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saturnring11
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Choice of schools [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 01 Jun 2006, 21:15
Scott/Omari,
I've asked you about my profile before. However, now that my scores are in, could you give it another look?

I'm considering applying to the following full-time programs:
Berkeley
Wharton
Stanford
NYU
Georgetown
Harvard

Do you think I have a competitive profile for these schools?

Originally posted by saturnring11 on 31 May 2006, 14:49.
Last edited by saturnring11 on 01 Jun 2006, 21:15, edited 1 time in total.
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quixx23
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[#permalink] New post   31 May 2006, 19:14
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I think your approach is correct re: trying to balance out the typical weaknesses of your profile with your volunteer work and your leadership experience on the job. More generally, focus on *any* way you've made a positive difference for the people around you, both at work and outside of work. This kind of thing will help you WAY more than your GMAT (even though your GMAT's great) and your grades in college. Your familiarity with multiple cultures and languages will also be something you should highlight.

I think your odds of success at Georgetown or a similiar program are good. Berkeley and NYU aren't guarantees, but your odds of sucess are good enough that it's worth a shot. Not surprisingly (for you and for everyone else), H/S/W will be your longest shots, but I also think it's worth taking a shot. The odds of you getting into at least one (as long as you do the things mentioned above) are good enough that you wouldn't be wasting your application fees by applying. :-)

But, just keep in mind the acceptance rate of each of those schools. They're low, of course, so spreading your bets (like you're doing) is smart.

Scott
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saturnring11
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[#permalink] New post   01 Jun 2006, 13:37
The problem for me is that when someone looks at the facts related to my profile, they directly tend to place me into the Indian IT-type box.

I can see that you've already relegated me to that demographic. Luckily, my academic achievements have been the most insignificant ones of my life.

Would you suggest not mentioning any academic honors in my essays? I'd like to concentrate on the other interesting stories in my life and the challenges and struggles I've had to face and overcome.
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[#permalink] New post   01 Jun 2006, 18:46
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Yes, that's very true, which is why you're doing the right thing by focusing on many non-academic (i.e., more interesting!) things about your profile.

If I were you, I would spend VERY little time on academic achievements in your essays. Your data sheets and resume can mention these things. Tell them about what makes you interesting as a person ad a potential leader. Academics usually aren't the first thing that adcomms look to when thinking about those things.

Scott
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saturnring11
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[#permalink] New post   02 Jun 2006, 15:41
Sounds like I may have to use the optional essay to explain that while I am Indian, I've never had anything to do with IT in the past or present and won't be pursuing a career in it (excuse the pun) in the future.

And the admissions committee member said: "He's Indian and claims not be in IT? Get GW on the line now! Mankind's search for extra-terrestrial life has ended."

Would you agree that stereotyping is rampant among admissions committees?
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[#permalink] New post   02 Jun 2006, 19:38
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No, I don't really agree. Keep in mind that admissions committees see TON of applications, and applicants start to sound VERY similar to one another, especially when they often harp on the same four or five attributes (no matter what country they're from).

Now, you can either complain about this, or you can use this to your advantage. It's your job to stand out from the pack. Make the adcomms' jobs easier -- by standing out and giving them something interesting to learn about you -- and you'll greatly boost your chances.

Scott
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saturnring11
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[#permalink] New post   03 Jun 2006, 08:04
The last message was supposed an attempt (an apparently bad one) at humor. I'm not complaining about anything. I was simply asking if it would be prudent to make a pitch on how I am different from other members of my demographic in the optional essay.
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[#permalink] New post   03 Jun 2006, 08:15
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I don't think you need to use the optional essay to specifically address that issue. Don't address that question specifically, but rather just show what makes you unique, period (not unique vs. a certain group). Use your whole application to demonstrate how you're different!

Scott
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saturnring11
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[#permalink] New post   03 Jun 2006, 10:51
Thanks for the advice. I may get in touch for MBA Gameplan's essay service. I've read your book and thought it was great.
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03 Jun 2006, 10:51

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