Please Evaluate my profile for the mentioned colleges

[abhishekarohi]

Hello,

I am Abhishek Arohi from India. I wish to apply for Spring 2011 sessions. My profile is as follows:

HSC = 82%
SSC = 82%
Graduation (B.E. Comp Science) - 71.9
GMAT- 710 (Q49, V38, AWA 5)

Work Ex - 4.8 years of IT experience by March 2011.
Organizations: 1. Wipro technology
2. HSBC Global Technology
3. Dell Services
International Exp: None
E.C. - mild in school days.

Career Aspirations: Want to do an MBA with entrepreneurship in mind but after 4-5 years post MBA.
Post MBA would like to divulge in Finance sector.



I have shortlisted the following colleges in US

University of Southern California: Marshall
Ohio State University: Fisher
Emory University: Goizueta
University of Maryland: Smith
Rice University: Jones
Washington University: Olin
Boston University School of Management

And would like to apply in any two of the following list

University of Chicago: Booth
Columbia Business School
Said Business School
London Business School
Northwestern University: Kellogg


Now I request you to help me short list 5 (3 from the 1st list and 2 from the second) colleges in the above list
1. Which can help me in my career aspirations.
2. Where I stand a strong chance
3. Where Good scholarship options are available.
4. Which gives me good ROI.


Thanks and Regards
Abhishek Arohi

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Abhishek,

Generally speaking, you are the best person to answer your questions for these schools as you know your profile best. Based on the limited information in your post, these are all possibilities for you and you have done a great job in dividing them between your reasonable (1st list) and reach (2nd list) options. Scholarship awards for any MBA program are very tough to receive, and often times will only cover a portion of tuition. Your scholarship opportunities, much like your chance of admission, will be best at schools where your profile is significantly above average, so more of your reasonable options.

It is tough to predict the ROI for any program as it will greatly depend on many factors in the future. Likewise, you are the greatest determinant for your job prospects, meaning the opportunities you will have will depend mostly on your efforts more so than where you go to school. It is important to do your research on what schools have strong ties to the industry you want to be in post-MBA, as well as a solid curriculum for the functional area you wish to pursue. I encourage you to do some additional research on these schools regarding their ties to the finance sector, finance and entrepreneurship curriculua, and career services offices. This information will greatly help you determine if the school will be helpful for you in pursuing your goals and thus having a better chance at a good ROI.

Good luck,
Lisa