Profile Evaluation Please

[mbastar]

Here's my profile

Academics
- GMAT: 650(48Q, 32V)
- I have a Master of Technology(M-Tech) degree from a premier institute but my GPA is on the lower side 3.0/4.0
- Published an academic paper based on my master's thesis.

Work
- 7 years of work experience in semiconductor industry.
- Published a paper in an international conference and also applied for patent based on my work in my first company. Also won Annual award for this work in the company.
- Good career progression graph. Was double promoted once.
- Weakness: no managerial experience but have mentored new employees and interns.

Activities
- I have been the treasurer of my city's local astronomy club. Organized star parties and raised money for a telescope.
- Was part of an NGO for a short while. Raised money for its activities by selling calendars.
- Actively contributed to an open source software community by writing pieces of software in 2002-03.

Goals
- Short term: pursue management/strategy consulting
- Long term: top management role in a big company or start a company of my own.

Schools
- Duke Fuqua
- UCLA
- Darden
- Tepper
- Mccombs
- Emory


I belong to the Indian IT pool so what are my chances at these schools ?
Should I consider any other schools ?

Thanks,

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

Hi and thanks for your question. It sounds like you have an interesting background.

My quick take is that your first three are probably going to be a bit of a stretch. On the plus side, you have great work experience and already have a master's degree (I tend to think that a technical masters is always a good thing to have when doing a management degree.)

I can't really judge the quality of your work experience except to say that you have seven years which is, in your case, good. It helps take some of the pressure off your lower GPA.

On the other hand, given that you have a technical degree and a quant background I have to say that your GMAT is a bit of a problem for the higher-end schools to which you are applying. A 650 is okay as a score but it isn't going to get you into some of the programs that you're talking about. It can be overcome but overcoming it usually requires something really outstanding in the rest of your application.

So...I think I would either focus on getting your GMAT up or I would focus on Tepper, McCombs, and Emory rather than your first three.

You may decide that your work experience is strong enough that it's worth while to apply but this is my take based on the information that you have given me.