Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting

Hello,

I am planning to apply for 2014.

Age: 26
Nationality: Indian
Gmat:710

Education:

Masters of Engineering (Computer Science) - Cornell University (2011)
GPA:3.35/4

Bachelors of Engineering (Telecommunication) - R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore (2009)
GPA: 4/4, Rank: 2/70

Work Experience: 3 yrs
Cisco Systems - Software Engineer (1 yr) in Bangalore, India
Microsoft - Software Developer (2 yrs Post Masters), US

Technical Paper Publication: 2

Lot of extra-curricular activities.

Post-MBA goal: Looking forward to switch career to finance and consulting.

Please evaluate my profile accordingly. I am planning to apply to 5 universities.

List of Universities:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Stanford University
University of California-Berkeley (Haas)
Harvard University
Northwestern University (Kellogg)
University of Chicago (Booth)
University of Michigan, Ann Harbour
Columbia University
Duke University
Cornell University

Thanks,
Dinesh Arora

Dinesh-

From your outline you look like a strong candidate. Academically/GMAT are strong as well.


I question the following:

1- Work Experience: 3 yrs
Cisco Systems - Software Engineer (1 yr) in Bangalore, India
Microsoft - Software Developer (2 yrs Post Masters), US
What did you do in these roles? Any leadership or management capacity? Did you progress at Microsoft in terms of position? Any innovations? Where did you take initiative? You need to explain via these experiences, how you are a leader of tomorrow?

2- Technical Paper Publication:
Nice addition to your profile? What was the paper about , and how can this add-value to the b-school classroom?

3- Lot of extra-curricular activities.
Please expand on this. What did you do, when, and what were you roles. Being involved is not that compelling if you did not lead, and create. Please expand upon this. What did you do to be involved while in school, and what since working?

4- Brainstorm for yourself a list of the 5-10 metrics of you that differentiate you from the competition. Answer "Why Me?" Why am I the candidate to admit. And, furthermore, what will I do to represent the school post-grad?

5- Why do you need an MBA now? You know why you need the MBA (career transition), but why now?

Best of luck!