Sorry Bad post...
Hi,
I am hoping to get your advice on my chances to get into a top 7 US b-school (H, W, S, Columbia, Booth, Sloan, Kellog)
Background:
I have always had a strong passion for technology from right when I was young. As I grew up, I started admiring the scale and the complexities of big businesses. Hence, it is my dream to be involved in something massive and something that would impact the lives of many. Given my proclivity towards technology, it is a natural choice of industry for me. To achieve this i figured I needed an MBA (and a whole set of other skills! but lets not get into that!) Infact, even before I started my undergrad, I knew I wanted to do an MBA. As every other engineer in India, I started applying (unsuccessfully at that!) to the IIMs. However, when I came across the Stanford Website one bright morning, I knew which was the best place I could get the experience I was looking for. It was my moment of epiphany.
Since then, I have done some research, and decided to apply to B-schools in the US. Simultaneously, I prepared for GMAT and have given it just now.
Phew! Sorry for the story! Here is my profile.
Indian Male, 23
Mechanical Engg. (Top 10 Engg. univ in India)
GMAT : 730 (Q 50, V 38 AWA :Expected) Verbal screwed me there
GPA :9.05 / 10. (Dunno what it converts to!)
Consistent high-school performance (Dunno if that matters: got 96% in X and 94% in my XII)
Work Ex : 2 years at matriculation
Quality of Work ex : Railway Manufacturing industry. MNC (known for the fastest traditional train in the world and the New york subway). Hired as graduate trainee (like all other Engineers in India), worked myself up quickly to take responsibility as key user of the MM and PP modules of our ERP system (Enterprise resource Planning) and as Materials Manager. The job profile is a lot related to optimization of resources and how to manage the manufacturing line.
International exposure : 3 month internship in a Technical univ in Berlin during my UG. Two three week stints in France to train first on Industrial Management, and second on SAP. (Slated to train in Brazil as a continuation on Indus Management)
Extra-currics and leadership: First trustee and secretary of a Charitable trust. The main objective of the trust is to fund the needy students for education and mentor their career. In its first year, we have identified and in the process of funding close to 10 children (we are targeting to double the number by the end of the year). This initiative is very close to my heart and am one of the 4 who is actively leading the operations of the trust.
Thank you for your patience in reading my lengthy post. I would really value your advise on the following two points:
1) Do I have a chance of getting admitted in a top 7? If so, what are the things I can do to make my application stronger?
2) What are the other universities that I can look at, given my ambitions?
Thanks again!
V
Hi,
I am hoping to get your advice on my chances to get into a top 7 US b-school (H, W, S, Columbia, Booth, Sloan, Kellog)
Indian Male, 23
Mechanical Engg. (Top 10 Engg. univ in India)
GMAT : 730 (Q 50, V 38 AWA :Expected) Verbal screwed me there
GPA :9.05 / 10. (Dunno what it converts to!)
Work Ex : 2 years at matriculation
Quality of Work ex : Railway Manufacturing industry. MNC (known for the fastest traditional train in the world and the New york subway). Hired as graduate trainee (like all other Engineers in India), worked myself up quickly to take responsibility as key user of the MM and PP modules of our ERP system (Enterprise resource Planning) and as Materials Manager. The job profile is a lot related to optimization of resources and how to manage the manufacturing line.
V, interesting profile. I have not come across many people who belong to the Railway manufacturing industry.
The b-schools on your list are highly competitive, with acceptance rates varying from 7- 15%. While your academic and GMAT are well in place, your MBA application is much more than just the scores. Your main challenge will be to write solid essays that show:
1. career progression (which you have)
2. Leadership potential - Having 2 years of work exp. you may not have got many opportnuities to lead at work, but your charitable experience will have given you some stories to talk about.
3. research backed knowledge about what you want to do after MBA- i.e. your post MBA career goals.
4. research backed knowledge about the b-schools you apply to, how they will help you reach your career objectives and how you fit in there.
