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Part-time programs...do I have a chance?

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Part-time programs...do I have a chance?

by topmbaaspirant » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:23 am
I am a 28 year old Indian female with the following profile. I would like some insight as to my chance for a part time program in Booth, Ross and Kellogg....

GMAT - 670 V35, Q 47, AWA 5.5 overall 85th percentile
Undergrad GPA-3.9
Grad GPA (M.S in Engineering) - 4.0
Work Experience: 5 years

Certifications: PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, Business Communication
Awards: Close to 10 distinguished awards for excellence from the company I am working at...got a personal letter of appreciation from the CIO of my company (~6000 associates)

Extra-curricular: PM Mentor at the local chapter, Volunteer for a commission at the office of the Mayor

Promotions: None...stuck in the same role due to immigration application! But within my role have been promoted 2 levels in 5 years...need to wait one more year to hit the top level in my role.

Leadership activities in my role: day-in-day out dealing with people!

Current Industry: IT

My research: I started my research for my master degree and have published 5 papers so far. My goal is to take that research to the next level. I have found a new way to achieve a goal in my research and am working on a patent application. I am also planning to start a company to market my idea and fund my research.

Why MBA? I don't have any experience putting together a business and closing deals...now that I have reached this far, I need an MBA to take me through this dream

Why now? I have been busy figuring out more about my research and just now attained a stage where I can concentrate on the business perspective.

I am not planning to apply until Summer 2011...by then I can shore up more 'Women in Leadership' type of opportunities...

Does my application stand a chance for part-time programs in Booth, Ross and Kellogg?
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by Anurag@Gurome » Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:27 pm
You absolutely do stand a chance. You have a number of factors in your profile that make you a good candidate; you do need to weave a comprehensive story that brings these factors to fore, however.

Your strengths are:
  • Academic background/grades
    Awards
    Publications/patent
    Planned career path (provided you can show that it is a credible within-reach path)
    Gender
Your GMAT score is good as well - well within the band of scores accepted at these part-time programs.

Are you currently working or in an MS program? If it's the latter, you will need to explain why you are looking for back-to-back graduate degrees and why you did not elect to do an MBA right away.

Your extracurriculars are neither very strong nor weak. You will add a lot of credibility to your future career goals if you did something with your start up now.

Hope that helps.
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by topmbaaspirant » Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:15 pm
Thanks for your response.

I graduated from grad school 5 years ago...have been in IT industry as a project manager for 5 years...but have continued to publish research papers for my research (the recent one in 2009).

I would like few suggestions as to what kinda story line will bring the strong points in my profile to the forefront....

Also, I was told that I will be on the younger side of the spectrum for a part-timer...and also pursuing my business is not a great reason for part-time programs as they will be looking for candidates to hone their skills for their career than to pursue new ones (not sure if that is true)...I would like to focus on my research than to bring IT in the forefront...

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
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by Anurag@Gurome » Wed Apr 14, 2010 2:04 pm
OK.

You are certainly on the younger side for a part-time MBA program. But if you demonstrate maturity through your essays and your interview, you will be ok. I suggest that you try to meet with a few alumni/current students of these programs and benchmark yourself. It is important for YOU to be convinced that you are a good fit. The admissions officers will look for that in your presentation.

Also, it is not true that PT MBA programs only look for candidates who are looking to grow in their current careers. Nearly ALL top MBA programs look for diversity of backgrounds and future career paths , and your story fits the bill. It is hard to suggest a storyline without doing a comprehensive analysis, but the guiding principle that GuroMe follows is "connect the dots". You must have enough in your story to show that your future career path is based in something real and tangible from your background - either personal, academic, or professional.

Hope that helps.
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by topmbaaspirant » Thu Apr 15, 2010 6:36 am
Thanks Anurag!

Can I ask if you attended Booth or Ross...just thought to start with an alumni! :)

I would like some help later, but like you mentioned I need to get the patent and the start up out of the way so that I can assess my gaps and figure what I need to do....

Also, I would like to get your opinion on how much of personal info will be tolerated...in IT industry they care less about personal life/achievements...not sure what is the scoop with b schools.

My parents were born in rural India, studied and worked hard to provide more than we wanted...I was awarded scholarships for most of my studies and on top of it, I am a new mom juggling a full time job, an infant and in the future a part-time MBA...is this all worth mentioning? I guess I am trying to figure out the balance...of course, everyone will have a busy schedule, but in my opinion mine is a little crazy and am not sure if that is considered as a positive!!
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by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Apr 15, 2010 8:15 am
Neither - I attended Haas. (I did however do my post-doctoral fellowship at U of Michigan and visited Chicago frequently while I was there, if that counts :)).

Some personal context is ok, and some schools welcome more of it than do others. But there is a balance that needs to be struck; too much of personal stuff and you risk making yourself appear not as professionally focused.
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by topmbaaspirant » Thu Apr 15, 2010 9:08 am
Anurag,

Is this forum the best channel to communicate with you?

I would like to hear your perspective about both these schools... :)

Thanks!
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by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Apr 15, 2010 10:55 am
This forum is the best avenue for your questions, unless you want to discuss specific Gurome services. For the latter, you can call the phone number in my signature below anytime.

Look forward to it.
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by guyinDC » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:22 am
I'd appreciate thoughts as well.

Gender: Male
Age: 29
Work Experience: 7 years at a global, top-tier consulting firm; great success to date (current title is principal)
GMAT: 690 (43 quant; 42 verbal)
Undergrad: top-15 school, business major (2.8 GPA overall, 3.1 major); 3-year varsity athlete; received an award at graduation for contributing to the broader school community outside of academics.

Obviously, my undergrad GPA is the big dinger. Work experience and recommendations should be my strongest selling points . GMAT seems right in the mix of things. Never considered going back to school until recently and am now considering applying to Stern's weekend program. Is this a pipe dream or reality?
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by Anurag@Gurome » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:06 am
I think you have a shot - are you thinking of Stern Full Time or Part Time? FT is feasible, but PT appears more within reach - you just need to show that your undergrad GPA is not an accurate reflection of your academic prowess. GMAT helps with that a bit. Strong essays, recommendations, and interview (assuming you get to that) will help you seal the deal. I would definitely try, and try for Fall 2011.

One additional thought: if you can do a couple of graduate level courses at a local university (or it's extension) and get A's, that may improve odds measurably.

Hope that helps
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