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Dear Aringo,

Could you evaluate my profile please?

Assessment of what stretch, aligned and safety schools and more school suggestion will be highly appreciated.


Male
29 years old
Turkish

Work experience

I work as international sales representative of a FMCG company based in Turkey. I do both B2B and B2C sales for foreign markets. I am responsible for both developing countries like Iraq, Libya etc. and developed countries like Japan, Korea Hong Kong and Israel.
Thus, I do believe I am quite experienced for doing International Business, intercultural communication and business development.

GMAT

660

Academics

One of the most reputed Turkish University
GPA 2,80 Business Administration
One year abroad (exchange program)

Extracurricular Activities

I was vice president of student club. I have acquired skills in leadership, motivation, communication and teamwork.


My target schools;


Stretch:
University of Southern California
Emory University
University of Notre Dame
UNC Kenan Flagler

Aligned:
Rice University
Texas A&M
Georgetown University
Washington University St. Louis
University of Washington

Safety
Southern Methodist University
The George Washington University
Babson College
Boston College
University of California, Irvine

Why an MBA

I want to specialize in marketing to continue my career in a marketing related position. I can complement my sales skills with marketing skills via theoritical and practical knowledge which I will get from a good business school and improve my knowledge of finance, economics and organizational stragety to be fully equipped for future executive managerial positions.

Why in USA

I want to live in a culture which I can adopt easily without language barrier.
I want to work in US or abroad after my mba degree. Thus, I would like to receive a prestigious diploma (As you can easily realize employment rate is considerably important for my decision)

My Goals;

Getting brand management related position in a multinational company in US

Thank you in advance.

eozen wrote:Dear Aringo,

Could you evaluate my profile please?

Assessment of what stretch, aligned and safety schools and more school suggestion will be highly appreciated.


Male
29 years old
Turkish

Work experience

I work as international sales representative of a FMCG company based in Turkey. I do both B2B and B2C sales for foreign markets. I am responsible for both developing countries like Iraq, Libya etc. and developed countries like Japan, Korea Hong Kong and Israel.
Thus, I do believe I am quite experienced for doing International Business, intercultural communication and business development.

GMAT

660

Academics

One of the most reputed Turkish University
GPA 2,80 Business Administration
One year abroad (exchange program)

Extracurricular Activities

I was vice president of student club. I have acquired skills in leadership, motivation, communication and teamwork.


My target schools;


Stretch:
University of Southern California
Emory University
University of Notre Dame
UNC Kenan Flagler

Aligned:
Rice University
Texas A&M
Georgetown University
Washington University St. Louis
University of Washington

Safety
Southern Methodist University
The George Washington University
Babson College
Boston College
University of California, Irvine

Why an MBA

I want to specialize in marketing to continue my career in a marketing related position. I can complement my sales skills with marketing skills via theoritical and practical knowledge which I will get from a good business school and improve my knowledge of finance, economics and organizational stragety to be fully equipped for future executive managerial positions.

Why in USA

I want to live in a culture which I can adopt easily without language barrier.
I want to work in US or abroad after my mba degree. Thus, I would like to receive a prestigious diploma (As you can easily realize employment rate is considerably important for my decision)

My Goals;

Getting brand management related position in a multinational company in US

Thank you in advance.

Hi eozen,
Thank you for your e-mail.

It looks like you have carefully weighed your options, and have a good idea of what it is that MBA programs are generally looking for in a candidate.

While I can't go through each of the universities that you listed, it is a good idea to have these three categories of schools based on your chances. A rule of thumb is to look at the schools' 20/80 percentage of GMAT scores from the last available class. In your case, due to a somewhat low GPA and, from what you wrote, a lack of direct management experience, it would be best if your GMAT score be closer to the 80% range for each school.
In your application essays, make sure to stress the leadership experience that you have.

Good luck!
David
Senior Consultant
Aringo.com

Hello Aringo,

Please comment on my profile.