Namita at MBA Decoder
Hello Consultants,
Work Experience - I've been working as a Software Engineer for a product based company in the Aviation industry for about 2 years now (so no opportunity to demonstrate leadership qualities yet!!!). I've had an international experience of about 3 months during the course of my job.
I went through some of the threads wherein they discussed about the questions asked in the essays and the interview like 'Why MBA? Why this country? How will it help your career? What do you want to do in your life?' etc. I need some help in figuring out the answers to these questions since I don't've a definite and a firm answer to any of these questions.
Start by asking yourself- "what do I want to do 3 years from now, 5 years from now (and a longshot) 10 years from now?".
Does your career aspiration require an MBA?
MBA is a means to an end. You have to know the end first. Getting into a degree course without any direction can be fruitless in two ways-
1. You will find it harder to channelize yourself towards any particular path through the 2 year course. 2. You may get bored midway through the course, landing you in the same helpless situation that you are finding yourself in now.
I'm also in it for the money (obviosuly :D) and I would definitely choose an option that will help me get settled in a better position sooner with a hefty package.
This is an implied benefit. Don't mention it in your essays in case you do apply.
I didn't want to get influenced by any of the reasons mentioned by others in the threads and felt rather I would come up with my own unique and confident motive.
Good. Its great that you are ready to start thinking.
Namita at MBA Decoder
Hi
can u educate me on the value of an asia centred mba..How is the s3 asia course in NUS in terms of its value and placements
Hi consultants
I want some views and suggestions. I am planning for a 2nd MBA very soon. I have just passed out from an Indian B school and am planning another MBA from top 10 global b schools.
Summary of my profile:
Btech Computer Science (2010)
MBA from IIT Kanpur (2012, Straight out of Btech)
GMAT: Yet to be taken
Work Ex: Zero prior to MBA
Would be joining one of the Big 4 Auditing firms as a consultant. Planning to work and gain experience and international experience before I start with my application process.
I am interested in Strategic Consulting (McK, BCG, Bain), PE and Investment Banking (in this order).
It would be great if people can give me suggestions on how to build a good profile in next 2-3 years so that I can apply in top US and global B schools for 2nd MBA.
Firstly, I'd say, don't do things just to build your profile. Do things which are of genuine interest to you, because then you will naturally excel in it and will have some good stories to talk about. Things done
just so you can talk about them in an essay will easily come across as shallow. You are just done with your MBA. Make the best use of it for now and think of another one as and when need arises.
Secondly, since you have no work experience, try your hands at consulting in your Big 4 job, especially in the business strategy practice. Big 4 do offer consulting services in lots of practices ranging from strategy to operations and supply chain, financial and risk management, human capital and IT consulting, to name a few.
Try and get into business strategy consulting, if thats what you want to do eventually....
Big 4 also do investment banking. If that's your secondary area of interest, talk to people on that side and explore what the job is all about. Right now, you seem to be talking about these areas as they appear to be glamorous areas to go in.
What is the average post 1st MBA work ex do people have before they get admits from H/S/W/Yale/LSB/INSEAD etc?
I doubt there are any set expectations - apply when you feel the need for another MBA (without timing it). More important, you'll have to explain why you need a second MBA at all.
Would additional certifications in my line of work will help me during my application process?
By all means, you should do a certification if your job requires it but don't seek it just to beautify your application. Spreading yourself in all directions without any real purpose will make you look confused and do more harm than good.
All the best,
Namita at MBA Decoder
Sir,
First of all thank you very much for guidance.
My profile:
10th : 88%
12th : 85%
Grad : 60%. 
Chemical Engg from U.D.C.T. Mumbai . (Top Insti for Chemical Engg in asia n top 10 across globe)
Extra Curricular : Nt gr8.
Work Ex : 4 yrs from HPCL...Mix experience of technical services and operations
I wish to go for energy majors and finance as second major ( dnt hv ant finance background) and wish to apply universities in Texas....(am I right in choosing d same or do I hv more options)....I want to be in top 20 colleges.
