Hi Jeremy,

I am planning to apply for Fall 2009 to top US/UK B-Schools. Could it be possible for you to please suggest few reputed B-Schools for my profile.

GMAT: 680 ( Q-50, V-32)
B.Tech: IIT Delhi ( Ranked no. 1 in India and 23rd worldover )
GPA: 5.5/10
Sex: Female
Work Ex.-till August 2008- 5 years ( 1 year in a Business Research and analytics firm, 4 years in leading Public Sector Enterprise )
Extracurriculars: Average
Community work: Nil , but for some rehabilitation work as part of job in the Public Sector Enterprise.

Post-MBA I wish to get into finance ( wealth management or i-banking), though I dont have any bckground in finance so far. Please suggest few schools for me. I may be wrong, but I consider that an MBA has more to do with brand value that it gives. Therefore, I am looking for reputed programs but given my gmat score I am not sure if I can be through in a top-program.

Looking forward to hear from you.
Thanks and regards,

Dear Jeremy,
I am Girdahri, great to see you helping others make their decisions.

My profile

Age: 28 years

Education: B.E (Computer Sc & engg.) , 69%

Work Ex: 50 months (till now)

1. 15 months in Satyam Computers Ltd. as Software engg, did a 1 million $ project in gas domain for a fortune 500 client and was one among 10 peers selected to do that, successfully developed an analysis tool while leading a team of three.
   
2. 24 months Rashtiys Ispat Nigam Ltd.(RINL), a govt. PSU, was Junior manager - was involved in automation activities of the plant - automated a process increasing efficeincy by 7%.
   
3. 11 months (and going) Rural Development Institute (NGO): I am Project Officer for Uttarakhand state, and heading Village Resource Centre project (along with ISRO)for the state. Catering tele-medicine , tele-education, tele agriculture servies to 160 remote villages with 16 centres and 30 more coming up bringing total villages to ~500. My work ranges from need assessment study to content delivery at these centres to facilitate social development through IT and the biggest task being making these centres self sustainable.I lead a team of 10 people and coordinate with 4 different NGO's and various govt. agencies.
   
4. Also heading other projects with community upliftment and environmental concerns.
   

GMAT: not given yet, but aiming at 700+

Extra cirricullar: Football captain at college and represented college in Cricket, hostel secretary for 2 years
in college representing 200 students.

Institutes aiming at: Kellog, Harvard, Wharton, Tucks, Yale

Future aspirations: Want to do MBA with Marketing and entrepreneurship as majors, would like to go to non-profit consultation after MBA in short term and becoming a social entrepreneur in the long term.

Kindly comment if I fit into the above colleges with below-average acads and such work ex. And your suggestions for B schools.

Hi,

Thanks for helping out guys like me who are confused about various aspects of MBA admissions.
Yet another common question from my side.

My profile:

1. Percentages in 10th and 12th class: 87.6% and 87% respectively (topper of the school, 1st position throughout)
   
2. GMAT 730 (48Q, 41V, 6 AWA)
   
3. UG - B.Tech (Electronics) from a state university: 3.6/4 GPA
   
4. Work ex of 4.5 years (Infosys+Oracle): Senior Software Engineer in the role of a Project Lead
   
5. Have learnt classical music and have been pursuing singing as a hobby for the past 16 years
   
6. Took lot of initiatives in college and school e.g. founded cultural committees, represented college in national level tech fests etc.
   
7. Have been a volunteer in both Infosys and Oracle helping blind, HIV+ive etc.
   
8. As a member of Project 511, teach English to rural students
   
9. A member of toastmasters club
   
10. Organized a few cultural events at project level while working
    
11. No onsite experience except a recent 1 month visit abroad for meeting higher management and customers.
    
12. Am 26 years old
    

I understand that it is a fairly common profile (Indian, IT, Male).

1. Was wondering which kinds of colleges should I apply for?
   
2. Is it possible for me to switch to finance or consulting post-MBA given that I have no experience in either domain?
   
3. Currently, I am totally confused about various questions such as:
   

a)What are the reasons that I want to move away from IT? Why MBA?
b)Which specialization in MBA??? Consulting/Finance/IT systems management? Why?
Where could I find answers to these questions or at least find some guiding material which would help me in answering these questions?

I would be grateful if you could advise me on these.

Regards,
Tim

Hi Jeremy,

Based on my Profile, I would like to know the strength of my candidacy for the MBA program for FALL' 09.

GMAT score : 1st : 690( 50-Q, 34-V, 5.5 AWA) , 2nd: 700( 50-Q, 34-V, 5.5 AWA)
I know thats not a good score :(

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering ( Information Technology )
Academics : Have an excellent academic record. Have consistently been a top ranking student through out my academic career.
Extra curricular activities : Winner at various inter collegiate events
Social Work & Responsibilities : Have worked for NGOs and have been involved in various social activities.
Work Experience : 4 years in leading Indian IT companies. Involved in a leadership role .Started my career as a Programmer and moved on to the Functional side. Currently working as a Sr Business Analyst. 0.5 years experience in teaching analytical topics and Maths
Career Goal: To be a Financial Analyst and move on to be an Entrepreneur. Keeping this in mind I've alligned my work experience to move on to the Analytical/ Functional side .
Entrepreneurial activities : Currently working on a business proposal based on GPS functionality.
Based on my profile above, I would like to know which B schools should I aim at. Or rather what category of B schools should I aim at.
Thanks.

hi.i wanted to know abt how to get good information regarding colleges and their entrance exam notification of dates and their release dates of exams form

Hi Jeremy,

First of all your help to guide MBA aspirants through this is really appreciable.Thanks in advance.

I wanted to know about the colleges where I can apply if I want to go for a ONE year MBA course from a prestigious insitute in US, Europe or Asia.

My profile is as below:

1) BTECH from IIT Kanpur in 2003. CGPA 7.2/10. IIT Kanpur is believed to be the No.1 engineering insitute of all time in India.

2) GMAT - Will be giving on Aug 7,2008.Please give me some insight about what score should i target for.Currently i am targeting 700.

3) Extracurricular - was actively involved in various cultural activities in college.Was the Cultural Secretary of my department where i orgranized various departmental functions.Also, was an active music club member and worked as the secretary of the music club for one year.

4) Work Experience - 5 years of workex.My work experience has been purely in IT companies which have prestigious positions in the industry.This includes General Electricals, IBM and Fidelity which is my current organization.Unfortunately, i don't have any international exposure as all my project works were completely outsourced to India but i have been continuosly working in diversified MNC culture which i believe is my strength. There were lots of critical tasks assigned to me during my professional career where i was appreciated for my leadership qualities and have got total 4 awards at different stages of my career so far.

Working in big MNCs for only 5 years has never given me any official designation of a team lead or project lead.However, in GE and IBM, there were many instances where i had to do code reviews, work as Functional Group lead and was actively involved in team management activities with my managers.


Please can you share your ideas about what are the areas i really need to improve on.Even if i don't get a chance to get a 1 year MBA course in 2009,i will really like to go for the best possible college in 2010.

Thanks a Lot!!

Hi Jeremy

Firstly I really appreciate your work for the PG students like us. I wanted to know about the colleges where I can apply if I want to go for a ONE year MBA course.

