Profile Evaluation

[thefittay]

Hi. Following is my profile in short :

Indian, Male, 25 years.
10th - 85.6%
12th - 75%
B.E. in Electronics and Communication from Manipal University with a GPA of 5.8/10 (I know, this is abysmal)
GMAT : 650 the first time(Q-48, V-32), booked a date for July and am confident will crack 700 this time so consider it as 700 - 720 for now.
Work Experience : 24 months (all with IBM India Pvt Ltd)

I started off as a technical support analyst for the BHP Billiton account in IBM. In 18 months I was promoted to Incident Manager. My job description is to basically analyze and drive all IT related incidents that come through the corporate offices of BHP Billiton (in Melbourne and London). Besides this though as extra responsibilities I provide floor support to junior analysts, handle service rehearsal tests, audit the quality of the tickets created by my team on a daily basis, train any new joinee on the floor and handle escalations from clients if any. Looking at a promotion to Team Lead in the next 2-3 months.

Extra curricular : I write movie reviews for an online magazine and will be getting involved in editorial responsibilities as soon as GMAT is done. Back in college was part of several plays and won prizes for elocution and extempore competitions.

Target schools :

1. Darden (Dream)
2. Smeal
3. Fisher
4. Wisconsin
5. Kelly

I know my work ex and my GPA is on the lower side but my career progression has been smooth so far and am hoping a good GMAT score and my over all profile compensates for that. Please advise my chances of getting into my target schools and any improvements recommended. Thanks in advance.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your background. At present it would be difficult to gain acceptance at the programs you mentioned, with a weaker academic profile, below average GMAT at those schools, and more limited work experience. It sounds like your quality of work experience would be strong, but at this point schools may wonder 'why now?'... why not get a bit more experience and then apply. And going from a 650 to a 700+ is a large jump, though yes it would help your chances more... it is definitely needed to help the low GPA. And then you'll need a very strong set of essays demonstrating what you will bring to the program, and what the program will do for you and your career goals, as well as why each specific school is right for you.

At this point focusing on the GMAT would be first and foremost, and making sure that you hit that 700+ score you feel you can achieve. Decide whether this year or next is most ideal, and work on your career plan and essay brainstorming.

Good luck to you and work hard on that GMAT!