Last yr, I scored 610/4.0 and didnt apply thinking tht I wont get good universities.:(:nono:
Should I apply with same score or should give another attempt at GMAT.??
More specific question : What are d criteria for getting the full scholarship...? Will my profile (with 680-700 GMAT Score get the full scholarship in universities around texas.....??
hello..am Amena Nasim..my profile is 10th-88%, 12th-96%, grad-83.4% ..2010 passed out b.tech biotechnology..have six months work experience..later planned for MS in Biotechnology from US..FOR Jan 2012..got the visa but dint go unfortunately due to some personal problems..am now interested in shifting my field of interest completely to MBA..I have gre score of 1180..toefl 95..I plan to write GMAT if necessary..can you suggest me good MBA colleges for September or January intake abroad with compulsory funding options. thank you..
Sachin saheb, namaskar,sachinsgawle SaysI wish to go for energy majors and finance as second major ( dnt hv ant finance background) and wish to apply universities in Texas....(am I right in choosing d same or do I hv more options)....I want to be in top 20 colleges.
Texas is a good start, but you don't have to stick to one geography. If you graduate from a good school and are willing to relocate, many good brands will open doors for you.
Should I apply with same score or should give another attempt at GMAT.??Another one will really help. Try to go beyond 700.
More specific question : What are d criteria for getting the full scholarship...? Will my profile (with 680-700 GMAT Score get the full scholarship in universities around texas.....??Pretty much all the parameters that they consider for granting you an admit will be taken into account for scholarships as well. Except, you'd need to be exceptional in one or more of these areas compared to the incoming class.
Some schools would need you to answer a separate scholarship essays. But in our experience, apart from a few cases (where special essays were needed), most candidates who got scholarships did so on the basis of their regular application.
The second part (about whether you'll get lucky) can't be answered with a yes or a no. But a strong, logical, coherent storyline along with the regular attributes (good GMAT, diversity etc) would increase the chances of getting a scholarship.
- Sameer Kamat
Founder | MBA Crystal Ball
Hi Puys,
Given below is my profile.Experts, please review it and give ur comments.
I would like to know where I stand among the lot.
Which colleges will be suitable for me?
Age : 24 years
Nationality : Indian
GMAT : 740(Q48, V44)
Professional Experience:
- Working as a Technical Analyst in a leading IT major.
- Nature of work : Building and maintaining environments and platforms for applications based on data warehousing and business intelligence.
- Functional Domain : Banking and Finance.
Total work experience : 43 months till date
Educational Qualification:
B.E Production Engineering : 84%
Higher Secondary : 90%
SSLC : 87%
Educational Achievements:
- Gold Medalist in Engineering
Extra Curriculars:
- Participated in district and Divisional level athletic meets during my school days and won many prizes.
- Won championship awards at school.
- I was the captain for my house for school level sports activities.
- Parade leader for the school.
- Participated in various dance competitions and have won many prizes at school,college and work place.
- An active member of the NSS and Youth Red Cross at college.
- Vice President for my department at college.
- Organised technical symposiums at my college.
- Participated in the CSR activities at work place.
Professional Achievements:
- Nothing big except few spot awards.
Why MBA?
Career shift.
Weaknesses:
-I shifted from Production Engineering to IT.
-One among million IT professionals in India.
-Professional achievements are not much to talk about.
-I am not sure of my long term goals.
-3 attempts in GMAT
Regards,
Sabby
Hi,
I am planning to Apply Via GMAT route this year, I went through The FT ratings of top 100 Bschools, and i would like to be admitted to one of them.
A brief about my profile.
10th - 88
12th - 86
Grad - 80
2 Years of full time experience, with 6 months of experience in the family business.
Currently Working in Telecommunications at a Major Global MNC
Gmat - Will take with an Aim of 700+
Extra Curricular Activities - I am good with photography, and planning to build on it.
Good with technology but no significant Quantifiable achievements.
Several recognition's at work.
My Question is What should be my Target Bschools, Considering i want to return to India and work Here after a couple( 2 - 4 ) years.
