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Hi Guys,

GMAT: 700
Quant - 47
Verbal - 39

Undergrad: University of Queensland, Australia - Top 5 College in Australia - GPA 5.5
Works out to a 3.5 according to WES.

Full Time Work Experience: Over 3 and a half years on Matriculation
I got a contract job with American Express in the credit card risk analysis division in Australia. I didn't really fancy that and 2 months later got an opportunity in India with a smaller firm but where I saw growth potential in an area of interest. It's a boutique private wealth management company that deals with SHNI's, basically actors, cricketers & corporate heads. From 3 offices in 2007, we now have 8 offices and recently opened an international office in London.

Part Time Jobs: Worked through College
Tennis Coach
Car Detailer
Bar Manager

Extra Curricular
University Tennis Team and Nationally ranked tennis player since age 8
Help out with 2 orphanages
Indian Students Society: Vice president
Dance Troupe: Performed at various Events.

I am looking to switch industries back to my undergrad passion, Brand management.

Universities applying to:

Stern
Duke University
Virginia or Wharton (Should I really give Wharton a shot or am I just wasting my time?)
Emory: Goizueta
Washington Olin
Notre Dame/ Michigan (Cant make up my mind)

Hello,

Your strong metrics and interesting background make you the type of student who should be applying to top tier schools. That does not mean you will get in. All of the top schools turn down literally thousands of qualified students every year. Your work experience is relatively short, but interesting. You should definitely emphasize that your employer's client list gives you a different perspective than someone working for a more traditional wealth management firm would have. Your athletics, dance experience, and part time jobs also can be used to emphasize how your contribution might be richer and more diverse than that of other applicants.

Getting back to brand management should also differentiate you from all the technical people who want to go into finance or consulting.

Your school list offers a good range. I would suggest you look at Indiana because they have an exceptional brand management concentration and outstanding ties with consumer products companies. (Ohio State is also strong in that are, and has a much better football team.) Wharton is a long shot for everyone, but not impossible. If it is your dream school, go ahead and apply. Depending on the industry you are targeting, Northwestern might have a stronger marketing profile than, say, Stern.

Try picking a few target employers and find out where they interview on campus and what schools they hire from. That would ensure you are looking at schools that regularly turn out people with your career objective.

Good luck,

Hi Tani,

Thanks soo much for your input.

Stern and Emory done so far. Working on Duke and Virginia.

Between Kellogg and Wharton, where do you see a better fit?

Thanks a ton.
Mba2186

It's a toss up. Wharton is closer to your background, but Kellogg is closer to your future. GO with your gut. Either would be fantastic!

Tani,

Just one more question. I am halfway through my applications and very bummed out with some of the advice i have been getting lately. Is it true that just because i am Indian i need to have a gmat of 750 just to be considered at the top programs. If that is the case should i continue with my applications or try giving it again? is it possible to submit my applications and then give it?

Thanks

There are many highly-qualified Indian applicants with very high GMAT scores. That makes the competition fierce. However, B-School admission committees are not simply interested in scores. They routinely turn down people with 800 GMATs. Your essays, work experience, extracurriculars and references are all vitally important. If decisions were based on scores alone, schools wouldn't need committees. You need to convince your reader that your background and potential would make you a great addition to the class. That rides on many more considerations than just GMAT scores.

Good luck,