Hello and thank you for your note (and for the very thorough data: they are very helpful in evaluating your situation).

I think you have a very fine profile, especially your very rich work experience and the fact that you are an IIT graduate. You are, as they say in American English, "in the mix," that is, you are a legitimate contender for a place at INSEAD.

I cannot say that you are "guaranteed" a place or that you you will "definitely" get a place...I can just say that you have a profile that I think is consistent with the kind of profile that they are looking for.

In terms of details:

- Stress the entrepeneurial and your great persistence in trying to make a small business work. This is really really rich stuff, much more interesting and meaningful than just another consulting or I-banking job. I really can't emphasize what a huge advantage you have having worked for yourself even if you are not aware of it right now.

- Your 690 may be below INSEAD's average but it is by no means a poor score. I think you are probably well within their 50% range and that is probably just fine for your purposes.

If you are feeling shaky about your essays or uncertain about how to position your GMAT it may make sense to hire an admissions consultant. Kaplan offers packages for as little as 3 hours and can easily work with clients in India.

Keep me in the loop about your decision making and if you have further questions.

Paxton

Hi Paxton,
Many thanks for reviewing my profile and giving me a thorough feedback. I also think that my profile might suit INSEAD quite well. In my application essays, I need to skillfully incorporate my life & career's major landmarks with valid reasoning. I guess low GMAT can be equated with my extremely busy schedule during incorporation of my venture whilst coping up with my professional life. I need some help regarding my low GPA (3.039). Is it wise to state the true circumstances (I was really confused regarding my major during first 2 years) leading to an overall low GPA ? Pls advice.

Also, is it fine if I aim for high ranked schools in US (HARVARD, STANFORD, STERN, ROSS, BOOTH), given my low GMAT & GPA ?

Thanks Again !

-vpanwar

Look...this stuff is all relative and it's ultimately your decision. Is it "fine"? It's not really a question of "fine" or "not fine" it's a question of do you feel comfortable with the effort involved given the chances that you think that you have based on your own analysis and my and others' comments.

Do I think you have a chance? Yes, I do. Should you apply? That is totally your decision.

Naturally, hiring an admissions consultant would increase your chances of getting into those places, perhaps significantly.