Profile evaluation for 1 yr MBA

[Ronloo]

Hi,

Would like some professional feedback on my chances of admission to a top MBA school for 1 year MBA course.

Some general information about myself:
Nationality: Malaysian (chinese)
Work experience: Spend 2.5 years working in Singapore with a Japanese MNC. Mainly in Sales.
Last 4 years, was working in China with a Taiwanese MNC. Mainly in Supply Chain.
Education: Graduated from Nanyang University in Singapore with Engineering degree
Age: 30
Gender: Male
GMAT score: 690 (just took the test this week)

I was considering IMD, INSEAD or other top schools that offer 1 year MBA. Had to consider a 1 year course because the overall cost of a 2 year course is quite high. Hence, scholarships is also one important factor in my final decision. Would a higher GMAT score improve my chances of getting a scholarship? It is my first attempt and I am not sure if I can get a higher score if I retake the test.

Thanks
Ron

[MBAApply]

In short, I think you're definitely right in the mix for schools like INSEAD and IMD. Both schools are a little older and really like folks who've worked/lived for some time outside their home country. Do a solid job on the written application and interview, and you should be competitive.

However, expecting some scholarship money from them is a stretch. Keep in mind that both of these schools are amongst the most competitive to get in - and frankly getting in at any top school will be a challenge. Business schools hand out scholarships to those they highly covet because of some extraordinary or unique profile (relative to the other admits for that school). From what you wrote it's highly unlikely you fit in that category - you're hardly the only Asian guy with technical experience applying to these top schools.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[Ronloo]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the advice. At least I know now where I stand with my current profile and GMAT score. I realized that my profile is not unique.
Can I safely assume that even if I retake the GMAT and get a score of 710~720 (with lots of luck and effort), it is not likely that I can get a scholarship? I am currently considering if I should take the GMAT again. If a slightly higher score isn't of much help, I will spend more time and effort on other aspects of the application like the essay etc...

Thanks
Ron

[MBAApply]

At the top schools, scholarship money has nothing to do with GMAT scores, but the overall caliber of the applicant.

As I said before, you are competitive, but you will have enough of a challenge just to get in.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com