Hi Hjort,
I would like to ask you certain questions, which if answered, will help me in giving my career a better growth.

I am from India and I have completed my Bachelor's in Engineering(InfoTech). I graduated last year (Class of 2008) and at present, I am working with a software MNC in India(for about 4 months now). I gave CAT(Common Admission Test) and obtained 90%.Thus, due to a lower score, I could not secure admission to an elite Indian B-school, which of course were my priority due to lower expenses. I am now planning to take GMAT in about 3-4 months, for which I have just started preparing. I had a look at some of the sample questions on the internet, and felt that GMAT is manageable(i.e score > 680).

My score in the college was average, about 66%, as I was involved with co-curricular activities. I am good at verbal, average(or a tad above) in Quant. I am aiming for the top 10 US universities, after I crack GMAT. I have heard that candidates are accepted on basis of their work-ex, even if their GMAT scores were good?

So, what are the steps that I need to follow to make sure that I achieve the best for me. My list of schools definitely include Wharton,Kellogs,Michigan amongst others. I would also like to know about finance options available to international students, especially in a time like this.

I am completely unaware of the admission procedure, and I feel it might be a risk giving GMAT, without knowing the actual details. I really hope to get some insight of the facts about B-schools and life around it in the US.

Thanks,
Aditya.