Hello Prince,

Your CFA charter is a strong credential and adds weight to your finance career.

However, a 625 GMAT Focus and a 3.2 GPA are weak for your target schools, especially Stern.

Investment banking is one of the most competitive recruiting paths, and schools will expect stronger academics.

Goizueta and Kenan-Flagler are more realistic, but you should aim for at least a 675–690 GMAT Focus to increase your chances.

Your long-term goal of starting a PE firm in Africa is ambitious but should be framed more realistically in your essays.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hi @Prince2050,

You have a strong and rare profile with 10 years in PE and a CFA charter, which positions you well for finance roles. However, your GMAT 625 and GPA 3.2 are below top-tier U.S. MBA norms, making schools like Stern challenging; targeting 675+ would significantly improve competitiveness for NYC IB roles. Your short-term goal of joining Investment Banking in New York is realistic with your experience. Your long-term vision of founding a PE firm focused on Africa while is compelling needs to be repositioned in a more achievable manner. Emphasize your decade of deal experience, CFA credential, and global outlook to strengthen your application narrative.

To maximize your chances, consider applying to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

Hey @Prince2050,
Strengths:
1. Demographics,
2. CFA Charter
3. Work Experience with PE (A weakness when your Career Goal is stated to be IB)

Weaknesses:
1. Low GMAT Aggravates your low GPA (685+ would be better, though 675 may also, but barely get you in)
2. Low GPA
3. Lack of clarity and Alignment in your Goals (IB is extremely demanding, and also requires very high quant skills)

Suggestion:
1. even for Emory and UNCKF (lower end of your basked), improve your GMAT preferably to 685
2. APPLY with a strong application AT THE EARLIEST. With 10 years already, you are already at the threshold where chances go down rapidly

Hope it helps
Bala

Thank you for sharing your profile @Prince2050 !

Strengths you should capitalise on: 10 years of PE experience + CFA charter: powerful domain credibility for finance roles and for b-school admissions when framed as senior-level technical mastery and deal leadership. CFA is respected by finance recruiters and is a valuable signal of technical competence. Focused career plan: IB in NYC → long-term PE in Africa is believable and strategically coherent. With 10 years, you bring maturity, leadership, and deal-level responsibility, a key asset for 1-2 year MBA programs that recruit MBAs into IB/PE roles.

GMAT FE 625 is below the median at your most competitive school (NYU Stern average GMAT is ~733). That will make Stern a reach unless you strongly mitigate with outstanding professional evidence, exceptional essays, and strong LORs. GPA 3.2 is modest, not fatal, but combined with a lower GMAT, it increases the admissions burden to prove academic readiness.

IB recruiting in NYC is hyper-competitive and tends to favour candidates with top-tier school brands, previous IB/BB experience, or stellar test scores. Recent market softness has made recruiters extra selective.

1) Try to retake the GMAT, aiming for 685+.
2) Create a deal-focused “transaction dossier” that shows the deals you led: role, size, valuation levers, model snippets, your contribution, outcome. Why: For admissions and IB recruiters, real transaction evidence + quantified impact is gold, particularly if your test score is lower.
3) Leverage the CFA, but don’t over-rely on it. Remember, CFA alone rarely substitutes for a high GMAT in admissions; it helps in recruiting and credibility.
4) Tighten your essays: emphasize leadership + client outcomes + Africa thesis.
Short-term story: Why IB now? Explain the pivot from PE to IB as a strategic move (like broadened client network, accelerated deal flow experience, NY platform). Show how a particular banking role will build the skills needed to scale your PE business later.
Long-term story (compelling): How will you build a PE firm for Africa? Mention market gaps, deal-sourcing advantage from local roots, and how MBA + NY experience builds that bridge.

Start contacting alumni at targeted schools who are in NYC IB groups; ask for recruiter/coach introductions.

Questions/ things to focus on for you:
1) Deal detail: Number of deals you led vs contributed to, typical deal sizes, and your most recent transaction example (feel free to redact sensitive figures).
2) Who can write your LORs (PE partners, clients, etc.)?
3) Are you flexible to start in NYC only, or would you consider other financial hubs (London, Toronto) that can later route you back to Africa?
4) How important is scholarship amount vs school brand vs internship access to you?