My profile is as below:
1) Computer Engineer from a reputed college in India - 73% ~ 3.4 GPA
2) GMAT - expecting 720+ planning to give this December
3) Extracurricular - was actively involved in sports in college and school. Have represented my school and College Athletics team to various inter school events
4) Community Service - involved at home.
5) Work Experience - About 4.5 years by December '08. Worked in an MNC India (working as Technical Leader) and them moved to US for work. About 2 yrs work experience in US. The entire experience in the finance and banking domain. Currently working for a reputed bank in US as a consultant.

Now the help I need from you, the colleges in US where all I can apply with my profile. Also I will require sponsorship for my studies. I am planning to join the 09 batch. If possible suggest me whether with this profile should I go for a ONE year program or take the TWO year program itself. I am looking for reputed institute though.

I am eagerly waiting for your response on the same.

Thanks
Ankit

Hello Jeremy,

I'm right now working with a MNC in ITES sector, my profile is as below:

Xth- 73%
XIIth- 69%
B.Tech- 72%
Work Ex- 2.8 years
GMAT-700
Designation- Sr. Quality Analyst
Handling 3 different teams- total 40 associates under me.

Apart from this I have lot of achievements and initiatives on my name along with many motivation drives run by me as part of my leadership skills in my organization. And for social participation I've been awarded by my VP for initiatives that I've taken for our society as part of CSR.

Along with all these, I'm have good comand over basic management concepts and subjects.

Being in ITES sector, I hope i fulfill the demand for diversity in terms of experience as required by most of the international colleges. My field of interest for MBA is Service Marketing/International Business.

Though I never had a foreign trip, but am good in handling international client. Right now I'm dealing with one of the Giant telecom company in Canada. And I can have recommendation from them as well.
I'm planning to apply for 2009 batches.

It woud be great if you could comment on my profile and show me the real picture. Also can you suggest me some colleges and any other area where I should excel myself.

Hi Jeremy

Could you please provide insights on essay analysis for ISB (2009 class).

1.Please give three reasons why ISB should admit you into the class of 2010. These reasons should ideally differentiate you from your competition. (300 words max )
2.You are contesting the election to be the President of the ISB Student Body. Write a speech you will deliver to the student body on why they should elect you as the President? (300 words max)
3.CASE : You have been appointed to head the team to build a dam across the River Zumba. Success in this project is critical for your company and would earn you a promotion. Failure would mean that your company would be bankrupt and will take along with it, its investors and its employees. Building a dam across the river would result in deforestation of a portion of the rainforests and would mean relocation of the tribals and destabilization of wild life at Zumba. There is resistance from environmental groups against your project. You are meeting the head of the resistance movement in one hour wherein you would have to explain your decision. Describe what you would do and why? (You will be evaluated on the creativity and practicality of your solution). (300 words max)

4.Optional
Please provide additional information, if any, that will significantly affect the consideration of your application to the ISB. Please do not repeat information which has already been stated elsewhere in the application. You may use this to clarify any breaks in education/work, inform about any other item which you think has not been covered elsewhere etc. (300 words max)

Thanks for all your help.

Hi Jeremy, I have been reading these dozens of pages of your analyses with interest. You have shown enormous patience & depth of understanding, and I'm glad to be able ot ask your advice.

I'm a 34 year old surgeon from India, working in Dubai. I have a very diverse work experience, speak five languages (three learnt after becoming a doctor) and am interested in a general management MBA that will get me into Healthcare management, hoping to rise to strategy. I have 770 in GMAT, am working on my quants firther with MBAMath. My question is
1. Have I left it for too late in terms of age?
2. I am looking at Tuck, Duke, Chicago, ISB, Maybe Darden, (i want HBS, but i feel my age will be more of a problem there) Are there any other places i should be looking at? Wharton healthcare is supposed to be great, but is it beyond my reach?
3. I have earned very low wages by the standards of even Indian non-healthcare industry while i was i India. (Standard for my field, maybe a bit above normal) Will that be a problem?

Hi Jeremy,
I am 27 years old male engineer from India.
I am aiming for top business schools (Preferably 1 year) outside India. I would highly appreciate if you can review my profile and suggest which colleges I should target.
My profile:
1) GMAT: 690
2) UG: Excellent acads - Silver Medalist (From one of the Top Engineering colleges in India)
3) Extracurricular: Average
4) International Work-ex: More than 2 years in UK
5) Total Work-Ex: Around 6.5 years by Sep, 2009 (Working in Infosys Technologies)
- Working as a team leader from last 2.5 years
- Rapid Promotion to Project Lead's position
- Received couple of awards
6) Involved in community work.
7) Learning French
I am working in projects related to Manufacturing services (Aerospace & Auto Domain) and want to work in Management Consulting post-MBA in same field.
Could you please evaluate my profile and suggest me the right colleges?
Thanks,
Gaurav

Hi Jeremy,
I am a graduate engineer,I want to seek an admission in good MBA college. But my academics are not that good as I have a drop in engineering for a year , so I want to know am I eligible to get an admission in good MBA college in India.

Hi Jemery,

I am aspiring for a MBA from a top notch international B School. I would appreciate your advice on where i stand in the
crowd. My profile is briefed below:
1) GMAT - 710 (V:35,M:50,AWA:5) taken sept'07
2) TOEFL - 106 taken oct'07
3) UG GPA - 9/10 in B.Tech computer science & engg from top 25 institution in India.
4) PG GPA - Expecting in few month. Completed the part time MS Software Engg from Top 7 institution in India- Corporate sponsorship.
5) Extracurricular: Decent with few Philanthrpic activities.
6) International Ex: Since last 2 month.
7) Total Work Ex: 36 month as of June 2008 in IT industry - Cognizant

I am planning to apply in the coming season for Aug 09 intake.

Please criticise/comment my profile and advise what schools I should aim at. My interest are in Management Consulting.

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your help in this forum - i have read your earlier posts with great interest.. Could you pls give me advice based on my profile below.. thanks..

I am an indian applicant and am aiming for Harvard, Stanford, Tuck, Chicago, Cambridge, IMD and INSEAD. I plan to make a career switch - post my MBA i plan to start my second career as a consultant and later would like to come back to India to work in a general management role.
I have done a MBA earlier and have 5 years of post MBA work-experience in an Indian blue-chip company and a global healthcare major.

I have been fortunate enough (due to my earlier MBA) to lead large teams from day one of my professional career and my work-ex has been in rural business (a very innovative business model followed by an indian company) and in sales of medical products. In both the above companies i have been a part of start-up divisions and hence have gathered varied functional exposure (recruitment, training, sales, marketing, business development) and had loads of fun

I have won several awards at work and have enough leadership experience and successes (no awards during school and undergrad, though I have secured an "A" grade throughout my academic career). I was recently promoted and made a few mistakes that would be worth writing about in some of the essays :smile:

Currently I am working in India for a healthcare major in a middle management sales position. I intend to apply this year. I have following extracurriculars:
Community development - worked with NGOs to build check dams, adult literacy program and adopted 2 rural schools (raised money from my current company and ran the mumbai marathon to raise pledges in support of my initiative). I captain my company cricket team and am also one of the founder members of the sports club. Besides the above, I have found a youth forum in college and am an alumnus of AIESEC (an international youth forum)

Why a second MBA: a) to get an intl outlook - an opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world and learn from diversity. b)For career switch to consulting. c) To convert my weakness - lack of international exposure - to strength

My GMAT score is 690 (AWA - 5.5). I have negligible international work ex, though my current company has given me adequate exposure to work in a very diverse and challenging environment

Thanks for your help.

Hi!

