Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hi Sameer ,

Could you kindly address my concerns :

https://www.beatthegmat.com/gpa-for-a-no ... 47402.html

I would really appreciate it, as this matter is freaking me out to say the least .

Regards

Hi Sameer! I took my GMAT a week back (my 2nd attempt) and I scored 730. Sadly, I'm an IT male from India. I couldn't apply this year because most deadlines are over and I don't want to apply in haste. I have to start applying to universities next August. Now, because of my limitations (India IT male), I'm scared. My overall profile isn't that great too. This is where I seek your help. You have a better understanding of Indian candidates.

I want to know if there is ANYTHING I can do to strengthen my profile. And, in which of the top US B-schools do I have a realistic chance of getting in? I have lots of questions popping up in my head... (Will learning a foreign language help? Will certifications help? Do I have to improve my GMAT score? Can I switch to another job to align myself towards my MBA goals?)

Even small tips from your side could be life-saving at this moment. Thanks.


Basic details:

"¢ Interested in doing MBA in Marketing.

"¢ GMAT score:
First attempt - 650 (Q44 V35) (AWA 4.5)
Second attempt - 730 (Q49 V41)

"¢ UG Degree - Bachelor of Engineering
"¢ UG percentage - 70%
(There was no grade system. 75% = 'Distinction' and 60% = 'First Class')

"¢ Full-time work experience - 2.4 years as Systems Engineer
(Working as developer in Infosys Limited. I will be having 3.2 years of work xp when I apply.)

Extra-curricular activities:
- Core committee member of my college Entrepreneurship Development Club. I was the creative head responsible for promoting its events. We represented our club in a competition help by NEN (National Entrepreneurship Network, India) and conducted various events to spread entrepreneurial spirit. Our efforts won our college the runner's up trophy that year.
- NSS volunteer in college. Attended several rural development camps.
- A graphic designer by passion. I design logos and posters for college and office events.

That's pretty much it. Please help me take a practical view and know where I actually stand. Thanks again!

GPA calculators for Percentage to GPA conversion: A How to guide

In India, the majority of the institutions use either percentage or grade as a method of assessment. A few premier institutions like IITs, NITs have their own grading system. Students applying to universities outside India would be familiar with the GPA scale.

In this post, MBA Crystal Ball provides some perspectives on the GPA scale and its implications for an Indian student planning to study abroad...Read More

MIT SCM Course (MLOG) - Supply Chain Management, anyone?

The MIT Supply Chain Management (SCM) course, formerly known as MLOG, combines two lethal components - the strong Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) brand and one of the key disciplines that the brand is known for - Supply Chain Management (SCM).

Satya Dhavala already had an MBA in Operations from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Like many who've jumped into their first MBA course early, Satya soon felt the need for another degree that would open up global opportunities.

He tried his hand at the top MBA programs, but without luck. He then explored the option of gaining a specialty degree in a niche area. The MIT SCM course (MLOG) seemed to be the perfect choice for his career goals...Read More

georgepaul0071987 wrote:Hi ,

Just an update to this thread :

I wrote the GMAT again today and scored a 670 . I'm really disappointed with this score . Will this lower score have an impact on my application ? Or will schools just look at my previous score of 710?

Don't get stressed out, bro. Your 710 would be considered, assuming it is still eligible under the 5 year validity rule

vishaljainsxc wrote:Hi MBA CRYSTAL BALL,

I wanted your advice on the top colleges in Asia and Europe(will we get a work permit post MBA to work in Europe?) where I should apply,

Hi Vishal,

If you have been reading our earlier posts, you'd know our stand on recommending bschools on discussion forums.

Here it is again: How not to select business schools: MBA application don'ts

But if you are looking for Asian schools the options are pretty limited anyway. Europe is a bigger challenge as the options and what they offer can vary.

sayanddude wrote:Can you please tell me which are the ones I should stuck off since the chances at a score of 690 wud be very low. And can u plz suggest a few more schools which I can add to the list.

Sayan-da,

Stop thinking about the score now. With the exception of schools like ISB where the average score tends to be unusually high, in absolute terms your score isn't that low.

Focus on the essays, storyline, recos and make sure once you get the interview call, you impress the heck out of those on the other side of the table.

Talk about your transition from IT to analytics. Talk about the new skills that you've picked up. Talk about the teaching work you do. Don't overfocus on the GMAT.

