The Application Process

Hello everyone,

I made a decision to pursue MBA in fall 2009 quite late. I am taking my GMAT on 7th Jan and so far the GMAT prep results have looked encouraging with a score 750+ within reach, if do not mess-up on the examination day.

Now the question is about applying to B-schools and securing an admission. My preferred location for B-schools is UK and post MBA goal is to work in Consulting preferably in planning and strategy domain. I will accumulate 3 years of experience by July-2009. I am currently working as a Business analyst in a management consulting firm. I have done both my master and bachelor from one of the IITs in India (IITs are one of the premier engineering institutes in India ).

I am planning to apply in round 3 for Judge, Said and LBS. Considering I have good international exposure and strong international recommendations, what else I could do to enhance my chances of getting an admission in these school? Am I too ambitious in my choice of schools? Should I target some other safe options as well? I have already assumed, since I am so late US B-schools are already out of my reach.

Thanks for you help

I think you have quite a competitive profile! Only weakness is your 3 years of work ex. Based on what you write, you should have a very good shot at Judge and Said. LBS seems to be within your reach too.

In order to strengthen your app I'd recommend doing as much research on the schools to craft individual applications. Bschools really want to see that you show them love (indicating that you're serious about accepting an offer should you get one). So maybe plan a little trip to the UK and visit the schools, attend an info session, and have lunch with some current students.

Given your profile, you might also want to consider INSEAD, a powerhouse when it comes to management consulting post-MBA (will easily also land you a job in the UK). IESE and HEC could be strong options too.

Good luck for the GMAT!

Thanks Tmino, that's an encouraging response.

I thought about the schools you have mentioned here. However, the issue I am facing right now is that an MBA in EU, outside UK does not entitle me to work visa benefit which may seriously hamper my prospect of getting a job in the local market. With the repayment of education loan looming, I would atleast prefer to work in a place where I have enough resource to repay my loan.

Do you think my concerns are reasonable? I am not considering INSEAD, because they do not encourage re-applications. I want to save the option to apply to INSEAD for next year, in case I do not get admission for this term in other schools

As your main stats are working to your favor (IIT, 750+, BA at mgmt consulting firm), so if you can deliver good essays for round 3, then there are definitely higher chances that you would get atleast an interview call from Said and Judge. However, I think LBS would require a stronger application, as you also have to compensate for your lower experience than average. I would suggest you speak to few people who had similar profile as yours at LBS (Paola Biasi, Tulika Raj, etc), and they might also be able to provide you some pointers and guidance. Drop me a line, and I can make you an introduction.

IESE, HEC and SDA Bocconi have an international exchange program with London Business School. If you are seriously considering only Europe b-schools, then you might want to add them to the list as well.

Your loan concerns are reasonable. But, I would not choose b-schools only for the loan repayment reasons. As Tmino suggested, visit those schools, speak to alumni/current students, etc so that you would know whether the school fits your personal and professional aspirations.

I dont think it will be very difficult to get into one of the above schools with your profile. I am just wondering why are you not considering top US schools?

Best of luck!

Naveen

www.InterviewBay.com
- Get Ready For the Interview

Thanks Navin, your response is very helpful.

The main issue right with me is that I want to apply to all of these schools this year. Since it has been a late decision, I am applying in R3 for the EU B school. However for US B schools, the deadlines have already passed for R2. In my understanding in US bschools, R3 is for US applicants only. Hence I will not be able to apply for R3 in US.

In addition, I understand now the point about HEC and IESE. I will do more research on these schools and most probably apply as well.