Would sending a document detailing the plans for fulfilling my vision along with my application, enhance my chances of admission? Assuming that the quality of the plan is pretty good, of course!
Inevitably, the document would contain details of a big hole where the mba program would fit in!

Also, the following is my profile:

GMAT: 700/4.5
U.G: B.E - 3.8 GPA - NIT Surathkal (Top 10 college in India)
Indian/IT/Male
8 Months International Experience
Extra Curriculars: In College: Multiple instances of managing about 7-10 people to organize certain events.
Learning French.
Work Experience: 2 years (now); Trying for 2009.

At Work: No Managerial experience. But I have conducted motivated and trained my team mates to improve their creativity, which is starting to show results. I expect the manager to vouch for the quality of this initiative.

What would be my chances at Europe's Top 10-15 if i am trying for programs starting in Fall '09? What are the kind of things I should consider to improve my chances?

Jeremy,

I am working in software industry right now and currently have about 3.5 years of experience. I want to attend B school around may 2008. I have couple of questions for you.

1. I want to do 1 year course so my target is narrowed down to B Schools in Europe and Singapore. What are the key elements for an impressive application in addition to academics and GMAT score?

2. I also need some help in filtering my B-schools list? Can you give some directions for selecting B-Schools or name the good schools in Europe and singapore?

Awaiting your reply.

- Ram

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. I'd appreciate if you can please give me some advice. I want to remedy my GPA by taking some undergraduate (UG) accounting, economics, and marketing classes before I apply. I scored 750 in my GMAT but my GPA is a pathetic 2.65 (lot of reasons, but it is in the past - no excuses). I graduated 11 years ago and work as a Program Manager currently, in the IT sector for the Federal Government. My goal is to get in to a part-time MBA program at Georgetown, George Washington, U of MD or do the online MBA program at Purdue. Due to the cost of college, I was planning on taking the UG classes at a Community College which will be a third in tuition compared to taking the UG courses at a university. My questions are:

1. Do I even have a chance at these schools?
2. Are admission folks OK with community college courses?
3. I am 34, am I too old for this?

Thanks and God bless.

Respectfully,

Yohan

I am a fresher planning to do MBA after gaining some experience...
I have some queries..

1- Since GMAT is valid for 5 yrs., Does it make any difference if I take it now and apply after say a gap of 3 yrs.?? Do universities consider this in selection?If yes then why?

2- Which will count more..an experience in IT (which I'll get) or experience in Finance?

3- Which is the best book to start your preparation with??

4- How much experience will be good enough?

Apu,

Thank you for your inquiry,

If your grades are poor, you can mitigate them by taking additional courses in finance, accounting, economics, statistics or calculus. Usually, candidates take two classes and earn As in order to create a break from their respective pasts. Further, you could do something like taking the CFA a challenge that shows that you have a base level of knowledge applicable to the MBA and that you have the maturity and self-discipline to study for three years. This is, of course, a major undertaking and should be considered carefully.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Dear Jeremy,

my grades are catastrophic. Only the fact that I graduated from my college got me a job during campus recruitment.

Should I do a short term course to demonstrate academic ability? What would be considered mitigating factors for bad grades. What can I do now?

Regards,
Apu

Hi Jeremy,

want a clear picture as to where i stand in terms of getting admissions in top notch business school.

Here is my profile :-

1. B.Tech - mech Engg. - 7.05/10.0 (2001 passout)
2. GMAT - 690
3. Work Ex: - 6.5 years.

1. 3.5 years in mktg deptt - HOnda motorcycles.
   
2. 2 years in mktg deptt - Toyota motors , India
   
3. 1 year approx In Tata motors.

I have a good experience in Automobiles been working with big names in the industry.
Extra curricular activities - Average
Lettle philantrophy work done

I am aiming for this year end , dec-2008 and want to do MBA in Finance.

I want to apply only to top colleges - Harvard , stanford , insead ,LBS as you suggest.

Could you give your opinion about what these institutes look for and whether my profile is in synch with that?

I have heard that you dont get any scholarship in MBA programs??Is it True???If not , how much can i get in these institutes??

Are there any other good schools for finance?

What are the weak points in my profile?

Regards,

samir

Hi,

I have secured an admission to Instituto de Empresa, Spain. Though the rankings rank it very high, I am unable to find sufficient information regarding the school. Can you please provide answers for the following questions:

1. Can you please tell me how well-reputed is IE in Europe and outside Europe, preferably in Asia n Middle-east
2. How good are placements at IE, especially for non-EU students
3. I plan to pursue managment consulting in the short-term and entrepreneurship in the long-term. Can you please tell me how good IE ranks in these domains.
4. How does it fare when compared to top US B-schools and top European B-schools i.e LBS, INSEAD, H/B/S etc.

I will really appreciate if you could help me out.

Regards

Dear Jeremy,

I am julia and want to get some information to enter into MBA course; now I already have about 5 years assistant and management experience and be interested to promote myself, so could i get some detail information for SIMT, such as qualification to enter, how to contact proffessor, tuition fee and so on?

Thanks & best regards
julia

Thank you for your inquiry.

At MBA Mission, we really specialize in the top-American and European programs. I just dont know enough about IIM to offer you any advice. I apologize.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844

Hey Jeremy

I'm Indian, 27 / Male / engineer.
I have an experience of 4 years in the IT sector including 1 year in US and 3 years in India (with a fortune 200 company).
I took GMAT in August 2007 and scored 750. Gave TOEFL n scored 113 out of 120. I have received admission offers from HEC, Paris and IIM (Indian Institute of Management), Lucknow.

My short-term goal is to work in business consulting. I would be targetting firms such as McKinsey n BCG post-MBA.

Keeping in mind my preferred field of work, which one out of the two b-schools would be a better fit for me?

Thanks!

Hi Jeremy,

I've another question...I've learnt french in school.Will it help if I take a certification?

Thanks,
Uma

Hi Jeremy,
Thanks a lot for helping us out with your valuable insights.I have recenly given my GMAT and am confused about how high I could aim.Could you please give me your opinion as to where I stand a chance?

