Profile Evaluation for B-Schools

Hello Pramod,

Thanks for sharing your profile. As an Indian Male engineer, the bar for admissions into business school is very high. As you may know, this demographic is overrepresented in the business school applicant pool, so you have to really stand out from the pack to get into a top program.

Academically, I think you are strong. I am assuming that was a typo there on your GMAT score -did you mean to type 750? (It is not possible to get a 753).

Professionally, I think your experience in the oil & gas sector will stand out. However, I'm not clear how much leadership you've been able to demonstrate in the workplace. Have you led projects/teams? If so, highlight that.

Extracurriculars and community service are very important. Sounds like you were very involved during college, so that is good. The involvement with the NGO is great - what is your role? Ideally you are in some kind of leadership role with the group? Keyboard is okay as a hobby and should be cited on your resume under 'personal interests/hobbies', but I don't think it's going to add much.

My main concern with your profile is whether or not you have the leadership experience to be considered at a top program. Given your interest in finance, I would suggest you apply to Chicago Booth, Wharton, maybe even Columbia. These are going to be reach programs, but I would say its worth a shot given your GMAT score. You'll have to weave a very strong narrative though... As for targets, I would suggest Darden, NYU, Duke, Michigan, Cornell. Maybe look for one safety program to apply to? Also consider ISB if you are looking to stay in India.

If you're planning to apply in fall 2013, I'd suggest bolstering your leadership activities at work and outside of work between now and then.

Good luck!
Mili