PGPX IV - 2009-10: Application Process and Beyond

[vagabond007]

Originally Posted by npdhinesh

Hi All,Any idea what was last years minimum and average score for IIMA ?

I believe last year (3rd batch) average GMAT score at IIMA for PGPX program was 728. I don't think they publish minimum GMAT score.

I was really surprised to see such a high average score. I don't think even top schools in US (stanford, wharton etc) have reached to this level.

[vagabond007]

Originally Posted by hasansabu

hello all,
I am aspiring PGPX 4 candidate as well....applied last year but did not get an interview call due to my very low GMAT score....i plan to take GMAT again...

Anyone in the PGPX 3 batch who has taken GMAT more than once? Do youthink it would be a disadvantage?

my profile is:
Exp - wud be 8.5 by April 09
Int Exp - around 4 years
working as a business analyst and a project manager for a large IT company. Have been working on a project for a big Wall street bank for the past 5.5 yrs, so have a good knowledge of the financial markets...have always been in the BFS domain...

cheers....

Would you mind telling us your GMAT score when you applied last year?

[vagabond007]

Originally Posted by ckale

Hello all !
Didn't make it to PGPX III, Applying again for PGPX IV 2009.
Profile:
Education : B.E (Comp SC) - 67%
Work Exp : 9 Years (IT Services + Semiconductor product company).
International Exp : 1 year [ Japan + US ]
GMAT : Scored 690/4.0 last year. [One reason of not even being shortlisted last year]
Have to better this.
Extra Cur : Social Activities, Music

I believe that for IT guys, anything less than 720 would put them in the gray area.
Unless ofcourse, you can make it up with a strong profile.

I am also planning to apply for PGPX IV but my profile is very similar to yours last year.
I am yet to take GMAT but based on the practise tests, my score should be around 680-690. Did they tell you the reason when sending rejection email? Was it due to low GMAT score only?

Thanks.

[ckale]

>> Did they tell you the reason when sending rejection email? Was it due to low GMAT score only?

I did ask IIMA, but didnt get any response. Considering the average GMAT score of last years admits, it's pretty obvious that anything < 700 would be dicey.
I would guess that scores will prevail, if the profile of the IT applicants is more or less similar.

[aspire_2007]

Hi folks,

I'm Pramod and I'd be joining PGPX-III this April. I (along with Prabhu) would try to answer your queries with regards to PGPX application process. Good luck for your efforts.

One piece of advice would be to begin early on your application, complete, save and forget it for some time (based on how much time do you have). Then, review/ revise your application before submitting.

-P-

[abcIndia]

hi Prabhu!
Thanks for starting useful thread. Last year , I applied for PGPX but could not get interview call. So, your suggestion is required and thanks for the same in advance.
my profile:
1. Gmat: 680 (Q50,V31,AWA 4.0)
2. Work EX : 12 + in Narvatna PSU, both line & staff functions
3. International exposure: Nil
4. ACAD. B Tech (4.9/5.0 CGPA), MTech (9.67/10:::from IITD). topper in UP Board Intermediate exam.
Extra-Curricu... College days very active. ( I have many certificates etc.). In last 12 years: mainly involved in training of executives as extra-curricul. activity.

I have two negative points ( low gmat & no international exposure). However, I can not do anything regarding international exposure. Therfore, I need to improve my GMAT 730 +.

Your views are highly solicited.

[sidchib]

Hello Everybody,
It is really nice of all of you to have started this thread to share common aspirations and dreams to make it to the best B School in India. ALso, it is very kind of the current students to be to address the issues and clarify certain lingering doubts.
I would like all of you to look into my profile and forward candid suggestions/feedback;
Acads: Scored 87% in Class X( 1991) and XII (1993), B Tech ( 8.4/9.0) , Gmat 710/5
Work Ex: 11 yrs in the Indian Army with ex ranging from fighting insurgents in the kashmir valley , commanding a company of 150 men to managing administration and logistics of an Armd Brigade.
Extra Curricular: Reprented Army in Squash and have played many games at the unit and brigade level. Was involved in a major environmental initiative undertaken in my previous unit.

