{"id":19097,"date":"2013-06-19T08:50:01","date_gmt":"2013-06-19T15:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=19097"},"modified":"2013-06-19T04:34:25","modified_gmt":"2013-06-19T11:34:25","slug":"against-the-odds-indian-mba-applicants-speak-to-your-audience-in-their-language","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/against-the-odds-indian-mba-applicants-speak-to-your-audience-in-their-language\/","title":{"rendered":"Against the Odds: Indian MBA Applicants — Speak to Your Audience (In Their Language)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"I-Love-NY\"<\/a>What I wouldn\u2019t give right now to munch on a plump gol gappa from a local street vendor, or to hop into a tuk tuk and take a ride to Khan Market, where I would order a mouthwatering Mutton Seekh Kabab romali roll from Khan Cha Cha!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever lived in Delhi, you know what I\u2019m talking about. Here for the summer in New York, I\u2019ll just have to settle for the memories.<\/p>\n

In my travels around the globe, I\u2019ve often found that chatting about cuisine is a great conversation starter, and often leads to exciting dinner invitations. When I\u2019m homesick, I always feel a quick bond with other travelers who can talk up their favorite New York City eateries \u2013 and love NYC\u2019s lemon poppy seed muffins<\/a> as much as I do. If you crave these delectable pastries, you definitely speak my language<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Right now \u2013 that\u2019s your challenge. If you\u2019re planning to apply to a US-based MBA program you need to make sure you\u2019re speaking to the admissions committee in their language.<\/p>\n

Make your essays local<\/strong><\/p>\n

Admissions officers can be the jealous type. They want to know that theirs is not just one of a dozen programs to receive your application. You need to show that you\u2019ve done extensive research, talked to locals, even walked in their shoes.<\/p>\n

For example, Columbia wants to know why the New York location<\/a> is important to your goals. Quoting lyrics from this song<\/a> will not be convincing enough.<\/p>\n

Be specific<\/em>. What doors opened for your friend at last year\u2019s Venture Capital conference at the Digital Sandbox<\/a> on Broad Street? What HACKATHON<\/a> event did you attend where you networked with entrepreneurs who\u2019ve received start up funding? Do you plan to unwind on Sundays up in Van Cortlandt park playing on the 35 acres of new cricket pitches<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Supplying this level of detail applies to every school. It\u2019s easiest to be specific after you\u2019ve visited<\/a>. If that\u2019s not possible, talk with those who have, send emails to organizers, or to people who\u2019ve been profiled in event media coverage. Use this local information to write your essays. I can\u2019t guarantee they will all respond, but that\u2019s part of the hustle you\u2019ll need to stand out.<\/p>\n

But will they understand what a stand out I am in India?<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve already worked so hard to rise to the top in India\u2019s competitive testing climate. Many Indian applicants are concerned about whether or not American MBA programs fathom their level of academic achievement, as US vs. Indian GPA systems are very different.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t fret though. Top MBA programs<\/a> are savvy enough to understand the Indian grading system. They should also take into account if you\u2019ve majored in a technical subject like engineering, then your GPA might be comparatively lower. Feel free to mention briefly on your resume if you received an accolade like graduation or first class, or \u201cWith Distinction\u201d. You do not, however, need to worry about converting your GPA. List it as given from your undergraduate institution.<\/p>\n

Use words the admissions committee will understand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finally, scour your essays<\/a> to make sure they are written using terms an American audience will understand. It\u2019s not placing a value judgment on the language used \u2013 it will just make it easier for your target audience to comprehend your message. That\u2019s key in good communication.<\/p>\n

Dan McCleary, the Regional Director for India over at Fuqua, has a great list of terms<\/a> that might trip up an American reader. Also, ask an American friend to read over your essay to make sure there is nothing else that stands out as confusing, or too culturally specific to India.<\/p>\n

Bottom line \u2013 make the effort to go local so you can come enrich your top MBA choice with your unique perspective!<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for more posts in this upcoming series \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2013 Find a way to pay<\/em>
\n <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2013 Prepare for your job hunt now \u2026 at home or abroad, what\u2019s best<\/em><\/p>\n


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