I am a 24 year old Indian female, planning on applying for Fall 09.I have decent to good grades and GMAT score
Xth - 86%
XIIth - 96%
Engg - 80%
GMAT - 750/5
I have always been in the top 5 of my Dept in college.In Std XII, I was school second.I won a number of prizes in school and college (including 'Best outgoing student").I am a trained dancer(Learnt classical dance for more than 12years) and have given a few performances(including a debut performance a month before my STD XII exams ).I have also learnt Indian classical music for about 5 years.I was my house Vics Capt.in std XI and the Assitant school pupil leader in std XII. I also represented my school at
badminton.In college, I was EEE dept's Joint secretary and placement co-ordinator.
I have an avid interest in dramatics..I have acted in plays both in school/college as well as outside.I was part of a group which put up a few plays(mainly musicals) to aid charitible organisations. I have even done some choreography as part of this.My favourite memory of this is the time I had choreographed a routine for children (part of a disney musical).I took part in a number of dance competitions in school, college and at work. I enjoyed coreographing these as well and I feel that I have learnt a lot through this,especially tact and how to co-ordinate a diverse group of people. I also learnt how to manage a budget(strtch it to cover costumes, props, lighting...) and more
importantly , how to delegate, to get people to listen and believe in what you see, without ruffling too many feathers.This was especially true at work,when you might have your manager or your manager's manager in your group/team.While I already had a lot of experience co-ordinating people in school and college, there were many more
things to consider at work. I also sung in a choir for 9 years.I am editor of my account newsletter at work and enjoy collecting ,editing as well as writing articles for it. As a I junior to the other people on the editorial board, i have had to be careful not to step on anyone's toes, while still being assertive and pushing forth my views.
I have always taken part in whatever activity I could (I dont believe in single-mindedly working/hitting the books the whole day). I would like to describe myself as a well rounded person.
Coming to my profession, I am (unfortunately, in view of wanting an MBA) an IT professional.WHile I do have a lot of responsibility at work , I do not officially manage a team. I should get a promotion before fall 09,but will not having one right now affect my chances of an admit greatly? I have recieved an award at work and am considered one
of the best performers.My job includes mentoring new joinees too.Being involved with the newsletter has given me 'visibility' at work.
Outside school and college, I have been involved in community service only for the past 3 years.I volunteer(not just donate) at a local charity hospital.I am even involved in helping with their administrative work to a small extent.I am confident of get a good, well written recos from the hospital society president and from my manager. I could get recos from senior people at work, but I felt that my manager would probably be able to paint a
more detailed picture of me.
I am interested in pursuing a degree in general management with a specialization in Ops.I initially considered waiting for a few years and building my profile, but have decided against it.I am very confused about where I should apply. While I could say that I wanted to apply only to a highly ranked school,it wouldn't be realistic.Should I consider applying to the top 10, or should I concentrate only on 10-25?The only school I am
definately applying to(so far) is Rochester...that too because they have sent me an application fee waiver.
Thank you for taking the time to evaluate my (somewhat lengthy) profile.

Thanks,
Uma

The 2008-2009 MBA application season is now officially underway! (Did you heart rate just increase). As you will see below, HBS has just released its essay questions, the first of the top-schools to do so. Oddly, we received notification via Google Alerts and their RSS feed, stating that they were up on May 12, but it seems that they have just been revealed. We will be posting our essay analysis shortly; so stay tuned to our blog.

1. What are your three most substantial accomplishments and why do you view them as such? (600-word limit)
2. What have you learned from a mistake? (400-word limit)
3. Please respond to two of the following (400-word limit each):
A) What would you like the MBA Admissions Board to know about your undergraduate academic experience?
B) Discuss how you have engaged with a community or organization.
C) What area of the world are you most curious about and why?
D) What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy...I am a BE from NSIT Delhi, have 1 year (pre-MBA) work experience and hold an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. I have a specialization in Human Resource Management.

I am currently working in the middle east in a large conglomerate and handle the Talent Management initiatives in the organization.

I plan to start pursuing my CFA very soon. At a later stage in my career, I wish to do a 1 or 2 year MBA from a top rated US B School. I understand that it is very difficult to secure admission if you hold an MBA...My MBA is rated amongst the finest in India ...What can I do to build a profile that would help my cause? To what extent is having a prior MBA a deterrant?

Dear Jeremy,

my grades are catastrophic. Only the fact that I graduated from my college got me a job during campus recruitment.

Should I do a short term course to demonstrate academic ability? What would be considered mitigating factors for bad grades. What can I do now?

Regards,
Apu

Hey Jeremy

I'm Indian, 27 / Male / engineer.
I have an experience of 4 years in the IT sector including 1 year in US and 3 years in India (with a fortune 200 company).
I took GMAT in August 2007 and scored 750. Gave TOEFL n scored 113 out of 120. I have received admission offers from HEC, Paris and IIM (Indian Institute of Management), Lucknow.

My short-term goal is to work in business consulting. I would be targetting firms such as McKinsey n BCG post-MBA.

Keeping in mind my preferred field of work, which one out of the two b-schools would be a better fit for me?

Thanks!

Apu,

Apu,

Thank you for your patience. My response to your question is above, Sorry for my error in my post yesterday. I think that I have answered your questions. Feel free to post anytime...

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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

Hi Jeremy,

I'm a lawyer from India's premier law school and have about 4.5 years of experience working in tech and IT MNCs. Presently I am a contracts manager for a fortune 100 concern and am handling all sales contracts for India by myself. I have some experience in the Analytics field with the same concern and have germinated a couple of business impact/change the business projects that used six sigma and lean methodologies.

I want to know what factors can mitigate a very poor academic record in a B-school application.

I have a very consistent record as far as sports is concerned (soccer, basketball, field hockey, volleyball and atheletics teams in my university and captained 3 of them, pretty much the same at school, am captain of my company soccer team as well) and my work responsibility and exposure have been very good. What else can I put forward so that my acads won't drag me down.

I'm yet to give my GMAT: what sort of a score would be a good demonstrator of my ability at academics? I'm at 690 on practice tests without any prep whatsoever.

Thanking you in anticipation of your reply.

Regards,
Apu

Apu,

I often tell candidates: I am not saying that you should have a weakness, but if you are going to have a weakness, hopefully, it is your grades. Of course, I am being a bit drole, because of course, you cant control your weaknesses after the fact, but I want to simply assure you that unless your grades are catastrophic, you should have a chance to make up for them.

Your GMAT is of course a good place to start, as it supposedly measures you innate intelligence, as oppose to your GPA which is a measure of intelligence, endurance and maturity at a young age. Your GPA is backward looking while your GMAT is more of a snapshot in time. Beyond your GMAT, you should do your best to ensure that you have no other weaknesses. Strong professional experience and recommendations (which you seem to have) and community leadership will help you strengthen your others. Your athletics are a nice supplemental piece, but they are from long ago. What can you do in terms of leadership going forward? You need to carve out an image of yourself as an initiator, who constantly strives for greatness and then accomplishes your goals. Not an easy task, but if you busy yourself with targeted activities, it is achievable

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
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Skype:MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

I'm a lawyer from India's premier law school and have about 4.5 years of experience working in tech and IT MNCs. Presently I am a contracts manager for a fortune 100 concern and am handling all sales contracts for India by myself. I have some experience in the Analytics field with the same concern and have germinated a couple of business impact/change the business projects that used six sigma and lean methodologies.

I want to know what factors can mitigate a very poor academic record in a B-school application.

I have a very consistent record as far as sports is concerned (soccer, basketball, field hockey, volleyball and atheletics teams in my university and captained 3 of them, pretty much the same at school, am captain of my company soccer team as well) and my work responsibility and exposure have been very good. What else can I put forward so that my acads won't drag me down.

I'm yet to give my GMAT: what sort of a score would be a good demonstrator of my ability at academics? I'm at 690 on practice tests without any prep whatsoever.

Thanking you in anticipation of your reply.

Regards,
Apu

Wow, it is really challenging to keep timelines straight, because you certainly have a wealth of activities and big moves. I do think that the moving around will hurt a bit, but if you can explain your rationale and it is credible, then it simply is what it is. I think that your GMAT and entrepreneurship (definitely follow-through!) should enable you to stand out and the fact that it is bolstered by consistent community involvement is great. Still, all of this written, I am doubtful that you will find a home at HBS or Stanford. I do think that Kellogg and Chicago would be more realistic and MIT and CBS might be good fits for the aspiring technopreneur. I would expect that you will be competitive outside of the top-tier of school.


Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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Skype:MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

Could you please evaluate my profile for a full time 1 or 2 year mba from top 10 schools in the US. I sent my scores to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and ISB when I took my GMAT.

I apologise for the long post, I wanted to give you as clear an idea as possible about myself.