Indian Female Entrepreneur working in a family firm.
Age: 25

ACADEMICS:
1. GMAT - 650 (after 3 tries) - Q46, V34
2. Graduated Undergrad with First Class (Distinction) and a GPA of 80/100 (Computer Science Engineering)
3. School GPA - 87% both in 10th and 12th CBSE

WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Worked for 1 year in Software Development.
2. Switched into a family firm in real estate consulting, for a total work ex of 4+ years currently. Will have 5+ at matriculation next year.
3. Family business environment, leadership experience and initiatives on marketing projects, with digital marketing expertise.
4. Short term goal: Pursue a Digital marketing manager position in a technology/e-commerce company, or a Marketing Consultant role.
5. Long term goal: Set up a Digital Marketing consultancy focused on helping small businesses succeed online with their growth strategies.

EXTRACURRICULAR AND OTHER INTERESTS:
1. Was active in Sports during school and college, interested even now. Enjoy Strength training at the gym and very involved in fitness.
2. Deeply passionate about Baking as a hobby, and part of a women's entrepreneur bakers group and regularly get involved in organizing bake sales.
3. Pursuing some Internet Marketing certifications.

I have applied to ISB, and I want to also target Kenan Flagler (EA Round 1), Indiana Kelley(R2), NUS (R1) and also one other school strong in Marketing (R2).

Please advise on which schools to target?
Thanks!

hifunda wrote:Hello Aringo,

Please comment on my profile.

Indian Female Entrepreneur working in a family firm.
Age: 25

ACADEMICS:
1. GMAT - 650 (after 3 tries) - Q46, V34
2. Graduated Undergrad with First Class (Distinction) and a GPA of 80/100 (Computer Science Engineering)
3. School GPA - 87% both in 10th and 12th CBSE

WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Worked for 1 year in Software Development.
2. Switched into a family firm in real estate consulting, for a total work ex of 4+ years currently. Will have 5+ at matriculation next year.
3. Family business environment, leadership experience and initiatives on marketing projects, with digital marketing expertise.
4. Short term goal: Pursue a Digital marketing manager position in a technology/e-commerce company, or a Marketing Consultant role.
5. Long term goal: Set up a Digital Marketing consultancy focused on helping small businesses succeed online with their growth strategies.

EXTRACURRICULAR AND OTHER INTERESTS:
1. Was active in Sports during school and college, interested even now. Enjoy Strength training at the gym and very involved in fitness.
2. Deeply passionate about Baking as a hobby, and part of a women's entrepreneur bakers group and regularly get involved in organizing bake sales.
3. Pursuing some Internet Marketing certifications.

I have applied to ISB, and I want to also target Kenan Flagler (EA Round 1), Indiana Kelley(R2), NUS (R1) and also one other school strong in Marketing (R2).

Please advise on which schools to target?
Thanks!

Hi hifunda

It seems that with your profile, at Flagler and Kelley you would be competitive, but I can't say regarding ISB and NUS. You could also apply to Michigan Ross, which I reckon would be a bit more of a reach for you, but possible. Wisconsin School of Business, Goizueta-Emory, and McDonough-Georgetown have good marketing programs in which you would also be a competitive candidate.

Best of luck,
David
Senior Consultant
Aringo.com

Thanks a lot David for your suggestions
I will take a closer look at Goizueta and Ross!

Any thing I can do to mitigate my lowish GMAT score (though my GPA is good) and small business experience? Any red flags you spot?

hifunda wrote:Thanks a lot David for your suggestions
I will take a closer look at Goizueta and Ross!

Any thing I can do to mitigate my lowish GMAT score (though my GPA is good) and small business experience? Any red flags you spot?

Hey again-
As I would tell not just you, but all MBA candidates: focus in your application on leadership and management experience. Also, it is good that you've been working in digital marketing and wish to continue doing so (as opposed to changing your career direction).
I don't see any red flags. I see potential difficulty in your recommendations, as receiving one from a family member is not suggested (or is even prohibited) and ad coms might not be crazy about a recommendation from someone who works in your family firm, either. So think about who would be fitting.

