Profile Evaluation: Should I apply for 2014?

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Profile Evaluation: Should I apply for 2014?

by omerta » Mon Jul 22, 2013 3:38 am
Hey there

I was hoping someone could help me out. I'd like some honest,blunt feedback on my profile and if it makes sense for me to apply for the batches commencing in 2014. I am looking at the top 10 US B-schools.

GMAT: 780/800 (given in Jul 2011)
Nationality: Indian
Undergrad Education: Top 10 Engineering School in India-GPA of 3.48/4.00
Was involved in a lot of extra-curricular and leadership activities in college- elected rep, headed a big festival etc.

Work Experience : 1.2 years ( should go up to 2.2 by the time I join)
I work out in California in a marketing role for a semicon company (hired directly out of India). Have done some solid impactful work there I could write about that involves some big name customers and big $ #s. Since I can afford to be a little less parliamentary here, I can say I have kicked ass in the time I have been there.

Other Information :
Offered admission to 2 of India's top B-schools - IIM A and ISb. This was right out of school and I declined them as I wanted to get at least 2 years of work ex in.
Multiple leadership awards
Published articles in Finance and Technology fields

Social Work :Used to volunteer to teach underprivileged kids

Other Demographic Information : 23 Male

My biggest concerns are the lack of work ex and probably average GPA.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Mon Jul 22, 2013 10:07 am
You check all the boxes; now you just need a balanced application. Go for it!
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Mon Jul 22, 2013 10:11 am
You check all the boxes; now you just need a balanced application. Go for it!
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by CriticalSquareMBA » Mon Jul 22, 2013 6:01 pm
Hey there,

You definitely have a lot of compelling parts of your application. Your "average" GPA isn't all that average dude - don't be so modest. A 3.5 from a top 10 university is solid!

Personally, I would say wait. Not because you have anything specific to work on, but another year of "kickin' ass" will really only help. If you're trying to go top 10, what's the rush? If you're doing so well at work, your impact will continue to grow and your application will really only get stronger.

You could apply this year - I just feel you'd gain far more from waiting a year than you would by applying after only a year.

Cheers!

Bhavik
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by omerta » Tue Jul 23, 2013 6:54 am
Hey Jim, Bhavik

Thanks for the kind words.

This is what I was thinking. I would try a Hail Mary on H/S/W and maybe Sloan this year - if nothing else to get a feel of the application process.

And apply to 10-15 institutes next year. I really don't want to wait beyond that.

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by CriticalSquareMBA » Tue Jul 23, 2013 7:15 am
Hey man,

Whoa - let's realign here. 10 - 15 is WAY too many programs. You'd be killin' yourself man and angering your recommenders to boot!

Also, if you apply to H/S/W/MIT this year and don't get in, keep in mind you'd be a reapplicant next year and that's not always the best position to be in. You have to demonstrate significant growth and your application is inspected very closely. If you want to go to one of these schools, you apply when you are absolutely ready - not to just test the waters.

Additionally, you'd have to utilize recommenders this year who may feel annoyed that you're using them for a long shot when you're not strategically approaching the process. This loss of recommender equity could come back to bite you next year.

Honestly, you shouldn't apply this year "just to see". If you wanted to apply this year after reading what we wrote because you felt ready, then you should be going about it differently. You should pick 5 - 6 (MAYBE 7) schools that diversify the portfolio, align with your goals, and give you a good chance at conversion. If you think next year is best, then all of your applications should go next year, not some this and some next when you're more serious about it.

That's my (pointed) thought on this matter - I'm happy to answer questions you may have but I strongly stand behind what I've just written.

Cheers!

Bhavik
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by omerta » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:43 am
Hey Bhavik

Thanks for the insight. I wasn't aware that being a re-applicant can have its own complications.
I have been talking to a few alums from these schools also, they also suggested I wait another year.

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by CriticalSquareMBA » Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:09 am
Hey - I'm happy to help. Good luck and when you're ready to chat next year, don't hesitate to reach out!

Bhavik
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