Hi again!

You seem to have solid reasons for doing your CFA. I agree with most of them. Best of luck!!

Work ex and Extra Currics are two different things. In extra currics, you may be pursuing a hobby of yours. Or you may have started a club. You may be involved in community service. You may be a great sportsperson, who has won numerous medals. You may have hobbies which are very different!

Somewhere before on this thread, I have written stuff about extra currics, and community service, including why they are important and why the admissions committee values them.

Regards,
Rahul

Firstly let me search for some words to thank you for ur patience in answering all my queries.

I want to do CFA because:

It will boost the quality of the work-ex I gain prior to my MBA.
It will help me set better goals, (short as well as long), as it will help me in finding my niche in the finance industry.
It will help me in my MBA, cause i'll know wht subjects to choose etc.
It will help me get a better industry overview, as in i'll know wht company is doing what ?

Besides it also provies me with a safety net, incase i dont manage to get the app, as a CFA in itself is the mother of all finace courses.

But having talked it out with you, really clears a lot of headspace.

I do have however another query...

You talk a lot about extra-curriculars. With respect to work ex...what do u mean by extra-curricular. If u can give an example...

before i end...really thanx a lot...

Hi Pavneet,

Firstly, do not worry about financial resources. If you want to get into a top US MBA, then it will pay for itself. The challenge is in GETTING IN. Which isnt really easy. :)

From what I can see, you graduated in 2002. You will have around 4 years of experience now. Give the GMAT and get a stellar score. Write some good essays after doing research. Personally, I think you have a good chance in schools ranked 10-25th. Top schools like Harvard, Wharton, Stanford will be a little bit of a reach for you.

You also need lots of work done on your resumes. Do research on that. For example, most resumes need to be only one page long. Also, the sections should be clearly demarcated, and simple to understand.

Research your B-schools, and best of luck for your applications!

Regards,
Rahul

Hi Rahul
i desperately seek ur help buddy
i have enclosed my resume as an attachment
i left my job in 2005 July and henceforth prepared for CAT
scored bad
wanna give a shot at GMAT
want to know complete ABCD
gimme ur contact details and i will seek help from u directly as not used to pagalguy
limited resources, but if the story gets clear.... can spend upto INR 5 million, by selling a property and some loan with some personal resources
i will be soon starting to work, may be relationship manager in Morgan Stanley- Delhi or ABN AMRO DUbai, if they send me a call letter in time.
i just wanna have ur help with respect to step by step procedure for admission
Please call me or mail me also at pavneet1982@gmail.com
thanx

Pavneet
9873173672 (Delhi number)

Hi Omkar!

Please PM me about your disability. I will get you in touch with someone who has got into Wharton while being disabled. He will be able to help you out more.

Regards,
Rahul

Hallo Congrats for your admission
I am omkar nirgudkar Can you guide me after going to
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/b-school-discussions-mba-abroad/14906-mba-for-physically-handicap.html?highlight=handicap

Thanks & Regards

Omkar

Hi Kiran!

If you are a 2004 passout, then you would have only around 2 years of work experience. For targeting top US B schools, you should wait for atleast an year more. However, I cannot advise you on whether you should take the VGSOM call, or go to a US B school. A LOT of other information would be needed, and in the end, it would be upto you. Also, you cant compare VGSOM with any US B-school. If you compare VGSOM to a Harvard, you should go to a Harvard. Whatever you do, you MUST start working atleast. Not only from a B-schools application perspective, but from your own career perspective.

Also, keep in mind that a LOT of people get an Indian MBA and then later go get a second MBA from the US!

Regards,
Rahul

Hi,
I'm a 2004 passout, and I've done my BE(IT) from Ahmedabad. In CAT 2005, I messed up big time, and as a result I didn't get any calls from the so-called biggies. But thankfully, JMET went nice and currently, I have VGSOM final call. IIT-D's result is due any time now. What I'm confused about is that I've also given the GMAT (very late, coz of my stupidity and procrastination). I managed to score a 730, and 6 in AWA (don't know how). What do u think are my chances? In ur opinion, should I wait for one more year and try for US-bschools? Or should I take the admit which I have in my hand? I would like to point out that I had left my job in Aug last yr to prepare for MBA, so in a way I've already taken a long break from my job.

