GMAT 700(Q48V38) - IT Prof 6.5yrs [MBA Focus: Consulting]

[gmatfighter11]

Dear Stacy

I hope you are doing well. I shall be really thankful if you could you evaluate my profile.

Following represents my career so far

Undergraduate : Computer Science (66%) [India]
Professional : Team Leader in a MNC Software Firm (Banking Domain) [80 Months of experience]
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Undergraduate Highlights

Won inter-IT competition and received 'Silver Medal' from University for the final year project
Secretary [Disciplinary Committee] Reduced the ragging incidents by 50%
Secretary [Adventure Club] Established & led four successful excursions

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Professional Highlights
80 months of experience with the same employer

Overseas Experience :
UK (8 Months) to initiate new projects
US (1 month) - Entrusted to represent my business area in a global seminar

Work Experience :
2.5 years of team leading experience
Suggested productivity improvements that resulted in cost and effort savings
One productivity initiative to be implemented across the organization

Awards & Recognition
A couple of individual awards for an exceptional quality work
A couple of Team Awards for delivering a quality project

Extra-Curricular:
Represented the organization's Football, Cricket & Volleyball teams
Organised many department level social events
Performed at the social events with my Music Band

Corporate Sustainability :
Led the communication team
Executed many events
Executed a group level initiative that brought sustained benefits and reduce organization's carbon footprint.
Received awards for my efforts

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GMAT History
Take 1 (Oct2009) - 580 (Q43 V23) AWA 4.5
Take 2 (Aug2010) - 690/88% (Q48/82% V35/73%) AWA 5.0
Take 3 (Apr2011) - 700/90% (Q48/82% V38/83%) AWA 5.5
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MBA Focus : Consulting
Target Schools : Ross, Tuck, Darden, IESE & HEC
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May I request the following

a) Could you please evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of my profile ?
b) I have already had 3 attempts at GMAT. Would such a history affect my candidature ?
c) Should I look to increase my GMAT score ?
d) What else would you suggest to improve my profile ?
e) Will a PMP certification improve my profile ?

Thanks a lot
Rb[/u]

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Rb,

Taking the GMAT multiple times is not a negative and will not affect your candidacy. What matters is your highest score. Your 700 is a strong score and in a competitive range for your target schools. However, you will need to think about whether or not you feel increasing the GMAT will strengthen your application based on your assessment of the rest of your profile. In my humble opinion, the main issue you will have for your target schools is an over-represented profile in the applicant pool. There are many applicants that look similar to you on paper. Thus you need to find a way to distinguish your application from these others while also making a compelling case for your admission. I don't see much in your post in terms of extracurriculars since college beyond social activities with your company. I do think your leadership efforts on corporate sustainability initiatives will be an asset. As for PMP certification, it is not going to hurt your application, but it won't significantly add to your application either. If you believe it will be an advantage for your post-MBA consulting career though, then it might be worthwhile to pursue now and note in your applications as evidence of your commitment to your consulting goals.

Good luck,
Lisa