Chhosing the right admission consultant

Question

Hi guys,
My name is Adhithya and Iam from Mumbai.
I have given my GMAT and plan to apply for 2014 intake.
1)I am slightly confused about which admission consultant I should choose.
I have tried out free profile evaluation from stacy blackman,MBA exchange,apphelp.
Stacy blackman was too generic in her response while I was really impresses with the evaluation from MBA exchange.

what do u guys think about MBA exchange?

2)what is the ideal time for enrolling with admission consultant(should i enroll now or in 2013 considering that iam applying for 2014 intake)

OasisGC · Answer

Hello

Which schools are you targeting so far ( Regionwise )

thanks

Varun84 · Answer

Hello Everyone,

I need a frank opinion on whether should I apply for the top 15 univs in US. My profile :

GMAT : 1st attempt in October 2011 : 680; Q 48, V35
 2nd attempt in June 2012 : 740; Q 49, V42

Work Ex : 5 yrs experience with Siemens Power Engg Ltd. as a Mechanical Turbine design engineer. I can show a decent (not extravagant) progress and professional achievements. But I do not have any international professional experience or exposure.

Education (Weakest area of my profile) : B.Tech : CGPA : 6.03 on 10. I can show plenty of extracurricular in college.
 12 th : 72%; 10th : 70.2%

Other achievements : Member of winning team of the Space settlement design competition at Kennedy Space Centre, Florida in 2004.
 Cleared CFA Level-1 in June 2011.

Pls let me know your frank opinion regarding my chances at the top 15 American univs. Also I would appreciate any suggestions on some good univs across the globe within my reach. I will also be trying for ISB and any suggestions from you guys for ISB would be most appreciated.

Thanks !

Varun

mirfan2 · Answer

#1 Have you tried looking at their reviews at Admissions 411 ? Just based on my initial consultation )(with both of these folks) I like MBAexchange better, I like fact that top a 10 auditor within the US has verified their acceptance rate assertion. The person (from MBA exchange) I spoke with on the phone was more candid in his opinions, whereas the consultant from Blackman kept her opinions to herself and kept on promoting what a fine job they do, but having said that MBAmission, MBAexchange and Stacey Blackman are among the biggest players in the market, so can take solace from the fact that their service will not be below a certain level.

#2 If you think you're ready, its about the perfect time to start, because in August it will get really busy.

mirfan2 · Answer

Do you have any community service and CSR related experience ? What do you want to do post-MBA ? Have you identified any specific schools within the top 15 ? If you can tell me little bit more about your career goals, so that I can suggest some programs to you.

Just as a side note, your GPA might be modest, but not a show stopper by any means. Since you've been out of school for such a long time your GMAT is bit more relevant than your GPA . Schools don't look at your 10 and 12th grade schools unless you are able to list them in your honors and awards section. Additionally, You shouldn't obsess much over your GPA since your GMAT is couple of clicks about the Average for most top schools. What you should worry about is how do I differentiate myself from my competition ? (Indian/Male/Engineer). Unfortunately, you belong to the most competitive demographic of foreign students that apply to schools within the US and Europe. So any unique attribute would be a big plus.

Youngjames · Answer

hey adithya...if it helps, i wrote a pretty lengthy piece on how to find an adviser that could be useful as you weigh your decision: https://www.thefirstread.com/mba-admissi ... right-one/

while i've heard good things about all the firms you've listed, it's important also to bear in mind "fit and chemistry." make sure you really get along with whomever your consultant is, and that you feel comfortable telling them everything about your hopes, fears, and dreams. sounds corny, but it's important and leads to a productive working relationship.

hope that's helpful
-james young

mirfan2 · Answer

Delightful piece written by James Young. I am gonna recommend your service to a couple of friends who are applying, not only this article, but also you have a lots sound to the point admissions advice on your website. Big thanks James

adhithya · Answer

Thanks a lot,james,great post and will take ur advice very seriously

Chhosing the right admission consultant

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards