Hello Adi,

Thanks for your kind words and your question.

Your GMAT will be solid at any program (though you do come from an overrepresented demographic that tends to score quite well on the GMATs, so your score would not set you apart quite as much as it would otherwise). Your GPAs seem fine. So, it will come down to your essays (and recommendations).

In terms of your community/volunteer work, many of the activities you mention took place in university. Your MentorNet engagement sounds promising, especially if you can write about it in ways that demonstrate your leadership potential. Do you have any other non-work activities or passions that you could draw upon?

From what you write, the second area you work in, next-gen solar cells, is more interesting in a couple of ways. Again, you come from an overrepresented demographic - Indian engineers - but renewable energy is a unique area that could differentiate you in the eyes of the admissions committee, especially if you envision starting your own business in this space. And, it looks like you've taken steps to drive results on this path. Raising $20 million is a significant feat - did you achieve this by yourself? The fact that you had to end that dream is not a dealbreaker, per se, perhaps that was the right move. In fact, I think it gives you tremendous material for HBS' essay questions about a setback, or the kind of essay question we often see around failure, risk taking, etc. The experience itself and what you learned from it, rather than the end result, can offer powerful material. At the same time, you should be sure to write essays about more instances where you drove results and demonstrated your leadership. Your competitiveness will depend on this and linking your company with a future vision to work toward moving forward.

In terms of post-MBA goals, you mention consulting. I think the entrepreneurial activity you discuss is far more compelling, so long as you can paint a convincing future vision of your ambitions (this would be especially important to HBS).

In summary, your quants seem solid; your success at these top programs will hinge upon your ability to demonstrate the results you've driven and leadership, as well as to communicate your plans for the future company you want to start. Show that you need an MBA to make that vision a reality. Adi, you seem like a strong candidate who could be competitive at top 10 programs.

Best of luck!
Brian