We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, your profile shows strong work experience with 10 years in PE. Plus, being a CFA charterholder, highlights your strong finance skills. Your clear career plan, moving into IB in New York and later starting a PE firm focused on Africa makes your story compelling. Strong essays and recommendations will be key.

You will also have to highlight major deals that showcase your potential in your essays. Also, do you have leadership experience (managing teams or projects) that can highlight your impact beyond technical skills?

I’d be happy to offer you a free profile review for your target MBA programs to see where you stand and how to boost your chances, happy to help!
No pressure, no strings - just helpful insights on where you stand and how you can strengthen your chances.

Feel free to connect- Click here
You can also email me at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!

Hi @studyhack ! We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi @Shivamchauhmaal ! We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi @Inderr ! We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi @Junoiii ! We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi Akshay,

You have a strong and multifaceted profile for ISB, with 5 years of consulting experience, a top-tier academic record, and a 665 GMAT Focus/700 GMAT Classic. Your extracurriculars - Toastmasters, published author, and social media presence demonstrate communication skills, creativity, and influence, which are highly valued. The clear post-MBA goal of transitioning into Product Management is realistic, given your consulting background and tech exposure. As a reapplicant, focus on showing professional growth since your last application, clarifying your product management story, and highlighting leadership impact to strengthen your application.

It will be crucial to build an authentic, compelling narrative. Focus on articulating your goals and career transition plan clearly - make sure your goals are specific and well-defined. Connect your past experiences to your future goals, highlight the specific skills or exposure you're seeking and explain how the MBA will help you gain these to achieve your goals.

Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

Hey @Saloni_3747,
Excellent GPA, What college?
3 years is on the lower side, but my clients with 3 years an no name engineering colleges have studied in M-7s (scholarships and Loans help anyone study there, regardless of personal finances)
The key is to set a clear link between your pre-MBA career to your post-MBA trajectory
Also, unless you are specifically fixated on post-MBA careers in India, looking at other options would help increase your clarity.

Hope that helps. Please submit your profile for a Free Assessment over a 1:1 call. https://theivyleagueedge.com/index.php/contactus/
_________________
Bala

1. The MOST recommended Admissions Consultant on Linkedin, WORLDWIDE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkrishna/
2. 100% 5-Star Reviews on PoetsandQuants
Poetsandquants(dot)com/consultant/bala-bal-krishna-shukla/

Hi Saloni,

You have a strong academic profile (GPA 9.2) and 3 years in diversified financial services, which provides solid analytical and problem-solving experience for your ISB application. Your goal to pivot into consulting or an industry-focused role post-MBA is realistic. To strengthen your profile, aim for a competitive GMAT (665+) to complement your high GPA, and highlight leadership, impact, and cross-functional collaboration in your current role. Framing your story around transferable skills from finance to consulting/strategy will be key for a compelling ISB application.
It will be crucial to build an authentic, compelling narrative. Focus on articulating your goals and career transition plan clearly - make sure your goals are specific and well-defined. Connect your past experiences to your future goals, highlight the specific skills or exposure you're seeking and explain how the MBA will help you gain these to achieve your goals.

Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

Hello,

Your GRE 313 is a weakness for schools like INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris, especially as an Indian male applicant. Your story of Amazon plus leading operations in your family business shows leadership and initiative, but consulting is one of the most saturated post-MBA goals.

You will need to highlight measurable outcomes from leading 20+ employees and demonstrate strong business impact. Without at least a 320+ GRE, most of your European targets are long shots. ISB and Bocconi may be more forgiving, but INSEAD/HEC/IESE will require a stronger test score.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hey @qosr,
With an over-represented profile (Indian, Male, Engineer), you incur higher risks when applying with this low a GRE.
Yet, if you are able to work with your consultant to draft excpetional and compelling resume & overall applications, you may stand a better chance at IESE, Essec, ESADE tier of schools than at schools like HEC, LBS, INSEAD etc where the median GREs are much higher.
Which college did you graduate from? How did your career trajectory at Amazon look like? What ECs can you leverage?
Also, Bocconi may not get you the post-MBA career outcomes you are looking for.

