Booth ($60K), Sloan ($30K), Stern ($120K), Darden ($60K)

Hi, I am attending Booth and I would like to share my application experience. I was in the technology sector and had a lot less than average work experience but still had the ambitious goal of targeting the top-5 b-schools.

- Given that I had to make the most of my limited work experience and showcase why I am ready for an MBA now, I decided to work with a consultant. (Rajdeep Chimni at Admissions Gateway.) I think starting the process all of you should identify your support base, whether it is a consultant, a student or alumni. Do not do your process in a silo as interacting with people and brainstorming will make you re-evaluate the way you think and approach the process.

- For school selection, I wanted to test the waters. So I took a 2 round strategy applying to a top-5 and some top-10 schools in round 1. As a younger applicant I felt that I could mature during the process and apply to more top-5 schools in R2 after gaining some experience and feedback from admissions committees. There are advantages in applying to your top schools in R1 straight away and this is a trade off you can think about. I converted Darden with a $60000 scholarship and this gave me the confidence to go further and crack Booth and MIT in R2.

My first challenge was the resume as it was extremely technical. I focused on presenting my accomplishments in the larger scheme of things and in a more strategic manner. Resume building is core as this will help you figure out the highlights of your story. For young applicants I suggest showcasing your work experience in a mature manner and also explaining why now versus applying next year. Also for example if you are a software engineer do product manager level thinking for your resume.

Once you have a good resume the behavioral essays become easier. (Leadership, teamwork etc.). Do a lot of self reflection for behavioral essays and lot of first hand research for Goals and 'why school' related essays. Network with students with a specific purpose in mind and make sure that your networking reflects in the essays.

Another key thing is to manage your time well. I had a hectic work schedule so I ended up working on my apps late at night. It would be better to space this out and not take on more than you can handle at work.

I got interview calls from 6 of the 7 schools with admits from 4 schools including MIT Sloan with $30,000 and Chicago Booth with $60,000 scholarship. Given my years of work experience getting in was challenging but the scholarship was a bonus. I would encourage all of you to think hard whether you want to apply with 2-3 years experience and if you think it is the right time to you just go for it as more and more younger applicants are getting it. There are some schools that may prefer younger applicants a little more.

Good luck.