Profile Evaluation (Entrepreneur)

[viveklath]

Hi Stacy,

GMAT - 690
UG in EE from India, GPA 3.3
MS in Comp Science from USC, GPA - 3.4

Work EX: 2.5 years - Business Consulting in US
1.5 Years - Business Development for a reputed Media Company in India
1 year - Entrepreneur in Media Space in India. Venture just shut down due to inadequacy of funds in the slowdown but I made decent money.

I am now looking for an MBA degree with a mix of Finance and Entrepreneurship. Focusing more on colleges around Silicon Valley simply to keep exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. My current list of colleges is Stanford, HAAS, UCLA, Michigan, Columbia & Wharton.

Am I being too ambitious? Would much appreciate your take on my selection of colleges and over all on the strength of my profile.

Applied to HBS,Kellogg and Chicago last year but did'nt get anywhere. Apps were put together in haste and were not quite planned.

Looking forward to hear back.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear viveklath,

As an international applicant from India, you have stiff competition for top tier MBA programs. As such, you have to find a way to distinguish yourself from the large number of Indian applicants with similar work experience and education. Your GMAT score is below average for your target schools; however, your experience in the US and media industry experience in India might differentiate you from the competition. I do think your school list is ambitious and is all reach schools--but these are reach schools for every applicant. You do have a chance with a strong, overall application, but I also think you should consider applying to 2-3 schools that are more reasonable/safety options for you.

Good luck,
Lisa