Profile Evaluation Please

[gauravku]

Hi,

Kindly Review my profile.

GMAT - 700 (Verbal - 34, Quant - 50). Was expecting more as I got 770 and 760 in the 2 GMATprep tests on first attempt and was getting 750+ generally.
Nationality - Indian
Age - 25
GPA - 3.2
Undergraduate School - Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Passed three years of CFA exam in minimum time possible i.e. 1.5 years. Waiting for charter next year (after completing 4 years of work ex)

Number of years of work experience - 3 years 2 months.

18 months in India with a Knowledge Process Outsourcing Firm, working for technology ventures group of GE in Princeton. For the last 18 months have been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From March 2009 to November 2010 as equity research analyst with a boutique, but known in the region.

Joined Al Rajhi Capital, investment banking subsidiary of Al Rajhi Bank, largest Islamic Bank in the World in December 2009. Joined as Associate with Private Equity team, worked on the development and structuring of Real Estate Private Equity Fund. Worked closely with the MD in preparing presentations for three other PE funds, however, they didn't get approved by the board. Recently the company had restructuring and the real estate fund was moved to asset management division and I moved to Investment Banking / Corporate Finance division. Pitched three deals, two of which got converted into mandates.

Leadership - Was involved in several team building exercises as leader and won first positions.

Recommendations - From MD of Investment Banking and PE (harvard alumni), colleague admitted into Stanford GSB this year, may be CEO of the company and my current direct supervisor (director)

Extra curricular - Not much. However, have plans in future. Have put in some money in my home village in India.

Target Schools - Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Chicago Booth, Columbia

Reasons for MBA - To get exposure (in terms of knowledge of businesses (though case studies) and leadership skills) and interact with the best to be managers in the world. Short term goal to land in a global PE firm (blackstone may be with their investment team), stay with them for a long time and by 45 start investing on my own through a investment vehicle.

Please let me know your feedback. Should I retake GMAT exam?

Thanks and regards.

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. You certainly have an interesting profile and your international experience is certainly notable. One advantage that you have is your work experience, it's a bit different than most who apply from IIT.

You have targeted very competitive programs for admission. While I do think you can be competitive for admission at these programs, I strongly suggest that you consider adding a couple other schools to the mix to help balance out your school selection. Schools like Duke and Darden are two that come to mind.

In regard to your GMAT score...congrats on your high quant score! However, I do understand your concern about the overall score given it is lower than average at the schools on your list. Retaking it could mean risking a lower quant score. A higher score will certainly boost your overall profile, but only you can decide if it's worth the risk of retaking.

Best,

Stacey