Hi and thanks for your note. It sounds like you are in a really strong job situation so that's great.

It sounds like you have a great GMAT, a decent undergrad career, really rich work experience (I can already see your essay topics based on the little bit that you told me; you probably can, too!), and enough volunteer experience to show that you have a soul. (Incidentally, I don't know this for sure but I simply cannot believe that EVERY person that gets into business school has rich volunteer experience; it's just not possible, especially knowing some of the folks that I knew in business school.)

At any rate, I would say that you are going to be very competitive at the schools that you mention. There are, obviously, no guarantees but I think you'll have a very good shot.

My only concern and I don't see this as a deal-breaker but I do see it as an issue is having only three years of work experience. I would still go ahead and apply but just bear this issue in mind.

In terms of Marriott, it's a fine school but it's student body is mainly Mormon (Church of Latter Day Saints). Now, there's certainly nothing wrong with that (quite the contrary) but it is something to bear in mind. Remember that business school is as much about developing a geographically relevant network as any anything else and going to BYU may limit you somewhat in that respect. Of course, if you're a Mormon then it would probably be terrific.

Hi Paxton,

Thanks a lot for your valuable insights!!

I am still researching on which schools to apply. All I could get are their rankings, tutions, employment rates etc. But its difficult to find out which school are better in which departments. Since I am targeting management consulting i would like to know which schools are better known for management consulting. Can you please help?

~Shaishav

To identify strengths you need to visit program websites, talk to experts (like an admissions consultant), and read books. It's time consuming but worth it.

Bear in mind that if you end up doing consulting you will almost certainly do so in a specific field. So, you are a finance consultant, or an HR consultant, or a marketing consultant, or --in some cases-- an industry consultant (i.e., expert in real estate, or pharma, or consumer products, etc.).

So...go to the best program that you want to go and that has a strength in the area that you want to consult in. Don't forget that any program that is strong in the proverbial "general management" is going to be good for consulting, too.

Thank you Paxton!!

Whatever u told is of much help! In fact I have started to enjoy the whole research thing!!

Take care

~Shaishav

My pleasure.