Ask Fortuna Admissions

Hi navalgupta39

For a lot of the US schools you've mentioned, 3+ years of work experience is fine but sometimes it's best to wait until you have a few more years under your belt. I would wait to see what happens with the schools you've applied to already and if you aren'tsuccessful, I would wait a bit to try and get more work experience and really try to take on leadership roles and other things at work where you could take initiative (ask for a global project, ask to work on some extra curriculars eg organize a company event, sit on a committee that kind of thing just to step it up a notch). the more achievements and results you can speak to the better. It's great that you are currently managing others.
Your gmat score is very good (though I'm not sure what percentiles you have for verbal and quant) but as an Indian candidate it can be best to have an even higher score if you are willing to re-write.
Also if you don't have many extra curriculars, now would be the time to get more involved and practice some of your hobbies and get more involved in things outside of work (eg volunteering). This is huge for US schools so the more, the better.
If you'd like a more thorough assessment, feel free to contact us for a free 30 minute consultation at www.fortunaadmissions.com/free-consultation

Good luck to you!
_________________

Hello Team,
I am planning on applying to study MBA. Please evaluate my profile based on the following:
• Nationality – Indian
• Age- 27
• Education- Bachelor’s in Commerce (Accounting and Computers) - 3 Years Course, Percentile- 72%: While in School, I was a School Prefect. I did my post-graduation diploma (PGDM) – Specialization in General Insurance – 65%.
• Participated in various dance competition and skits.
• Internship- Worked as an Intern in one of the leading insurance company as part of my post-graduation program. Worked with operation team and learnt policy issuance procedures
• Also visited TPA with sales team and learnt the procedures.
• Profession- Through campus placement, I got placed in one of the leading insurance company in India in 2010 and has been working since then. I worked in multiple departments – Sales, Underwriting, operation and claims departments.
• In 2012, through IJP, I got placed in underwriting and handled various regions of North India
• Manage the Approval of quotes referred for rates, deviations beyond sales authority.
• Training of branch sales team of 10-15 people on various products.
• Visiting locations for improvement in both Bottom-line and Top line . Providing guidance to team member’s particularly new location with participation of Branch Heads.
• Portfolio analysis and reporting to seniors suggesting current portfolio movement and corrective actions. Analyzing renewals with their claim history and providing rates, excess and corrective actions accordingly to sales team. Analyzed and suggested for improvement required for more efficiency and effectiveness.
• Prepared reports like TAT reports, MIS on large accounts, Post loss endorsements,
• Endorsements in policies- material and non material change in policy document of retail or corporate customers.
• PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS- Within a year of joining underwriting department I have been granted underwriting authority which was later enhanced to a good level. I presently hold underwriting authority for products Fire, Marine, Engineering policies. Awarded SBIG Value based Annual Award under Transparency Category in 2015. Awarded ‘Best Performer’ in Underwriting in Dec-15. An appreciation certificate received from corporate office sales team for good performance and for achieving target in 2011.
• Professional Trainings:
1. Marine Underwriting.
2. Claims Handling under Marine
3. Fraudulent claims
4. Engineering policies

• GMAT- my initial score was not good. I am planning to take re- exam by 1st week of jan.
• Currently figuring out which B- schools to apply for 2017 batch.

Shruti127 ,

Thanks for reaching out. It looks like you have some good work experience - since you have been there since 2010, schools will really want to see your progression (title changes/promotions/salary increases/increased responsibilities, etc). Sounds like you've done well though by achieving those awards which you should definitely mention in your applications. Particularly any leadership roles you've demonstrated.
It also sounds like you participated in some extra curriculars - dance/skits but perhaps that was earlier on. Schools will also be interested to see what you've been up to outside of work that is more current. I'm not sure which schools you are after but it's hard to give you advice on which schools to apply to. You need to think about location, length of program, what you want to do post MBA, what each school specializes in, get a feel for the fit of each school and which ones resonate with you and so on. And obviously your gmat score will determine which tier of schools you should aim for. Sounds like you are in the really early stages of planning for an MBA.

To get a better understanding of your background and your future goals, I would suggest speaking with us for 30 minutes (Free) so we can give a better assessment, if you are interested. Sign up at www.fortunaadmissions.com/free-consultation.

All the best to you,
_________________

Hi,
I have shortlisted few B - schools- Rotman, Ivey business school, Insead- singapore, NUS- Siingapore, ISB.
I would like to know if my profile is suitable for above mentioned B-schools. Or else seeing my profile you could guide with few others.

