Right mix of target schools - saving money & effort - The Beat The GMAT Forum

Right mix of target schools - saving money & effort

Expert replies

Elena Plescan: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 18; Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:14 am

by Elena Plescan » Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:28 am

Hi experts & applicants,

I'm having a hard time determining which MBA to apply to, so here are a couple of questions I'm brooding over.

1) What is the NUMBER OF PROGRAMS to which I should ultimately apply? I did my research of schools and narrowed my list to 11 schools, but this number is still huge. I was planning on 2-3 schools, given the effort and the money needed.

2) What is the right MIX OF MBA programms? I focused right away on MBAs outside US, because my GMAT score is not so high and the acceptance rate in the us schools is lower. I somehow feel that my chances would be higher in Europe or Asia. So, which ones should I choose? LBS, INSEAD, IESE, CEIB, IE Business School, Hong Kong UST, SDA Bocconi, NUS or Erasmus? An important factor is the university's prestige and so far I've heard mentions about Erasmus, LBS and INSEAD. However, the former doesn't have a very good ranking (45th place). I'm confused...

My profile:
28 years, female
from Republic of Moldova (Eastern Europe)
5 years experience in Marketing (China, India, Moldova)
Speak Romanian, Russian, English fluently, Spanish and Chinese so-so
GMAT 690, TOEFL 112

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:28 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Alexbr@ClearAdmit: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 309; Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:19 amFollowed by: 11 members; Thanked: 39 times

by Alexbr@ClearAdmit » Mon Aug 31, 2015 1:13 pm

5-7 programs would be usual. Split them between the first 2 rounds, and add a US school to your mix. Assuming focused goals and a good narrative, you might be very competitive. cheers, alex

New Book! Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions. https://www.clearadmit.com/products/admi ... dmissions/

Like this post

AdmitLane.com: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 18; Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:03 pm; Thanked: 4 times

by AdmitLane.com » Mon Aug 31, 2015 2:00 pm

You shouldn't downplay your chances at US schools by not applying. Even with a 690, you represent diversity and international experience across emerging markets is certainly valued. Keep 5-6 schools, 2 US schools and rest 4 spread across Europe and Asia.

Spending good time on shortlisting schools will give you a kick-start. Also, do share your post-MBA goals as that will help us guide you better in terms of which schools fit your ambitions as well as retain the brand you need.

www.AdmitLane.com
Affordable, High Quality MBA Consulting Services
(From ISB and INSEAD Alumni and Students)

Contact: [email protected]

Like this post

Elena Plescan: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 18; Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:14 am

by Elena Plescan » Tue Sep 01, 2015 11:51 am

AdmitLane.com,

Thank you for your response. As for my post-MBA goals: I would like to have access to a larger pool of jobs, especially in international companies, and to be able to ocupy a higher position (connected to the Marketing field). Of course, IÈ›mthinking about a raise too.

What would you recommend these 5-6 schools are? Which US schools can I include?
Thanks

Like this post

Elena Plescan: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 18; Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:14 am

by Elena Plescan » Tue Sep 01, 2015 12:00 pm

Lots of thanks alexbrown4,

I'm clear on the number of schools and the procedure now. I'm still confused about the choice of MBAs, which are the most reputable ones? Also, which US based universities would you recommend for my profile, given your experience?

Regards,
Elena

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Alexbr@ClearAdmit: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 309; Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:19 amFollowed by: 11 members; Thanked: 39 times

by Alexbr@ClearAdmit » Tue Sep 01, 2015 12:53 pm

Elena, without a detailed view of your profile it is hard to make specific school recommendations. I do think some of the top programs in the us will appreciate your profile. As stated by admitlane, you bring some very interesting diversity to any program. cheers, Alex

New Book! Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions. https://www.clearadmit.com/products/admi ... dmissions/

Like this post

AdmitLane.com: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 18; Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:03 pm; Thanked: 4 times

by AdmitLane.com » Tue Sep 01, 2015 4:21 pm

Elena Plescan wrote:AdmitLane.com,

Thank you for your response. As for my post-MBA goals: I would like to have access to a larger pool of jobs, especially in international companies, and to be able to ocupy a higher position (connected to the Marketing field). Of course, IÈ›mthinking about a raise too.

What would you recommend these 5-6 schools are? Which US schools can I include?
Thanks

Elena, your post-MBA goal is still pretty much wide-open

. Most of the top business schools will give you access to multinational companies and marketing jobs as well.

With some discussion on your post-MBA goals, your appetite for spending on a business school and the match schools for the diversity you represent, we can pinpoint the schools you should apply to.

On top of my head, Kellogg and INSEAD are two schools I can think of. But I would recommend a detailed discussion to find more appropriate schools for you.

www.AdmitLane.com
Affordable, High Quality MBA Consulting Services
(From ISB and INSEAD Alumni and Students)

Contact: [email protected]

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Alexbr@ClearAdmit: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 309; Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:19 amFollowed by: 11 members; Thanked: 39 times

by Alexbr@ClearAdmit » Tue Sep 01, 2015 10:47 pm

You really need much more focused short and long term goals, once you have developed that focus you will be much more competitive in the application process, and be able to make the most of the business school experience. Find your focus. cheers, Alex

New Book! Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions. https://www.clearadmit.com/products/admi ... dmissions/

Like this post

manyaabroadtpr: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 321; Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:04 pmFollowed by: 13 members; Location: B 7/2, Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi - 110020; Thanked: 41 times

by manyaabroadtpr » Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:23 am

Hi Greetings, Given your profile you can still look at some of the US options like Kelley, Carlson, Emory(although competitive, you have good chances). Coming to the Non-US schools, IE business school, Erasmus, SDA bocconi will be good, given your marketing interest. CEIBS, NUS and HKUST are better left unapplied, as they have high focus on Finance. Also, you can look at ESADE given your profile.

Best wishes,
Team Manya-The Princeton Review

E:[email protected]
T: 1800-102-4646
www.manyagroup.com

https://bit.ly/1OSgiTP

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

560 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review