Part-time MBA Applicant

[xxjatlandxx]

Age:32
Nationality: US
Academics: Graduated in '99 with a GPA of 7.3/10 in Bachelor of Engineering-Mechanical engineering from a not so well known university in India.
Graduated from USC-Los Angeles in '02 with a GPA of 3.4 in M.S.-Mechanical Engineering
Graduated from Penn State-State College in '06 with a GPA of 3.6 in M.S.-Industrical Engineering

Work Experience: 1999-2000 one year- I used to teach engineering in an engineering college in India. So I guess you can say that I managed all those college kids.
2007-Mechanical Engineer for a few months at Fortune 200 company. In short, I had to manage mechanics.
2007-2010-3.5 years Project Team Leader at a Fortune100 chemical company. I managed capital projects at manufacturing plant sites. It involved managing our contractors that involved engineering and construction companies. For a given project, I was leading the team that had anywhere from 10 to 20 people. Managed projects at several different chemical plants in the Gulf Coast. Must have spent atleast $10 million in capital projects in 3.5 years.
2010-2011 about 6 months now-Project Manager at the same company but a different business unit. Managing consulting projects. However, the clients are external oil refineries worldwide. I have managed projects in Saudi, Singapore, and India. Been to Saudi and managed a project there at one of the world's largest oil refinery. In my current role, in addition to project management I am also fulfilling Business Development Manager role by writing proposals and interacting with customers and meeting their needs.

I want to pursue part-time MBA. There are two reasons I want to pursue a MBA. Obviously I want to move up quick. If that doesn't happen, then career change into sales or finance. I am thinking about applying at UT-Austin, UCLA, UC-Berkeley, Northwestern, and Chicago.

Any comments? I know I am within the 80% range in GMAT, but 660 is on the lower side. I am hoping that my past academics, and my management work experience will compensate for the low GMAT.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear xxjatlandxx,

If you are wanting to do a part-time MBA, then I think you have the foundation for a competitive application. Your GMAT score is in a competitive range, and your education and work experience indicate quantitative aptitude. With part-time programs, your rationale for business school, reasons for a part-time program, career progress and experience, and post-MBA goals are components of your application that will be heavily scrutinized. Thus you will want to spend the time on your essays and resume, as well as interview preparation, to ensure you present these components effectively. My only remaining comment to you is that you are targeting part-time programs in different cities which might raise a question on your attendance for classes. Basically, if you apply to a program that is not in your current city of residence, you will want to address your plans to relocate/commute to classes in your application.

Good luck,
Lisa