Hello Sir!
I'm having the following profile:
Class X: 90.2%
Class XII : 86.4%
BE(EEE): 7.40 cgpa from BIT Mesra (passed out in May 2012)
Through Campus placement,I got placed in Reckitt Benckiser (MNC) as an maintenance engineer with 6lpa
Took a shot at CAT 2011 with no preparation at all coz was much busy in campus proceedings and scored a meagre 76%ile 
My query is what should I do ?
Take CAT again? I'm targeting only top schools and mock tests are hovering around 85 %
Or
Take some work ex and go for (1-year MBA program) @ ISB hyderabad/ INSEAD/ HEC/ Oxford ?
I'm a bit sceptical whether my prior work ex in manufacturing would be replicated in decent job position post-MBA.
or
Continue in the same firm? Which would take arnd 8yrs for managerial position without MBA...
Firstly, I'd say, don't do things just to build your profile. Do things which are of genuine interest to you, because then you will naturally excel in it and will have some good stories to talk about. Things done
just so you can talk about them in an essay will easily come across as shallow. You are just done with your MBA. Make the best use of it for now and think of another one as and when need arises.
Secondly, since you have no work experience, try your hands at consulting in your Big 4 job, especially in the business strategy practice. Big 4 do offer consulting services in lots of practices ranging from strategy to operations and supply chain, financial and risk management, human capital and IT consulting, to name a few.
Try and get into business strategy consulting, if thats what you want to do eventually....
Big 4 also do investment banking. If that's your secondary area of interest, talk to people on that side and explore what the job is all about. Right now, you seem to be talking about these areas as they appear to be glamorous areas to go in.
I doubt there are any set expectations - apply when you feel the need for another MBA (without timing it). More important, you'll have to explain why you need a second MBA at all.
By all means, you should do a certification if your job requires it but don't seek it just to beautify your application. Spreading yourself in all directions without any real purpose will make you look confused and do more harm than good.
All the best,
Namita at MBA Decoder
Dear Student,
My advice to you is...
Most of the TOP schools requires 3 years+ work experience. there are 2 things to be worked on....
A) During next three years build your resume with lots of ECA. Dont have to join MBA, be innovative. for example if you are keen on singing then upload some of your sessions on YOUTUBE etc.
B) Universities are aware of the fact that in MNC the career progression is slow so you dont have to worry about that TAG, but with your hard work you should try geting some Awards :).
My query is what should I do ?...
The best person to answer this question is yourself.A little self-introspection on 'why MBA' may clear the air for you.
I'm a bit sceptical whether my prior work ex in manufacturing would be replicated in decent job position post-MBA.
Work ex in any field can come handy as far as you can project your learnings from it.In fact,B-schools encouarge app from diverse backgrounds to provide a better peer learning atmosphere.Operations,supply chain management are some fields where manufacturing work ex is sought.
Hi Puys,
Educational Achievements:
- Gold Medalist in Engineering
Extra Curriculars:
- Participated in district and Divisional level athletic meets during my school days and won many prizes.
- Won championship awards at school.
- I was the captain for my house for school level sports activities.
- Parade leader for the school.
- Participated in various dance competitions and have won many prizes at school,college and work place.
- An active member of the NSS and Youth Red Cross at college.
- Vice President for my department at college.
- Organised technical symposiums at my college.
- Participated in the CSR activities at work place.
Hi, Congratulations on a high GMAT score! A gold medal during engineering further proves your intellectual capability, though this depends on the college and the caliber of other students in comparison.
I see a lot of leadership positions in extra curricular activity during school, which you have continued upto college. If you can show a similar continuation in the past 4 years, you have a story to tell!.
Professional Achievements:
- Nothing big except few spot awards.
Sometimes applicants feel like this on the face of it. Dig deeper and pull out instances where you shone at work, even if there were no awards. A few good things may come up.
Why MBA?
Career shift.
Need to add details here. Career shift from where to where? To do what?
