MBA Hopeful - Feedback please?

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MBA Hopeful - Feedback please?

by AVbyT » Wed Oct 19, 2011 10:41 am
Hi - Request your evaluation of my profile below:

I am aiming for the following schools whose programs inculcate strong Entrepreneurial Values and have shorter program options:
1) INSEAD
2) Stanford GSB - Full Time
3) Columbia
4) Haas School of Business
5) Harvard University
6) Darden

Age : 31
GMAT Score: 630 (Q 46 V31 AWA 5.5) Retaking GMAT in a month

Born in Montreal but finished High School in Delhi, India and then studied in Canada. As for professional life, worked in Canada & USA before moving back to Delhi, India primarily to kick start an Entrepreneurial Venture and lead the Sales Team in the Family Business.

High School
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Delhi, India
Major: Concentrated in Science with Economics
Grade: Scored more than 85%

Undergrad
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Name: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Degree: B. Eng (Systems Engineering)
Grade: High Distinction, Deans List and GPA:10.6/12 (Canadian System)

Work Experience: Total 9+ years of experience

Canada & USA
--------------
After Undergrad, worked as Project Manager (Engineer & Technical) for companies developing Mobile devices for 6 years - 3 years in Canada & 3 in USA with a couple of promotions

India
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Family Business - Tacker Technologies, Technology Service Provider
4 years working in the Family Business as the Director, Sales of Technology Solutions

Entrepreneurial Venture - Donut Factory, Food Industry (Retail)
Created my own small snack food brand - Donut Factory - with 4 outlets at the maximum across Delhi but scaled down the venture due to more load in the family business


Extra Curricular Activities:
- President of Alumni Chapter in Delhi, Carleton University
- Co-Founder of India - Canada Alumni Network in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to India
- Technical Editor for an Technology magazine in India, AV Beats
- Invited Member of Infocomm International (International Organization serving the Audio Visual Technology Community ) due to Volunteer activities for promoting the organization and serving the members in India
- Lots of Community service - Volunteering in Blind Schools and at the local houses of worships

I'm thinking alot about a)whether I need to retake the GMAT and b) how to strengthen my profile to fit the schools of my choice.

Your input is be really appreciated.
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by Stacey Oyler » Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:48 am
Hi,

Thanks for your post. I'm a bit confused as to exactly what it is you're looking for. Are you looking for part time or full time programs? Given the information you've shared - including your nine years of work experience, it would seem to me that part time programs would be the best fit. However, Stanford is on your list and they don't have a part time option. Can you please clarify your preference?

Thanks,

Stacey
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by AVbyT » Wed Oct 19, 2011 8:31 pm
Hello Stacy - Thanks for your reply. I prefer shorter programs such as 1 year INSEAD but I really want to be part of an MBA that is strong in Entrepreneurial culture and after speaking with Stanford Grads I think Stanford, being in West Coast and in proximity to many VC's. makes it the top Full time MBA program for me.

Also, what are your thoughts on my GMAT score?

Hope that answers your question?

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by Stacey Oyler » Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:26 pm
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Given the information you've shared, I see your biggest challenge as your GMAT score. It's well below the average at the schools on your list as well as the average of similar applicants in the pool. I'm glad to see that you plan to retake the exam, and I hope you are able to increase your score.

The other concern I have is around your work experience. With over 6 years of experience you are above the average at Stanford (which has a median of 4 years) as well as the other schools on your list - the exception being INSEAD, which like most European schools has a higher average coming in around 5 years.

My suggest for you at this time is to put all of your energy into retaking the GMAT. Once you have your new score you can use that to help shape your list of schools. I would strongly suggest that you consider some part time programs - many have lower average GMAT scores (some even offer a GMAT waver), and your amount of professional experience is right on par with these programs.

Best,

Stacey
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Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
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215.568.2590

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