Stacey-Need your evaluation of My Profile

[Gyan]

Stacey:

I have been reading many of the opinions given by you on profile evaluation. I need your help in evaluation on my profile.

Target B Schools-Top 5 European B schools-MBA one yr programme.

GMAT Score-700
Background-Chartered Accountant(CA) India(Qualified), CIMA(UK) Strategy Level Qualified. ACCA(UK) Part Qualified.
AGE-28 Yrs.
Work Experience-
Prior to CA Qualification:-

Apprentice in small-Chartered accountancy firm for 3 yrs where I did statutory audits for small private companies. Tax audits.

Post Qualification:

8 Months with a Leading Attorney.-Worked as a consultant.
1.4 Months with a Leading Indian IT company.-Joined as a Executive and Promoted senior executive.
3.2 Yrs with Fortune 100 MNC.-Joined as an accountant and promoted as a Lead
4 Months hence working a Fortune 10-Joined as a Manager.

Total Experience-

Pre Qualification of CA-8 Months.
Post Qualification of CA-5.5 Yrs.

Extracurricular Activities:-

Sponsoring for child education.
Part of Junior Achievement Programme.
Joined Toast Masters club.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Gyan,

Based on the limited information provided, I think you have the foundation for a competitive application to your target schools. The top 5 are highly selective schools, so you might consider adding a safety option to your list as a back up plan. Your essays, recommendations, and interviews are critical to the ultimate decision, so be sure to highlight your professional experiences that distinguish you from applicants with similar profiles. 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 future career goals.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[Gyan]

Thanks Lisa for your response.

Need your guidance on:

1. Whether I should write GMAT again and enhance my score by say 720 to740?.

2. I have got international experience of about 10 Months, will that help? or the same is less?

3. I have changed jobs frequently-will that be a disadvantage.

4. If I get letter of recommendation say about 5 from people in good position from whom i have worked with and who know me personally will it help?

5. Should i visit a consultant to trim my essays?.

Thanks a lot

[Lisa Anderson]

A higher GMAT score will never hurt you, so if you think you can increase it at least 20 points, then it is probably worth retaking.

Your international experience could be an advantage if it is an accomplishment or there is some aspect to that time that will be a great example in an essay. Having an international experience is not enough on its own to be beneficial--it is the quality of that experience that matters.

Changing jobs is also not a negative on the surface, but the why you have made these changes can be a negative. If there is not a solid rationale for making the change, then that will reflect poorly on you. Depending on the frequency, you should expect to get a question about your career path in your interviews.

With regards to recommendations, five is way too many and the schools will wonder why you felt you needed to get more than the required number of 2 or 3. Stick to the number required and if you really want to submit an extra, then submit one extra but no more than one. If a school explicitly states not to submit additional recommendations, then follow the instruction given.

A consultant can be helpful with essays if you feel you are not a great writer or have trouble editing your essays. There are many out there that offer essay help, so do your research and pick the one that is the best match for you.

Regards,
Lisa