Hello Farrel, Thanks for the reply.
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Hello deadraizer (are you into zombie movies?)
Not really, just an old gaming nickname, use it for most of my accounts, makes my life just a tiny bit easier.
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The grade situation in indeed bad, do you have a good story for the optional essays/addl information section? It might not be a bad idea to hit up coursera or develop an alternative transcript of some time. But do consider the investment and relative payoff here in light of the whole application strategy. If you can bump up the GMAT 20 points, I think it wouldn't even be necessary, as you have developed a track record of hard work and progression since leaving college. Did you do OK in the quant courses - how did that go? If you did poorly in those, should you decide to develop an alternative transcript, do those over again.
I have a story, it's not pathetic but it's not great either. I'm definitely thinking of taking up at least a couple of quant-heavy Coursera/EDX courses.
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You just need to give the adcom reasonable assurance that you will not flunk out of the math-related classes. It would be best to take quant related courses at a reputable institution if time permits however, I think they would look the other way if you bumped up your GMAT a few points. It's a good score, however, and you should advance confidently. Your verbal score will likely be higher than your competition. (those with similar profile) With regards to combining scores, on most applications you can include information for several scores but I do believe they just consider the highest overall for each candidate for sake of making it easy to compare apples to apples. They aren't going to Frankenstein together a score cherry picking the best stuff from each unfortunately.
I understand that 20 points would make a world of difference to my profile. But the problem is I've already given GMAT 3 times, and multiple times I've seen in online webinars or videos by adcom directors that they think 3 times is pretty much the limit. And what if I've a bad day again on the main exam, and end up without improvement, that might look even worse. Plus I think my time might be better spent interacting with alumni/current students plus working on my essay and taking a couple of MOOCs, though I know that they aren't valued highly, but something's better than nothing right?
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You have a lot of work experience for someone who is 23. Is this the reason your GPA was low??
That is great. The fact that you have already managed a large team and worked in general management is great news and will set you apart from other Indians to some degree. Make sure to lay the groundwork for those recommendations, you might ask what they think about you getting an MBA to see who responds enthusiastically.
Unfortunately, no. I started working immediately after completing my undergraduation (3 year degree, hence the amount of work ex). Yes, already doing that, have pretty much decided who my 2 recommendations are going to be.
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Successful entrepreneurship is good. Especially for strat consulting. However it's a real missed opportunity that you don't have any community involvement (some days I want to stand on a table and yell out attention all Indians do community service, don't just focus on the GMAT, GMAT is necessary but not sufficient for top MBA.) Do you have any interesting hobbies? The goal is to show you are well-rounded at this point.
Yes! Actually my venture was heavily related to my hobby, which I monetized with the help of some huge names in the industry. Apart from that, I still have quite a few interesting stuff to share, so I think I should be able to use this.
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I do think you are a viable applicant to the last 3 schools mentioned and Cornell as well. Your GMAT is on track for Cornell, but not the grades obviously - so you really need to skillfully sell and package your story, and the value you would bring to the class, the unique contribution factor. I would strongly recommend that you work with an admissions consultant (even if you improve the GMAT - because I really think the ROI will be there for you.)
Will look into it after the event.
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At the Cornell event, talk to people and gather names with a meaningful piece of information that you can include in your essays ie at the Cornell admissions event in Mumbai I spoke with Julie ('12) who mentioned XYZ about Cornell that i really like and would make me a fit at your school/help me with my consulting career goals.
And don't mention collaborative culture because 99.99% of applicants go that route. It is played out. If you do mention it, get specific about how it is collaborative, have a clear example.
That is excellent advice, thank you!
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I would try to attend as many events as possible in Mumbai for top 20 schools - if you have the ability to attend. Same for online admissions events. They will provide good essay material and also help you get clear about what is a fit for you.
I've been attending some online events. Unfortunately, I'm not from Mumbai, or from a city where MBA events happen regularly. Hence it's really difficult to attend them.
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Hope this helps, feel free to send me your resume @
farrell@mbaprepcoach.com for additional feedback.
It did. Will do that after the event, thanks again!
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23 Jul 2016, 15:21
