[quote="ashriel"]Hi Tyler,
Can you please consider my profile and suggest the best fit for me? And also let me know whether I stand a chance applying to top 20?
Hello Ashriel,
I would be happy to provide some general opinions. Based upon my experience and with all necessary disclaimers, I will rate you as Gold, Silver, Bronze, or No Medal in the MBA Olympics:
-Academics - Silver/Gold - top performance in EE degree will be admired; only reason I can't say pure Gold is that it will depend on the reputation of your UK uni. A GMAT score above median will help you reach for the Gold.
-Professional - Bronze - this is the area that I would be concerned about. You will only have two years and will be competing against candidates with 3-4 years experience. A second professional recommendation would be preferred to a university professor. I assume that will be difficult to obtain because of the length of your employment tenure. "Researcher" roles often don't give admissions boards insight into your management/leadership potential.
-Leadership - No medal? Appear you are involved in helping others (e.g. the elderly) but you didn't give me much to go on when it comes to leading others. You asked about ways to strengthen your candidacy -- seeking a leadership role and making an impact as a leader would be the best way to enhance your competitiveness.
-Diversity - Gold - this is obviously a broad category but I think you score well here as Poland is an under-represented country at the MBA Olympics.
-International Experience - Bronze/Silver - you studied in the UK and are working in Lithuania so I think you have some standing in this category.
Overall: Bronze/Sliver
I think that a US business school with acceptance rates in 30% plus range might give you a shot based on academic standing, professional potential, and diversity. You aren't completely out of the running for Kelloggs, Haas, Duke, Booth but these are going to be a reach. Consider waiting another year or two to increase your standing in the areas I pointed to. If you do, you should be a Gold Medal competitor. Having the right coach helps of course...
Good luck!