There's more to applications than that one parameter. Use your structuring, packaging and presentation skills to make that single aspect irrelevant.

ca.nikhiljain wrote:Hello Sameer,

Please evaluate my profile:
i. 23 year old Indian
ii. Took GMAT today. Got 720 (Q 50, V37)
iii. Qualified Chartered Accountant (Indian equivalent of CPA). Completed in May 2011.
iv. Cleared CFA L1 in Dec 2011 and L2 in June 2012.
v. Completed 3 levels of ICSI (Indian equivalent of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, London)
v. Graduated in June 2010 with 68% marks (2.72 on scale of 4)
vi. Have been working as an auditor since April 2011 in a mid size audit firm. Have some leadership and team building experience.
vii. Don't have praiseworthy co-curricular activities.

Can some one tell me which B schools I can look at with the above profile.

Thanks

Nikhil

Hi Nikhil,

I saw the response that the other consultants have provided. And also your counter point about not being able to defer your MBA application plans.

If you have decided to go ahead anyway, here are some additional points for you to think about:

- Why MBA: What stops you from joining a smaller, boutique investment bank (your post-MBA goal) right now. in India?

- Differentiation: What have you done in your family biz that would make your contributions special?

- Long term plans: To grow the family biz. Why can't you grow it right now?
Simplistically, it's just a matter of convincing your dad to allow you the freedom to take ownership of an existing or new 'vertical'.

If you have strong and impactful answers to those, then go ahead and apply. Or else try to work on them first before aiming for the top schools.

vomhorizon wrote:Hi Sameer ,

Could you kindly address my concerns :

https://www.beatthegmat.com/gpa-for-a-no ... 47402.html

I would really appreciate it, as this matter is freaking me out to say the least .

Regards

The simplest approach. Don't convert the percentage to GPA. It's never going to be accurate.

Most of the top bschools accept country specific grades.

However you could try to give them a yardstick to evaluate it.

For instance, you score X, while the topper scored Y. Or you were in the top 5/10/20 in a class of 50/100 etc.

Leave the rest of the headache to them.

See if this helps: GPA calculators for Percentage to GPA conversion: A How to guide

ISB YLP Young Leaders Program

ISB YLP (Young Leaders Program) has an unsual format. While the regular PGP program at ISB Hyderabad & Mohali requires a minimum of 2 years work experience, the ISB YLP programs opens its doors to freshers (i.e. those with no work-ex).

But it is not a short cut for the selected applicants. All it offers is a guaranteed seat in the regular PGP batch after a couple of years. In this post we evaluate the ISB YLP, probably the best MBA option for freshers that considers GMAT scores, as opposed to CAT percentile for admissions...Read More

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In India, mention 'Executive MBA' to an MBA aspirant and ask him how it differs from an 'MBA for executives'. The odds are high that you'll end up confusing your friend. And not without reason. Several popular post-graduate management courses offered by our IIM clan (Indian Institutes of Management) have the word executive in them.

So, we've got IIMA PGPX (Post Graduate Programme for Executives at IIM Ahmedabad), EPGP (Executive PGP in Management) offered by IIM Bangalore and IIM Indore, PGPex (Executive PGP at IIM Calcutta and IIM Shillong). But these courses, in the technical sense, are not the same as an Executive MBA.

The terms 'MBA' and 'Executive MBA' might be clear to folks outside India. But back home, the concept of an MBA aimed at experienced professionals (or 'executives') is relatively new. In this post, we try to address the difference between the traditional Indian MBA, the traditional executive MBA and the not so traditional new-kid-on-the-block - the MBA for executives in India...Read More

MBACrystalBall wrote:GPA calculators for Percentage to GPA conversion: A How to guide

In India, the majority of the institutions use either percentage or grade as a method of assessment. A few premier institutions like IITs, NITs have their own grading system. Students applying to universities outside India would be familiar with the GPA scale.

In this post, MBA Crystal Ball provides some perspectives on the GPA scale and its implications for an Indian student planning to study abroad...Read More

Thanks for sharing the article. One thing i would like to point out that In most Indian Colleges and Universities 65-70% is considered First division, and WES (www.wes.org) counts it as an A on the grading system ..

https://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/index.asp

Therefore the GPA of say a person who gets 66% should not be 2-2.3 (according to WES) but 3.67+... Hopefully the paid Igpa check would actually consider this (country specific) when calculating GPA (as they mention on their website)..

