Hi Paul/Linda:

I would like to know your opinion on my background and chances of getting into below program


Goal: LBS, INSEAD, Cornell AMBA, Oxford, Columbia, Kellogg.
Age: 29
Nationality: Indian

1. UGPA- 60%-Bachelors in Mechanical Eng. Work Exp before Grad school-2 yrs

2. GGPA-3.71, Master in Industrial Eng, Work Exp after MS-3.5 yrs till day, 4.5 yrs on entering May 2010 + 9months internship

Total Work Experience upon entering MBA: 6.5 yrs (2 +4.5, not including internship)
Diverse Experience: Automotive Technology + Medical Technology. Both Fortune 300 companies

Product Development Engineer. (Automotive technology)
Sr. Product Project leader (Promoted within 20months)
Sr. Quality Engineer (Changed Industry and location, due to marriage)

3. Extracurricular:
Certified ASQ Green Belt- Six Sigma (2009)
Took part in Business Plan Competition at JHU (Semi- finalist) (2009)
Many Leadership award for volunteer work (After MS ) (2007, 2008)
International Public Debate Association National Season Champion (2004)
Third Prize for Business Plan competition (2004)
Lot of progressive Awards for leadership activities at undergraduate.Too many to list them here. (2001-2003)


4. Still working on giving GMAT. Average Practice GmatPrep score: 670-720

Plan to switch career tracks- Marketing, Strategy, Finance, M&A, Consulting,

My questions:
1. Advice on getting on above schools individually? (Pretty please)
2. What GMAT score should I target to be a great candidate for above schools, considering low UGPA.
3. Which other schools should I consider?

Thank you.
750Goal

750Goal,

You really need to get a 700 minimum (ideally above 80th percentile in both Q and V), and the higher above that the better. I like your profile. As has been stated, you successfully escape the crowded "Male Indian IT" box. For Columbia, emphasize leadership, for Kellogg your extracurriculars, for LBS and INSEAD your international profile, and for Cornell and Oxford work hard to sell them that you really want to go to their programs (since they don't have the institutional egos of the other schools in your list).

In terms of other schools, consider Duke, Darden, Michigan,UCLA, and Indiana. These are all excellent programs but not as competitive (for the most part) as the "usual suspects."

Hope this helps,
_________________

Paul Bodine /
Author, Great Applications for Business School and Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance

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Even though he is an Indian,he does not come from the highly competitive Indian/IT/Male pool.So should not be too worried.

Get a good GMAT score.

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your positive feedback. It has lifted my spirits and my energy is high.
I have quick follow-up question that I am hoping to get your opinion on:

1. According to you, how recent extracurricular are considered not too old?

Now my only focus: To Beat the damn GMAT!

Thank you.
750Goal

Hi Paul,

Your feedback is extremely helpful and truly appreciated.

Thank you. Will be in touch.
750Goal