Work Ex:
I am a 25 years old male with 3 years of IT work ex (4.5 by the time I join). I currently work as a team lead in embedded systems programming and am handling a major project that significantly adds to my company's bottomline. I am hopeful of being promoted within a year to a development manager but that would surely not happen by the time I apply. I also have 3 months of work experience in a civil rights NGO right after college. Coming from a family of Judges, Civil Servants and Lawyers, I have quite an interest in Civil Rights and Indian Law. I had also worked in that NGO for two months part time in college.

The big problem with my corporate work experience is that this is currently my third company in 3 years (1.9 years in the first, 1 year in the second and a few months in the current one). I have clear reasons for switching so often but I am not sure how convincing they would be to an admissions committee.

Also, Simultaneously I am working on a small 1-man startup related to sales force automation that I am planning to launch in about a months time. I am a technopreneur by heart and am planning a massive information management oriented startup in the long run. Post MBA I will be happiest in a technology oriented startup in senior management/director level role.

Academics and extra curriculars:
I have average graduate (Bachelors in Automation Engineering from NSIT Delhi) and undergraduate marks but decent extra curriculars (founded a society in college that really took off with hundreds of members within a year, organised several events, started and still maintain the class online group).

I took GMAT in 2006 and scored a 780(Quant:51,Verbal:47) with a 6 on the AWA but didn't apply anywhere because.. well.. Work was so much fun I now feel quite ready for an MBA and am willing to give it a serious shot!

The first company I worked for had a well established "social initiatives" wing that I became quite involved in. That involvement lasted for almost two years and involved spending time with orphanages, blind schools and animal shelters in the area. I also spent several months teaching english and history to blind college students before their exams. For the past one and half year though I haven't been very socially active. Though I still visit the Civil Rights NGO every once in a while.

Please let me know of my chances in Harvard/Stanford etc. I am really quite content at work and am willing to wait for another year to improve my profile if, in your opinion, I stand significantly more of a chance that way.

Thanks in advance,
Anupam Jain

With apologies, we really focus on top-15 programs. I simply dont know enough about Simon and UC-Davis to advise you.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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Hello Jeremy,
I got accepted at Rochester Simon (Accelerated MBA Jan09).
I am looking fwd to join media and entertainment industry after my MBA. I want to learn how this industry manages the finance issues while introducing any new technology in their work. My long term goal is to open a dance company with a blend of Technology and Performing Arts.
Do you think Rochester Simon would be a rite option for me?
Also, I am in the waiting list of UC Davis.
In case, I get a final admission call from UC Davis and considering my long term goals, do you think I should opt for UC Davis than Rochester Simon?
My Profile:
Education: Comp. Engineering
Work Exp: 3.8 yrs in IT Consultancy (India).
Extra curr: Excellent. About to open a dance company soon.
Thanks in advance

Vineet,

Thanks for your post.

I think that you have very strong professional experience, but what I am missing is your others in the past four years. The admissions committee is likely thinking, Great college extra-curriculars, but what has he done since? Am I missing something? Are they? I think you need to be more well-rounded in order to compete at top-schools. From what I know of your candidacy, I am not surprised that you were rejected.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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

Hi Jeremy,

I am looking forward for some advice on applying this year

I am an Indian male, currently with 4 years of work ex and will be 29 this year. My GMAT score is 740 (q49, v42) with a 5.0 in AWA section. I graduated from BSSS College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Commerce 67% percentage. Outstanding extra curriculum Active participant in Dramatics (writing / directing and participating in plays), Creator and one of the first core members of cultural committee in collage (organizing cultural events and competitions in College), lead of series of street plays in adjoining slums (encouraging child education). High involvement in extra curricular activities is one reason for average academics in college. After college I joined Chartered Accountancy course and became Chartered Accountant in 2004.

After CA, I joined TATA Steel and was placed in one of their divisions TATA Bearing. I started with sales and receivable accounting profile. However I was attracted towards the business side more, hence moved to position of Financial Analyst, which I handled along with my previous profile. My profile primarily consist of monthly MIS, performance analysis reports (customer wise / product wise etc), adhoc management requirements, costing, trade policy monitoring & annual plans.

Currently, I am working with an Indian Pharmaceutical MNC , as part of three member team (including supervisor). My role is similar to the previous one except that I am positioned at corporate. This enables me to work closely with the top management. CFO and Management committee (Apex decision body) is the prime customer of our reports. I am responsible for driving analytics and planning activities in four major divisions of the company. I have been a part of core committee responsible for organizing global finance meets for the past two years. I also edited and designed the first finance magazine.

I had applied in Harvard (R3), LBS (R3) and INSEAD (R1) and received rejects from each of the schools. After a detailed research and analysis I understood that my essays were not really of the quality that is needed for such schools. However I need your opinion on my profile is it good enough to make it to these schools.

I plan to apply to Wharton, Chicago and Columbia. Should I apply to Harvard again?

I aim to make a career in Private equity (primarily due to its entrepreneurial nature (hence a chance to put my own business) and well rounded career profile (Exposure to nearly all areas of business). I am aware that I may not be able to break into PE directly after B School; so my plan is to invest 5 6 years in Investment banking, build contacts and then move into PE. Other reason for which I shortlisted these schools was because I intend to come back to India.

Thanks for your advice



Vineet

Hi Jeremy,

I'm a lawyer from India's premier law school and have about 4.5 years of experience working in tech and IT MNCs. Presently I am a contracts manager for a fortune 100 concern and am handling all sales contracts for India by myself. I have some experience in the Analytics field with the same concern and have germinated a couple of business impact/change the business projects that used six sigma and lean methodologies.

I want to know what factors can mitigate a very poor academic record in a B-school application.

I have a very consistent record as far as sports is concerned (soccer, basketball, field hockey, volleyball and atheletics teams in my university and captained 3 of them, pretty much the same at school, am captain of my company soccer team as well) and my work responsibility and exposure have been very good. What else can I put forward so that my acads won't drag me down.

I'm yet to give my GMAT: what sort of a score would be a good demonstrator of my ability at academics? I'm at 690 on practice tests without any prep whatsoever.

Thanking you in anticipation of your reply.

Regards,
Apu

Thanks for your inquiry.

Top-5 schools, HBS and Stanford in particular, are warming to younger applicants. In fact HBS accepts candidates with no work experience, directly from college, if they have other proven leadership experience. It is more the substance of your two years that it is important than the time that you have spent in the work force. Still, despite time not being an obstacle, what do you feel that you can offer at this point? Why would you be a good candidate?

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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Skype:MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

I wanted to know whether it would be realistic to apply at the top 5 US B-Schools with only 2 years of work experience. I have a 750 GMAT score and an undergraduate degree from IIT with management consulting work experience.

Regards,
c00|guy

Thanks for your inquiry.

I think that distance education should work. Class work would be preferred but distance education is certainly preferably to no education at all. Regardless, I dont think that your grades are your primary worry. The fact that you already have an MBA is your largest obstacle.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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

Jeremy

I already hold an MBA from one of the IITs in India, and have close to 4 years of expereince as Transition manager in different BPOs, currently with Citigroup. I have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from an average university in India.

I am planning to go for a second MBA from US (Fall 2009)

I have a GMAT Score of 710.

My question pertains to Academic grades. My grades at IIT were average. Acc to your posts, one should take additional coursework to show improved academic credentials.Will a distant education coursework from one of the IIMs in India, completed with excellent grades, satisfies that criteria?

