Profile Evaluation

[sarfraz]

Dear Stacy/Lisa

Appreciate all the help you are providing us mba-hopefuls with. Here's a brief profile of my background. I'll ask my question at the end:

- 28 / Male / India / Entrepreneur
- BCom with 75% aggregate from one of the best colleges in Mumbai
- MMS (MBA with a different name) in Finance from one of India's best business schools - JBIMS, Mumbai (2003 batch)
- Post MBA 15 months with Tata Consultancy Services as Assistant Business Analyst in New Delhi
- Quit TCS to launch a startup that I've been running successfully for the past 4 years. Incidentally it's a venture in the Pet (dogs, cats) industry and is the only company of its kind in India and has received extensive media coverage both on TV and in print.
- Active Extra curriculars - Held leadership positions in diverse clubs in college from Dramatics to Poor Students Education Relief
- Chairperson of the placement committee at JBIMS
- Actively involved with an animal welfare NGO for the past 15 months
- GMAT score of 740

I am very clear on why I wish to pursue another MBA and my career direction post MBA (which incidentally is to get into Management/Strategy consulting with Mck, BCG, Bain) and I should be able to express this clearly in my essays. I'll also be able to explain what I plan to do with my startup if I join B-school.

Now I am only looking at applying to the following 5 schools - Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg & INSEAD. I am not interested in applying to any other schools since I already have an MBA and am doing reasonably well for myself so I only want to go to the schools of my choice else I would continue with what I am doing at the moment.

With this information, could you please answer the following questions for me:

1) Do I stand a chance at any of the schools of my choice?
2) If Yes, then in which school or schools do you think I stand a stronger chance?
3) Any aspects of my application that you feel I should pay extra attention to, in general or with regards to specific schools?
4) Any other school that you think I should apply to (given my career focus- Consulting/Big 3)?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Sarfraz

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sarfraz,

The first thing you need to determine is if your MMS is equivalent to a US MBA or the Insead MBA. If it is, then you will not be able to apply to any of these schools as most schools will not award someone the same degree.

If your MMS is not equivalent, then I think you do have a shot at your five schools. It will be important to leverage your entrepreneurship experience as it will distinguish you from the other applicants. I didn't see any potential weaknesses from what you posted. But like other applicants, a positive decision will be based on how well you put together your essays, resume and interview.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[sarfraz]

Dear Lisa

In continuation to my earlier query, have received an interview invite from Wharton scheduled for the 19th of November.

Was just wondering if you would have any specific tips/advice for the same.

Regards
sarfraz

[Lisa Anderson]

Great news on your interview invitation! The best way to prepare for a business school interview is to prepare for a job interview. You will be asked about your resume, your past leadership and teamwork experiences and your future career goals. Lastly, you should do your research and have thoughtful questions to ask on the program that you cannot find on the website.

Good luck,
Lisa