Please evaluate my profile: Duke / Kellog / Wharton EMBA

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nox104 Rising GMAT Star

Joined: 09 Sep 2008

Posted:: 69 messages

Thanked:: 3 times

Target GMAT Score:: 700+

																		Please evaluate my profile: Duke / Kellog / Wharton EMBA
																		 Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:35 am
									
 Quote

Hi Stacey,

 Would love to hear what you have to say about my chances in the above schools for part-time / EMBA programs. I am an Indian male, 31 years old, working as a Software Engineer in the US.

GMAT: 710 (47Q / 40V) 

GRE (expired): 2130 (730Q/780A/620V)

GPA (undergrad): 70% (First class with distinction)

GPA (grad): 3.62/4.00 (Top 20 state school in the US)

I have both a bachelor's and a master's degree in computer engineering, and have over 7 years of work experience as a Software Engineer / Implementation specialist in the IT sector. I believe I have a balanced view of the IT world - both from a customer's perspective as well as from an engineering / product development perspective. I have published several research papers and have  a pending patent application.

Leadership: Led several projects @ work. Mentored / managed several interns.

Extra-curricular: Habitat for humanity + Active member of  a student run education initiative for the poor in India.

Hobbies: Music production (One song charted in the top 100 on indie charts)

Questions:

- Do you think my GMAT is competitive enough for the schools I've mentioned? My practice scores were in the 730 range, so I was a bit disappointed when I couldn't hit that mark. I think given a month's more prep, I can easily move to a 730 - 740. But it might be a bit late considering the deadlines.

- If travelling is not a problem, what other part-time / EMBA programs do you recommend? 

- I have already heard back from a Duke's AdCom member that my profile is "very competitive" and that they highly encourage me to apply. Does this mean that I have a good shot at the other schools I've mentioned?

Thank you so much for your help!

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Stacey Oyler MBA Admissions Consultant

Joined: 26 Jun 2009

Posted:: 906 messages

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Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:30 pm

Quote

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Your work experience and career trajectory to date are right in line with what programs like Kellogg, Duke and Wharton are looking for. I agree that your GMAT is a bit low as compared to others in the applicant pool with similar backgrounds and professional experience. However, given the limited amount of time between now and the deadlines, it may not be the best use of your time to study for and retake the GMAT.

The most important thing for you will be to focus on standing out in the applicant pool. While I would agree with the Duke admissions committee member who told you your profile is strong, I think it's fair to say you are "qualified" for these programs, but need to find a way to distinguish yourself from others in the pool in order to gain admission. Finding a way to incorporate experiences outside of the office (such as your experience as a music producer) is a great way to stand out and get noticed.

I'd also suggest taking a look at INSEAD and the Berkeley-Columbia EMBA programs.

Best,

Stacey

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nox104 Rising GMAT Star

Joined: 09 Sep 2008

Posted:: 69 messages

Thanked:: 3 times

Target GMAT Score:: 700+

Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:00 pm

Quote

Hi Stacey,

Thank you so much for your timely response! I will definitely look into the Berkeley-Columbia EMBA program. I was wondering one thing about the avg. GMAT scores for part-time programs. From all the stats I have seen, these tend to be lower for part-time programs vs. full-time programs. For e.g., Kellog's FT avg. is 715, whereas, the part-time avg. is 695. If I am above the GMAT avg, at least for part-time programs, wouldn't it be wise to spend more time on the application vs. improving my GMAT by a mere 20 - 30 points?

Also, do you think there is a big difference in the reputation of Duke EMBA vs. Kellog part-time MBA, especially since Duke is closer / more convenient to travel Smile

Thanks!

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacey Oyler MBA Admissions Consultant

Joined: 26 Jun 2009

Posted:: 906 messages

Followed by:: 73 members

Thanked:: 105 times

Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:36 pm

Quote

Hi,

Agreed, your GMAT is in good shape for part time programs. As for Kellogg vs. Duke, I think that is a personal decision that depends largely on your post MBA short and long term goals.

Best,

Stacey

SoCalMBA Just gettin' started!

Joined: 07 Feb 2010

Posted:: 28 messages

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Sat Jan 22, 2011 8:58 pm

Quote

Can't go wrong with Duke Fuqua's eMBA program...solid school with some really interesting people.

But if traveling is not a problem....Then I would also take a peek at:

Columbia, NYU Stern in NY and Kellogg and Booth in Chicago.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacey Oyler MBA Admissions Consultant

Joined: 26 Jun 2009

Posted:: 906 messages

Followed by:: 73 members

Thanked:: 105 times

Tue Jan 25, 2011 6:30 pm

Quote

I agree with SoCalMBA. Those are great programs!

nox104 Rising GMAT Star

Joined: 09 Sep 2008

Posted:: 69 messages

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Target GMAT Score:: 700+

Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:21 pm

Quote

Thank you Stacey and SoCalMBA! After much deliberation, I have decided to apply to the following programs: Wharton, Duke and Columbia. Although I loved Kellogg's program, I just can't imagine flying to Chicago every saturday for nearly 3 years! Same issue with Booth. I'll post back on what happens.. stay tuned!

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacey Oyler MBA Admissions Consultant

Joined: 26 Jun 2009

Posted:: 906 messages

Followed by:: 73 members

Thanked:: 105 times

Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:48 pm

Quote

Sounds like a good plan.

Stacey

thunderdan Rising GMAT Star

Joined: 07 Aug 2009

Posted:: 72 messages

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GMAT Score:: 690

Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:05 pm

Quote

Just curious which School you finally ended up at??

thanks.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacey Oyler MBA Admissions Consultant

Joined: 26 Jun 2009

Posted:: 906 messages

Followed by:: 73 members

Thanked:: 105 times

Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:24 pm

Quote

I'm guessing nox104 hasn't heard yet. You might want to reach out directly to find out because he may not know you posted in this thread.

Stacey

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