Thanks for your inquiry.

I think that you should have a very good chance at your target schools, mainly because your work experience differentiates you from many others. Indeed, there are very few who can tie themselves to a US I-bank like you can and there are probably twenty Indian candidates in technology for every one in finance (maybe more!) So, your finance, 720 and extras, which are largely in the past, but interesting nonetheless, should enable you to be competitive in this range. You are being realistic.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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Dear Jeremy,

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.

I am interested in pursuing a career in MC.


On a separate note, I have won quite a 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, looking at my profile, what more should I do and which schools should I really look at ?

Regards

Ajit,



Thanks for your latest inquiry.

While as far as I know, rankings are not against the rules of this forum (and I could be wrong), I really dont want to get into the rankings game myself. I dont think that it is helpful. In fact, I think it is damaging in that it can lead someone to pick the wrong school for superficial reasons. Each of the schools that you have listed is different different locations, pedagogies, alumni concentrations, sizes, etc. You need to focus on the one that is best for you, not the one that I believe is best! Develop your own criteria and ranking and you should benefit tremendously!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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Hi Jeremy
Thanks for the reply. I have been working on my applications since my previous post, so couldn't get back to you to say thanks. But now that I have put in my applications to some schools, I have another dilemma. It seems a good GMAT score definitely helps in getting good schools (although I know you cannot get in based solely on the GMAT score). I had researched a bit on schools providing an MBA with concentration in Health Sector,and then applied to the ones I could find. Could you please, please, plzzzzzzzzzzz rank them according to your preference? If asking you to rank them is against the rules of this forum, I sincerely apologize, but then, I have no other resource, coz nobody would rank them for me. Currently I have applied to
1. Bocconi - Masters in International Health Economics, Management and Policy
2. Richard Ivey - Health Sector Management (But man it is more expensive than any other US college - 72k for a one year course)
3. St. Gallen's University
4. Brandeis International School
5. Vlerick Gent School of Management

I am planning to apply to INSEAD, but the implicit necessity of international experience at INSEAD deters me.
Besides the above, I know that the following schools also offer a health sector concentration MBA.
1. Boston University - Health Sector Management
2. Duke - Fuqua
3. Columbia Business School

The five listed at the top are the ones I have already applied to. The three listed just above are the ones I could not apply to, because the deadlines for international applicants had passed.
Could you do me two small (??!!!!!!) favours? Add to this list any other schools that you know provide an MBA in Health Sector Management (Full time, on campus courses, not online).
And could you please rank all the eight colleges listed above (plus the ones you might like to add) according to your experience? I am very much inclined to enter sessions starting 2008, but I can defer my plans to 2009 if the need arises.
Sorry once again, in case this causes any inconvenience. But you are the only guiding light.

Regards
Ajit

Thank you for your inquiry.
I have to apologize, but I would have to leave your question to an immigration lawyer or the INS. We really dont specialize in the post-MBA experience.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission

dear jeremy

this concerns the visa issues for international students who want to work in USA after completing their MBA

as you know , students graduate in may every year
ten they take OPT starting June to May next year
then what happens ?
from may to oct they cannot work because they get H1 b work visa is valid from oct 1 only
how to tackle this opt gap ?
also even of the international students graduate in fall in aug , their opt is valid till july next year.
though theu can stay till sept end , they cannot work for 2 months
how to tackle this issue???

please help \
i am confused
:sleepy:

Hi Jeremy,

looks like you replied for someone else's post to me!! Looking forward to hearing from you on mine.

Regards,
Apu

Thank you for your inquiry.

I have to apologize, but I would have to leave your question to an immigration lawyer or the INS. We really dont specialize in the post-MBA experience.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission

dear jeremy

this concerns the visa issues for international students who want to work in USA after completing their MBA

as you know , students graduate in may every year
ten they take OPT starting June to May next year
then what happens ?
from may to oct they cannot work because they get H1 b work visa is valid from oct 1 only
how to tackle this opt gap ?
also even of the international students graduate in fall in aug , their opt is valid till july next year.
though theu can stay till sept end , they cannot work for 2 months
how to tackle this issue???

please help \
i am confused
:sleepy:

Hi Jeremy,

I'm a lawyer from India's premier law school and have about 4.5 years of experience working in tech and IT MNCs. Presently I am a contracts manager for a fortune 100 concern and am handling all sales contracts for India by myself. I have some experience in the Analytics field with the same concern and have germinated a couple of business impact/change the business projects that used six sigma and lean methodologies.

I want to know what factors can mitigate a very poor academic record in a B-school application.

I have a very consistent record as far as sports is concerned (soccer, basketball, field hockey, volleyball and atheletics teams in my university and captained 3 of them, pretty much the same at school, am captain of my company soccer team as well) and my work responsibility and exposure have been very good. What else can I put forward so that my acads won't drag me down.

I'm yet to give my GMAT: what sort of a score would be a good demonstrator of my ability at academics? I'm at 690 on practice tests without any prep whatsoever.

Thanking you in anticipation of your reply.

Regards,
Apu

Hi Jeremy,

Could you please evaluate my profile for a full time 1 or 2 year mba from top 10 schools in the US. I sent my scores to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and ISB when I took my GMAT.

I apologise for the long post, I wanted to give you as clear an idea as possible about myself.

Work Ex:
I am a 25 years old male with 3 years of IT work ex (4.5 by the time I join). I currently work as a team lead in embedded systems programming and am handling a major project that significantly adds to my company's bottomline. I am hopeful of being promoted within a year to a development manager but that would surely not happen by the time I apply. I also have 3 months of work experience in a civil rights NGO right after college. Coming from a family of Judges, Civil Servants and Lawyers, I have quite an interest in Civil Rights and Indian Law. I had also worked in that NGO for two months part time in college.

The big problem with my corporate work experience is that this is currently my third company in 3 years (1.9 years in the first, 1 year in the second and a few months in the current one). I have clear reasons for switching so often but I am not sure how convincing they would be to an admissions committee.

Also, Simultaneously I am working on a small 1-man startup related to sales force automation that I am planning to launch in about a months time. I am a technopreneur by heart and am planning a massive information management oriented startup in the long run. Post MBA I will be happiest in a technology oriented startup in senior management/director level role.

Academics and extra curriculars:
I have average graduate (Bachelors in Automation Engineering from NSIT Delhi) and undergraduate marks but decent extra curriculars (founded a society in college that really took off with hundreds of members within a year, organised several events, started and still maintain the class online group).

I took GMAT in 2006 and scored a 780(Quant:51,Verbal:47) with a 6 on the AWA but didn't apply anywhere because.. well.. Work was so much fun I now feel quite ready for an MBA and am willing to give it a serious shot!

The first company I worked for had a well established "social initiatives" wing that I became quite involved in. That involvement lasted for almost two years and involved spending time with orphanages, blind schools and animal shelters in the area. I also spent several months teaching english and history to blind college students before their exams. For the past one and half year though I haven't been very socially active. Though I still visit the Civil Rights NGO every once in a while.

Please let me know of my chances in Harvard/Stanford etc. I am really quite content at work and am willing to wait for another year to improve my profile if, in your opinion, I stand significantly more of a chance that way.

