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Hey mankotiag,
Thank you for the question.
Every profile has some weakness- the best strategy is to focus on your strengths and build stories around them. However, remember to explain large gaps in the optional essay.

 • Indian
 • Male
 • Age: 31(For fall 2022)
 • Scores: 10th: 86%, 12th- 81.6%, Undergrad: 60% in Computer Science engineering (tier 3 college) -changed college after 1st year(health reasons).
GMAT: Target 760+.
 • Brief intro: Generalist background. Changed industries and functions many times to learn different skills.
 • Work experience: 7.5 years(till fall 2022).
Chronology-
1) 1 year: Software Engineer(fortune 100 MNC)selected despite lower GPA than cut off(service role, engaging with onsite team and clients, analytical nature of work). Great review.
2) 3 years: MBA admission consultant/Group discussion faculty/trainer for interview stage of Indian MBA programs selection process. 5/5 feedback.
3) 5 months: Sales(Indian edtech unicorn startup). Best in state for 2 weeks.
4) 2 years till date: Currently working for Government of India, as an Intelligence Officer in Intelligence Bureau(role is Indian equivalent to FBI agent of USA)-Collection of human intel from extremely remote and threatened areas with bootstrapped resources and manpower; completed special assignments as incharge for intel collection of an area with 2,50,000 population where dealt with 80,000 radicalized crowd and repercussions of Tablighi Jamaat COVID crisis (was in global news) in my area, advised local administration on partial/complete/lockdown/unlockdown, served as intel incharge of insurgency affected area-No. 2 commander surrendered after collaborated operation with police and army.
 • EC: Appeared in state media twice as student panelist, Freelance contributor to national daily(4 articles), Basic Mountaineering Course; Leadership roles -Student Placement Head in college(mentored and placed 40% batchmates); Organized, hosted(Public speaker) and managed multiple college events(30+). MLM alongwith graduation (lead 50 people team), Informal Community engagement(No NGO exp)-saving & feeding animals and birds; distributing clothes & food to the needy; mentoring students; currently assisting local religious community in collection of funds for developmental activities.
 • Achievements: Top essay contributor for national magazine(twice); Brilliant student medal in 8th standard, Top 1% in National Standard Examination in Chemistry in12th Standard, Won debates & GD in college(20+), All India rank 197 among 7,50,000 candidates in entrance exam of Intelligence Bureau.
Post MBA: Strategy Consulting (preferably MBB).
Target: H,S,W, INSEAD, LBS.
Q. Chances?
Q. Chances for MBB shortlisting?

TheRedPen, you can UtkarshAnand, question

As soon as you are done with that, I will release the next one.

Next question in the queue is from sahiba96,

Thanks, Nikhil.

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You have a very interesting profile Utkarsh. Securing a high GMAT score will definitely help you compensate for a less than stellar GPA.

The best aspect of your profile is that is very differentiated- you have been in the same industry over the last two years and have unique leadership experience. Making a convincing case for why you need an MBA will improve your chances of admission at top colleges.

MBBs recruit on campus and prefer applicants with a high GMAT. Everyone has to go through the same case study-based interview for a consulting role. Therefore, with smart networking and lots of case interview prep, you stand a decent chance of being shortlisted.

Next question in the queue is from godofgnomes,

Hey sahiba96,
Your work is truly commendable. Your biggest strength is your demonstrated leadership and the impact you have made within the community.
Admissions committees care about the impact you create- it doesn’t need to be monetary. If you highlight your not-for-profit contribution, it will be appreciated.
You can definitely show that your ambition to create greater impact influenced you to make the career switch.
Best of luck.

Next question in the queue is from ilovecroquettes,

I like that you are considering a range of schools - a strategy that is sure to increase your chances of success.
With your good GPA and a strong GMAT score, academics should be a breeze.
However, since you are from a finance background you need to demonstrate something different in your profile (preferably in recent years) to stand out. Additionally, be sure to chart a clear path from your short-term to your long-term goal to show that you have done your homework.

Next in the queue bratbg,

Hi,
A strong standardized test score becomes even more important when you take into account a low GPA. Since the average GMAT at your target schools is much higher, I would recommend aiming for a 730+ GMAT score. If that is a challenge, see if the GRE is a better fit for you. Your best bet is to take GRE and GMAT mocks to see which one works for you.

In the optional essay and even while explaining your goals, show your strengths and avoid over-indexing the challenges. Remember to tie everything back to your desire to help others.

Kellogg, Stern, Cornell Johnson and Tepper have excellent tech offerings that can you help you with your post-MBA goal.

This reply is for ilovecroquettes

Next in the queue RSinghS,

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