Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Amy/Stacy, thanks for all the efforts you guys put into answering our questions.

I am planning to go back to school in Fall 2008. Just took my GMAT couple of days back. 750 (Q50, V41)


Brief Profile:
I am a 30-year old male, Indian, living in the US since 2000
I have a very good academic record throughout school.
Undergrad (1994-1998, BS Comp Sci) - I went to a Regional Engg. College which has a pretty good standing. According to Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grade_(education)#India , my GPA would be in 3.75-3.95 range. Do I need to get it done from an accredited agency?

Worked for a little over an year for one of the leading IT companies in Mumbai, India

Masters (Jan 2000 - May 2001, MS Comp Sci, Virginia Tech) - GPA 3.85

Post Grad Work Experience - 4 years for one of the largest software firms in New York. Currently working with an investment bank in Manhattan since Dec 2005. At both these companies, I have been promoted once. Have had people working under me and have served as mentor for lot of fresh grads out of college at work.

Total work ex: 1 + 4 + 1.5 comes to around 7 years.

Regarding extra curriculars: I volunteer for ASHA, a non-profit that focuses on basic education in India. The company I used to work for had a matching program whereby they matched 200% (!!) of your charity amount. I did some mixer-events to raise little bit of money every now and then. I am not sure if there is some sort of proof needed for this since I do not have any 'receipts' or such. I was the treasurer for Comp Sci community in college. Took a one credit photography course 3 years back at a community college. Other interests include swimming and roller blading.

I started a call center business last year but it did not do too well and we had to pull the plug.


The reason I switched to the finance world: Couple of years back, I took a 4 month break to be with my grandfather who fell seriously ill. Conversations with him during those times made me realize that I was being complacent (and a little averse to make a drastic change since I was helping my Mom and Dad financially and funding my brother's MBA) and refueled my desire to help people buy their own homes by helping them secure loans that suit their needs. (Its bad timing to mention this in lieu of the sub prime mess but still...). I come from a very poor background and as a kid, saw my grandfather and dad struggle to buy their own house without success. I have always wanted to start a bank of some sorts to pursue my desire. So, I switched to the financial industry and have been working in the mortgage business for the last couple of years. Also, I have always been the 'go to' person (amongst the people I know) to get help regarding mortgage questions. I love doing this and would want to pursue an MBA to eventually fulfill the goal.

I will be getting into the application process pretty soon and wanted to get your input as to where I stand as far as top 10 schools are concerned. I am thinking UChicago, Wharton, Stern, Columbia, INSEAD, HBS, Kellogg.


Please let me know your thoughts. Those will be of great help.
Also, do I stand ANY chance whatsoever of securing a scholarship? Or should I retake knowing that I can get a higher score which would put me in a better position to get a scholarship.


Thanks in advance.