Thanks in advance,
Anupam Jain

Hello Jeremy,
I got accepted at Rochester Simon (Accelerated MBA Jan09).
I am looking fwd to join media and entertainment industry after my MBA. I want to learn how this industry manages the finance issues while introducing any new technology in their work. My long term goal is to open a dance company with a blend of Technology and Performing Arts.
Do you think Rochester Simon would be a rite option for me?
Also, I am in the waiting list of UC Davis.
In case, I get a final admission call from UC Davis and considering my long term goals, do you think I should opt for UC Davis than Rochester Simon?

My Profile:
Education: Comp. Engineering
Work Exp: 3.8 yrs in IT Consultancy (India).
Extra curr: Excellent. About to open a dance company soon.

Thanks in advance

Hi Jeremy,

I am looking forward for some advice on applying this year

I am an Indian male, currently with 4 years of work ex and will be 29 this year. My GMAT score is 740 (q49, v42) with a 5.0 in AWA section. I graduated from BSSS College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Commerce - 67% percentage. Outstanding extra curriculum - Active participant in Dramatics (writing / directing and participating in plays), Creator and one of the first core members of cultural committee in collage (organizing cultural events and competitions in College), lead of series of street plays in adjoining slums (encouraging child education). High involvement in extra curricular activities is one reason for average academics in college. After college I joined Chartered Accountancy course and became Chartered Accountant in 2004.

After CA, I joined TATA Steel and was placed in one of their divisions - TATA Bearing. I started with sales and receivable accounting profile. However I was attracted towards the business side more, hence moved to position of Financial Analyst, which I handled along with my previous profile. My profile primarily consist of monthly MIS, performance analysis reports (customer wise / product wise etc), adhoc management requirements, costing, trade policy monitoring & annual plans.

Currently, I am working with an Indian Pharmaceutical MNC , as part of three member team (including supervisor). My role is similar to the previous one except that I am positioned at corporate. This enables me to work closely with the top management. CFO and Management committee (Apex decision body) is the prime customer of our reports. I am responsible for driving analytics and planning activities in four major divisions of the company. I have been a part of core committee responsible for organizing global finance meets for the past two years. I also edited and designed the first finance magazine.

I had applied in Harvard (R3), LBS (R3) and INSEAD (R1) and received rejects from each of the schools. After a detailed research and analysis I understood that my essays were not really of the quality that is needed for such schools. However I need your opinion on my profile - is it good enough to make it to these schools.

I plan to apply to Wharton, Chicago and Columbia. Should I apply to Harvard again?

I aim to make a career in Private equity (primarily due to its entrepreneurial nature (hence a chance to put my own business) and well rounded career profile (Exposure to nearly all areas of business). I am aware that I may not be able to break into PE directly after B School; so my plan is to invest 5 - 6 years in Investment banking, build contacts and then move into PE. Other reason for which I shortlisted these schools was because I intend to come back to India.

Thanks for your advice



Vineet

Hi Jeremy,

I wanted to know whether it would be realistic to apply at the top 5 US B-Schools with only 2 years of work experience. I have a 750 GMAT score and an undergraduate degree from IIT with management consulting work experience.

Regards,
c00|guy

post below

Jeremy

I already hold an MBA from one of the IITs in India, and have close to 4 years of expereince as Transition manager in different BPOs, currently with Citigroup. I have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from an average university in India.

I am planning to go for a second MBA from US (Fall 2009)

I have a GMAT Score of 710.

My question pertains to Academic grades. My grades at IIT were average. Acc to your posts, one should take additional coursework to show improved academic credentials.Will a distant education coursework from one of the IIMs in India, completed with excellent grades, satisfies that criteria?

Thank you for your inquiry.

You have raised a very broad question,to which we offer a pretty broad response. We have compiled a list of long term planning tips that, we have found, has really helped candidates gain some focus.

mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Blog Long Term MBA Planning

Remember, there is no "right" answer. You need to live your life passionately and simply do everything with a commitment to excellence!

If you have particular questions, please, just let me know.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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

Hi Jeremy,
I am working in a top IT firm from past 3yrs.I am interested to go for 1 yr MBA program .My total work ex would be around 4.5 yrs by the time i ake GMAT.I am interested to know that how can i improve my profile .
current profile is given below:

10th Std : 83%
12th Std : 85 %
Engineering (B.Tech inElectronics) CPA 7.3 /10.
Certifed as SAP Developer Consultant.

How to focus on extra curricular(what exactly it includes) in professional life?
Kindly guide.

Thank you for your inquiry.

While I cannot claim to be an expert on Msc programs, my elementary knowledge would lead me to suggest the following. If you are interested in the creative side of the business, then the Msc would probably be the right choice. If you are interested in managing the business itself, then the MBA would be a better choice for you.

You inquired about marketing programs. Kellogg is the clear leader in marketing, attracting leading scholars in the area. Still, several other schools have strengths, including Wharton and Duke. A school that may be of interest to you is NYU, which has a specialization within the media and entertainment field.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Dear Jeremy,

I'm interested in doing an Integrated Marketing Communications pcourse. 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.

Im 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

WORK EXPERIENCE

CoProducers; Mumbai, India
A corporate films production house
Associate July 2006 -- Present
Script writing and editing
Coordinating activities with freelance teams
Overseeing administration
Client servicing

Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd; Mumbai, India
Executive Results & Market Development Department November 2004 -- July 2006
Responsible for servicing 35 academic institutions in South Mumbai
Managed numerous events, such as seminars for principals & teachers and inter school painting and quiz competitions
Canvassed for sponsorship for various events and successfully tied up with 5 companies
Created and implemented innovative marketing and promotional ideas
Brainstormed with the editorial for newspaper content
Edited articles and contributed photographs to the newspaper

INTERNSHIPS

American Express Bank; Mumbai, India
Management Trainee Summer 2003
Assisted the Finance Manager

Mudra Communications; Mumbai, India
Management Trainee Summer 2002
Research and presentation on branded petrol pumps. Conducted surveys and interviewed petrol pump managers and car owners

EDUCATION

Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics; Mumbai, India
Master of Commerce; June 2006

H.R. College of Commerce & Economics; Mumbai, India
Bachelor of Management Studies; June 2004

Scholarship from the Priyadarshini Academy for standing second in college in the 5th Semester of BMS

Outstanding Contribution Award, in 2003 and 2004 for winning several intercollegiate marketing competitions and organizing various activities



ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
Member of Bharat Soka Gakkai, a lay Buddhist organization
Member of The Advertising Club of Bombay.
Volunteer at N.S.S.(National Service Scheme) H.R. College
Organization Committee of social service projects such as Eye Donation Awareness, Anti Tobacco Campaigns and Blood Donation Drives for The Rotaract Club of Bombay Hills South

PERSONAL
Proficient in; Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet
Fluent in English and Hindi
Enjoy writing articles (some of which have been published in the Hindustan Times), swimming, playing tennis and chanting.

New Post posted

Dear Jeremy,

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.

I am interested in pursuing a career in MC.


On a separate note, I have won quite a 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, looking at my profile, what more should I do and which schools should I really look at ?

Regards

Thanks for your inquiry.

I am not sure that I can tell you which schools will offer you a scholarship. I can help with pop-diagnoses, but I can't tell the future! If anything, I would suggest that Babson is a good school to target as I know firsthand, via clients we have worked with, that they have "healthy" scholarships. I recognize the financial challenges that you will be facing, but top-schools should pay for themselves over time. I would probably target higher ranked schools as well and then weigh the various offers, if/once you get them.

