Clarification international student/ profile evaluation

[Mustang]

Hi Lisa,

I have just started out thinking about applying for MBA in maybe 2 years. I had a couple of questions that I wanted to ask you.

1. How do US schools classify international student? I came to US 3 yrs ago from India for my masters. After completing my degree I have stayed here and have been working on H1B. When I apply to B-schools in a couple of years, I may still be on H1B or I may become a permanent resident (green card). Will I still be considered an international applicant ?

2. I have read some of the other posts and the general perception I get is Indian/IT/male is a generic profile and these guys need to work harder on the application. Although I may fall into that category (I am Indian, Male with a masters in Comp Science), I never worked in IT. I have been working in one the biggest oil companies in the world ( and I have been declared a high potential employee),as business analyst (project management).

I have extremely good community service experience (worked for Steven Spielberg's NGO and some other famous people) Apart from my current job I have 3 internships that I did in very diverse industries( satellite technology, oil) and in differnt countries( Thialand, US). I also played for my university soccer team etc..

I have 3.6 GPA and feel confident of getting (720-750 GMAT).

Do you think I have enough there in terms of my community/co-curricular experience to differentiate me from other similar candidates?

I would only like to apply to the top 10 schools but dont have list now (still need to do my research)


Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Mustang,

As long as you are on an H1-B or will need to have a student visa to study in the US, you are considered an international student. If you have your permanent residency, you are not technically an international student. However, some schools will still view you as such in the admissions process since you are a citizen of another country.

Yes, you will be evaluated in the large subset of applicants from India. However, your US work experience and non-IT work will be an advantage for you. These should work in your favor to distinguish you from the competition. You should continue your involvement with any nonprofits and perhaps volunteer for a leadership role. It is always great to showcase your leadership skills outside a professional work environment.

I think you have a good shot at a top MBA program in a couple of years if you do what you need to do in the interim: score 700+ on the GMAT, be a leader outside of work, and continue to do well in your career. Then it will be how you present your candidacy when you apply that will result in offers of admission.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[Mustang]

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your response. Although it might be a little early for me, I am absolutely sure about making use of a consultant for my application process. I have been impressed with what I have heard about SBC. Will it be possible for me to use SBC from Houston?( I believe SBC is based in California). If so how long before the process should I get in touch with SBC ( or any other conslutant)?

Thanks,

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Mustang,

Thank you for considering SBC. Generally, you will contract with a consultant in the year you plan to apply. So right now, we are contracting folks applying for fall 2009 entry. If you are looking to apply for fall 2010 entry, then you will want to contact the consultancy in spring/summer of 2009.

Our consultants are everywhere and work with candidates all over the world. I happen to live in Houston and work with SBC clients throughout the US and several other countries. Other SBC consultants are in California, New York, Chicago--pretty much all over the US. Most work is done via email and phone. If you would like to have face-time with a consultant, then that is something you will want to specify with any of the firms you consider.

Good luck,
Lisa