I have been a BeatTheGmat member for a long time (2006!) I have recently been admitted to two great Schools: Tuck and Ross.
I would love to share my story with you guys! I will stick with the outline suggested By Eric.
WORK PROFILE:
2007-2011
Worked as an Animation Engineer in a startup in India.
Instrumental in setting up the operations in India for the Los Angeles based startup.
Challenging role as a liason between the Technology team of developers, scientists headed by the CTO and the Production team of artists and executive producers.
2005-2007
Worked as an Application Developer at IBM.
Steep learning curve initially. Performance was stellar, but work became repetitive.
PART TIME
- Faculty at two major GMAT Coaching classes.
Run my own free online GMAT Preparation website.
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi, Class of 2005)
CGPA: 7.8/10
TARGET SCHOOLS
- HBS - Denied w/o interview
Stanford - Denied without interview
Booth - Waitlisted, then Denied.
Kellogg - Waitlisted, then Denied.
Tuck - Accepted, Matriculating.
NYU Stern - Waitlisted, then Denied.
Ross - Accepted.
Duke - Denied after Interview.
Wharton - Denied after Interview.
IMPRESSIONS
Booth Interview - by an Alum - very unpleasant experience.
Wharton Interview - by an Alum - good, but too professional / formal.
Duke Interview - First time on Phone - by second year - interviewer did not do a good job of making conversation - was okay.
Duke Interview - Second time by alum - very nice experience - good conversation, friendly environment, personal feel.
Kellogg Interview - by adcom over the phone - Straightforward, mostly I talking and she listening sorts.
Tuck Interview - by adcom in person - Very nice, personal, friendly and open. Best ever interview.
Tuck campus visit - amazing school, everyone is super helpful, best cozy, close knit environment andy B-school can ever offer.
Ross Interview - by adcom in person - Very nice. Professional yet personal. Nice conversation. Passionate alum and a good listener.
Ross student forums - very enthusiastic. Lots of energy.
TIPS/STRATEGIES
- If you don't have a stellar profile (read IB, Consultant at big company, non-profit, etc.) get a good GMAT Score. I have a 770 on the GMAT (Read my story here) and a solid acad from IIT and yet I had a tough time getting in.
Write very personal essays.
Have ample time to write the essays.
Take your GMAT before June.
Diversify! Everything: Essay choices, recommenders, schools - expand the scope of your story.
Do not write down your interview answers. Feels rehearsed - big NO NO.
Be relentless.
I hope this helps for anyone who's embarking on this long and tiring journey. Before school I am free and you guys are welcome to PM/Email me for any questions you have regarding B-school applications.
Thanks,
All the best!
Mukul