Which applicant pool do i fall under + target GMAT ?

[sudipto]

Hello Lisa,

I was wondering whether I fall under the Indian IT category or
Aussie engineer category ?

I'm an australian citizen, of indian origin (ethnically)
attended RMIT (Computer Engineering) and currently work for IBM
Australia.I've been living in australia since I was 17.

I'm targetting IMD, Haas , LBS, NUS (Singapore), INSEAD (Singapore), MIT and Wharton.

My GPA is 3.2 . What GMAT should I target to be on the safeside for all
the above schools? The rest of my application (reco + work exp +
volunteering ) is quite strong.

regards,
Sudipto

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sudipto,

I'm glad you posed the question on your background as that is a common concern. You would be considered Australian as that is your citizenship. However, it is still imperative that you put together a strong application and distinguish yourself from the large number of international applicants from engineering/IT backgrounds. I think a GMAT score in the 700s would be the most desirable, but definitely above a 670 to be competitive.

Good luck,
Lisa

[sudipto]

Thanks for the info Lisa !

I was wondering if a GMAT of around 730 (projected by GMATPrep) will
totally offset my super low GPA for LBS/MIT/INSEAD ? Assuming I get
over 730 in GMAT , should I consider taking some college finance
courses to make up for it ? The other way I can think of is taking some
professional certification courses like PMP or CFA Level I. Do these
credentials demonstrate academic ability in a more concrete way than
college courses ?

regards,
Sudipto

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sudipto,

Passing certification exams does demonstrate knowledge, but does not make up for a GPA/GMAT score. If you score above a 700, I'm not sure you need to do more. However, if you do want to do something, then taking some math classes is the best course of action.

Regards,
Lisa

[sudipto]

Thanks again for the insights Lisa. I appreciate the help.

regards,
Sudipto

[gsn003]

Hi Sudipto,

My profile is similar to yours - however i studied at melb uni (software engineering) - my question is, how did you convert your RMIT scores into a US GPA?

Thanks,

GSN003.

Hello Lisa,

I was wondering whether I fall under the Indian IT category or
Aussie engineer category ?

I'm an australian citizen, of indian origin (ethnically)
attended RMIT (Computer Engineering) and currently work for IBM
Australia.I've been living in australia since I was 17.

I'm targetting IMD, Haas , LBS, NUS (Singapore), INSEAD (Singapore), MIT and Wharton.

My GPA is 3.2 . What GMAT should I target to be on the safeside for all
the above schools? The rest of my application (reco + work exp +
volunteering ) is quite strong.

regards,
Sudipto