Shruti127,

It really depends as I would need to know much more about you and what your future plans are (as mentioned above). There is so much about the right fit that's important. For INSEAD, you definitely need international experience (so I'm not sure if you have any) whether it be working with int'l clients, experiences abroad, school exchanges, etc. I would highly suggest a chat as it's quite difficult to just tell you which schools to go for so hope you will sign up!
Best,
_________________

Hey guys,

I would love an eval for M7 (particularly Booth, Wharton, Stanford, HBS)
Background info:
Midwestern white male. 27 Years old.

Test scores:
- GMAT: 710 (Q 47, V 41). *The quant score is my biggest concern.


Academic info:
- Degree: BA in mathematics and economics (double major) in 2012.
- University: Small non-target liberal arts school in Ohio (think Kenyon, Denison).
- GPA: 3.7/4.0
- 4 year member of varsity track and cross country teams in undergrad and was awarded PMA (positive mental attitude) award - only individual award presented each season
- Awards: Was member of winning team at URochester's case study competition for undergrads

Work experience:
- 2 years at incredibly large US financial regulator in hybrid finance/IT role.
- 6 months in Fortune 20 healthcare company's FP&A division working on sales deal modeling.
- 2 years on investment team at young higher-end venture capital firm with over $400M AUM (sourcing, diligence and metrics-based advising)


I'm more concerned around the relatively weak quant score (65th percentile) than my professional background but am curious about what you would flag or look for specifically?

Hi WooDrew,

Thanks for reaching out (apologies for delay - holiday time and office has been closed!).

Indeed GMAT score will need to be re-written if you want to target those schools - to keep competitive. I would aim for 75th percentile + for your quant. Overall score is very good though. Plus strong GPA so you clearly have the academics.

You've got a good amount of work experience - hard to tell from the quick overview though of accomplishments and achievements/any leadership roles and progression you've had at work - these will all be very important for each school. I love the award that you won plus that's great you were on those sports teams for all 4 years. What seems to be lacking though or maybe you didn't mention it is more current extra curriculars - any volunteering? Other hobbies or passions you pursue? These will also stand out for these schools and make you unique.
Would love to learn more about you to determine whether to currently go for those schools or postpone a bit. Or perhaps consider other less competitive schools. We'd be happy to chat for 30 minutes (free) to give a better assessment after you send in a CV etc. www.fortunaadmissions.com/free-consultation. We have coaches on our team that used to work in admissions at all 4 of your school choices so we know what it takes to get in!

All the best,
_________________

Hi Christine Fortuna, Please evaluate my profile

Introduction:
I am a 36 year old Indian male working in UK for last 5 years in a top tier aerospace company. I intend to apply to top 10 schools for MBA in USA/UK/Canada/Singapore.

GMAT Score:
Planning to take GMAT May-2017

Education:
X th: 81% out of 100%
XII th: 90% out of 100%

- UG GPA: 82% out of 100% (top 10%); Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering; Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai, India

- Master's GPA: 4.6 out of 5 on CGPA scale; Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering (Thesis based), 2 publications.
- Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow, Russia.

Work Experience:
Total 10 Years professional experience as Engineer (5 years in India & 5 years in UK). At the minute working with Aircraft Interiors Manufacturing company in UK as Structural analysis Engineer.
No managerial experience. No promotions.
Strong International Exposure
- Lived, Studied, Worked and travelled to multiple countries.
- Worked in International teams and leading a team of Engineers (located in UK, USA, France and Germany) to develop next set of methodologies that will save the company a lot of money once implemented.
Extracurriculars
Learnt Violin for 5 years and Interested in Music – Classical & Carnatic; 3 stage performances at Chennai
Learnt Hindi and French
Was a member of College Cricket team in UG and was a member of University Badminton team in Master’s.
Was a good runner. Won prizes for running during school days
Won prize at debate competition during school.

MBA (interested):
Interested in MBA (1 year programs) or Executive MBA with scholarships.
Please advise what are my chances?
Post-MBA Goal:
I plan to transition from Engineering based role to a management / strategy role in manufacturing/technology. I wish to leverage my experience of leading diverse teams and apply the vast knowledge, exposure and experience I have gained in managing different product portfolios in manufacturing /technology.
Interested in General management & product management (both middle level and senior level post MBA)

Hi @Balavk,

Thanks for your message....you have a very interesting profile. 100% your profile is more suited for an EMBA - or you could consider other full time programs that are for more senior candidates such as MIT sloan fellows program or Stanford's Msx.
However you have a few things working against you - being an Indian male engineer - one of the most competitive pools. And it may be a red flag why there haven't been any promotions in your 10 year career. You are really going to have to show strong leadership examples and accomplishments at work to compensate for this. Plus a very high gmat score will help. What you've got going for yourself is your work abroad and working in int'l teams. Extra curriculars are good (but a bit common) but looks like there isn't really anything current? If you aren't already I would get yourself involved in other organizations, boards, charities, sports clubs etc as this is really important for mba programs. If you'd like a better assessment and which schools to target, we'd be happy to help. Best to speak on the phone and see your CV too so feel free to sign up for a free 30 minute consultation - my colleague who will speak with you knows just about everything about the US, Canadian and UK schools so could be a great resource for you.

