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Looking for the right MBA program

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Looking for the right MBA program

by waco » Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:39 pm
I graduated as a mechanical engineer from one of the top schools in Turkey.
I lived and worked in energy sector in three different countries at consistent and exciting work environments for about 50 months. I gained valuable corporate experience in international background and my work experience consisted of project management and engineering.

Currently, I am working at a Californian start-up company focusing on Solar Energy and I'd like to be an entrepreneur in the future. I have a clear career goal that I'd like to do business in Turkey and its surrounding in renewable energy sector and I know I am going to need a strong network, a strong background supported with management and financial skills and a clear global vision throughout my ventures.

I believe, I've got good experience and good recommendations.

The only problem is that, my undergrad GPA is pretty low (shamefully <2.5; was busy with extracurricular activities) and I just got a GMAT score of 590 (Q: 82%, V: 28%) which is very low.

I was hoping to apply to Stanford, Harvard, Insead like schools where international background and entrepreneurship motivation is highly appreciated; though observing the average GMAT/ GPA scores I started noticing that I have slim chances to get into such top-tier schools. I'll retake GMAT in order to apply to Insead, but I still don't think I can make over 700.

I'm planning to apply only to top or 2nd tier business schools (location doesn't matter: US, Europe, Asia) where I can get into a successful network with like-minded people. I was thinking of IESE or Nanyang probably.

But I am still considering other options.

Do you have any school suggestions?
Or any recommendations?

Thanks a lot,
Waco
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by Tani » Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:00 pm
Because you are working in a "green" industry, you might find the website beyondgreypinstripes.org helpful. It ranks business schools around the world based on their interest in and curricular support of social and environmental issues. Those schools would have a bias toward the career path you are seeking.

Your GMAT and GPA together will make it very unlikely that you would be accepted to a top school. Those schools have many more qualified applicants than they can accept and regularly turn down 800 GMATs and 3.8+ GPAs. Their concern would be that you would be unable to handle the coursework based on your grades and test performance. From their perspective you represent a risk that their other applicants do not. Of particular concern would be your verbal score since it indicates you would have difficulty benefiting from and contributing to classroom discussions.

There are many excellent schools below the top 20. You should focus on schools with strong international or entrepreneurial focus such as Babson and Thunderbird. The European and Asian schools also have slightly lower GMAT expectations because they are more used to dealing with people for whom English is a second language. Bear in mind that you will have to meet TOEFL or IELTS standards for any school that teaches in English. My advice would be to focus on that aspect first to see how you measure up. Unlike GMAT scores, which can be flexible, most schools have firm TOEFL standards. A particularly strong TOEFL score would also offset your weak GMAT verbal score to some degree. You should also seriously consider taking a course or working with a tutor to improve your GMAT verbal score since that will be a real hindrance. Just doing "more of the same", however, will not help. You will need to identify key areas of weakness and develop plans for attacking and eliminating them.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by waco » Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:36 pm
Thank you very much for your response.

I got 105 at TOEFL ibt. I am going to retake the GMAT and I think I can get around 650-680 as this was the range during my practice tests.

I appreciate your recommendations. I was considering 1-year-MBA at Bobson.
Though, I am only considering an MBA program that would have significant boost in my career. Most of the 2nd-tier schools are not know in Europe or in Asia; and the alumni network is not as connected as those of 1st-tier schools.

Therefore, I was only focusing on the top schools.

What do you think about the following schools in terms of compatibility with my requirements and status?
NY Stern
Tuck
Tepper
Bocconi (Italy),
IESE & IE & ESADE (Spain),
HEC (France)

Thanks again.
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by Tani » Tue Nov 16, 2010 4:39 pm
With a score in the high 600s, you should be in line for the European and Asian schools on your list, although still low for Tuck and NYU. That doesn't mean you wouldn't get in, simply that your chances are poorer at schools that post 700+ averages. Being from Turkey should help since there are many fewer applicants from that part of the world than from South Asia and East Asia. Also, your clear goals and the field you seek to enter should make you more attractive to the admissions committee.

Much will depend on your ability to communicate your goals and your strengths in you application. Be sure to allow at least 6 weeks to 2 months to get your essays in shape.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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