please evaluate my profile

[dart2gmat]

Hi Sir/Ma'm,

Would be really helpful if you please evaluate my profile as below.
I am looking for US schools mainly.I would like to apply majorly to
Tier 1 schools,and few Tier 2 schools as safe bet.

GMAT Score : 700 (first attempt last year : 550)

TOEFL : 111

Work exp : 3.5 years with world's largest enterprise software company.

Domain : IT Consulting (ERP Supply Chain and Financials) as Consultant / Module Lead

Milestones : Certified domain consultant,represented school in extempore/
elocution competitions,represented college at Enterpreneurship Development
Camp held at university campus,NSE (Indian stock exchange) certified in capital markets.


->Co-founder of a social venture in the education domain - conceptualizing
self study solutions through library setup through public (literary) donations.
->Exposure in Operations working with a leading democratic
organization with a mission to enhance civic awareness,as a part of
the lead team in 2 projects devising tools and methodologies towards
better informed citizens in voting rights and electing leaders.
->Worked as a mentor to an underprivileged adolescent for a NGO,thus
infusing within mentee life survival skills.
->Worked as a lead volunteer for an NGO spearheading workshops towards
education system integration among challenged and normal children.
->Freelance advisor (business development and marketing) for a startup
distributorship firm in the FMCG domain.
->Freelance columnist to a couple of online magazines for social cause.
->On a different note,I also am the vocalist for a music band group at my
workplace....and we have performed in commercial fests and performances
towards social causes.

Short Term Goal : My STG and 'why MBA now?' is because I want to use this
point in my career to move towards a career in Marketing Consulting/Strategy
where I would be able to make use of both my skills learnt at work and my
experiences away from work.

Long Term Goal : My LTG would be to work into my passion arena,i.e,Cause
Marketing,using my industry exposure from STG and my work with social ventures
till now and help build a bridge between corporates and social causes,one step
ahead of CSR.Finally,I would like to provide consulting solutions to them
to help them grow in funds,strengthen in Operations and create
a bigger social brand through industry to the public domain.

Please suggest Tier-1 and Tier-2 schools in US that match my profile and the work
I want to do in life.

Thanks a lot for your assistance.

Regds

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. You certainly seem to have a well rounded profile. With a good career trajectory to date, combined with a solid GMAT score, and a unique list of extracurricular activities, you should be considering top 20 programs. I suggest you look at programs such as Kellogg, Stern, Fuqua and Tuck. All these programs have excellent courses in marketing and as well as solid general management and strategy.

Best,

Stacey

[dart2gmat]

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for your prompt and encouraging advise,However,I have 2 concerns.

->Though I have a decent improvement over last year,wouldnt a 700 score be
considered low(for my demography) for the top 20 programs..

->It would take some time for me to gather my transcripts and complete my apps
for the schools which might drag me beyond R1 for most of the schools.Would
applying in R2 hurt my chances,even though I take time to package a good
application?

I am definitely looking towards Kellogg(my dream school),Duke,Stern and Tuck.
Can you also please suggest a couple a bit down the order as well,I want to have
some safe bets too.(planning to apply to Yale or Cornell as well..please suggest)

Thanks a ton.


Regds,
dart2gmat

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

The 700 GMAT score is lower than the average at top programs, but it's important to remember that the GMAT score is only one component of the application. You didn't mention your undergraduate GPA, if it was solid the 700 GMAT becomes less of a concern. Additionally, your solid work experience and extracurricular activities will help offset the 700.

I don't like to suggest safety schools since I truly believe there is no such thing, however, you may wish to look at Emory or Georgetown. Both have excellent programs and job opportunities after graduation.

Best,

Stacey

[dart2gmat]

Hi Stacey,

Thanks and yes,you are right,there cannot be anything as safety schools..

My undergrad GPA is 3.5..Can you please tell me if I miss R1 deadlines,would
it hurt my chances?..or is it that the adcoms look more for complete applications
rather than the dates when they come.

Thanks again.

Regds,
dart2gmat

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Great question. While round 1 does have it's strategic advantages, it is ALWAYS best to apply to business school when you are ready and aren't rushing your applications. Take all the time you need even if that means round 2.

Best,

Stacey

[dart2gmat]

Thanks a ton Stacey..

[Stacey Oyler]

My pleasure!

Regards,

Stacey