Please Evaluate my profile

[athakkar]

Hi Stacy,

Please help me evaluate my profile. I am from an oversubscribed group and need to understand my chances of getting into top 15 schools for Fall 2008. I am looking at part time programs. Also, if you could tell me if my current location matters for admission to part time programs. I am in California and open to applying all over US and relocate later. My profile is as follows :

Target Schools :
- 1st Preference : UCLA, Berkeley, NYU, Chicago
- 2nd Preference : Smith (Maryland), USC,

Personal Details:
- Country of Birth : India
- Age : 32 years

Education:
- Bachelor of Engineering, 1997, GPA 3.4
- MS in Engineering, Rutgers University, 2000, GPA 3.3

GMAT: 700 (Q49, V 35 ) (AWA - 5.5)

Work experience:
- Total work experience ~ 8 yrs
- 1 yr in India as Customer Service Engineer (1997 - 1998)
- 6 yrs in fortune 100 company as Software Engineer. Promoted to Sr. Software Engineer in 1 yr. Overall flat organization structure. So not many promotions. But salary rise was faster than average. (2000-2006)
- Last year, working for a start-up with lot more responsibilities but still the same title. (2006 - present)

Extracurricular Activities:
- National Level Gold medalist in Shooting. Received a lot of medals in various competition over a span of few years. But couldn't continue after moving to US in 1998.
- Keep playing in various sports leagues in Racquetball, golf etc. Don't know if it helps.


Thank you for your help.

[Amy]

Hi athakkar,

I'm a bit confused about the idea of relocating after admission to a part time program - can you work remotely in your current job? Most part time students are planning to stay with your company and there is limited career services guidance in a part time program.

I think your academic statistics are reasonable. I'm concerned about your lack of extracurriculars mainly - think about anything that you have volunteered for (even a one time event) and if you have time, I would advise starting to volunteer. Your work progression may be an issue, but perhaps there is a way to communicate your increasing responsibilities even if you haven't shown title increases.

Good luck!

Amy

[athakkar]

Thank you Amy.

I havn't been associated full time with any volunteer organization. But I did volunteer in few events organized by my company (not a mandatory event) as well as participated in few Non-profit organization sponsored run/walk. Does that help. I can definitely join an organization and actively participate. No problem with that. But don't have much time before the application.

And as for the issue of joining remote part time program, I was thinking of looking for a job in the area where I get admitted before the school starts.

Thank you again.

[Amy]

Hi athakkar,

Yes, even one off activities help and should be included in your application. It is a bit late to include any major extracurriculars, but you can certainly do a little volunteering around the holidays since there will be plenty of opportunities.

Good luck!

Amy