Ask mbaMission

Hi there,

Thanks for posting here too; just answered on another board. Pasting answer here as well.

Hi there,

Thanks for posting, and sorry to hear the application process has not been going as you'd hoped.

It's pretty difficult to do a thorough analysis of what may have gone wrong or what you could do better without a lot more information... each part of your application can make a difference and an impact, good or bad, so that's why we offer a "Ding Review/Application Strategy" package (https://www.mbamission.com/services.php?package=ding) to really go over your application in detail-- your resume, your work experience, your essays, your short answers, your recommendations, discuss the interview with you, etc, and work on a clear strategy on how to show yourself in a different light and highlight what you've changed or other sides to you in your re-applications.

Based simply on what you've listed in this post, I'd briefly say you have the following

Strengths:
-sounds like good MC experience at a reputable company
-the "Director, Autistic and Dyslexic school" sounds really interesting (as long as there is more to it than just in-name only director)
-CFA

Weaknesses:
-average to below average academics
-GMAT is just below average (not bad per se but def not a strength at the schools you've mentioned)
-no 'wow' factor (again just based on what you have here).... what makes you who you are? what will you contribute to the class that perhaps others will not?

WHAT I DON'T KNOW... (and therefore can't assess)
-leadership experience?
-accomplishments?
-examples of how you've made an impact, on organizations and/or people?
-your goals
-why you want the MBA
-recommendations, essays, interviews etc


Overall my initial thought is perhaps there was just a lack of anything grabbing the attention of the admissions committees at these VERY competitive schools where SO many outstanding applicants are vying for limited places. Your essays may have been a contributing factor (or could offer a big opportunity for you if you choose to re-apply). And not sure how you explained your goals/rationale for b-school (could have been a big factor too). To your questions...

Queries -
1. Re attempt GMAT? [Definitely an option, have to weight time available in doing necessary prep, you want to really aim to bump it up if you go through that process again, but could help and show improvement and effort from prior year's application.]
2. I always wanted to work in a Investment Banking/PE, is it still possible with my work experience and age not on my side? [Could be challenging...not impossible but within the context of b-school apps too, it could be viewed as too much of a stretch/transition]
3. Does it make sense for me to restrict myself to working in the management consulting environment given I have a good experience in Top management consulting firm? [I don't know if restrict yourself is the right phrasing, and not sure if you are asking for genuine career advice or just for what to focus on for now/in applications (which can be the same, too)... but certainly the more you can make the case for how your past skills relate to your future career plans, the better your chances will be both for b-school and to obtain desired jobs in your career. Some changes are certainly expected, just think about where you really WANT to see yourself in 5-10 years and think about how you can take steps even NOW (pre-b-school) to learn about that area/make steps in that direction etc. And make sure the MBA is the way to get there.]
4. Is the list of schools good enough given my requirement or do I need to alter it? [I'd suggest looking outside the top 10 schools. If you want to re-apply to a couple on your list, especially those you only applied to once, that's fine but explore some other options, in my view.]
5. Having applied to some of Top business already in past and failed, is it fair to assume that my chances of getting through are very bleak? [To the schools who have rejected your application twice, it will likely be very tough, yes. To those who rejected it once/last year, a re-application is not necessarily a bad thing, but you want to show a re-vamped application, focusing on what you've improved, what's happened since last time, how you are approaching this differently this time, etc.]
6. What more could I do to improve my chances?
[Re-work your school list; consider a GMAT re-take; REALLY work on your overall story-- how your past, plus the MBA, leads to your future career goals, and why you NEED this MBA, from THIS school, to get you there; focus on leadership experiences past and present; consider working with an Admissions Consultant for essay help and feedback.]

Good luck to you, let us know how else we can help, feel free to post q's or sign up for a free consult too.