Ask Stacy Blackman

I have 2 years of work experience. I took GMAT a couple of days back and got a low score. I plan to take it again in October end. Aiming for a score of around 640.

Got my undergraduate degree from a reputed university in South India. Overall aggregate was 81%.

Worked with Infosys Technologies for 1 year. I worked in a project for developing a CRM application for one of leading bank in US.
Currently working with SAP Labs in the CRM domain. Have gained lots of functional knowledge of how businesses run and what factors govern sales and marketing. Have also taken up few leadership roles. I am interested in either General MBA or Marketing. Could my experience with SAP be an added advantage?

Have not been involved in too many extra curricular activities.
- Participated in Roller skating championships in the state and national level.
- Was a member of the student's executive board in school.
- Organized few events in my company
- Volunteer for another company's CSR activities. Cannot get any proof for this as I am just a volunteer.

I plan to target the following universities:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Business School, Singapore
- Queen's School of Business, Canada
- University of Texas, Dallas
- Rice University, Texas

With a GMAT score of 640 and with a work-ex of just 2 years now, do you think I have any chances in R2? Can you please tell me what else can I mention to strengthen my profile?

Hi Sriram,

Aside from focusing on the GMAT, you'll want to work on articulating your goals very clearly and highlighting your management and leadership experiences at work. It's too bad you don't have a lot of volunteer and extracurricular experiences, but you will want to highlight what you do have.

Good luck!

Amy

With this kind of profile, which all colleges can I target? Do I have a chance in the top 20?
How much importance is given to extra-curricular activities? Can I compensate it with strong academics and good achievements at work?

Hi sriram,

It looks like your target list is reasonable. If there is a school in the top 20 you are very interested in, it's worth applying as a stretch school along with some other schools that are slightly less competitive.

Extracurriculars are important, and serve a different purpose than academic achievements and work accomplishments. MBA programs are looking for innovative, successful leaders above anything else - and often people who take the intiative to be involved (and especially to take on leadership roles) in activities they are interested in regardless of compensation or career advancement demonstrate those qualities. I know that this concept is more prevalent in the US where everyone knows what "well rounded" means, but hopefully that is somewhat helpful to clarify.

Good luck!

Amy