Need help in selecting schools to apply

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Need help in selecting schools to apply

by cipher17 » Tue Apr 26, 2011 1:23 pm
Hi

How many schools should be ideally applied in one round ? I am giving a brief description of my profile. Could you help me in categorizing schools that would fall into the following criteria and also any other tips for the admission process:

- Stretch or dream schools
- Reach schools
- Safe bet schools

Nationality: Indian

Gender: Male

GMAT Score: 760 (v 44/q 49)

Work Ex:
1. 5 years in IBM as an IT consultant, providing technology solutions to my client at&t.
2. Currently a team lead of 7 members.
3. Have almost 2 years of international experience i.e in US.
4. Have won 4 awards in 5 years.

Career Goals: Want to pursue a career in Consulting.

Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering in NIT Silchar, class of 2006

CPA : 8.5/10 i.e 8.5 in a scale of 10.

Leadership and Extra Curricular Activities:

1. Co founder of organization HOPES to educate underprivileged children during my college days. Unfortunately could not keep the organization alive after college days.

2. Currently a member of a similar organization .viz HELP.

3. Was the prefect in college hostel. Have organized events and provided internet facility in my hostel.

4. Was an NCC cadet.

I understand that I belong to an overrepresented pool of applicants and as such I am trying hard to find key points about my life and future goals which can help me in differentiating from rest of the pool. Any pointers in that regard would be highly appreciated Smile
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sat May 14, 2011 5:09 pm
Hello,

Having very strong numbers - GMAT and GPA - will help you counter the over-represented issue. Still, you are right to recognize the need to differentiate yourself within this group to optimize your chances. Your perceptions, observations, and insights into your experiences are by their nature unique, and they also represent clear value you bring to the table. Also, in the context of your goals, your motivation and vision are inherently unique, and that "story" can be a memorable differentiating factor if presented artfully in your essays.

As for schools, I would consider any top program with strong consulting recruiting to be a reasonable reach - Kellogg, HBS, Insead, Columbia. In the on-par category would be Michigan, Anderson, Cornell, etc. NYU would be another relatively reasonable reach. I believe you would find my free mini-course on how to identify and select appropriate schools helpful.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com