The Application Process

Hi, can anyone share info about mcgill mba, hows it weighted globally (specially in middle east and india) - How tough is it to get in and what kind of gmat score will be good with 5 years of solid experience as an entrepreneur. In all mockups i took i couldn't go beyond 600-620.

Thanks and i am really looking forward for help from this forum.


Regards,
Webking

Hi webking,

McGill is a highly reputable school in Canada and a great choice. I am from Montreal and have many friends that have enrolled at McGill. However, there happens to be an underlying theme amongst many students here (including professors at McGill) that openly speak of HEC Montreal. Many friends of mine would not pursue graduate degrees in business at McGill (preferable for sciences and law).

I completed my undergrad at HEC Montreal and can say that the school in terms of facilities, international opportunities (full-time MBA program available in English, French and Spanish) and faculty surpass McGill. Nevertheless, McGill holds a well-deserved reputation and access to many recruiters that HEC does not.

I apologize if this reply does not answer all your questions; I figure that a local perspective may provide you with additional insight!

Best of luck!

Hi triple5soul,
I wanted to apply for Mcgill and HEC Montreal this year fall. Know that its already late. {My brief profile: Indian Male , Software Professional, GMAT 640 (M 50 V 26 AWA 5), TOEFL 113, GPA 2.6/4.0, 4 yrs work exp in Infosys Technologies Limited, Extra curricular: Moderate.} Considering that its already late and hardly have a month to get the application together please let me know my chances and also which one has better value. HEC Montreal's 1 yr MBA seems to have people with lot of industry experience. Is this true? Thanks in advance.
- Jon

Hi JG,

I apologize for not answering sooner. I would like to remind you that I have yet to enroll in a MBA program; I have however been exposed to students at McGill and completed my BA from HEC in corporate finance.

Keep in mind that HEC is an "up-and-coming" business program and is interesting in attracting a diverse student body. McGill however has a long lasting reputation as one of the best brands in Canada, and the world.

I am a firm believer that one cannot, based on a "profile", advise on the "chances of admission". The process is extremely introspective and much can be communicated in the essays, LoRs, etc.

That being said, I would suggest applying at both (nothing to lose, everything to gain). From that point, I would suggest HEC over McGill (no bias whatsoever. In fact, I wouldn't, irconically not enroll at HEC because I already completed a BA there and wouldn't want to be exposed to similar teachers, teaching methods etc.) Feel free to contact me for additional questions.

Thanks triple5soul for the info!

I have a question for you.

If,after completing my MBA in Canada, I would like to work in USA, how would US companies look at Canadian MBA?

~AJ~

Aj, my pleasure.

According to BW and other lists, some of the best foreign MBA programs can be found in Canada (Ivey, Queen's, Rotman, McGill, HEC). The student body, albeit at HBS or McGill is composed of diverse individuals who have a range of skills that may interest future employers.

Having established that universities in the US or Canada both "groom" excellent candidates, think about the question from another perspective. Do HBS or Wharton grads seek to work in Canada? If so, why wouldn't they enroll in canadian universities to begin with? My point is, domestic universities have an interest in promoting recruiting opportunities to domestic companies.

Therefore, my question is, why not enroll in the US to begin with?

FYI, many MC and IB firms are in Canada (the majority in Toronto, a select few in Montreal). Look into Mck, Bain, BCG, GS, etc.... you'll find that many of them have offices in Canada.

Could you folks let us know of your final decisions with McGill? Also, can you explain what areas are McGill MBA / Montreal popular for focusing on?