What's ur take?

Thx in advance,
kirtan

Salazar,
I must say that you have an impressive profile! Its good to know that you have started thinking about your MBA from this early on.

With what all you have put here, you are definitely on your way to putting in a stellar application. Hopefully you will knock the GMAT out of the ballpark (>750), and craft a well thought out application. My advice to you would be to get a total of around 3 years of work experience, and then go for the gold!

A1: If you are serious about your admissions process, and if you are applying to top schools, then I would not recommend more than 8 schools. 8 schools CAN be done if you REALLY manage your time well and start well in advance (at least 10 months from the application due date). In MOST cases, targeting 6 schools would be the right thing to do.

A2: The answer, unfortunately, is yes as well as no. Keep in mind that the brand name is very important also. Wharton is KNOWN for finance, and it is a top school. However, you would be stupid if you didnt apply to Harvard or Stanford, just because they are not known for finance. Keep in mind though, that as you go a little lower down in the rankings, then your schools specialty becomes more important. Therefore, for finance, Columbia, Stern, Chicago should be high on your list, as compared to say Sloan, Tuck, Marshall etc.

A3: Go through different rankings. Take a consolidated view. The US news ranking can be taken as one good data point. Make sure you compare movements across the past few years. A highly ranked school, in say finance, will not show much movement across the year... it will generally always have a solid rank.

A4: I GENERALLY dont recommend Harvard to most Indian applicants. In your case, though, give it a shot!! You are young, and if you do phenomenally well in your job, then with around 4 years at the time of joining, you should have a chance at Harvard! Try to get some blue chip experience (matters only for Harvard).

A5: All available on the net!! Try the BW Insider. Read my previous posts, I have written about MBA resources on the net (the post in which I mentioned Richard Montauks How to Get Into a Top MBA Program)

A6: Im sure you will find people. Ask current students / recent passouts from top business schools.

A7: It will probably not give you a substantial edge. It will definitely NOT be detrimental though. If you want to do CFA because of CFA itself, then go ahead and do it! Dont do a CFA because of resume boosting on a B-school app. It wont matter much.

Best of luck!!! I hope you really get into a top school!

Regards
Rahul

Hi rahul,

I am really amazed at your commitment to the cause of helping people out with their queries.

So here i go with one of my own. First my profile.

Final Yr, BTech, IIT Kharagpur (cgpa 8.3/10).

Placed in a company in financial services (CTC 5L), the company will give me adeqaute international exposure, gud quality work in securites analysis/capital markets.

Strong extra-curriculars
Lots of managerial/responsibility positions.
Have been involved with a community promoting youth issues for 5 years now.

Took a GMAT simulator...scored 720...so hope to clear 740-750 with adequate prep.

Preapring for CFA (US), hope to clear atleast 2 levels before I app.

Hoping to app for autumn 2009 (I know its pretty far off).

Now for some specific queries....

1> How many B-School should one apply to, at a time.
2> How do I choose schools. I want to specialise in Finance, so should I go specifically for schools which provide good programs in Finance.

3> Can I trust the rankings (USnews.com) of schools for a particular specialization.

4> Rite now i am contemplating W/K/Columbia/Chigago/Haas/Stern. Shud I add/drop any school.

5> How do I get hold of good sample essays.
6> Is there anybody who can review my essays and give me good feedback.

7> Will something like a CFA give me an edge...or will it be a bigger issue...as I may have to justify it.

I request you to please answer my queries, time permitting...

Hi!

A lot of schools take students with 3 year degrees. I know for a fact that Wharton does, and so do other top schools. You need to check each schools website in detail, and they generally list requirements for internationals. If what is said on the website is ambiguous, just shoot of an email to the admissions people. You will be surprised at how responsive and helpful they can be.

