[poweryourapp]

Hi All 2009 MBA Aspirants,

I am starting this thread to answer any and every question you might have during your application process. I myself used PG for my application process, and thanks to all the helpful ppl here, I got into UNC KFBS for Fall 2008.

I got a lot from PG and I feel its time for me to give something back. I have gained thorough knowledge of the entire MBA process during this last one year, and would like to share it with prospective MBA candidates. So feel free to post questions about profile evaluations, essays, goals, etc. And I will do my best to answer them.

Hope you all get into your dream school.

Anshul

[Pappoos]

Hi Anshul,
Firstly, congratulations on the UNC Admit.
I am Vivek and aim`ing at beginning my MBA in the US by the Fall'09.
My domain of work is IT Infrastructure Management. I would have 4 years of experience by Fall '09. My Acads are average and extra curriculars and community work just ok.
I have planned my GMAT in July and my preparations are underway. I am still confused on finding the right colleges and the right program. :confused:

I could stay in the same domain that I work on and look at operations management or MIS. But I am not very sure how good the job market in the US is on these domains. On the other hand I hear good opportunities knock at Finance MBAs. Would it be an easy switch if I look towards Finance? Is there anything specific I need to do to show competence in this regard since I have no work experience in the Finance domain. This is the reason of my dilemma.

Thats quite a long query to start of. Any inputs from you on what could help me make a decision here? Also suggestions on good programs, colleges and better prep for my GMAT could help. Thanks

Cheers,
Vivek

[just4anshul]

@vivek,

sorry for the late reply.... things have been crazy. Well at this point, I would say that dont change your career path thinking about which path would lead to better job options. I would say stick to the career path you like. Cuz after your MBA you will get enough opportunities...

for your gmat... i would say prepare all the OGs and then after this pin point your weak area and work on that. for me it was sentence correction, and princeton review helped me with that (their book).

as far as colleges go, lets first decide what you want to do after your MBA and give me a score that you think you might get... then i can tell you more about colleges.

hope this helps...

[singhsh]

Hi..good initiative..thanks..and congrats on your admit...i am also looking at Fall 2009 and was wondering if you could suggest something as i did apply last year but only to ISB...was rejected after interview in round 2...
so here goes the profile first...
Gmat: 710
Work ex : 3 yrs by May 2009 (Hospitality 6 mnths + 2.5 in Financial research)
Acads : excellent at school and avg in under grad
College : Economics (Hons.)
Extra currics: Very good..social initiatives included
Additional: Planning to do a web based program in Business Analytics with online studies and certification from IIM C
Now i am mainly looking at 1 yr MBA courses ( few even 1.5 yrs) and that would include mainly UK courses..but don't really know which all should i apply to..I plan to major in Finance and also concentrate on entrepreneurship if that Option is available...long term plan is social entrprise in the education sector...
Looking at my porfile what is it that you would suggest... i plan to apply to
ISB
Oxford
Judge
NUS
but then again with the kind of competition in terms of work experience and gmat i do intend to apply sensibly as its a make or break this time ....pls do tell me if you can think of a school i should be applying to or one of my options i should be realistic about....thanks a lot..looking forward to your reply...

[jshah29]

Hi Anshul,

congrats on your admit and All the best!

You can continue your good work on the below threads

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/intern...pplicants.html

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/intern...ance-desk.html (Phoren B-school Assistance Desk)

That way you can target a larger audience and also remove duplicity of threads

Jaimin

[just4anshul]

@singhsh

You can also apply to INSEAD, Emory , Kellogg, Notre Dame (you might need an undergrad degree in biz for that, check their websites).

Other thing I would say was that have a good reason so as to why you switched from hospitality to finance. Rest everything looks fine.

@jshah29

thanks. I do post in those threads, I had started this one looong back.

[singhsh]

Originally Posted by just4anshul

@singhsh

You can also apply to INSEAD, Emory , Kellogg, Notre Dame (you might need an undergrad degree in biz for that, check their websites).

Other thing I would say was that have a good reason so as to why you switched from hospitality to finance. Rest everything looks fine.

ya the hospitality stint was beacause it is my family business...so had worked there for some time and then got into the corporate world....

but for the schools ...INSEAD normally takes people with very high work experience...
also would it really have a negative impact on my profile if i change my current job and join a new education entreprise coming up in Hyderabad....with a world renowned educationist working on behalf of a global investor. ..although this would be more inline with my longterm goals it would make my work ex look like patch work..6 mnths + 1.5 yrs + few more mnths into the education entreprise..thinkin about this i cannot decide whether to go ahead with the change or stick to the same financial research work which does not seem satisfying anymore...more of a personal question but need to solve this dilemma..all suggestions would be appreciated...

[just4anshul]

my suggestion is that always stick to what your heart really wants you to do. money will just follow. PM me your profile and then I can advice you more, as of now I am a little confused about what you have done and what you want to do.

hope this helps.

[VikashCRai]

Hi Anshul,
I have just started my preperations for GMAT and I am aspiring for fall 2009. What would be the right time frame for GMAT exams?

Thanks,
Vikash

[just4anshul]

@vikash

The best time to take GMAT is in July/Aug. This way you are ready to apply in R1 to schools, most R1 deadlines are in Sep/Oct.

Anshul