Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Stacy,

could you please evaluate my profile? BS from a top engineering college in India (Indian Institute of Technology), GPA 8.62/10.00 (3rd in class). Some part time entrepreneur activity with good success. Ph.D. in engineerring from Ohio State. good GPA: 3.82. phd required a major and minor within department, and a minor in outside department. My minor was in finance (from business school). Started a company based upon my PHD research (in drug delivery), while I was still in school. Formed a good group of people to start this company – MBA student, MD, Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering, and myself phd student in elec engg. Presented our business plan in many business school business plan competitions, and won cash awards in about 30k US dollars. While doing these entrepreneurial activities, I could still finish my MS + PHD in less than 5 years. Company could not succeed because we could not get enough money to keep it running. Well! Now working in a top semiconductor company as a senior process engineering in US. Work experience > 2 year, will be >3 in sept 08. At work, I was reviewed in top class during last two years. Have good experience training peers, working in 24/7 development fab, interacting with vendors, taking directions and giving directions, working in multi group on mutil project simultaneously. I am not a direct supervisor, but indirectly give direction and supervise work of many individuals. The weakest point is low GMAT 640 (Q48, V29) - took one time only. I would appreciate if you could take some time out and suggest schools for me. I would like to go for top 10.

Hi osuguy,

It sounds like you have some great work experience and quality academics. Is the verbal part of your GMAT the issue? I would take it at least once more, and then assess where you are as compared to your target schools' averages.

I would probably suggest a mix of schools from the top 10 and below. What are your goals post-MBA?

Good luck!

Amy

Hi Amy,

thanks for evaluating my profile. yes, verbal is an issue. i am little hesitant about taking GMAT again. What if my score does not change much? I will not be able to get benefit of doubt then. Is my GMAT score (640: V29, Q 48) a road blocker? can my gpa and education not compensate this? Do you think applying to top10 will be a waste of money and effort? i would appreciate your honest opinion. either i would apply this year R2 or next year after retaking GMAT.

my short term goal is to get into inventment banking, and in long run be an entrepreneur in the same field.

Hi osuguy,

I would definitely take it again if you've only taken it once, many applicants take it a few times. It doesn't show a tremendous amount of persistence if you give up on the GMAT after one try. Take the time to study and learn the material, and try again. It should improve if you put the work in.

A low GMAT is never a complete deal breaker, since the process is holistic. However, if you're really interested in the top 10 I would make the effort to present the best overall package you can.

Good luck!

Amy

Thanks Amy.