With a 3 year degree, you will be eligible to apply to some schools, and you will be ineligible at some schools. If applying to the Wharton school, your B.Com is sufficient.

PS: I dont think a distance education course is worth it. You will waste your time and efforts, and that time and effort would be better spent at your work through which you will be able to self satisfy yourself, as well as build a solid resume.

Regards,
Rahul

Hey Rahul u r doin a gr8 job n i knw u knw it damn well,hwver help me in this small query.........i am a BCOM grad with 21 mnths of wrk exp. Nw if a wait for 1 more year 2 appear in GMAT then i wld nearly have 3 yrs of WRK EX.
my concern is that i i dont have a pg degree with me asof yet n even if i decide to go for sum 1 year course i dont have many alternatives except dist edu. courses. so wld it suffice as requiste edu. qulaification if i decide to persue one ?thnx in advance if u chose to adress my quest.
t.c

Hi!

To answer your question, absolutely YES!!! The BW Insider content is truly amazing. The best part about the content is that you get to read interview transcripts of admissions officers of tens of schools. And believe me, what they say is really really helpful. Plus, you get detailed information about admissions to B-schools, including number of applications, selectivity, range, median GMAT etc.

Infact, I have mentioned the BW insider content in my previous posts also. Just for 30$ (Rs 1350), you can get a LOT more information and advice than spending ten times that money on one of the useless admissions counselors in Bombay, or India.

So my advice to you is go ahead and subscribe! It is worth it.

Regards,
Rahul

Hey rahul, senapati, and other gurus...

i was wondering if it would be a good idea to subscribe to BusinessWeek.com's "MBA insider" service. I've heard that it`s quite good and i know that most admission consultants pick their advice straight out of that subscrription! it costs $30 (=1350 Rs) per year, so it`s pretty economical. It includes admitted ppl's essays, alumni interviews, real interview questions, b school comparisions and case studies, and chatting with admission directors. Have you guys tried it...would it be worth it? I want your opinion before i subscribe to it.

Hey Saptarshi, Pranj,

Sorry to hear about the news. Please remember that it was your application that got rejected, not you. :)

Best of luck for your other schools. Saptarshi, Darden is one awesome place, or so Ive heard.

Take care,
Rahul

Hi PG and Poseidon,
I guess I bid adieu to my Wharton dreams, just got Deny after waitlist in my email!

Hmm.. it seems it would be Darden for me.. though still waitlisted in Cornell and IIM A and B results yet to come..??:

Cheers and best of luck you guys...

Saptarshi

MBA Admissions Advice
Straight from the horses mouth!!

http://www.mbapodcaster.com/index.asp

If the above link does not work, or show for any reason, then go to Google, and type in MBA Podcaster, and click on the first result.

Hi guys!
Came across this neat site, where you can download MP3 interviews of admissions directors from top B-schools, insights into application strategies by top consultants in the US. A brief summary of the site is -:

MBA Podcaster is your online source for information, insight, and advice on the MBA admission process.

We deliver relevant information and advice through biweekly audio segments for those planning to apply for a Master in Business Administration. Topics include everything from a behind-the-scenes view of the admission process to post-MBA job opportunities and current market trends. Guests include Deans of various business schools, alumni, corporate recruiters, MBA consultants and more. On each segment we go in-depth on a particular topic of interest to an MBA applicant and interview relevant experts to help make your application process more efficient and successful.

Listen for this week's newest topic or browse our archive for the specific information you need to know. Drop us a line and tell us what you'd like to hear.


Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Rahul

If I were you, I would go to Purdue without thinking twice. Krannert is a good school!

Regards,
Rahul

oops missed an imporatant info.. :-)
Major in Strategic Consulting .. with focus on IT.

I have interest (diverse) in MnA / I-banks.. but this option, considering my current main interest, can be taken on low priority..

Please suggest.
Thanks,
~ Croc.