Very nice story. Do you plan a Healthcare Major at Wharton? I think it is terrific program.

I haven't been accepted anywhere yet but a journey is a journey even if you haven't reached the destination. So here goes my story.

When: I first heard of MBA when i was studying in my UG Engineering school. I remember thinking that i would want to do an MBA some day. But getting a job was important which i did and once i got into the midst of action, i quickly forgot about B-School. In 2004-2005 i came to the US for the first time and came to know about all the great B-schools we have here. My desire of getting business education reared its head back again. I promptly bought some books and prepared a study plan. But before i could start anything, i had to rush back to India as my mother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. B-school plans were shelved and to make matters worse, i could not return back to states in time to extend my visa. After taking a few months to get over the loss, i started thinking about my b-school plans again, but had to quickly give up as my marriage was on rocks. I came back to states in 2006 but was too preoccupied with personal matters to think of b-school. In october 2007, when we finally filed for divorce, i decided to do something positive and go for my MBA instead of sulking around in grief and despair. I took GMAT appointment for the first week of Nov which was 10 days away, prepped a bit and scored a 730. Although i knew i could do better than this, i decided to start working on apps rather than retake GMAT and apply next year.

What: I want to get into startegy and then eventually M & A from startegy and integration perspectives.

Where: This is where i had the biggest problem. I am a very adjusting person. i have no problem adapting to a new place or people. that is what i have done all my life. I did not have much time to research schools and attended receptions in my city for as many schools as i could. From general perception, school websites, rankings etc, i zeroed in on Kellogg, Wharton, Ross, Tuck and Chicago. Due to lack of time, i left out Harvard and Stanford as the probability of getting in there is too low anyway. I could not finish my Tuck app in time and gave up on it as i did not want to submit a bad application. Although i could have waited until next year to apply, I applied this year as by next year my Work Ex would have gone to over 7.5 years which would be on the higher end of school averages, although i am only 28 years old and hence definitely not old. Oh, by the way, i also applied to ISB in under 4 hours and luckily got an interview invite from them. I would not go to ISB unless all my US B-Schools ding me.

The decision: If i were to get admits from all schools i have applied to, the order of my preference would be: Kellogg, Wharton, Ross, Chicago. If a school offered me good $$$, i would surely take it over others.

Thanks helg. I just wish i have something good to show when all this is over.

I haven't been accepted anywhere yet but a journey is a journey even if you haven't reached the destination. So here goes my story.