All the best,
_________________

Hi,

I am summarizing my profile at the time of submitting my application. Please share your inputs on my chances for top one-year management programs globally. Also, any suggestions on which aspects of my profile need to be emphasized and/or de-emphasized?

Demographics:
Indian
Male
33 years

Work Experience:
3 promotions over 11 years in India at a leader in the telecommunications industry (think Fortune 50’ish)
9 years as a consulting engineer – traveled to multiple countries for consulting projects
2 years as a software product manager – responsible for about 30 engineers across 3 products
Significant experience with customers in Africa and Middle East, and internal globally dispersed teams
Saved millions of $ for the firm through process improvements

GMAT:
760 (Q=51, V=41, AW=6, IR=7) on first attempt

Education:
Undergrad: Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science – 77% (First Class with Distinction)
Postgrad: Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Indian Institute of Management (top tier for management education in India) – AMBA accredited program blending distance learning + classroom sessions (CGPA 3.5)

Certifications:
PMP
ITIL foundation
Entry level Java and networking certifications

Goals of doing this program:
Short-term: grow further in Product Management in tech field
Long-term: lead an innovative tech firm which directly improves the lives of people across sections of society

Target schools:
Sloan Fellows (Stanford, MIT, LBS – in that order)
IMD, INSEAD (in that order)
Any other US based one-year programs which can be relatively “safe” options compared to the above given my goals and background?

Others:
Preferred work location = US, Rest of World, Asia in that order.
Not particular on program title (MBA / MS / others)

Thanks in advance for your valuable insights!

Hi geniezlife,

So am I to understand properly you have already submitted applications for all of these schools?
I definitely agree that the Sloan Fellows programs and HEC are great options for you. INSEAD might be a bit tricky because of your age.
As an Indian male, as you know it's very competitive for any business school. But with all of your promotions, that is quite impressive and shows great career progression. Plus you have lots of leadership experience and management of others. So those are things to definitely highlight (the promotions and management of others plus any other major accomplishments you had a work, or awards won etc). Same with your GMAT - it's stellar . The schools will also look at your other interests and hobbies and extra curriculars which weren't mentioned. So those would definitely make you stand out more if you have some unique and current items to mention.

Overall sounds like you've got a great profile for the schools mentioned. If you haven't submitted yet and would like any reviews on your essays and application we would be happy to help and also talk through if INSEAD is achievable. (info@fortunaadmissions.com)

All the best to you,
_________________

Hi,

I'd like some advice as to my future MBA application.

First, my professional background:

I'm a 26 years old French citizen, I graduated from Medical school in 2014, for those who don't know how medical studies are organised here's a quick overview: in France students enter medical school right after high school. At the end of the first year there is a competitive exam which you can attempt twice. Luckily, I was able to gain admission upon my first attempt with a top 3% ranking. At the end of the 6th year, medical students enrol in a residency program which lasts 4 years. Currently I am a 3rd year resident in the public health specialty in Paris. During my residency I have worked in clinical research, national healthcare technology assessment agency and currently I'm working in a Top 15 pharmaceutical company. For the next year (it will be my last year of residency) I'll be working in the French ministry of health (I hope that I'll work on the bill of healthcare financing act of 2018). During my residency I've tacked various issues for the private and public sectors. I'm specialised in the healthcare financing issues (a fascinating field, we have one of most performant single payer healthcare system in the world but we are trying to reform it in order to stay sustainable) and I have coauthored in some great journals such as the Journal of American Medical Association.

As to my personal background, I was born and raised in China, I came to France at age of 10 without any kind of knowledge about France. I was able to quickly integrate. Today, most of my colleagues don't believe me when I tell them that I was in fact not born in France I'm bilingual (Mandarin and French).

I don't have a lot of extracurriculars, I'm in a English debating club and I've done some inter-varsity tournaments and friendly debates, without being great. (Best I've done was being finalist of a novice British Parliament debating tournament). Also last year I taught public health in a podology school where I organised the coursework, training session, and exams. I have some other hobbies but I don't have any spectacular achievements.