Hope that helps. Please submit your profile for a Free Assessment over a 1:1 call. https://theivyleagueedge.com/index.php/contactus/
_________________
Bala

1. The MOST recommended Admissions Consultant on Linkedin, WORLDWIDE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkrishna/
2. 100% 5-Star Reviews on PoetsandQuants
Poetsandquants(dot)com/consultant/bala-bal-krishna-shukla/

I believe you have multiple dimensions to reflect upon: a weak GRE score, language skills for the EU (not stated), portability of your skills from the family business into consulting, as well as the handicap an Indian passport creates for consultant mobility. Singapore is very tough to crack for a job for an Indian.

Hi @qosr,

You have a diverse and entrepreneurial profile with 3 years of experience, combining tech (Amazon) and operations leadership in a family manufacturing business. Leading a team of 20+ and running operations demonstrates tangible leadership and ownership. Your GRE 313 and GPA 7.64 are decent but below average for top European or Singapore schools. I’d encourage you to retake the GRE and aim for a 320+ score to strengthen your application and stay competitive.
You will need strong essays and recommendations to highlight leadership, impact, and clarity of post-MBA goals. Emphasize your transition story from tech to operations to consulting. Your long-term startup ambition aligns well with European/Asian programs that value entrepreneurial drive.
Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

Your research on schools will show you that your work experience is inadequate. You may wish to postpone your plans yo apply once you have gained 4-5 years of work experience.

Hello Mohammad,

Investment banking is a well-trodden MBA path, and schools like Wharton, Booth, and Columbia place strongly in the sector.

Your GPA of 3.72 is solid, but without a GMAT score, your profile lacks competitiveness. You will need a 700+ to be viable at your target schools, especially Wharton and Harvard.

Also, your stated goal of being at Goldman Sachs in 5 years comes across as generic. You need to refine your goals to show how your specific IB experience in Pakistan differentiates you and how you will leverage an MBA network to transition globally.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hello Chucks,

With 9 years of experience in energy and a plan to return to Nigeria to lead strategic initiatives, your goals make sense.

However, Booth is highly competitive, and without a GMAT score, your candidacy cannot be assessed seriously.

Your GPA of 3.45 is decent but not strong enough to offset the absence of a test score. For Booth, you will need at least a 700+ GMAT Focus to stand a realistic chance.

I suggest broadening your school list to include programs with strong energy and Africa-focused networks, such as Duke Fuqua or Oxford Saïd.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hi lshirvanyan
I am Priyanka, Client Manager at ARINGO. Speaking about your chances at Booth, your GMAT score is decent, your work experience looks good too. I hope your goals are aligned with the values of Booth and you have built a strong narrative around your application.
Click here to connect.
You can also email me your CV at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!

Hello Roshan,

Your academic recovery story is impressive, but admissions at LBS MiM will still weigh your overall GPA (7.4) and GMAT 665 as below average for their pool. LBS MiM typically sees 700+ GMAT equivalents.

Your internships add some weight, but your post-MiM plan to pursue both consulting and later another MBA at LBS will sound unfocused.

Admissions wants a clear, immediate path. You need to refine your goals, bring clarity around why MiM now, and improve your GMAT to at least 700 to compete seriously.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hi @Roshan Kumar Dewangan,
While your Career goals do not look as clear as they would for an MBA aspirant, I believe with your exceptional academic recovery, a wider net of MiM programs to apply to, including IESEC, Essec, Esade, and HEC, you could get to where you want.
LBS accepts students from a wide variety of universities, not just “tier-1” Indian schools.
While you have not mentioned extracurriculars beyond academics/internships (e.g., student clubs, social work, leadership roles), that part of the role is completely blank for us.

Also, while the 3 internships in Sales and Marketing are in line with what LBS MiM expects, most admitted candidates have brand-name internships (MNCs, consulting, finance, FMCG, etc.). The quality of internship employers will matter a lot.

Alternatively, you would do well to seek professional assistance to highlight your achievements to overcompensate your weaknesses.

