bryantmichaels wrote:
Scholarships are tough to come by for international applicants in many cases because there are many donors who establish scholarships who put a restriction on them for US students only. There are others who do not do this, so they are available, and you are generally automatically included in the consideration process when you apply. Perhaps you can also look for scholarships in India that you could bring over.
As for your profile, it will likely be pretty robust compared with other applicants in your pool because you are exceeding the average in Work Experience as well as GMAT score. The gap in your work history can likely be explained away but your wording is confusing--are you currently unemployed? if so, this could present problems if you are unemployed and have been out of work for 6 months. If you are already back at your employer, then I would simply plan to explain it in the application.
As for schools, even with a good profile like yours with unique components including what looks like a Khan academy type webpage for educational purposes, it will still make sense to apply across a range of schools. Since your end goal is management consulting, you are safe in going to any top 20 program because MGT consulting is the most common field post MBA and likely one that will be available to you no matter where you go. I always recommend going to the best school where you can get in and where you feel you are a good fit. Depending on visa issues and where you want to work post MBA geographically, you should look at schools in general which are within an 8 hour drive of your target employer's headquarters. The reason for this is because the MBA is a sticky degree and despite the global nature of the programs, most of the graduating class (and therefore your future network) will remain in this circle. Of course this rule may not apply as often to the top 5 schools, but if you get in there it won't matter where you want to work because the degree will travel well. I would get out there and visit some schools which appeal to you. Also see if you can target some specific consulting firms then reverse engineer your process by picking schools where those employers seem to do a lot of recruiting. let us know if we can help you as you prepare your applications.
Hi Bryant. Thanks a lot for your advice.
I had resumed job at the same company, same position (Senior Associate) about 2.5 months back. There was a six months gap in my career because of some emergency.
I am looking at applying to Darden, Ross, Tepper, Duke, Chicago Booth, and Cornell and wanted your views on the same.
Also, wanted to understand, given the fact that management consulting is one of the most common field post mba, will it not make the admissions sound repetitive and a common goal statement too, despite a genuine willingness. Actually i am looking at strategy roles in management consulting.
Your suggestions are much appreciated.
Thanks again