Profile Evaluation

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Profile Evaluation

by arni » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:38 pm
Can you please evaluate my profile and comment on my chances at the schools listed below? What are/will be the limitations in my application when adcom views it? How schools look at my candidacy? My age and applicant pool are strongest roadblocks - but what are the convincing factors ( ex. strongs essays, recommendations ) that can highlight my profile in the schools listed below. Thanks.

Profile: M / 32 / India

I am a project manager in one of the fastest growing IT service companies of India. I manage multiple projects - starting from project initiation to resource scheduling, cost-budgeting, people management - and also involve in pre-sales activities.

Past Exp:

* Engineering Grad,
* 3.1 GPA score,
* Total experience of 9 years - includes program management, IT consulting
* International experience of 5.5 years - largest telecom service provider in US

GMAT:

To appear. Considering I am from the overrepresented pool of applicants what could be a safe score to apply for the schools I have listed below. I looked at the avg gmat score of the class profiles of the schools. Do you think score of 720+ is a safe call?

Plan:

I realize that I'm getting streamlined to a specific direction in my career - that is IT Consulting. It feels like stagnation at career. After talking to peers, higher-ups, people from other service industries I realize that I require to hone up and diversify my profile in generic consulting and strategy. Now, this could be done by attending external courses. I talked to correspondents of such courses provided by external sources tied up with my organizations. I was not too convinced on that. I realize that I can achieve it over a period of time through a learning experience - though it could be a tough one after eight years of study break, but I think mba program is a great fit to achieve this.

My age and my overrepresented pool push me in a very competitive position but I certainly want to know in details about my chances in the schools listed below:

Target Schools:

US:

1. Kellog
2. Duke
3. Darden
4. Ross
5. Tuck
6. UNC Kenan-Flagler

Europe:

1. Insead
2. Said
3. IMD
4. Cranfield
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by Lisa Anderson » Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:01 pm
Dear arni,

You are correct on your assessment of your profile and your challenges thus far. With your target list, it is going to be difficult to gain an offer of admission without a stellar application package that distinguishes you from many other similar applicants. Your GMAT does need to be in the 700s, and ideally over a 720, to have a shot at one of your target schools. To set yourself apart, you will need a compelling and well-written set of essays, a great resume, detailed and positive recommendations, and (hopefully) outstanding interviews. Likewise, conveying a solid rationale for why you want your MBA, both at this point in your career and from each school (in its respective application), is imperative. If you have a trusted colleague or friend that has successfully been through this process or can afford to seek some consulting advice, it might be worth it to talk to someone with expertise on crafting your strategy and determining how best to present your background.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by arni » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:56 am
Thanks much for your help.