Weaknesses:
-I shifted from Production Engineering to IT. Not a weakness, unless you make it out to be.
-One among million IT professionals in India. Not a weakness, but a threat. Key is to differentiate yourself through the essays, interview, recommendations.
-Professional achievements are not much to talk about- Start making a list of all the times you made an impact. Talk to colleagues and friends, they may help add to the list.
-I am not sure of my long term goals - this is crucial. Figure out both your short trem and long term goals.
-3 attempts in GMAT - this is okay.
Which colleges will be suitable for me?
List down your criteria to figure this out: geography, rankings, electives, star faculty, culture, recruitments. What is the significance of these for you? Requires some homework
.Namita at MBA Decoder
Dear Consultant,
My profile is as follows:
X: 84
XII: 67
Grad :7.26(GPA) (Institute : IIT BHU, Branch: Ceramics)
Other Achievements: NTSE Scholar, Placements Coordinator in college
Work Ex: 2 yrs as Consultant in an IT Consulting Start Up(when I joined)
Short Term Goals: Business Consulting
Long Term Goal: Social Entrepreneurship
I am planning to apply for MBA programs in US and India starting 2013.
Please provide me with some feedback on my profile. I'll be taking GMAT next month. Please advice me on the score that I should be targeting. Also kindly advice me on the colleges that I should be targeting.
Hi ,
Can you please advise on my situation.
Here is my background.
10th : 86%
12th : 89.8%
Btech (Computer Science) NIT - 77%
GMAT - 730 ( Q 50, V 38 )
Exp - 7.5 years IT ( 6 years Indian IT + 1.5 years Semi Conductor maker) .
International work Exp : 3+ London.
CCA : Not great.
I started my career with an Indian IT firm and worked on some finance projects. I worked with them for almost 6 years and then I shifted to
my current organization which is into semi conductors, but i still work on software design.
I don't have any business/leadership experience. I have lead small teams in my previous IT company, ( thanks to their very hierarchical culture) . My current organization has a complete flat structure and no one reports to me.
I wish to apply this year for ISB.
I eye a program management / pre sales role with any of the big software product organisations ( like MS, Amazon or Google ).
Do you think I have a healthy profile for securing an admit in ISB ?
Would my lack of any business/leadership experience act an impediment ?
Can my hard core technical experience work for my advantage anyway ?
Thanks,
Dear Consultant,
My profile is as follows:
X: 88
XII: 80
Grad :64% (Institute : MIT PUNE, Branch: Computers)
Work Ex: 3 yrs as Software Developer in a IT MNC
Short Term Goals: Business Analyst
Long Term Goal: Social Entrepreneurship
I am planning to apply for 1 year MBA programs in US ,India,Canada and Australia starting 2013.
Please provide me with some feedback on my profile. I'll be taking GMAT in August. Please advice me on the score that I should be targeting. Also kindly advice me on the colleges that I should be targeting.
Hi,
My Profile :
X:67%
XII:89%
Btech : 69.5% ( Marine Engineer)
Workex- 4+ yrs
Gud involvement in sports & extra curricular.
GMAT in july 12
Currently employed with British Petroleum working onboard ship as 3rd Asst engr.
As its a core techincal field would u advice how should i boost my profile for ISB ?
As i read through the previous class profile i find quite few of guys from shipping background so i think i stand a chance too though its a complete switch over of carrier.
Have an admit of SPJAIN .
Thanks
Monster!!!!!
Hello Sir
My profile is as follows
10th: 81.2
12th: 87.6
Btech: BITS Pilani 6.9 C.G.P.A
Work Experience: 4 months in Analytics
7 months as a Management trainee in a construction firm(Ongoing)
GMAT:730
Extra Curriculars : Very good
How strong is the profile for a top notch foreign MBA or ISB? What are the points I can work on before applying.And will the work experience as a management trainee at a construction firm at all relevent and useful or should I look for some other kind of work experience.Also If you can answer,Is the profile strong for an MBA from India through CAT.