Hi Rishi,

You look like you have a fairly strong profile, but you don't sound as confident in your candidacy as I'd like you to, so I'd vote that you wait another year before applying. It might be nice to gain some more work experience as well and have a clearer understanding of how you want to spend your time while in business school as well as after.

However, if you're feeling the urge to apply this year, I say go for it! Just make sure you take the time to tell your story so well that the Admissions Committee feels like they HAVE to let you in!

Good luck!

- Kaneisha

Thanks Kaneisha. I will keep that in mind.

Hi Rishi,

I think that you have solid background for your target schools. Just keep in mind that your professional and academic background will not necessarily be the only factors which will determine the success of your application. There are many additional applicants with a background very similar to yours and the main question is how you stand out from the crowd. Your leadership experience, unique achievements, passions, vision and goals will play a significant role in the application process. Your ability to differentiate yourself and to demonstrate to the admissions committee your unique qualities which are valuable to the schools will be very important. You need to reflect on your past and demonstrate specific examples of leadership, clearly explain your post-MBA goals and how they were formed, and to appear as a mature individual with proven track record of success in your professional and personal pursuits, as well as within your community.

Usually business schools are quite deliberate regarding qualities they are looking in the applicants. For example, Chicago Booth states on its website:

We look to see how a student's unique personal and professional experience will add to a strong, congenial community that constantly supports and pushes its members to be the best they can be. Qualities sought include:
"¢ leadership
"¢ team building skills
"¢ respect for others
"¢ philanthropic tendencies
"¢ fit with Chicago
"¢ a unique perspective

The qualities that contribute to the success of our graduates can be found early in their careers. Qualities sought include:
"¢ track record of success
"¢ resourcefulness
"¢ sense of personal direction
"¢ time management skills
"¢ realistic expectations for the MBA

Think of how you can convey to your target schools that you possess the qualities which they are looking for (you should have 3-4 really strong ones). This is done through your essays, letters of recommendations and during the interviewing process. If you feel that you can demonstrate these qualities apply now. If you feel that you need to develop many of them to be successful I would advise to wait.

Best regards,
Alon
ZoomInterviews

Thanks for such a detailed explanation, Alon. But unfortunately in the current job I am in, I don't see a prospect of building up on those skills, at least any time soon. I could join some group outside work but again not sure how much of a contribution I can make in a year - as I don't want to delay mba further than a year.

Alon Karmiel wrote:Hi Rishi,

I think that you have solid background for your target schools. Just keep in mind that your professional and academic background will not necessarily be the only factors which will determine the success of your application. There are many additional applicants with a background very similar to yours and the main question is how you stand out from the crowd. Your leadership experience, unique achievements, passions, vision and goals will play a significant role in the application process. Your ability to differentiate yourself and to demonstrate to the admissions committee your unique qualities which are valuable to the schools will be very important. You need to reflect on your past and demonstrate specific examples of leadership, clearly explain your post-MBA goals and how they were formed, and to appear as a mature individual with proven track record of success in your professional and personal pursuits, as well as within your community.

Usually business schools are quite deliberate regarding qualities they are looking in the applicants. For example, Chicago Booth states on its website:

We look to see how a student's unique personal and professional experience will add to a strong, congenial community that constantly supports and pushes its members to be the best they can be. Qualities sought include:
"¢ leadership
"¢ team building skills
"¢ respect for others
"¢ philanthropic tendencies
"¢ fit with Chicago
"¢ a unique perspective

The qualities that contribute to the success of our graduates can be found early in their careers. Qualities sought include:
"¢ track record of success
"¢ resourcefulness
"¢ sense of personal direction
"¢ time management skills
"¢ realistic expectations for the MBA

Think of how you can convey to your target schools that you possess the qualities which they are looking for (you should have 3-4 really strong ones). This is done through your essays, letters of recommendations and during the interviewing process. If you feel that you can demonstrate these qualities apply now. If you feel that you need to develop many of them to be successful I would advise to wait.

Best regards,
Alon
ZoomInterviews