tobito wrote:
GMAT score: 740 (Q48, V42) - is my low quant score going to hurt me if I want to apply to schools like Wharton, NYU and Haas? (haas specifically talks about looking at quant score on their website, which is making me a bit nervous)
Profile description: 25yr old female from Delhi, India
Undergrad: Econ major from Delhi Univ, India (not so stellar GPA - 1st div)
Work exp: 4.5 yrs in energy space. Slightly unconventional. first 2 years in an energy consulting firm working on modelling power and fuel markets - pretty analytic and quantitative), currently in a foundation focussed on energy policies - providing assistance to the govt in policy domain. Job involves a lot liaison with intl experts and $$$ of portfolio mgt - though I am not the one leading the portfolio.
Extra currics: Ok during college - debate etc., not much during work.
Goal: Want to major in strategy and work for a large conglomerate in their strategy and product development division after my mba (pretty clear that I do not want to get into consulting and fin)
Will lack of conventional job profile - currently in NGO space - and not so stellar grades in undergrad hurt my chances? I am considering one of Wharton or Kellog, Haas, Stern, INSEAD and NUS? Also, suggest if I am missing out any schools that may be suitable for my profile.
First of all a 48Q on the GMAT is NOT low. It barely misses that 80% comfort level, and given all your modeling and your major and the overall high GMAT score, I'm not worried about that. Also, my understanding is that a first division degree reflects above average performance in school.
I think your NGO experience preceded by energy consulting is a strong combination because it will give you multi-faceted perspective on the energy industry.
Wharton, Kellogg, and Haas are probably stretch programs, simply because of the intense competition at all 3. You have a competitive profile for Stern, INSEAD, and NUS. You may also want to consider MIT Sloan, Ross, Darden, and Tuck, but you certainly don't need to add programs to your list. You have a solid list of target schools already.
Best,
Linda