Hope that helps. https://theivyleagueedge.com/index.php/contactus/
_________________
Bala

1. The MOST recommended Admissions Consultant on Linkedin, WORLDWIDE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkrishna/
2. 100% 5-Star Reviews on PoetsandQuants
Poetsandquants(dot)com/consultant/bala-bal-krishna-shukla/

Hello Jayant,

With just 2 years of experience and a GPA of 6.25, you are very early for top U.S. MBAs like Harvard, Kellogg, and Ross. Schools will expect stronger academic credentials and more demonstrated impact before considering you.

Your operations and supply chain focus is relevant, but at this stage your resume reads as entry-level rather than MBA-ready.

If you are serious about applying in 2027, you must deliver a very strong GMAT (700+) to offset GPA and low experience.

Realistically, you should gain 2–3 more years of impact before targeting these schools. For now, Rotman may be more forgiving.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Thank you for sharing your profile @iarg! Let's start, 5 years of engineering in energy, a great domain foundation. 655 GMAT FE is inside range, but a slightly increased score could elevate competitiveness. 3.48 is respectable. Clear focus on energy finance and long-term contribution to the energy sector. Consider taking an energy finance or investment modeling course to reinforce credibility. Highlight engineering experiences that demonstrate finance-readiness (like project cost modeling, resource valuation, risk analysis). Start networking with alumni in energy finance at target schools. You can take a look at this success story.

Emphasize your Texas/energy positioning for regional advantage.

Positioning & Essay hooks:
“Why MBA now?”: You’re transitioning from engineering to finance, specifically in energy sectors undergoing structural shifts (rights, renewables, resource scarcity).

Long-term Goal: Launch or lead an investment syndicate focused on O&G royalties in emerging markets, skill FIFO models, valuation structures, and risk management in real asset finance.

Questions for you to reflect on:
1) Have you already had exposure to financial modeling (cash flow analysis, reserves valuation, royalty streams)?
2) Are you targeting energy finance roles specifically (IB or corp finance) or broader strategic roles (consulting or development)?
3) Is Houston your firm's location, or would you consider Dallas, Austin, or other energy hubs?

We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Join our Coffee Session: “MASTER YOUR MBA APPLICATION ESSAYS FOR INSEAD, HEC, LBS, AND IESE!” on August 22, 2025 | 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 AM ET. KNOW MORE DETAILS

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hello,

Your profile is aligned well with Rice and McCombs. A 655 GMAT Focus and 3.48 GPA are within range for both schools, especially since your career is tightly connected to their regional strengths in energy.

Your story of moving from engineering into finance in oil and gas is realistic and supported by your background.

However, you’ll need to show evidence of financial skills beyond engineering to make the switch credible. A slightly higher GMAT (675+) would improve competitiveness, but with your Texas focus, Rice and McCombs are very attainable targets.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hello Rishab,

With a 3.12 GPA and 4 years of tech experience, you are in a competitive applicant pool for INSEAD.

Without a GMAT, it is impossible to benchmark your chances, but realistically you need a 700+ to offset your GPA and stand out as an Indian male consultant aspirant.

Consulting is the most oversubscribed post-MBA goal at INSEAD, so you’ll need more than just career intent, you must highlight cross-border impact, international exposure, or unique achievements in your tech career.

Currently, without the GMAT and a stronger narrative, admission is a long shot.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

I would consider if you have done your best yet or if you feel like with a small amount of effort you could do a lot better. It's really about considering incremental effort and incremental improvement. The classic scores are closer to 700 for Booth and Berkeley.

I would also consider what type of grades you got in statistics and business calculus - if you took both of those and got a B or better, that helps.

I don't know which country you're from but usually coming from Asia, especially male, one is quite overrepresented. The more people of a similar profile they have the more that drives up that the GMAT score needed.

If you can offer the class a unique perspective or something that would enrich the class, coming from a underrepresented Asian country that would differentiate you and help.

Scholarships are not that prevalent for part-time but you might have greater likelihood of getting 20k with a better score.

I've seen people who have gotten as low as 620 on the GMAT get like 160 plus on the executive assessment. They're relatively similar so that might be a possible route to take.

