Profile Evaluation

[pbanavara]

Hi,
Like many aspirants - I would like to get into a top tier program. After having researched all the schools : I have zeroed in on the following : Sloan, Columbia GSB and NYU Stern. I'm very specific about the location. It has to be either Boston, NYC or somewhere close by. Here's my background:

Education:
Undergrad : BE Computer Science from India - passed with distinction around 70% overall. Not sure how this translates to GPA.

PMP Certification - completed in Feb 2008
Project management certificate : Portland State University.

Experience : 8+ years, started off as a software engineer, currently a program manager at a mid-cap broadband systems company. Spent the last 2+ years in management. The last 2 years' experience has been mostly business related with lots of client interaction. Overall - a diversified experience - software development, QA, deployment and now program management across various geographies : India, North America and Latin America.

I think I can hit a GMAT score of 650-690 - not sure if I can make a 700+.

Would these help me in admissions to the above mentioned schools. I'm interested in the General management program and want to pursue a career in strategy consulting. I would like an MBA to augment my project management skills to pursue a consulting career.

Thanks for your help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear pbanavara,

Your target schools are highly competitive. Fortunately, there are many options in the Boston and New York areas. Without a GMAT in the 700s, gaining admission to Sloan, Columbia, or NYU will be quite difficult. Not that you shouldn't try, but I would suggest identifying other options in the area that are a good match.

Good luck,
Lisa