I passed the GMAT last week: 670 (Q47/V35), IR 8, AWA 4 (I know it sucks but try to use a QWERTY keyboard when you have used AZERTY in your whole life. I spent 30 seconds searching for the letter M). Since I had not studied english nor mathematics since high school, I had a lot of catch up to do ...

I'd like to attend a MBA program in order to work for a Global pharmaceutical company in Europe. I'm hesitating between American schools and European schools (I have INSEAD and Cambridge in mind). Even though I'd like work in Europe later, I'd like to experience an American education so I can learn from a different perspective. In terms of healthcare US is by far the biggest market in the world but it also has one of the least efficient healthcare system in the world. I'd love to learn more about it. I'm only targeting the top schools because I can have a pretty good job in the pharmaceutical industries with just my medical degree but the positions I'll have access to are mainly focused in France and I want a more global and cross-functional position.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I have a decent shot for INSEAD but what about the American top MBAs ?
Is my GMAT score too low for American business schools ?

Thanks
Jacques

Hi Jacques,
Thanks for the message. We think it would be beneficial to retake the GMAT to gain a higher score if you are looking at targeting top schools. Keep in mind you'll need to aim for 700+ for INSEAD, as the school has become more competitive since the FT ranking result with the #1 position two years running.
We would be really pleased to talk to you more about your potential US target schools, as well as the details of your personal profile.
Please set up a time to talk with us at no cost: https://fortunaadmissions.com/free-consultation/

~Hayley Mitchell
The Fortuna Team
_________________

Hi Hayley,

Thank you for your response. I am planning on applying next year for the 2019 intake as my medical residency will end on November 2018. I will certainly retake the GMAT on august this year (it will be my third and last attempt).

You're right that INSEAD being N°1 two years in a row will increase the competitiveness of the application. Do you have an estimation of how many more applicants they are getting ? I scheduled a one one consultation for this Friday with an INSEAD representative in Paris. I'll know more by then.

As to the free consultation from the Fortuna Team, It's an option I prefer keeping for later (unless you can provide the free consultation twice).

Regards
Jacques

Hi Jacques,

Glad to hear you are talking to INSEAD. It sounds like you are taking all the opportunities to get yourself ready.
INSEAD does not release any stats on their application pool, but the school has noted a substantial increase (probably around 20-30%) over the past year.
As for talking with us, we are more than happy to speak with you now to discuss some initial planning, and we would be prepared to speak again later on as well. That's not a problem for us.
We hope to hear from you. You can use our online system, which I mentioned in the last post, or you can always email us at info@fortunaadmissions.com.

-Hayley
_________________

Hi! I have a question. Here I've found MBA class profile of Stern-2018: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admis ... ss-profile

But I was confused - why 2018? Does it mean, that if I will apply at October 2017, I will start my MBA in 2019?

Hi,

Please review my profile:

GMAT-670(Q47,V35,IR6), AWA awaited
10th- 88.8%
12th-88.8%
B.Tech(B.I.T. Sindri)-85.3%

Indian Female

Work Experience:
5.5 years(Currently Unemployed)
-Worked for Cognizant technologies Solutions, Infosys Technologies
-Automation Testing
-Reviewed the framework developed by other vendor of the client.(Some of the suggestions were accepted and implemented)
-Took technical interviews for the selection of candidates for the organisation(Cognizant).
-Gave training to project managers regarding the new tools.

Extra Curricular:
-Won debate competition in Hindi and Sanskrit at School level
-Won various prizes for mantra recitation
-Member of NCC(National Cadet Corps-A certificate) till school.
-Member of Eco club in college(Treasurer).
-Organised cultural event for college.
-Taught poor students under the club -Prayas India(in college)

Hobbies:
-Cooking,Reading(Anything I get)


Target:
LBS,ISB,HEC Paris

Extra information:
1)What are the other schools I can apply on this score?
2)Chances of Scholarship in LBS

Thanks!

