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Question(s) for Nikhil P.

by niraj_a » Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:49 am
Nikhil,

I have been reading your recent posts regarding the Indian IT applicant pool bucket and my curiosity was irked -

I'm an Indian from Bombay, graduated from Kelley undergrad in 2006, double majored in Finance and Accounting (GPA about 3.3), was in Investment Management with an i-bank for a year, now am in an accounting-based consulting full-time position with my university, and have passed CFA Level 1 with goals to take Level 2 in 2009. I have had significant extra-curricular leadership exposure during school and am active in non-profit volunteer work currently. Since I will be applying for the 2011 graduating class, I will have 3 years of work-ex completed by the time I begin school in 2009.

So, based on that profile, here are my questions -

1) Would I still be compared against the Indian IT applicant pool even though my undergrad/workex was in the US and not IT related?
2) If yes/no, and if I want to apply to schools such as Kellogg, Tuck, Stern, Darden etc. should I re-take the GMAT if I score around 640-660 when I take it next week?

I do realize it will be a super-competitive applicant pool at most MBA schools this year due to economy weakness but I'm looking to give it a shot anyway.

Any suggestions will be appreciated!
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by VP_MBA_Guru » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:42 am
Hi Niraj,
Thanks for your post. To you questions:

First of all, the 2009 application year is going to be ultra competitive, for all backgrounds. So unfortunately there are no guarantees with most top MBA programs. But like you said, definitely give it a shot!

I believe you would be considered as an International/Indian-applicant with a Finance background. While it is not AS competitive as Indian IT, the field is still very competitive.

First of all, you will likely need a higher GMAT score (at least 700) to be competitive for the schools listed below. if you are not scoring in the upper 600s, you might want to postpone the test. And yes, you can retake the GMAT if you are not happy with your score. Luckily, AdCom will look at your highest score.

With all Indian applicants, another important factor is how you sell/differentiate yourself. What is your story, your post-MBA goals and how are you different from the 1000s of other applicants with similar backgrounds.

For example - Since you have a finance background, I believe you would have a unique perspective on the economic boom in India. This could be an interesting angle to explore in your essays.

Good luck!

NP
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep
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by niraj_a » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:13 am
Thanks for the insight Nikhil, that essay angle makes sense. I was mainly going to differentiate myself with my current non-profit work exposure and the fact that I studied and worked here vs. the rest of the Indians, but your point sounds like an added benefit too.

As for the gmat, I had originally scheduled it for early May, and then rescheduled to take it next week, so I'm a little weary of rescheduling again for August/September as I won't be in the US all of July for personal work.

I do agree with your viewpoint, so i think I will take it next week, see how I do, and take it again based on that, rather than rescheduling again for August. Do you think that would be a wise strategy?
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by VP_MBA_Guru » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:35 am
Hi Niraj,
Sounds like a good strategy. Take the GMAT, see how you do and then decide later if you want to retake the exam. And dont stress too much about the test. While its important, AdCom looks at many other factors to determine your candidacy (essays, GPA, ECs, LORs, WE)

Regarding the essay strategy, yeah... my example was just one of many suggested angles/viewpoints you can explore.

Good luck!

NP
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep
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