I do not think many universities do actually bother converting Percentage from India to GPA, I think they have a pretty good idea of what a good score is in most disciplines (Engineering, Sciences, Arts etc) and go by that..I am worried about the fact that some of the universities that i am looking at specificaly ask for GPA on the application, and a GPA that is POOR but not reflective on my performance will seriously dent my chances of getting a decent scholarship ..

Hi Sameer,

I have been into this MBA game for quite sometime and have been browsing abt careers, consultants etc etc...I can say that u hv the popularity of a bollywood hero among admission consultants . I have reached out to you before and here I am again...

I am an Indian IT Male. I am thinking about a career switch to Consulting. Not the IT consulting. I want to get into a new area in which I can use the skills I acquire during my MBA (and I leave that pretty open bcos I really dont know the specific field/sector.I just want to move away from anything tech related.) Among all these 'bad' thoughts, one good thought is that I am not aiming for MBB. I am ok with corporate strategy consulting in Deloitee, E&Y, KPMG or PwC

I have been working in Canada for the past 11 months. I am looking for a b school that will help me in this switch.

I have mentioned my brief profile and questions below.

Acads:
10th - 91%
12th - 96%
Engg - 75% (First class with distinction)
GMAT - 690

Work Ex
* 6 yrs in an Indian IT Services company.
* No leadership role, but have mentored a team of 10-20 members.
* a couple of award at the workplace

Extra-Curricular
* Have cleared an internationally recognized Mandarin Certification (HSK Level 2)
* Have worked with NGO

My Questions
1. I dont mind continuing in IT industry. But at the same time I dont mind switching to mgmt Consulting . So just want to know whether a 2 yr MBA will help me?
2. I am looking at Schulich School of Business in Canada. I can see that they hv good electives and have a live strategy consulting proj at the end. What do you think abt Schulich? Is it good for a switch from IT to Mgmt Consulting?

Thanks in advance.

CNN IBN Live hosts Sameer Kamat

When: Friday 7th Dec

Time: 1 pm - 2 pm IST.

Where: CNN IBN Live Chat room (Click on the link)

Topic: MBA Book - Beyond The MBA Hype

Synopsis:

Most Indian MBA applicants are completely at sea when it comes to approaching international education opportunities. This is primarily because the MBA selection process and the parameters considered by the top business schools abroad for admitting candidates into their fold are very different from what we are used to.

'Beyond the MBA Hype' talks about the typical issues, challenges and dilemmas that Indian applicants grapple with when it comes to international MBA programmes - from the typical candidate profile to the selection and admission process, to what to expect in the course itself as well as after completing MBA.

If you have queries about any of these aspects, please join in for the Live chat session. If you aren't able to make it for the live session, post your queries any time before the session begins and check back later.

I hope to interact with you soon.

dare2try wrote:Hi Sameer,

I can say that u hv the popularity of a bollywood hero among admission consultants .

Give me 5 seconds as I stretch & raise my hands in slow-motion...SRK style.

Ok, timepass over. Let's get back to business.

dare2try wrote:I have been into this MBA game for quite sometime and have been browsing abt careers, consultants etc etc...I have reached out to you before and here I am again...

Always good to interact with old friends. But not such a good thing, if being 'in the MBA game' (to use your phrase) means you've applied earlier and haven't got in. Or were you referring to management games?

What's the story there, buddy?

dare2try wrote:Among all these 'bad' thoughts, one good thought is that I am not aiming for MBB. I am ok with corporate strategy consulting in Deloitee, E&Y, KPMG or PwC

Always good to spread the net a little wide. Too many applicants get hooked on to the M/B/B tag and refuse to look beyond it.

dare2try wrote:1. I dont mind continuing in IT industry. But at the same time I dont mind switching to mgmt Consulting . So just want to know whether a 2 yr MBA will help me?

Sure, both options are possible.

dare2try wrote:2. I am looking at Schulich School of Business in Canada. I can see that they hv good electives and have a live strategy consulting proj at the end. What do you think abt Schulich? Is it good for a switch from IT to Mgmt Consulting?

If you are only focussing on Canadian bschools, you could also look at Rotman and Ivey.

Both options give you the freedom to stay back in the country and hunt for the right opportunity.

Next time when you get back to this thread (after a break), I hope to hear some good news, bro. No more MBA games.