Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this to get advice on selecting MBA program vs. a short term course on executive education. I prefer a MBA program but my UG scores are very less and not sure whether university will consider.
I am currently in US for a long term and looking forward to do a program in US
I am yet to take GMAT and in the process of preparing for it. I would want to get some advice before I finalize for the exam so that I shall prepare adequately (even if I have to take few weeks off) and get a very good score.
Aim: To get into strategic consulting for a top consulting firm post completion of my program.
Below is my profile.
Age: 36
Bachelor in Commerce (India) - 50%
Masters in Information systems (India) - 70%
GMAT - Yet to give
Have 16 years full time experience (worked in various countries including India, US and have executed short-term projects in about 8 countries) in IT consulting. Mainly in CRM application consulting.
Experience Highlights
- Startered as technical Consultant and later business analyst
- Project Management
Managed various projects/programs with team size ranging from 5 to 90 (managing various functions like delivery, cost optimization, revenue management, resource management, quality, training etc.)
- Engagement Management - biggest revenue size managed was $2 Million/Year for a big IT consulting company
- Have setup a new offshore development center in India from scratch and made it to 60 member team (before relocating to US).
Information looking for
- Would my UG score impact in MBA selection?
- What would be a good GMAT score I should look at?
- What colleges in US should I look at?
- I am looking for executive/part time MBA since I can't quit and my opportunity cost will be very high. Considering this, what programs should I look at?
I would appreciate any suggestion/advice as this is going to help me in shaping my career.
Thanks in advance.
Evaluation of Profile - Indian/36 yrs/IT Consulting
This topic has expert replies
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Hi there,
Thanks for your post. It does sound like Exec/part-time would make the most sense given your profile and point in your career. For exec they do look for a lot of leadership and management experience, so keep that in mind... your experience setting up the new offshore center if you were the lead on that sounds interesting to highlight.
Regarding your undergrad grades, they are going to be a weakness. A few things could help to semi-offset them-- the fact that your masters grades were strong (and more recent); the fact that at this point in life you are pretty far out from undergrad (less relevant); and if you get a great GMAT score that will help too! In terms of a score to aim for-- you want to do the best you can!! Certainly a 700+ is always a big help in admissions at top programs, or with a 650+ you could still look at reputable 2nd-tier programs around the US. Exec average GMAT scores are sometimes a touch lower than the full-time program, which is expected as these applicants are so far out from school/studying etc.
In terms of what schools, that is tougher... there are lots of considerations, and I'd use your GMAT score to guide you to a range/tier of schools, and then look at factors like location, class size, program strengths, teaching styles, etc. For more on choosing schools, check out our free download at: https://info.mbamission.com/Selecting-Yo ... ram-E-Book.
In terms of exec programs and part-time programs, I suggest reviewing the US News rankings if you haven't yet, to get a feel for general reputation and average scores (can also review details on Businessweek). For example, https://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandr ... e-rankings,
and
https://www.businessweek.com/articles/20 ... cutive-mba.
Happy to help if you have additional questions on programs or the applications. Good luck on everything!
Thanks for your post. It does sound like Exec/part-time would make the most sense given your profile and point in your career. For exec they do look for a lot of leadership and management experience, so keep that in mind... your experience setting up the new offshore center if you were the lead on that sounds interesting to highlight.
Regarding your undergrad grades, they are going to be a weakness. A few things could help to semi-offset them-- the fact that your masters grades were strong (and more recent); the fact that at this point in life you are pretty far out from undergrad (less relevant); and if you get a great GMAT score that will help too! In terms of a score to aim for-- you want to do the best you can!! Certainly a 700+ is always a big help in admissions at top programs, or with a 650+ you could still look at reputable 2nd-tier programs around the US. Exec average GMAT scores are sometimes a touch lower than the full-time program, which is expected as these applicants are so far out from school/studying etc.
In terms of what schools, that is tougher... there are lots of considerations, and I'd use your GMAT score to guide you to a range/tier of schools, and then look at factors like location, class size, program strengths, teaching styles, etc. For more on choosing schools, check out our free download at: https://info.mbamission.com/Selecting-Yo ... ram-E-Book.
In terms of exec programs and part-time programs, I suggest reviewing the US News rankings if you haven't yet, to get a feel for general reputation and average scores (can also review details on Businessweek). For example, https://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandr ... e-rankings,
and
https://www.businessweek.com/articles/20 ... cutive-mba.
Happy to help if you have additional questions on programs or the applications. Good luck on everything!
Jennifer Kedrowski
MBA Admissions Consultant
www.mbamission.com
[email protected]
Register for a Free Consult from mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php
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MBA Admissions Consultant
www.mbamission.com
[email protected]
Register for a Free Consult from mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php
Visit the mbaMission Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbaMission
Like mbaMission on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbaMission
Read the Free mbaMission School-Specific Insider's Guides: www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders
GMAT/MBA Expert
-
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:55 pm
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Thanked: 52 times
- Followed by:11 members
You are most welcome.
Jennifer Kedrowski
MBA Admissions Consultant
www.mbamission.com
[email protected]
Register for a Free Consult from mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php
Visit the mbaMission Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbaMission
Like mbaMission on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbaMission
Read the Free mbaMission School-Specific Insider's Guides: www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders
MBA Admissions Consultant
www.mbamission.com
[email protected]
Register for a Free Consult from mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php
Visit the mbaMission Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbaMission
Like mbaMission on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbaMission
Read the Free mbaMission School-Specific Insider's Guides: www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders