Request for a quick profile evaluation

[pramiti2016]

Hi!

I am an Indian female candidate with almost 4 years of experience in IT and have been working with Infosys Limited throughout. I have a CGPA of 8.19/10 (from state univ) as per the Indian scaling system. I wrote the GMAT today and unfortunately could not score as per expectation - a 640 (Q47, V31). This was my first GMAT attempt and I feel quite spent already. I had been targeting the following univs mostly:

HEC Montreal
Univ of British Columbia
Univ of Toronto Rotman
Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University

Nanyang
National University Of Singapore

Cambridge (Judge Business School)

Am I targeting schools way beyond my league?
Though like most Indian candidates I do not have any extraordinary extra curriculars to boast of, I had actively participated and had undertaken responsibilities in organizing 'Each one teach one' initiatives at school where students were required to teach children from nearby slums post school hours. Though its a thing of past I mention it because I had been doing it for 7 years while at school. Also I think I can manage good recos from workplace, at least one from client side (client is Amex) and another from a senior project manager. Further I have received certificates of appreciation for quarterly performance at financial business unit level and also for performance in projects. In light of the above data, can you please evaluate if I stand a chance at any of the business schools that I mentioned or if possible can you suggest me decent schools that I should apply to?


Thanks in advance!

Regards,
pramiti.

[BartScheenaard]

Hello Pramiti,

Indeed a valid question and I can offer some insights (al be it that they are a bit biased). For Rotterdam School of Management we are working with an average GMAT score of 640 - 650(no minimum GMAT requirement) for our FTMBA programme.

The GMAT is never the 'be-all-and-end-all' for us as we evaluate the applications holistically, thus the other parts of your application are just as important to us. And do not rule the personality behind the application:) Also very important!

In light of transparency I do feel the need to mention that you will be applying in a very competitive application pool and thus my advise would be to apply as soon as possible. The rolling application process does ensure that our class fills up throughout the year.

Happy to note that you definitely seems to be eligible to apply for our programme:)

Kind regards,
Bart Scheenaard(RSM MBA)

[BartScheenaard]

Hello Pramiti,

Indeed a valid question and I can offer some insights (al be it that they are a bit biased). For Rotterdam School of Management we are working with an average GMAT score of 640 - 650(no minimum GMAT requirement) for our FTMBA programme.

The GMAT is never the 'be-all-and-end-all' for us as we evaluate the applications holistically, thus the other parts of your application are just as important to us. And do not rule the personality behind the application:) Also very important!

In light of transparency I do feel the need to mention that you will be applying in a very competitive application pool and thus my advise would be to apply as soon as possible. The rolling application process does ensure that our class fills up throughout the year.

Happy to note that you definitely seems to be eligible to apply for our programme:)

Kind regards,
Bart Scheenaard(RSM MBA)

[pramiti2016]

Thanks for the very encouraging response Bart Working on the application!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Hi!

I am an Indian female candidate with almost 4 years of experience in IT and have been working with Infosys Limited throughout. I have a CGPA of 8.19/10 (from state univ) as per the Indian scaling system. I wrote the GMAT today and unfortunately could not score as per expectation - a 640 (Q47, V31). This was my first GMAT attempt and I feel quite spent already. I had been targeting the following univs mostly:

HEC Montreal
Univ of British Columbia
Univ of Toronto Rotman
Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University

Nanyang
National University Of Singapore

Cambridge (Judge Business School)

Am I targeting schools way beyond my league?
Though like most Indian candidates I do not have any extraordinary extra curriculars to boast of, I had actively participated and had undertaken responsibilities in organizing 'Each one teach one' initiatives at school where students were required to teach children from nearby slums post school hours. Though its a thing of past I mention it because I had been doing it for 7 years while at school. Also I think I can manage good recos from workplace, at least one from client side (client is Amex) and another from a senior project manager. Further I have received certificates of appreciation for quarterly performance at financial business unit level and also for performance in projects. In light of the above data, can you please evaluate if I stand a chance at any of the business schools that I mentioned or if possible can you suggest me decent schools that I should apply to?


Thanks in advance!

Regards,
pramiti.

Hey there Pramiti,
Well you got your answer from Rotman!

As for the other schools, I'd say besides Judge, the others should be possible (not necessarily easy, but possible)

One thing to seriously consider: Retaking the GMAT (especially if you believe you can get higher)

It can make a HUGE difference for you.

Best,

[pramiti2016]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the response. Yes I have decided to retake the GMAT to improve my odds.
However I would also like to know from you with the given score, which schools would you suggest me to target so that I can start working on the applications parallely.

Thanks in advance!

Pramiti.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Pramiti,
Well at that level there are a LOT of schools. Do I need you to help me whittle them down - what are you looking for? Where do you want to go? What type of program? Etc...

In the US I'd say you are good for schools in the 25-50 rank, about.

Best,
Jon

[pramiti2016]

Hello Jon!

Thank you so much for your time!

Given my background, I wish to specialize in Consulting and pursue a career in Business Technology Consulting. Thanks to you I have decided to retake the GMAT I would request you to kindly suggest good schools offering specialization in my area of interest. Since I have missed R1, I would like to jump start the app process immediately after getting done with the GMAT (scheduled it in Nov.)

looking forward to hear from you!

Best Regards,
Pramiti.

[pramiti2016]

Also to answer where am I looking to go - the location of the B-school is not much of a concern, but the repute of the program is. Furthermore, as I would be seeking financial aid, the kind of scholarships/stipends that are given to international applicants is also of concern. But of course, at this point I can do without the granular details and only a list of B-schools with acclaimed programs in Consulting would suffice

Thanks,
Pramiti.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well, in that case I'd recommend you start your search looking at several main things:

1. The ranking of the school
2. The average post-MBA salary for specific school AND in your specific industry.
3. Whether the potential future employers where you would like to work hire at said school.

It's not just pure ranking, once you leave the Top 10... but for example schools in the relevant regions of your industry can be advantageous for you.

You can find all of this info on either the schools' employment reports, the Businessweek and Financial Times site (US News also, but you have to pay for that one).

Like I wrote, ALL schools have good consulting programs (but you SHOULD look to see who hires from where), so most schools should be possible for you.

Best,
Jon