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Profile Evaluation Needed

by fchou88 » Fri Oct 01, 2010 10:01 pm
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Here is my profile:

Personal
Male 31, Canadian, born in China, lived in Paris for 3 years (early teenage years), grew up in Canada, fluent in 3 languages: Chinese, English and French.

Education
Bachelor in Computer Engineering - McGill University (GPA 3/4)
GMAT - 700(Q51,V31 AWA5.0)- 1st trial

Work Experience - 7 years in Telecommunications (Canada)
3 years as a Satellite Communications Engineer
4 years in Fiber Optics Networking, as a Process Engineer, and last 3 as production manager of my company's factory in China. (I personally set up the production line and trained the Chinese staff. Another part of my responsibilities remains very technical and includes tasks such as process improvement, quality assurance, etc.).


I would like to apply to one of the top programs like MIT, INSEAD, HEC Paris, Oxford or Cambridge, but not sure if I have what it takes to be accepted. Should I aim lower and apply to schools with less prestige? What are the schools that best fit my profile? What are the areas that I need to improve? And is it a good idea to give GMAT another trial and try to score in the 750+?

Any input will be greatly appreciated!!!
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by Tani » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:23 pm
You have a strong and unusual profile. Your combination of North American, European and Asian experience and language skills should be attractive, particularly to schools that are oriented toward international business. Also, your manufacturing experience will be helpful since it sets you apart from all the programmers and investment bakers who are applying. Your experience managing production workers is very strong. Also, your seven years' experience is helpful, especially with the European schools, which tend to take older students.

The schools you cite are very competitive, and no one is a shoo-in. However, you are definitely the sort of candidate who should be applying. As for the GMAT, your score is well within range. Of course a 750 would not hurt, but be very careful about taking the test too often. It looks as though you are focusing on the wrong thing. I would only retake the test if I were confident that I had identified a crucial error in my approach and corrected it so that the chances of popping my score by 30 or 40 points or more were great. Know that most people who get a 700 see their scores drop when they retake.

You have the potential for killer essays. Getting those together should be your first priority. An experienced admissions consultant would be invaluable.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by fchou88 » Sun Oct 03, 2010 12:34 am
First of all, thank you very much Tani for evaluating my profile, your input is greatly appreciated.

So far, I have concentrated on European Schools. But, if I were to apply to American Schools, which ones best fit my profile or which ones should I target?
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by Tani » Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:33 pm
You should look for those schools that have a strong international orientation and curriculum. Check out the rankings for international business in US News. Surprisingly, some of the highest rated international programs also have high acceptance rates. They would make great safety schools.

You should then also target one or more of the schools that are highly-rated both for international business and overall. Identify your particular course interests and see which schools meet those the best.
Tani Wolff
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