Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

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

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.

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, Ițmthinking about a raise too.

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

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

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, Ițmthinking 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.

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.