Please Evaluate my profile

[harjeesingh]

Hi,

Can you please evaluate my profile:

Education Qualification:
1. Masters of Engineering (Hons): Aerospace Engineering from University of Bath, UK with a 2:1 degree
2. Certificate in General Management (Summer Institute of General Management) from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University
3: GMAT score of 700


Work Experience (Total Work Exp: 3 years)):
1. Worked with the Emerging Market Sovereign Advisory team of a bulge bracket investment bank for 2 years.
2. Moved back to India to work with a non-profit organization on enhancing the availability of micro-finance credit to SMEs for 1 year
2. Simultaneously involved with a start-up advising government and private clients in India on climate change and sustainable development initiatives


My objective is to gain a broader set of business / entreprenurial skills and work on my start-up in the long run


Target schools: HBS, Stanford, LBS.

Any advice you provide will be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear harjeesingh,

Based on the limited information provided, I think you have the foundation for a competitive application to your target schools. However, you are targeting three of the most competitive/selective business schools. As such, your essays, recommendations, and interviews are critical to the ultimate decision. I think you have some interesting professional experience that should distinguish you from other applicants from India. Be sure to convey your successful leadership and teamwork experiences in your essays as well as a solid rationale for getting your MBA in relation to your past experiences and future career goals. Finally, you might want to add 1-2 safety schools to your list. While you have a good shot at one of your top 3, it is always good to have a backup plan.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[harjeesingh]

Lisa,

Thanks a lot for the reply. I do understand that these schools are super competitive. I just wanted to get an idea if my profile "fits" the general selection criteria.

I will highly appreciate if you could recommend a few activities / courses that would strengthen my application. I feel I only have a high 2:1 from a UK university and that might not be enough. What do you think?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Regards,
Harjee

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Harjee,

If you feel you did not perform well in your studies, then you might consider taking some courses. However, your strong performance on the GMAT does indicate you have the academic aptitude for business school. I actually think a higher GMAT score will help you more with your target scores than taking classes. You are in an over-represented subset of the applicant pool where a GMAT in the 700's is expected. Other than that, you want to ensure you are presenting a strong set of essays and try to establish a rapport with the admissions offices.

Good luck,
Lisa

[harjeesingh]

Dear Lisa,

Thanks a lot again for the reply. I think I will work towards improving my GMAT score. Can you please also let me know how do I develop a rapport with the adcom.

Do I have to visit open days? or it can be done online?

Any help you provide is highly appreciated.

Regards,
Harjee

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Harjee,

To build a rapport, you want to take advantage of any opportunity to meet a representative of the school and go visit campus if you can. You can also participate in online chats. The goals is that you put a real person to your name so that when your application is being reviewed the school feels like it knows you beyond what is on the papers in front of them.

Regards,
Lisa