Good luck,
David
Aringo.com

Thanks much David!

Recommendations are not much of a problem as I have sourced them from 2 clients who have worked with me.

Hello,

Wanted to get your opinion on something - do you think it is worthwhile to join an MBA program that is not in the Top 30, just for a scholarship?

Dear David or other Arringo employee

I would just like to ask you if you offer also PhD admissions consulting? I tried to send you email but I did not find it on Arringo webpage, so I am just writing you here Thanks for the answer.

Mayabbi wrote:Dear David or other Arringo employee

I would just like to ask you if you offer also PhD admissions consulting? I tried to send you email but I did not find it on Arringo webpage, so I am just writing you here Thanks for the answer.

Hello Mayabbi-
We certainly do. Please use the registration form on our site. Someone will respond very soon.
https://www.aringo.com/registration.htm

Regards,
David
Aringo.com

Hello Aringo,

I am planning to apply for B schools in Fall 2014. But I am totally confused because of my low scores. Please help me to solve this confusion.

To start with, I am an Indian guy(Age 22) born in a Nanded, a city in Maharashtra state. Done schooling from 5 different schools due to fathers continuously shifting service oriented job. Majored in Electronics and telecommunication Engineering from University of Pune. I recently scored 660 (Q49 V31 IR5) on GMAT. It was my second attempt. In first attempt, a month ago, I scored 620 (Q49 V27 IR6 AWA 5). I have also given TOEFL (score 101).

Academics:
-Engineering : 65% (approx 3.2 to 3.3 GPA)
-Ranked 1st in Information and Technology

Work Experience : (16 months professional experience + 5 Months Academic Project during graduation)
-Academic Project in Smartleaven Digital Systems pvt. ltd (Final year of graduation)
-R&D engineer in Smartleaven Digital Systems pvt. ltd (4 months)
-Web designer & developer in Konark Media solutions pvt. ltd (12 months - Present)
-My own Online Technology Magazine start-up with other 3 partners (www.technomyte.com)(simultaneous with above two - 12 months)

Extra curricular :
-Final Year of graduation: Electronics and Telecommunication Department Head in Technical Festival 'M-Pulse 2012' (55-60 people team and 5 different events).
-Final Year of Graduation: Campus-Placements Coordinator (6 people team).
-Third Year of Graduation: Head of event 'SUDOKU' (Maths quiz) in Technical festival M-Pulse 2011(15 people team).
-Third Year of Graduation: Treasurer of Telecommunication and Electronics Students Association (TEESA) (8 people core management team)(1 year).
-Third Year of Graduation: Head of Social Activity Week: Blood donation camps, Pollution Under control camps, and Seminar on rural teaching and development.
-Second year of Graduation: Technical Section Head of college Magazine 'Karmanya- Decade edition'(10-12 people team).

Other:
Guitar,Keyboard, Disk-Jockey(Not professional).

I am interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Finance, and have so far shortlisted some of these programs. I am planing to apply to the Round 2 (Dec-13/Jan-14)
1. University of Texas - Austin - McCombs
2. Duke University - Fuqua
3. Kenan-flager business school
4. Purdue University - Krannert school of Management
5. Smith school of business
6. Smeal school of business
7. Katz business school

I have following questions
1. Can I get admission to any of these programs?
2. Do you recommend any other programs for my Profile?
3. Is 2 months time sufficient to write essays and all application requisite for these schools?
4. How should I start preparing for Essay (Resources)?
5. Need more information about financial support (Scholarship/Fellowship/Loan).

I request you to please reply. Thank you.

olimpic wrote:Hello,

Wanted to get your opinion on something - do you think it is worthwhile to join an MBA program that is not in the Top 30, just for a scholarship?

Hi Olimpic,
In my (subjective) opinion, if this is a full scholarship, and if you can only finance your studies through a loan and you are unable to get into a Top 10 program, the answer is yes.

aniruddha2 wrote:Hello Aringo,

I am planning to apply for B schools in Fall 2014. But I am totally confused because of my low scores. Please help me to solve this confusion.

