Profile Evaluation

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Profile Evaluation

by ritesh86 » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:15 am
Hi all,

I want to ask you guys a question:

I am a B.Tech from IIT (2007 Batch, JEE AIR 1328-99.2 percentile, IITs are India's best engineering college). 7.14/10 GPA. (2.86 on a scale of 4)

I work in an well known Investment Bank's Equity research(joined 2 months back) - I work for an international team(China Internet). I report to a VP(Stanford Wharton alumnus-shld get a reco frm him).

Prior to that i worked at a research firm(15 months) - did a lot of macroeconomic research on India. I am appearing for CFA level 2 in June this year.

Have heavy extra curriculars like heading a college fest, starting a campus magazine, Governor of literary society, General Secretary of my Hostel and many other leadership positions at college.

Have scored 99 percentiles(99.7, 99.3) twice in CAT- Entrance exam for India's best B Schools IIMs. Have couple of IIM admits from lesser known IIMs(waiting for the big three to call me) h

ave an widely cited internationally published technical paper to my name.

Have done couple of research projects at IIMs during my IIT days. I am yet to write GMAT(targeting 750).

Shld i apply in 2010 fall or shld wait for one more year to apply in fall 2011(keeping in view i recently changed my company and dont have good acads). I am looking for top 10-15 B schools at present.

Can CFA make up for my below average acads?
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by Jen Kedro » Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:27 pm
Hi there,

You do have some strong experiences on your resume, but as you mentioned, your GPA was somewhat under-par. Your GMAT score will be an extremely important indicator to an admissions committee, so no matter when you apply, I encourage you to take your prep seriously and get that out of the way sooner rather than later.

As for 2010 vs 2011, as long as you have 3-5 years of work experience you will generally be in the average range for top US programs, and it will be a matter of your GMAT, essays, and other factors. Your GPA would be somewhat of a red flag, so the other factors will need to be outstanding. But it is up to you on when best to apply, and if you don't mind spending the time, effort, and $$ for 2010, there is not a ton to lose by trying.

Good luck!
Jen Kedrowski
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions
GMAT Teacher
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