Ask mbaMission

Hi,
I am Kushagra Agrawal. An Indian national, 25 yrs of age. I have nearly two years of work experience.

My academic background:
BSc Statistics(Mumbai University) 2010- First class, Overall 70% ( University exams only in 3rd year - scored 82%)

MSc Actuarial Science (Southampton University, UK) 2011- Distinction

Currently training to be an Actuary, cleared 9 out of 15 exams. Aim to clear remaining 6 exams in the next 1.5 years.

Professional background -
Market research analyst - 3 months - Mumbai - working in a team atmosphere analyzing huge amounts of data for qualitative insights, developing client oriented reports, talking to client consulting teams based out of Europe.

Customer assistant/ Trainee team leader - 6 months - French cafeteria, London - supervising shifts, attending customers, providing new ideas to improve sales, managing 1-2 junior, managing complaints and feedbacks

Actuarial analyst - 18 months - Leading life insurer, UK - Working as an actuarial analyst involved in testing of systems, compiling reports, investigation and analysis of issues, reporting and communicating issues/results, getting trained on variety of financial software, providing system training to other team members.

Extracurricular activities-
Volunteer in college activities
Teaching mathematics to school kids
Started learning French
Active volunteer for the Actuarial profession

I am keen on doing a MBA as it will help me develop a broader skill-set and understand the other departments/functions and develop comprehensive solutions to problems.

I am looking for a Sept. 2016 or better 2017 start and thus wanted advice as to how should I develop my profile in order to be accepted by universities

Realistic expectation -
GMAT - 700-720 (Ambitious target 740)
Universities - range of 10 - 20 in rankings (Ambitious target 5 - 10)

A GMAT score of 700+ is always good. Calculate your GPA out of 4. After score comes work experience and extracurricular activities. You need to have at least 3 years of work experience by the time you apply. It should be focusing upon your leadership qualities. Your extracurriculars are also decent but as you have more time left before applying, I would suggest you to take up some more roles that would enhance your leadership abilities. A good application essay is always a very important aspect of the application. It should be framed in a way that it brings out the best of your capabilities infront of the adcoms. Next is interviewing skills, another important aspect. Get in contact with an alumnus of your target school and get some mock interviews and application reviews. Download the free ebook - How to get into top a business school at https://www.interviewbay.com/mba/how-to- ... -ebook.php.
Good Luck!