Profile evaluation for B - School (GMAT 730 )

[jeeva37]

Hello,

Gave GMAT couple of weeks back for second time and extremely happy with the score. I wanted to check what are the colleges I can try for with my profile. Any help would be appreciated.

Here is my profile:
Age: 25

GMAT: 1st try- 630 (49Q/27V);
2nd try- 730 (50Q/38V);

Undergrads : B.E. Computer Science (Anna University, India ).

GPA: 85% which comes to 3.5/4.0 as per GMAT calculation. Need some help here on how to calculate GPA from available percentage.

Work Experience: 3 years in IBM India Pvt Ltd as SAP Security Consultant ( in short IT Professional from India ).

Extracurricular:
1) Active participant in NSS during my undergrads.
2) Bagged District level prizes in Games.
3) Actively involved in activities of Agaram Foundations, an organization working towards helping the under-privileged in attaining their right to knowledge and quality education.

Target Schools: Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, NUS, NTU, Tepper & ISB (I am open to any suggestions on school that you think I might fit well with.)

Also please suggest the Specialization I`m best suited for. I`m more interested in Finance, but not sure whether my profile would be suited for it.

Yet to take TOEFL & IELTS. Please suggest whether this is mandatory.

Thank you
Jeeva

[mili]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your profile and congrats on the recent GMAT success!

You have a strong academic record and a good professional background, but as you are aware these factors will not differentiate you from the rest of the Indian IT male applicant pool. Your extracurricular/community activities mostly date back to college, much like your peers'.

I'd say that your school list is too ambitious. I would consider schools like Darden, Duke, Michigan Ross, Tuck... depending on what you are looking for in a program. HBS, GSB, Wharton -- these are reach given the rest of your profile. Booth is a possibility, but still a reach.

It is very important that you understand why you are pursuing an MBA. I cannot look at your profile and tell you where you should specialize - - the answer to that question lies not in your profile but in your goals and in your own story. It sounds to me like you need to do a bit of soul searching to make sure you understand why you are on this path and where you are looking to be afterwards. If you don't have the answer, it will be very apparent in your applications!

Good luck,
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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[jeeva37]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I know I`m little unclear on Why MBA & What Specialization ? Will have to introspect a little before proceeding further. I was definitely an useful suggestion.

However can you please let me know my prospects for NUS, NTU, INSEAD & Tepper (Dream / Reach / Safe ) based on my profile ?

Also please let me know whether TOEFL is mandatory for these colleges ?

[mili]

I wouldn't put any of these programs in the "dream" category - I do think you are competitive for NUS, NTU, INSEAD and that these could fall into the 'target/reach' category. I think Tepper would be a good 'safety' type of program for you.

As for TOEFL, you'll need to look that up. Should be easy to find on their websites, or by calling the adcom directly.

Thanks,
Mili