To start with, I am an Indian guy(Age 22) born in a Nanded, a city in Maharashtra state. Done schooling from 5 different schools due to fathers continuously shifting service oriented job. Majored in Electronics and telecommunication Engineering from University of Pune. I recently scored 660 (Q49 V31 IR5) on GMAT. It was my second attempt. In first attempt, a month ago, I scored 620 (Q49 V27 IR6 AWA 5). I have also given TOEFL (score 101).

Academics:
-Engineering : 65% (approx 3.2 to 3.3 GPA)
-Ranked 1st in Information and Technology

Work Experience : (16 months professional experience + 5 Months Academic Project during graduation)
-Academic Project in Smartleaven Digital Systems pvt. ltd (Final year of graduation)
-R&D engineer in Smartleaven Digital Systems pvt. ltd (4 months)
-Web designer & developer in Konark Media solutions pvt. ltd (12 months - Present)
-My own Online Technology Magazine start-up with other 3 partners (www.technomyte.com)(simultaneous with above two - 12 months)

Extra curricular :
-Final Year of graduation: Electronics and Telecommunication Department Head in Technical Festival 'M-Pulse 2012' (55-60 people team and 5 different events).
-Final Year of Graduation: Campus-Placements Coordinator (6 people team).
-Third Year of Graduation: Head of event 'SUDOKU' (Maths quiz) in Technical festival M-Pulse 2011(15 people team).
-Third Year of Graduation: Treasurer of Telecommunication and Electronics Students Association (TEESA) (8 people core management team)(1 year).
-Third Year of Graduation: Head of Social Activity Week: Blood donation camps, Pollution Under control camps, and Seminar on rural teaching and development.
-Second year of Graduation: Technical Section Head of college Magazine 'Karmanya- Decade edition'(10-12 people team).

Other:
Guitar,Keyboard, Disk-Jockey(Not professional).

I am interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Finance, and have so far shortlisted some of these programs. I am planing to apply to the Round 2 (Dec-13/Jan-14)
1. University of Texas - Austin - McCombs
2. Duke University - Fuqua
3. Kenan-flager business school
4. Purdue University - Krannert school of Management
5. Smith school of business
6. Smeal school of business
7. Katz business school

I have following questions
1. Can I get admission to any of these programs?
2. Do you recommend any other programs for my Profile?
3. Is 2 months time sufficient to write essays and all application requisite for these schools?
4. How should I start preparing for Essay (Resources)?
5. Need more information about financial support (Scholarship/Fellowship/Loan).

I request you to please reply. Thank you.

Hello aniruddha,

Thanks for submitting your profile and questions.

Based on your stats, admission to McCombs, Fuqua, and Kenan-Flagler would be a stretch, but you are a competitive candidate at the other business schools listed, provided that you submit an excellent application, with well-written essays and with good, solid recommendations.

Two month's time is usually sufficient to write the essays and gather the required materials in order to apply, of course depending on how much time you have available during these two months and the number of applications you submit. If you can dedicate a considerable amount of evening/weekend time to your applications, you should be able to apply to a few schools. Begin right away, though.

There are countless blogs that offer tips, tricks, and ideas for your essays. I would recommend reading the essay questions and taking a few days to think about each one and how you would like to answer it. Make sure your answers are authentic and not "canned", and give plenty of interesting examples. Aside from that, of course, make sure that someone with very strong English writing skills (be it a friend or a paid consultant) go over your essays and provide feedback.

Scholarships are merit-based - if the school really likes you as a candidate, they may offer one. You should seek information about scholarships, fellowships, and loans from the various schools to which you apply, since this information varies.

Best of luck,
David
Senior Consultant
Aringo.com

Thank you so much David. Your words gave me confidence. I will apply to rest of these schools which you suggested. Thank you.

David, thanks a lot for the input!