I hope that this helps.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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

Hi Jeremy
Thanks for the reply. I have been working on my applications since my previous post, so couldn't get back to you to say thanks. But now that I have put in my applications to some schools, I have another dilemma. It seems a good GMAT score definitely helps in getting good schools (although I know you cannot get in based solely on the GMAT score). I had researched a bit on schools providing an MBA with concentration in Health Sector,and then applied to the ones I could find. Could you please, please, plzzzzzzzzzzz rank them according to your preference? If asking you to rank them is against the rules of this forum, I sincerely apologize, but then, I have no other resource, coz nobody would rank them for me. Currently I have applied to
1. Bocconi - Masters in International Health Economics, Management and Policy
2. Richard Ivey - Health Sector Management (But man it is more expensive than any other US college - 72k for a one year course)
3. St. Gallen's University
4. Brandeis International School
5. Vlerick Gent School of Management

I am planning to apply to INSEAD, but the implicit necessity of international experience at INSEAD deters me.
Besides the above, I know that the following schools also offer a health sector concentration MBA.
1. Boston University - Health Sector Management
2. Duke - Fuqua
3. Columbia Business School

The five listed at the top are the ones I have already applied to. The three listed just above are the ones I could not apply to, because the deadlines for international applicants had passed.
Could you do me two small (??!!!!!!) favours? Add to this list any other schools that you know provide an MBA in Health Sector Management (Full time, on campus courses, not online).
And could you please rank all the eight colleges listed above (plus the ones you might like to add) according to your experience? I am very much inclined to enter sessions starting 2008, but I can defer my plans to 2009 if the need arises.
Sorry once again, in case this causes any inconvenience. But you are the only guiding light.

Regards
Ajit

dear jeremy

this concerns the visa issues for international students who want to work in USA after completing their MBA

as you know , students graduate in may every year
ten they take OPT starting June to May next year
then what happens ?
from may to oct they cannot work because they get H1 b work visa is valid from oct 1 only
how to tackle this opt gap ?
also even of the international students graduate in fall in aug , their opt is valid till july next year.
though theu can stay till sept end , they cannot work for 2 months
how to tackle this issue???

please help \
i am confused
:sleepy:

Hi Jeremy,
I am working in a top IT firm from past 3yrs.I am interested to go for 1 yr MBA program .My total work ex would be around 4.5 yrs by the time i ake GMAT.I am interested to know that how can i improve my profile .
current profile is given below:

10th Std : 83%
12th Std : 85 %
Engineering (B.Tech inElectronics) CPA 7.3 /10.
Certifed as SAP Developer Consultant.

How to focus on extra curricular(what exactly it includes) in professional life?
Kindly guide.

Thank you for your inquiry. In our experience, a low GMAT score has not hindered clients from getting into Thunderbird or BU and I have to imagine that the same could be said of Central Michigan and Arizona State. You should focus on showcasing your international experience and be sure to emphasize that you are not just a technical candidate. From experience, it seems that these school cant compete on their GMAT and GPA averages so they want to make sure that they choose those with strong work experience first.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Hi Jeremy,

I am a fall 2009, MBA aspirant. I am concentrating on the US geography currently.
My profile is as follows:

Acads:
Schooling : 84%
Undergrads: 74%
BE (Comp Sc and Engg) from the 2nd best private college of the state. Secured 73%.
Have summer trainings done from Reliance Telecom.
Campus recruit into a top telecom S/W company - Bharti Telesoft.
Worked for 2 yrs and then shifted to TATA Consultancy Services.
GMAT: 530 (could not prepare much before exam) :whatthat:
Work ex: 3.8 yrs (will be 4 by sept)
Shifted to TCS after 2 years @Bharti. Work I do is very very technologically on embedded devices involving life of people. Thus criticallity of work does matter.Numerous products we designed are in market. Short stints at onsite. Clients dealt are Motorola, Philips, Toshiba, Intel.
Currently a Team Lead. With good growth at work. Can get recommends from both the managers of the current and previous company.. Few awards from the 1st company. Shown leadership and mentoring in both the companies at offshore and onsite as well.
Extra currics:
Have been consistent throughout the career. Have been playing shuttle professionally and as a pleasure sport. So was the champion at the school, then college and graduation also. Captained the teams for winning every year for 3 times in University Level.
Have playd nationals twice in the East Zone. Have won shuttle competetion in the company also. Have a group of my own which plays regularly and am a member of some sports clubs as well.Have scholarship award for sports given by the state.

Apart from that have won debate competetion in every year till I started working.
Awarded Best Leader by the school. Numerous sports prizes. Avid debator.

Have papers on embedded systems from my college days. And pursued my career as planned in the field I have papers and publications. Member of few professional associations.

I am not sure as to go ahead with the score or not. Am not definite that I will find time later on also to score a better % in GMAT. Moreover I am not trying for the top 20 universities due to 1) Problem in funding 2) Low GMAT
So could you please suggest me some colleges which I can look out for in the safe as well as reach colleges?

Can I be sure of the following?

Thunderbird (Garvin)
Central Michigan University
Arizona State University -W P Carey.
Boston University.

Which ones will be better suited for my profile? Can u suggest ?
I am looking into the supply chain management sector.
:!:



Rgds,
aspirant2009

Dear Jeremy,

I'm interested in doing an Integrated Marketing Communications pcourse. 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.

Hi Jeremy,

I am a fall 2009, MBA aspirant. I am concentrating on the US geography currently.
My profile is as follows:

Acads:
Schooling : 84%
Undergrads: 74%
BE (Comp Sc and Engg) from the 2nd best private college of the state. Secured 73%.
Have summer trainings done from Reliance Telecom.
Campus recruit into a top telecom S/W company - Bharti Telesoft.
Worked for 2 yrs and then shifted to TATA Consultancy Services.
GMAT: 530 (could not prepare much before exam) :whatthat:
Work ex: 3.8 yrs (will be 4 by sept)
Shifted to TCS after 2 years @Bharti. Work I do is very very technologically on embedded devices involving life of people. Thus criticallity of work does matter.Numerous products we designed are in market. Short stints at onsite. Clients dealt are Motorola, Philips, Toshiba, Intel.
Currently a Team Lead. With good growth at work. Can get recommends from both the managers of the current and previous company.. Few awards from the 1st company. Shown leadership and mentoring in both the companies at offshore and onsite as well.
Extra currics:
Have been consistent throughout the career. Have been playing shuttle professionally and as a pleasure sport. So was the champion at the school, then college and graduation also. Captained the teams for winning every year for 3 times in University Level.
Have playd nationals twice in the East Zone. Have won shuttle competetion in the company also. Have a group of my own which plays regularly and am a member of some sports clubs as well.Have scholarship award for sports given by the state.

Apart from that have won debate competetion in every year till I started working.
Awarded Best Leader by the school. Numerous sports prizes. Avid debator.

Have papers on embedded systems from my college days. And pursued my career as planned in the field I have papers and publications. Member of few professional associations.

I am not sure as to go ahead with the score or not. Am not definite that I will find time later on also to score a better % in GMAT. Moreover I am not trying for the top 20 universities due to 1) Problem in funding 2) Low GMAT
So could you please suggest me some colleges which I can look out for in the safe as well as reach colleges?

Can I be sure of the following?

Thunderbird (Garvin)
Central Michigan University
Arizona State University -W P Carey.
Boston University.

Which ones will be better suited for my profile? Can u suggest ?
I am looking into the supply chain management sector.
:!:



Rgds,
aspirant2009