As I am sure you realize, there is a huge pool of technical applicants from India. To get into a top school you will need to differentiate yourself form the group. Think about ways in which your background is different from that of other IT personnel.

Your record and scores are strong, so you certainly can apply to the top schools, but you must recognize that the schools on your list turn down 80% or more of their applicants. Some of my clients are doing so well in their careers that they do not want to invest the time and money to get an MBA unless they can go to a top ten school. That is a perfectlly reasonable position. however, if you are determined to get an MBA next year. you need to add some safety schools to your list.

You will also have to explain convincingly why you are changing careers. schools are not interested in people who are unhappy in their jobs and trying to find something else to do. You will need to show them that you understand what the new field is like and that you know how you will fit, how your background is relevant and why you will be successful. That will require outstanding essays. You should consider using a seasoned admissions consultant.

Good luck,

Hi Tani,

Thanks for the reply. I certainly am targeting the top schools and I do hope to convincingly build a case for a career switch. But just in case, I would like to know what safety schools would you recommend for me? ( maybe with a scholarship )


Thanks!

You need to choose safety schools based on their curricula and how those meet your needs. Try looking for schools that are stronger in your specialty than they are overall. Also look for schools whose metrics are at or slightly below your own. Check out schools who have strong IT departments outside the b-school. They will offer cross-registration possibilities and will be interested in your expertise. AS for scholarship money, you will not be eligible for US federal money so you will have to look at the specific funds inside the schools. AN online search for MBA scholarships can help. Business schools in general give less scholarship money than do general academic programs because they believe their students will be able to repay loans once they have their MBA.

Another tack is to look at schools that have on-campus interviews with your target employers. Also see where their students end up working after graduation and where they do internships. All those will help you find a school based on your needs rather than mere rankings.