Am i competitive with a 680???

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Am i competitive with a 680???

by viidyasagar » Sat Nov 20, 2010 6:26 am
Kindly help me figure the best b'schools i should target

Age: 28 now
No of times taken the GMAT: thrice (600-590-680)

Profile summary: I have over 4 years of strategy consulting experience, including about 6-8 months of international assignments, have been a radio host, hosting live radio shows in Mumbai for over 2.5 years, solid community service for over 4 years, and a moderator at this wonderful forum: BTG. I recently won an award for the best employee at my firm (top ten consulting firm), within 3 months of joining the firm. My GPA is 3.0 as per WES. (hope their evaluation is valid)

My GMAT breakup (Q 49 (86 percentile), V 34(68 percentile) for a 680).

My biggest achievement, though, came last year when i quit my consulting job bang in the middle of recession to pursue freelance consulting opportunities. During these 12 months, i single-handedly initiated and implemented a technology transformation project at All India radio (local government radio station) with results to show, Similarly, i executed several freelance engagements before deciding to re-join Consulting.

Also during my consulting experience, i have excellent cross-culture experience, working on projects dealing with 900 people from 30 nationalities, most of them fearing for their jobs

Target schools: My target schools are/ were Wharton, HBS, Chicago Booth, Kellogg, Insead, Said, Judge....basically university pedigree, followed by school brand

But now, it would be great to know the best schools i should apply to with a realistic chance of getting in.



Additional information

Best employee' award at my firm - At my firm, awards are given out every quarter. I led a 5 member team to recommend a business strategy for an Operations Research association aiming to increase membership. It was a "high stakes" project, executed to the satisfaction of the client.

Why I left my job to pursue my own consulting opportunities - I wasn't having adequate impact in my role at my last firm. Assignments were gravitating more towards research than consulting. At the same time, i saw an excellent opportunity to transform a radio station....through my contacts i had projects i could execute from home, basically opportunity cost viz-a-viz impact/ satisfaction of work tilted in favor of this decision

why did i then rejoined your consulting firm - going freelance was never a permanent career decision. Post the radio project...(the radio project went on for over 6 months), i took up other work i had committed to, but once that was over...i started looking for a job again...In India, it's very tough for a non-mba to break into a top consulting firm....i think my experience as a freelancer made my entry into a "branded" consulting firm possible.

short term goals - CONSULTING at one of the top 3 strategy consulting firms....(Mc, BC, etc.).....my job now doesn't involve facing clients directly, it's more remote work supporting my firm's consultants around the world... since i've a lot of experience in the power/ utilities/ energy sector, i would like to specialize in that domain...also be involved with radio, training aspirants, hosting weekend live shows as is the case now

Long term goal: I want to specialize in the energy sector and be an independent energy expert...

Weakness: 3.0 GPA, GMAT, career break in 2006-07 (7 months, it was then i that discovered the NGO i ended being an integral part of)

tx for helping
Vidyasagar
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by Tani » Sat Nov 20, 2010 7:30 am
Your assassment is very realistic. You have both weaknesses and strengths in your application. You know by now that there are many applicants from India at all the top schools. Your strength lies in your unusual career path. Actually, if explained correctly, I think your "career break" can be a benefit. It makes you more interesting and gives you a broader profile than that of someone who has simply held a corporate job for four years. That is particularly important given the similarity of the profiles of most Indian applicants. You should definietly highlight your work for the radio station in your application. Among other things it shows a willingness to take risks.

Energy is, of course, a hot field and your background in that should help.

You are certainly the sort of applicant who should be applying to top schools, but there are never any guarantees at that level. I counsel all my applicants that, if they are determined to get an MBA next year, they should add safety schools to their list. Some who are moving rapidly in their careers do not want to invest the time and money for anything other than a top program, and that is certainly a valid position. You need to decide where you stand.

A seasoned admissions consultant may be able to help you spin the most interesting aspects of your background in a way that would catch the eyes of hte admissions committee.


Good luck,
Tani Wolff

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by viidyasagar » Sat Nov 20, 2010 12:34 pm
Hey Tani:

your words are very encouraging....any example of schools that can be termed as "safety schools"?

Since i posted this query, i have long-listed my school selection..would love ur take on my choices


1. UC Berkeley (Haas) - I guess i am already too late here
2. Carnegie Mellon - Tepper
3. Duke (Fuqua)
4. HEC Paris
5. Darden
6. Ross
7. Oxford
8. McCombs

Am also applying to ISB in India

I consider myself out of contention at the uber elite schools....Any glaring exclusions, i must definitely target?

Yes, i am very keen on joining school next year....also, would like to know more about your services!!!

regards
Vidyasagar

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by Tani » Sat Nov 20, 2010 4:33 pm
For safety schools you should check out some of the schools in heavily energy-oriented markets - especially Texas.Also, if you are thinking of alternative energy, check out beyondgreypinstripes.org. That site rates schools on their social and environmental orientation. You might find a school with a strong alternative energy profile that has a higher acceptance rate. Try checking out a few dream employers and seeing where they interview and hire.

As for your school list, McCombs should be within reach and Berkeley is a real stretch. The others are possible, but, of course, no guarantees. Much will depend on how you tell your story.

I work through Kaplan. You can see our services on the link below. The site includes biographies on all the consultants as well as details on the program.

https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Business-Sc ... vices.html

Good luck,
Tani Wolff