Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi, Im a 24yr old guy from India, planning to apply this fall for the classes starting in 2010.
My particulars are listed below.

Did my schooling from one of the most reputed schools in India, and got 92% in the 10+2 levels (Indian School Certificate) in 2003.

GPA- I dont know how to convert my score to a GPA at Undergrads levels, since we dont have a GPA system in India. I scored 68% in both the University level annual exams held in the 2nd and 3rd(final) year
(60% is considered a First Class in India) from St. Xavier's College, affiliated to Calcutta University in mid 2006.

GMAT- 1st attempt (Dec 2008) Q34(40%) V27(43%) AWA 5.5
2nd attempt(May 2009) Q44(70%) V31(66%) AWA 5.5


Work Experience -
Family business profile - manufacturing and retailing of diamond studded jewellery; the firm is well-known across India, and has 3 outlets.
mid 2003- mid2006 - worked part time during my undergrads in my family business, learning the basics of the industry as well as receiving training directly under senior-most members
Post Grad-
june 2006-2007 Feb - worked in the inventory management dept
feb 2007-Aug 2007 - Did the Graduate Gemologist diploma course from Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, California - receiving an average of 92% in the final tests

Aug 2007- June 2008 - promoted to the sales team and inducted into the purchase and quality control depts

June 2008 - present - Heading the purchase and sales dept, and managing the quality control dept of the company
note - becoz of the nature of the business, at each point of progression, I have had to lead/supervise a team ranging from 4-15 members, depending on the nature of the task(I can expand on this if u want me to)

ExtraCurriculars - founding member of the Chess Club, active member of the Computer Club and Nature Club in High School
Actively helped in organising the College annual fests.
Have been involved with a local NGO twice in the past two years

Personal facts -playing cricket, badminton, squash, swimming, table tennis. travelling-been to australia, new zealand, spain, germany, UAE, hong kong, singapore, bangkok in the recent 2-3 years for business and pleasure as well. A good knowledge of and keen interests in computers and gadgets.

Im aiming for the top 20 schools. Please advice as to what are the features I should look for in a school so that it 'fits' me.
I plan to expand my family business, and also want to gain the basic necessary knowledge and confidence to venture into a new business on my own a few years after my graduation.
Also, please tell me if its advisable to re-take the GMAT. If so, when shud I take it? Im in the early stages of my research right now.Frankly, I got a bit nervous in my second attempt, and was getting around 660-670 in my practice tests(GMATPrep) a few days before the actual test. Im sure I can manage atleast 40-50 points above 600, if not more, with another 30-45 days of prep.
Also, should I apply in R1, or R2?

waiting for your help and advice
thanks

thanks a lot for the prompt reply Lisa!

can you share your initial impression/thoughts on my profile? I mean are there any areas I need to work upon (except GMAT)?

also, how go I convert my undergrad scores to a GPA? do I need to contact individual schools, or do they already have a good idea of Indian scoring system, in which case I may not need to convert the scores?

about R1/R2, are there some schools I need to be aware of, where its more advisable to apply in R1 than R2?

thanks again!
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***forgot to add..

for my undergrads, I had done B.COM, majoring in Accounting and Finance

Hi Lisa,
First of all, Im really greatful that uve replied to my posts so promptly and aptly!

I have a few more queries..

Ive decided to re-appear for the GMAT, as I dont think the second attempt score was representative of my potential. What score do u think would put me in the competitive range? I dont know whether I can get 700+, but im sure if I work hard enuf, I can manage at least in the 650-700 range. Also, am I at a disadvantage having to appear for the third time? And is the fact that I managed a 70 point jump between my 2 attempts an aspect that the AdCom will think about positively?

Also, can u suggest the names of any credentialing services for converting my scores to GPA? or suggest where I can find one?

thanks again for the crucial info! really appreciate it!

thanks a lot for the precise input Lisa!
I must say, with people like you to help us, the humongous application process becomes that much more simpler!
You're really very helpful!

Hi Lisa, I just gave my GMAT yesterday and got a 670!
Is it a good enough score to improve my chances at the top 20 programs? If not, also, do u think its wise to apply next year vis-a-vis this year so that I can show more work ex in my profile?

Hi Lisa, thanks for the quick reply!

do u think its wise to apply next year vis-a-vis this year so that I can show more work ex in my profile?