Hey angadgrewal,
Thanks for reaching out to me. Solid questions. Let's address them one by one.
You asked - 1. I've heard that their is a typical Indian Male IT professional stereotype which inhibits my chances at all top colleges. I want to know with my work ex and slightly average score am I being realistic in my schools. Also, please suggest any other schools that I can aim for.
My Answer – yes, there is a typical Indian stereotype. It's not so much be stereotype that inhibits chances, as it is the sheer number of applicants with this background. The one thing I do not see in your work experience – that I believe will really, really help you – is international work experience. It's a very powerful thing for the admissions committee to see this in your application profile. Does there exist the prospect that you will gain this experience and the next year or so? Do you already have this experience?
You Asked – 2. Is it true that maximum scholarships are awarded in the first round of applications. Also I have heard that their is a higher chance of rejections in the later rounds.
My Answer – this is not true. I know this for a fact. But take a step back and think about this – rationally. There is no sense in handing out all your money in around one. Because what happens if someone completely and totally awesome comes along in round 2. The school who really wants that person now has no money. Like with exercising any option, there is benefit to waiting and seeing what walks through the door R2.
3. Lastly, and this has been eating away at me for the past few days- Should I retake the GMAT? I feel I can do better in English but realistically I think I could at max get a 740-750. Is it worth it?
There is nothing more that you can do to improve your chances than getting a better score on the GMAT. If you could get a 750, rather than your current score, that moves you from probably waitlisted to probably accepted. Even without the international work experience that I spoke about above. Consider this – the name of this website is "GMAT club", not "International Experience Club." That is definitely something to think about!
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
angadgrewal wrote:
Thanks in advance for reading this!
Background: 24 year old male from India.
GMAT: 720 (Q51,V36). Gave it recently so still waiting for the AWA+IR scores.
College: Bachelor of Engineering(Electronics and Telecommunications) from University of Pune, India. Graduated in 2010 with an aggregate of 66.8%(Distinction in my university). This may seem low but considering our university gives a distinction at 66% (as compared to 75% in other Indian universities) it is a decent score.
Work Experience: 26 months as on today. Working as a Consultant in one of the Big 4 professional services firms. My work is mostly related to Identity and Access management. We assess and implement Identity Management solutions. In my two years, I have worked on Fortune 500 clients from the US. My projects have been a mix of both technical and strategy work. My current project is a project on the strategy side and I am currently leading a team of 2 people(both Consultants themselves) on my project.
Extracurricular
1. I have a real passion for football. I have pursued the same throughout school, college and now in my current firm. Represent the firm in tournaments and am the captain of the branch I'm in. (Around 7000 people in my firm)
2. I have participated in quite a few extra curricular events in college related to Debates, Improv and Quiz.
3. In charge of managing the inter - college sports fest for 2 years.
4. Have been involved in a community initiative for 6 months regarding computer literacy of underprivileged children.
Target Schools: ISB(Hyderabad, India), Booth, Tuck, Kellogg, National University of Singapore
Post MBA Goal: After an MBA I want to get into strategy consulting. Hopefully something to do with the sports industry.
Now to the questions I have:
1. I've heard that their is a typical Indian Male IT professional stereotype which inhibits my chances at all top colleges. I want to know with my work ex and slightly average score am I being realistic in my schools. Also, please suggest any other schools that I can aim for.
2. Is it true that maximum scholarships are awarded in the first round of applications. Also I have heard that their is a higher chance of rejections in the later rounds.
3. Lastly, and this has been eating away at me for the past few days- Should I retake the GMAT? I feel I can do better in English but realistically I think I could at max get a 740-750. Is it worth it?
Your help would truly truly be appreciated!!
_________________
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