Hello Expert,

GMAT - 710( QA 49 VA 36 IR - 7/8 AWA 6/6 )

Ethnicity- Indian
Male , 25 years old
Btech (Mechanical) - 2013 - 69% [ Under grad]
12th - 2009 -87%
10th (ICSE) - 2007 - 75%

Work Experience - 43 months as on Date will reach 48 months by August ( At the time of applying will have around 49-50 months work experience)

I am currently working as a business development executive at a startup and have worked with a government agency to design some training programs for their employees to effectively use social media for better E-Governance and have worked on building an android application along with successful launching of a online platform designed for certain companies. ( working for about 2 years here).Working alongside here , My father owns an advertising agency in which i play a role too because it is a family business and i need to look after when he is away and have helped create logos for the Government of Telangana. I am from Hyderabad , India and Telangana is the State. So i do not know how to leverage this work because in my own personal opinion I think it is great to have worked on a few government projects and design logos for it. The logo is evident on their websites and posters and all over the city . So i think i can give me some edge but any opinion regarding this will be considered. Prior to this i worked with Google for a year via a third party. I worked there as a business analyst.

EC

Sports - Swimming, basket ball , kabbadi , table tennis and badminton , Boxing .
Won the 1st Place in basketball at College (team event) .
Participated in multiple university and state level competitions . (table tennis)
Participated in a national level debate and Adjourned best speaker in a debate at a college level event.
Winner of an Extempore at a national level technical fest
Participated in multiple public speaking events and debates
The president of a Student Body in college for 2 years until the end of graduation undertaking lot of responsibilities and conducting multiple events
Organiser of the Sports Fest for 3 years along with a team under me and successfully organised multiple events. Along with Organizing as a sports player had to participate thus managing both organizing and playing.

I was the anchor for the Annual Day for 2 years and conducted the event in a splendid fashion
Class representative and event organiser for the college Fest for 4 years
Musical instruments learned - Keyboard , Guitar
Performed in the annual day and formed an own band during the college days and participated in college events.
learnt Classical singing for over 11 years and still learning
An active member of NSS during college and couple with the other activities i had , went on to form events to distribute food , books , clothes to the needy and have taught maths and physics to the needy .
Associated with an NGO as well , hope this help in application process


Academic Projects and Achievements

Always in the reckoning of the class - top 5%
95th percentile in CAT ( Management Exam in India) a neccesity to get in the reputed IIM’s ( Indian Institute of Management) and 90th percentile in XAT ( Management Exam for XLRI - Xavier School of Management)
Multiple projects in Robotics and designed various prototypes using basic principles of robotics and have done an internship in a PSU regarding steam engines

Final project in College related to Robotics – 6 degree Stewart Gough Platform
I have been to multiple industries such as steel pant , iron ore plant and a couple of thermodynamic industries to see the functioning of machines and an automobile industry as well to see the understanding of manufacture of components.
Softwares learned - CAD/CAM , Catia , Solid Works , Pro-E , Ansys (taught during academic rigour ) along with the normal C , C++ , Blue Java , MS office etc.




Q) Do you have a specific Company to work for? - I do not have a specific company to work for. My areas of interest are marketing and consulting . Of course every aspirant desires to be in the best of the best companies. Rather than working for a company would love to have company of my own down the line

Q) what do i want from my MBA? - I want my MBA to provide the knowledge n specific skills to run a business. It comes with experience i am sure but an MBA adds value and can make one think better in terms of the business. I would like to start a company of my own. My father has his own business and i want to diversify its services . A marketing related MBA would help me to make my company more reachable to cater to the needs of clients. At this stage my answer isn't clear and might be vague but i still haven't put a thought to it . Mostly like i wish MBA helps me better to run a business

Q) Mba full time/part time - I would want to do an MBA full time (2/1 year is fine) . I turned 25 last week so at the moment thinking i could use 2 years for an MBA unless a one year MBA suits me more. I am willing to relocate and looking for schools in India , US , UK , Singapore

Areas of Interest - Marketing / Consulting
Dream School – Kellog (Marketing)

What schools would you suggest to apply to based on this Profile assuming i still score a 710 in my retake . Targeting R1 this year , want to join a school in 2018

Other schools on my mind - Yale , Oxford , NUS , NTU , ISB . Also do i stand a chance at Harvard/ Stanford / Haas ( the elite ) if not what can i do to solidify my application for applying to these schools. I would like to apply to 6 schools One in India (ISB) , 3 In the United States , 1 in UK , 1 in Singapore , i haven't given much of a thought but any advice here would help

Target Score for Retake - 740 (QA 50 VA 40) , owing to my poor academics , i thought of giving the exam another shot and I represent a demography of very high scores

Regards,
HK


P.S - sorry for keeping it long , i might have missed out anything , feel free to ask something if it is missing
_________________

Hi Terabyte,

Class of 2018 means the class that will graduate in 2018 and so who entered the school in fall 2016.
If the candidate applies in fall 2017, they could potentially get admitted in fall 2018, and would therefore be part of the class of 2020.
Hope this helps!

Hayley
_________________