Need admissions advice

[headcrab]

Hi,

Can you please elaborate on the appropriateness of my profile for a Finance MBA from top US B-School? I'm aiming for Wharton/Columbia/Chicago/Tepper in that order.

My profile:

GPA : 3.2/4.0
Major: Electrical Engineering
School: IIT, Kanpur(Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur)

GMAT Score:760( q:50 v:42) AWA: 5

Resume Highlights:

Working as an Analyst in Derivatives Trading Support for Nomura(prior Lehman) for 24 months. Got consistently good performance reviews.

Co-Curriculars: International Maths Olympiad Silver Medalist

Extracurriculars:
Not much except at college level. Co-ordinated in Student Placements and organized some events

Publications: 1 paper in Electronics Journal

Personal Facts: Not much here too. Except that in my short time in Industry, I've seen my employer, 4th largest Investment Bank going bust, and one of the most turmoiled times in industry.


Issues: I've one major issue. I was working at Trading Support Office but my roles and duties were same as those of a Trader. Is it an issue with the institutes even if I can defend my profile?

Please help me regarding the feasibility of above. Also can you please suggest if its advisable to apply in ongoing cycle or should I wait for 1 more year and strengthen my profile further before applying?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear headcrab,

Based on the limited information provided, I think you have the foundation for a competitive application to your target schools. However, you are targeting the most competitive/selective business schools. As such, your essays, recommendations, and interviews are critical to the ultimate decision. The only potential weakness in your profile is the lack of extracurriculars since college.

As for timing, you should apply when you feel you are ready. If you believe you can gain some quality professional experience and get actively involved in a community organization, then it might be worth waiting another year.

Finally, you might want to add 1-2 safety schools to your list. While you have a good shot at one of your top 4, it is always good to have a backup plan.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[a_brown]

Dear Lisa,
I plan to apply to Harvard Business School and I would please like to know what are my chances. Here are my profile's main points:

Undergraduate: Masters of Engineering (4 yr degree) in chemical engineering from Imperial College (UK). I achieved an upper second class degree classification overall (roughly equivalent to a US B+). My grades were on a solid upward trend, but I feel that my UG grades could affect my application (my transcripts have many marks in the 40s and 50s, though the British system is very different from the US system)

GMAT: 700. Middle 50% GMAT range for HBS is 700-750; do you think that because of my UG record, I need to redo the GMAT? My 700 is also on the low side for HBS..

Work Experience: oil/gas major(3 years), worked in 3 countries around the world with the company, and I have an excellent professional record.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Kind Regards,
Andy