Hi,

I took the GMAT in early 2009 (690; Q-49,V-34) (had taken it earlier in 2008 but cancelled my test) and want to apply to colleges offering recognized 1 year MBA programs. I want to enrol in 2012.

I have very poor acads at the undergrad level. But since then I have had a steady career graph. I have solid work exp in the fin services sector and also tried to cover up for the shitty undergrad show pursuing a couple of professional qualifications which carry significant value in the fin industry. Please see below for details.

Why MBA: I want to become a fund manager and be considered eligible to handle large amounts of money. From what I have seen, an MBA is almost a pre-requisite to get there.

Questions:

* I am planning to take the GMAT now to improve upon my score (didnt study well the first two times) but I doubt if I will be able to meet any of the 1st round deadlines. Will that be a disadvantage?

* What else can I do to make up for my low GPA and improve my chances of getting accepted? Moreover, how can I address this in my application?

Target Schools:
*LBS
*Insead
*ISB
*Judge
*Said

Profile

Nationality: Indian
Age: 27

Goals:
*Short term: A career where I can gain knowledge and expertise in the area of investment management
*Long term: To start an asset management venture based on my own strategies

Undergrad:
*Indian Institute of Technology (2006), Bachelor of Technology, Electronics and Comm Engineering.
*Crappy GPA of 5.41 (10 pt scale) and took 5 yrs (instead of 4) to graduate. (Reason: lost interest and simply did not study)
*The tech. and engineering institution has been consistently ranked in the top 5 in India.

Professional Qualifications (pursuits):
* Chartered Financial Analyst: awaiting Level III results
* Financial Risk Manager: passed Part I, enrolled for Part II.

Work experience (5 yrs as of Jun-11):
*Spent the first 18 months of my career working as a third party research analyst at a global outsourcing firm for the Fixed Income desk of large European investment bank. Won two performance awards.
*Past 3.5 years as a cross asset quantitative research analyst in the private banking division of a top private bank .Recently promoted to Assistant Vice President. Consistently developed and delivered revenue enhancing quantitative investment strategies, models and tools (both proprietary and for clients).
*Exposure to multicultural corporate setting with high visibility through to top management levels.
*Travelled on business to Germany,UK and Switzerland.

Other
* Nominated for the branding campaign at my current firm.
* Co-managed the cultural festival at college
* Semi professional musician: fluent at guitar
* College level tennis player
* College level snooker and billiards player
* Member of literary and music section
* Editor of college students magazine
* Got the top grade for my final year B.Tech project: which was a digital guitar effects processor
* Avid trekker

Thanks for the help!