Please Evaluate my Profile!!

[Veer]

My aim is to get admitted to Indian School of Business(ISB) and request you to evaluate my profile in this regard. The basic question is : Is this sufficient to apply or Do I need to do something more, i.e; Better GMAT Score? At the moment I am considering another GMAT attempt for a higher score and will consider applying to more colleges but my major focus will be ISB.

Education: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from India - Scored a 59% (Don't know the GPA equivalent)
GMAT - 640 40Q 38V AWA 5

Work Experience: I have 6 yrs of Work Experience.

Currently employed for the past 2.5 yrs as a Senior Finance Specialist with Dyncorp International, based in Dubai. The company is US Military Contractor working with Dept of State. Responsibilities include Setting up and managing new offices around the globe and financial reporting like Budget Forecast, Cash Idents and Forecasting. My work also requires me to ensure US government compliance to the govt accounting standards.

I have visited and worked in the following countries : Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, India, Kuwait, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and USA. My work provides me with great exposure to international business and lots of exciting opportunities to learn.

3.5 yrs as a Senior Market Analyst in Reuters, handling the Fixed Income Securities. Promoted once. Involved in Analysis of Securities with additional responsibility of training new analysts.

Extracurricular Activities: Managed a Jazz Band in College.
Active Photographer - Won the 2001 Best Photographer Award for UAE
Avid Traveler - Visited 22 Countries (Mostly for Work)

I hope this information is sufficient in evaluating my profile.

[Tani]

Hello,

ISB is one of the most difficult schools to get into. Their average GMAT is over 700. Your current score would definitely put you at a disadvantage. Barely 10% of their class has a score below 660. Although the Indian and US GPA systems are different, I suspect that your 59% is not particularly strong in comparison to the other applicants to ISB. Do you know your class rank or percentile?

Your work experience is strong and the international aspect will be helpful. Nevertheless, even with a 750 GMAT, the competition is such that there are no guarantees. If you are determined to go to business school next year you should definitely add more schools to your list.

Good luck,

[Veer]

Hello Tani,

Thank you for your reply.

Although I do not know my class percentile but you are correct in saying that it is not competitive. There is nothing I can do to change that now. However, I will give the GMAT another shot and hope the scores are better.

I do have a backup list:

1) Goizueta
2) Tepper
3) Krannert
4) UC Davis

Does this pool sound worth trying with a 640?

Regards,
Veer

[Tani]

I like your backup pool - they are fine schools which offer a great education and have a strong technical program.