Hi Stacy/Amy, does the Ivy league beckon?

[givemeanid]

Hi Amy/Stacy, thanks for all the efforts you guys put into answering our questions.

I am planning to go back to school in Fall 2008. Just took my GMAT couple of days back. 750 (Q50, V41)


Brief Profile:
I am a 30-year old male, Indian, living in the US since 2000
I have a very good academic record throughout school.
Undergrad (1994-1998, BS Comp Sci) - I went to a Regional Engg. College which has a pretty good standing. According to Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grade_(education)#India , my GPA would be in 3.75-3.95 range. Do I need to get it done from an accredited agency?

Worked for a little over an year for one of the leading IT companies in Mumbai, India

Masters (Jan 2000 - May 2001, MS Comp Sci, Virginia Tech) - GPA 3.85

Post Grad Work Experience - 4 years for one of the largest software firms in New York. Currently working with an investment bank in Manhattan since Dec 2005. At both these companies, I have been promoted once. Have had people working under me and have served as mentor for lot of fresh grads out of college at work.

Total work ex: 1 + 4 + 1.5 comes to around 7 years.

Regarding extra curriculars: I volunteer for ASHA, a non-profit that focuses on basic education in India. The company I used to work for had a matching program whereby they matched 200% (!!) of your charity amount. I did some mixer-events to raise little bit of money every now and then. I am not sure if there is some sort of proof needed for this since I do not have any 'receipts' or such. I was the treasurer for Comp Sci community in college. Took a one credit photography course 3 years back at a community college. Other interests include swimming and roller blading.

I started a call center business last year but it did not do too well and we had to pull the plug.


The reason I switched to the finance world: Couple of years back, I took a 4 month break to be with my grandfather who fell seriously ill. Conversations with him during those times made me realize that I was being complacent (and a little averse to make a drastic change since I was helping my Mom and Dad financially and funding my brother's MBA) and refueled my desire to help people buy their own homes by helping them secure loans that suit their needs. (Its bad timing to mention this in lieu of the sub prime mess but still...). I come from a very poor background and as a kid, saw my grandfather and dad struggle to buy their own house without success. I have always wanted to start a bank of some sorts to pursue my desire. So, I switched to the financial industry and have been working in the mortgage business for the last couple of years. Also, I have always been the 'go to' person (amongst the people I know) to get help regarding mortgage questions. I love doing this and would want to pursue an MBA to eventually fulfill the goal.

I will be getting into the application process pretty soon and wanted to get your input as to where I stand as far as top 10 schools are concerned. I am thinking UChicago, Wharton, Stern, Columbia, INSEAD, HBS, Kellogg.


Please let me know your thoughts. Those will be of great help.
Also, do I stand ANY chance whatsoever of securing a scholarship? Or should I retake knowing that I can get a higher score which would put me in a better position to get a scholarship.


Thanks in advance.

[Amy]

Hi givemeanid,

I think your background and goals are very logical and make a lot of sense - I can tell you have the material for thoughtful essays, which will go a long way.

Your GMAT score is excellent, and your GPA is also. I think your work experience works very well with your future goals, so you should be in good shape for the application process to the top 10 schools. It's quite competitive, so there are no guarantees, but I would certainly advise you to try for the schools you are interested in.

Good luck!

Amy

[givemeanid]

Thanks a lot Amy. The thought of distinguishing myself from the 'Indian IT' pile has been lingering on my mind for a long time and your words do provide a lot of encouragement.

I have a few questions: Considering my engineering background, I was wondering if I my lack of leadership experiences will be a deterrent. From what I've gathered, it seems to me that engineering and IT work does not really give you the leadership experience desired by the top schools.

Also, do you think I stand any chance of securing a scholarship or should I retake for a higher score?

What do you think of applying in R1 vs in R2? I read the sticky post but am not sure how I stack up against good R1 candidates. I have fair amount of time before some R1 deadlines.

Thanks a lot again. You are wonderful.

[Amy]

Hi givemeanid,

If you have direct reports, you should have strong leadership experience. I can't really speak to your chances for a scholarship since the criteria varies per scholarship and school, but I think your GMAT score is high enough and it's a better use of your time to focus on essays.

We really don't see a significant difference between R1 and R2, and you should apply in the round that is better for you in terms of your preparation and timing. R1 does result in an earlier decision, which can be very positive in terms of planning and attempting for scholarships and other aid.

Good luck!

Amy

[givemeanid]

Thanks Amy. You are a sweetheart.

I just got my AWA score. 5.0. I was expecting a 5.5 but 5.0 (61 percentile) sounds very low. Do you think this would affect the application?

[Amy]

Hi givemeanid,

In my opinion, the AWA has almost zero significance in the admissions process. The only time it would be an issue is in a scenario where it was terrible, and your essays were amazing. Even in that case, nerves could be the reason.

In other words, I wouldn't worry.

Good luck!

Amy