seating for GMAT by Oct 2008. And plan to pursue my MBA in any of top B-schools in 2010-2011 as by then my work ex would have become 4years.

I have technical expertise in my field and have played technical as well as managarial role in my projects. I have lead a team of 2-10 in various project. And have also
understood the business perspective of my clients in the domain I have worked.
I firmly feel that I can make an impact in Customers Business and make an lasting
impact in IT services field.Thats why I want to pursue my MBA in Systems or IT field.

And one big negative in my Profile is my Acads:

10th - 88%
12th - 57%
B.E - 68%

For my poor acads, I am giving more then 100% in my professional life.
In my job I have done various certifications.
I am a HP Accredited Integration Specialist.
Istqb certifies Tester.
and Oracle Certified Associate.

In Extra Curriculars: I have been associated in Socio Intellectual Group.
I have won many prizes in Debating.In school I was into Dramatics.

In Community Service, though I have done few things in my Schools days, but nothing specific.I would like to know...What should I be doing to increase it.
And how do we show...the degree of community service to the B-schools.
Are the Essays only place where we right, or They Judge from the Interview or is there
any proof that we have to show.

Do these certifications help in negating my poor show in 12th.
What else can I do to better my chances. Or my acads will come on my for ever!!

Hoping to get ur frank feedback on all my queries.

Thanks in advance.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by bongarcon

Thanks Jennifer. And like I mentioned previously, I finally got their admit.

So, they were interested as you said.

Congratulations! Enjoy yourself, study hard, and build that global network!

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by fgmat

Jennifer,Thank you very much for your response....

best regds,

-rohit

You're welcome, Rohit!

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by priyom

Hi Jenifer,

Brief Profile:


Acads:
ICSE (10): 88% (1999)
ISC (12) 88.3% (2001)
BE in IT from Jadavpur University (79.2%), top 10 in class (2005).

GMAT: yet to take

Work Ex: nearly 3 years till date
2005-2006
Joined a top Indian IT services firm in banking domain. Worked with client: Bank of America in a number of critical projects. Suggested and successfully implemented some business process enhancements resulting in huge time and cost savings for the firm.
2006-07
Joined a startup company (Telecom domain) and led a product development project team of 5 people for client Motorolla, USA.
2007-present
Joined the Consulting unit of one of the Big Four firms with a promotion. Worked with US based clients on Technology Solutions as well as Strategic Change projects and have received formal client appreciation twice in last 10 months. I would be going to US in September to work with our US firm on a stint of about 8 months. During that time I’ll be leading a team of 8 (belonging to 3 different locations) as Onsite Coordinator.

Extra Curricular Activities:
Captained school Cricket team, member of college as well as Company (for all 3 companies) cricket team. Won a number of swimming and Table Tennis tournaments in corporate competitions.
Co-founder of Toastmaster club (public speaking club, and elected as Treasurer) in my first company.
Founder and (elected) President of Toastmasters Chapter in my present company.
Regular contributor to company newsletter.

Community Work:
In 2005/06, worked with company foundation for education of slum kids.
In 2006, co-founded an NGO which sponsors education for poor but meritorious school students. We already have over 150 beneficiaries across the country.

I want to start applying in late 2008 (for session starting in 2009) when I’m already in US. I was ideally targeting 2010 session but if I get in this year, nothing like it.

My post MBA career goal is to either work as a strategic consultant in Tier 1Management Consulting firms like Mc, BCG, etc. or as Senior Business Analyst / pre sales for good IT services companies.
I am primarily targeting schools strong in Consulting as well as Technology, but getting very good scholarship is extremely important for me. Another important criterion is good brand recognition (preferably in India as well).

Given these requirements and constraints, I have narrowed down my search to 2 schools in US – Darden and Emory.
Insead is my dream school but I’m not sure if I have a chance there.
I’m also interested in HEC, Oxford and Cambridge though would like your opinion about the programs there, especially on the placement front.

