Bit urgent, MS Admits from M7 & top 10 School vs MBA nex

[bobtyson]

Hi there,

I am Bob from India. I have an acceptance for the Master of Finance / Management programs from 2 major business schools (one M7 and other top 10), but I am contemplating on applying for an MBA and then going for an MBA next year instead. My preparation for b school is on track - just wanted to understand my shots before I hire an admissions consultant in a matter of few weeks.

I have been an analyst at a Bulge Bracket bank since 2 years and if apply for my MBA now, so that I start B - School with 3 years of work experience, what kind of schools would I have a shot at ? Would appreciate any 2 cents on this situation of mine, thanks a lot ! Appreciate a prompt response if possible as I need to take the decision regarding my Master's acceptances in three days.

Some details are generalized in order to preserve anonymity.

24 year old male, will be 25 when I start B school if I get accepted.

Education : Chemical Engineering from a top 8 engineering college in India (not IIT)
CGPA : 9 on a scale of 10 - top 10 % of class

GMAT : 720/800
GRE : 327/340
TOEFL : 117

Work experience :
1 year as a Team Lead (leading 3 people) in BB bank in Risk Management
1 year as an analyst in BB bank in Risk Management - got best performer of team award
Summer internship in BB bank in Risk Management
Summer internship as a research intern in a top university in Europe during college

Please note, in my company, the official designation is not analyst / senior analyst but something else. That same designation holds for analysts and senior analysts/team leads. So on paper, I have been not been promoted as such from analyst to team lead. Although first year I worked in the capacity of an analyst and second year in the capacity of a team lead, my on paper designation has been the same as what the company awards for all senior analysts, team leads and analysts alike. My recommenders are however ready to mention this distinction in my letters so that can serve as some sort of proof.

Extra-Curriculars:

1 year teaching underprivileged school kids basic English 4 times a week through a popular Indian NGO

4 months worked a human capital consultant for a major, old international NGO : advising strategies on best practices to employ disabled persons in microfinance organizations - conducted interviews with microfinance organizations and disabled persons. Results published on the NGOs website

Been on my company's philanthropy committee for eight months - have coordinated and organized three philanthropy events for the company

Led the sponsorship team during college to raise funds for the college's cultural festival

Recommendations : Can get stellar recommendation from company's director from London , second one from reporting manager who is a Vice President in India, and third if needed from then from the company's city philanthropy committee's head who is a Vice President in India

Other details : Love cooking food - have a food blog which has somewhat moderate traffic, love traveling, have been to USA, Europe, South East Asia and Middle East.

Will be visiting B Schools ASAP in the coming days or once the summer ends - will plan to visit almost all schools.

The India office of my company has no major track record of sending applicants to B schools as the teams have started recruiting undergrads just recently, but we have 2 people going to Chicago Booth and CMU.

I am a closeted male who wish to use the transformative experience in B school and of living in a developed country to come out and inspire fellow closets to stand up for who they are.

Post MBA goal : Financial services consulting in a major consulting firm.

Schools : Plan on early round / Round I for all of these.
H/W/S / Chicago
LBS / Columbia / INSEAD / Kellogg / MIT Sloan
Tuck/NYU/Haas / Duke
Cornell / UCLA / Darden
Kelley / Emory / Yale / Tepper

Please note, If I go for my MBA, I will be rejecting Masters admits from two of the above schools, not sure if they will accept me when I apply for their MBA program.

Thanks again !

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for posting, wow you've got a lot going on and a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing. It sounds like overall you have a strong profile for the MF or MBA, which is why you've already had some acceptances at great schools. The biggest question is which way you'd like to go and why. Not sure if something changed along the way in terms of why now you are thinking MBA? I would focus on the likely jobs you would apply for in either situation, both short and longer term, and what difference there might be if any. If needed try to speak with a recruiter in a few companies you may be targeting short or long term for feedback. And keep in mind you've already gotten these acceptances too, while the b-school could be slightly more of an unknown... a little different than if you were deciding now from scratch which type of program to apply to. Good luck to you!

[bobtyson]

Thanks Jennifer for the prompt reply, I really appreciate it.

Well, I am all for the MSF programs, but I realize that with 2 year work ex. into the program, I will have to apply for analyst level jobs. While if I wait for a year, I can apply at the Associate Level once I complete my MBA. This is what is making me think about the MBA programs. Also, there are some personal constraints too that might favour me doing an MBA next year.

Thanks for the amazing feedback, Based on my profile, what do you think are my chances at the schools I mentioned (if I apply for an MBA) ?

Would really appreciate the help. Thanks.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,

Gotcha, sounds like there are definitely various aspects to consider!

Based solely on the information you've provided, it sounds like you may be considered at top 10 schools but would be tough to assess how likely acceptance might be at this point--- there are a lot of factors that weigh into it, including more detail on all of your professional and personal experiences; what you'd bring to the class; how you'll use the degree; how you are unique... and one thing outside of your control-- the quality of other applicants. Schools outside top 10 or so, you may be competitive at WITH very strong essays/applications/interviews.

You've listed a TON of schools... keep in mind EACH application is quite time consuming. YOu have to tailor your essays to each school, and apps generally have 2-6 essays each. You need to be convincing that THAT specific school is right for you, and why. Most applicants apply to 2-4 schools; some manage to fit in up to 6 or 7 (easier if spread over multiple rounds). Just don't sacrifice on the QUALITY of your apps just for the sake of quantity-- each app should look like it's the ONLY one you submit!! To the admissions committee, it IS!

Good luck! If you'd like to chat more at any point we do offer free 30 min consults too at https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php