The Application Process

I plan to take GMAT in 2012 by august and apply to MBA schools for 2013 intake.

My real problem is my academic background, which is actually very weak.

I cleared school with 58% in the year 2003.
After school i decided to work since I was not able to get into any good college and moreover was a little undecided about life.

Work really changed me and I slowly developed as an individual with an identity.
I started as an Marketing Exec in a small company in the year 2003.
Currently after 8 years, am working in a company as a Zonal head of Marketing.
I am the youngest to become the same and the least qualified (academically).

I was given promotions out of turn because of my performance & new innovative marketing ideas

Currently I am heading 5 states of India with a total of about 7 managers and a team of 6 execs reporting to me.

I took BBA distance learning programme which i finished in the year 2011.

Please tell me if i have any chances to land up in some good college.
I really want to do MBA from the colleges best in marketing.
Don't wish to do it from just any other college just for the sake of doing.
Will a good GMAT score help...?
I am sure that i can get very good recommendation letter from my CEO and directors of present and past companies.
What should I do..?

Okay here goes:

1. BSchools don't look at your marks in school (as in the Indian definition of "school" - read as high-school). So there is nothing to worry there.

2. BBA part-time is considered as valid education in most schools. However just ensure you check with individual schools. If you graduated from an accredited university/college then it doesn't matter if it was distance-learning. I am assuming you still had to attend some classes, and take some tests.

3. GMAT will definitely help offset any doubts that would remain in the minds of the adcom. So if you get a kicka$$ GMAT score - nothing like it!

Your experience obviously is stellar, and am sure you can write a lot of interesting stories around it.

Arun

Hey Arun,
Thanks a tonn for the reply.
It really boosted my morale.

Thanks....

Hi Arvind1,

You should not worry too much about the academic portion of your background. You are clearly a person with extensive experience, and you have the ability to study. Were your grades any good for the BBA?

With a good GMAT score you will convince any adcom that you can handle the academic part of the MBA workload. Try to set yourself apart by illustrating your leadership skills and your innovative mind with real examples. Don't just claim these traits, PROVE them!

Your past sounds like it's in good shape, but another important issue to consider when applying is your vision for the future. If you don't have a clear goal with this MBA degree, that may prove more problematic than bad grades in school. Clearly your career is advancing pretty smoothly. Why drop out and go back to school?

Finally, by 2013, you'll have racked up about ten years of work experience. Have you considered doing an executive MBA?

Good luck!