Could you please comment about my chances at the aforementioned schools and suggest any other schools you deem fit.
What range of GMAT score should I target to have a good shot at decent scholarships?
Any other pointers/suggestions to improve or address the weak points in my profile would be highly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Priyom

Hi, Priyom. You definitely sound like you are off to a solid start in your career. Darden will be more difficult to earn admission than Emory, but both will want to see your leadership and moving beyond programming. Especially since your career goal is consulting, you need to demonstrate your ability to interact with the clients well and generate additional sales for your team. Ideally, you will earn at least a 720 on the GMAT - but for a really good scholarship (and not just something nominal), in my opinion they would need to see over 750 and more impact on your company. Leadership is the one weakness I am still seeing in your profile - guiding large teams to make big impacts.

INSEAD does look for older applicants in general, but if you are able to make a strong case for your international leadership career and exceptional rate of advancement, then they make an offer. HEC Paris' recruiting success isn't as strong as the other programs, but alumni seem to be happy with the program overall.

One of my main roles is helping my clients identify opportunities to lead so they can fill in any weak areas before they need to write the essays. The Pre-Season Consulting time (Pre-season MBA Admission Consulting) is used to map out all of your experiences and identify the areas to improve upon - and potential ways to do that now.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[suvidhstrikes]

Hi jennifer

thanks for the earlier response.
i just wanted to update you on my achievements, work ex and the GMAT score (which i recieved yesterday) and have your view on my chances vis-vis my earlier questions and profile mentioned earlier


GMAT score(1st attempt) 740 (QA 49, VA 41) AWA 6/6

extra currics:
in school: house captain, school vice captain,, cultural activites captain, captain of the school football and cricket teams, captain of the school quizzing and debating teams...won a lot of inter school(city level and regional level) competitions in all of the above

College: Member of cricket, football,basketball,athletics team. member of dramatics, debaters and quizzers club(executive body)....captain of the college fashion show,quizzing,debating and dumb charades teams(again won a lot of inter college(both city level and national level) competitions

Also twice winner of natiional student management games( once 1st and once 3rd) organised by all india management association, in a simulated business strategy exercise called "Chanakyaniti"

Winner of Jagriti India scholarship awarded by the speaker of Lok Sabha(Indian parliament), Sh. P.A.Sangma

Member of a theatre group called "chandigarh mafia" or 2 years, n did theatre and street plays duing that time


Professional experience:
1) started my own event management company "eventizers", to organise stage shows, exhibitions etc in chandigarh and ran it successfuly for 1.5 years
2)Joined a plywood manufacturing firm as a sales representative and within six months made area sales manager and in another year Regional sales and marketing manager(entire north india) handling a team of 40 people.Worked for a total of 3 years for this organisation.
3)Worked as a faculty at T.I.M.E.( a bschool entrance prep insititue) and went on to become the marketing manager there as well...worked for a total of 10 months
4) Joined career launcher(another Test prep organisation) as a quantitative abilities faculty and within 3 months become the youngest ever centre head of the organisation handling a team of 30 people and taking care of the sales, marketing, operations, HR and academic issues of the a profit centre worth yearly revenues of more than 4 crore INR and along with my team mantained a growth rate of over 25% over the next 2 years.



As far as my future goals are concerned, i see myself either getting into management consulting or Investment Banking

Could you please advise me on the B schools i should be targetting out of the list given below, based on my profile above and if you could also tell me that if after mentioning the above mentioned if i have a better chance at cracking any of these bschools(since your earlier advice was to not target bschools in the top 25, but that is actually where my focus lies,so kindly advise and if possible , at the earliest since i intend to apply very soon)


My list of colleges which have confirmed that the 3year degree wont be a problem and that my work ex( most of which is before i completed graduation ) would be accepted are:

1. Kellogg
2 Harvard
3 Yale
4. Wharton
5 Tuck
6 Chicago GSB
7 Stanford
8 Fuqua
9. Darden
10 NYU Stern
11. Drucker
12 INSEAD
13. HEC France
14. IESE spain
15 Melbourne business school


out of these, i have already gor my GMAT score sent to
kellogg, INSEAD, HEC, Tuck and MBS

hoping for an early reply

warm regards
Suvidh Arora