Certain queries that i solicit further clarifications;
Does one year program offer a middle to higher managerial role in the finance sector as a switch over option?
How many seats are in the offing in the batch commencing next year?
Considering that I have 11 years of work ex in India only, how would the adcom view it in terms of internaional ex?

[aspire_2007]

Hi sidchib,

Your profile looks good and pretty competitive. Following are my responses to your questions:

Does one year program offer a middle to higher managerial role in the finance sector as a switch over option? -- Roles offered are a function of one's incoming experience as well as where one is going post-PGPX, same industry, related industry or an entirely different industry. Essentially, prospective recruiters are going to look at how much of your past experience can be leveraged in your new role. If there is a good fit or if you can acquire required skills during PGPX, chances are that you'd land up with a higher role and vice-versa. Needless to say, there are exceptions both ways.

How many seats are in the offing in the batch commencing next year? -- For now, we do not have any official communication on # of seats for PGPX-IV. When we'd be on campus next month, perhaps things will be clearer.

Considering that I have 11 years of work ex in India only, how would the adcom view it in terms of internaional ex? -- In my opinion, International experience is a hygiene factor. It is a good-to-have factor but is not a necessity. Many times, people do not have international purely due to the fact that job does not require it (which seems to be your case too). My understanding also suggests that its requirement may vary from job profile-to-job profile. IT guys tend to have higher international experience than others. I'd suggest not worrying about it for now, since it is not in your control anyways.

Good luck!

-P-

[/quote]

Originally Posted by sidchib

Hello Everybody,
It is really nice of all of you to have started this thread to share common aspirations and dreams to make it to the best B School in India. ALso, it is very kind of the current students to be to address the issues and clarify certain lingering doubts.
I would like all of you to look into my profile and forward candid suggestions/feedback;
Acads: Scored 87% in Class X( 1991) and XII (1993), B Tech ( 8.4/9.0) , Gmat 710/5
Work Ex: 11 yrs in the Indian Army with ex ranging from fighting insurgents in the kashmir valley , commanding a company of 150 men to managing administration and logistics of an Armd Brigade.
Extra Curricular: Reprented Army in Squash and have played many games at the unit and brigade level. Was involved in a major environmental initiative undertaken in my previous unit.

Certain queries that i solicit further clarifications;
Does one year program offer a middle to higher managerial role in the finance sector as a switch over option?
How many seats are in the offing in the batch commencing next year?
Considering that I have 11 years of work ex in India only, how would the adcom view it in terms of internaional ex?

[Riya05]

Originally Posted by npdhinesh

Hello!!
Can any body provide some inputs regarding books for GMAT preparation.
Suggestions are highly appreciated.

Hi Dhinesh
You can refer to a few old threads on this forum for GMAT prep tips.

Traditionally people have been using OG (official guide for GMAT review) as a bible. This pretty much covers the questions with same dificuly as you would face in actual GMAT.

Then there are other supplementary books like Kaplan, Princeton review etc.

I suggest you go through the forum and search for relevant threads.

ATB

Prabhu.

[Riya05]

Originally Posted by pra2464

Hello!!
I am also planning to apply for PGPX IV 2009. Here goes my profile.
Education : B.Tech (Electronics) - 8.9/10
Work Exp : 9.5 Years (IT) - various positions of team lead, project manager, client relationship roles, technical architect
International Exp : 6 years (71 months), US only.
GMAT : Not yet taken, planning in May
Extra Cur : Adventurous sports.

I am planning to apply for ISB too.

What are the chances? My GMAT test scores are around 680/690, hope to increase it to reach 710.

Thanks
Amit

Amit
Looking at profiles in my batch and previous batches, my candid personal view is that your chances depend a lot on your GMAT score and essays (and ofcourse the interview). I am saying this becuase more than 50% of the applicant pool will have similar profile as yours and getting past such a large pool needs some strong differentiators. IMO, GMAT and your essays could be your differentiators. Since these two factors are still in your control, focus on these - GMAT first and then essays.

And one suggestion on ISB - Although a great school, my view is that it's a good fit for people with 4-6 years of exp. Any more or less, you may feel out of the place. This is what I heard from people who have been there. There are few threads on this forum where this ISB vs IIM debate has been beaten to death. You can dig deep into the forum and you will find some interesting arguments.

cheers and ATB
Prabhu.