I don't think it's impossible with your current score, but you would need good quant grades and very compelling application materials.

Hi I did not see before writing this that you are Sri Lankan. Would still have the same advice. Could you speak about what it is like doing business there as a Buddhist ? That would be interesting.

Hello Dilan,

With 14 years of experience in FMCG finance, consumer electronics, and entrepreneurship, you are well positioned for part-time programs like Booth, Kellogg, and Haas.

However, your 615 GMAT Focus is weak for these schools even in their E/W tracks.

Given your seniority, your career progression and leadership will weigh more heavily than scores, but retaking the GMAT to push closer to 660+ would strengthen your file and improve scholarship chances.

Post-MBA pivot to entrepreneurship is logical, but you should refine it into a sharper industry-specific vision to resonate better with admissions.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Thank you for sharing your profile @Bash0109! Starting with your academics, a 3.5 GPA is fine for IB targets; the standardized test will be the swing factor. 3 years of work experience at matriculation is on the younger side for IB. As per diversity and mission, Nigerian woman aiming to build finance in emerging markets = compelling differentiator. Aim for a strong test score: GRE ≥325 or GMAT FE ≥685, especially for Wharton.

Where the market is right now (why to be strategic)
IB hiring has been tighter given muted M&A/IPO cycles; firms remain selective, while some grads tilt to buy-side/other finance. This means test score + technical prep + internship matter more.

What to improve: Aim for a great GMAT/GRE score, which will neutralize the risk and widen IB access. Complete a financial modeling/valuation course. Start networking with women-in-finance clubs/alumni at target schools and bank offices (NYC/London/Toronto). For the Internship planning, U.S. 2-year MBAs are best for classic summer analyst routes; in Europe, prefer programs with internship windows (LBS, HEC Paris, IESE; INSEAD Jan).

Questions for you to reflect on:
1) Which IB coverage areas interest you most (like natural resources, infrastructure, fintech, consumer)?
2) U.S. vs Europe vs Canada: rank your preference for post-MBA placement.
3) Any deal exposure already (even tangential), capital raises, syndications, project finance?

We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Join our Coffee Session: “MASTER YOUR MBA APPLICATION ESSAYS FOR INSEAD, HEC, LBS, AND IESE!” on August 22, 2025 | 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 AM ET. KNOW MORE DETAILS

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hello,

With three years in financial services and a GPA of 3.5, you have a decent foundation.

However, without a GRE/GMAT score, Wharton is currently out of reach. You must post at least a 320 GRE or equivalent to be competitive, ideally higher given IB is extremely saturated.

Your long-term Africa-focused finance leadership story is strong and differentiated, but Wharton and similar schools will need evidence you can handle the quant rigour.

HEC Montréal is more realistic with your current profile. A stronger test score will make the difference between being competitive at Wharton versus settling for lower-tier programs.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Thanks for sharing your profile @CATSDOGS!

Starting with the Goal: Consulting (ops/supply chain with ESG focus) > later return to industry to lead sustainable supply-chain transformation. This is a coherent, employer-friendly story. Your semiconductor fire-fighting + Nike ESG/supply-chain transparency is the type of operational rigor + purpose that consulting firms market to clients.

Market reality (2024-25 employment trend you must plan around): Consulting hiring has been choppy across top programs, with several schools reporting slower placement and tighter timelines vs. prior years. You need crisp positioning, strong interview-readiness, and early networking to convert.

Competitiveness by target school:
Duke Fuqua (R1), realistic target: Consulting remains the top industry; Fuqua’s Class of 2024 still placed heavily into consulting despite a dip YoY. Your ops+ESG angle is right in its wheelhouse. Odds: Competitive if execution is strong. Your GRE is within range; lean on your MS GPA (3.9) and quant-heavy work to offset the UG 3.3.

NYU Stern (R2), possible, but more selective for your stats. 2024: Consulting ~37%, finance ~36%; tight market in NYC. You’ll need standout stories and evidence of client leadership. Odds: Reach/competitive. Strengthen with clear NYC project ties and senior recommenders.

Berkeley Haas (R2), mission match, stats stretch. Haas places meaningfully into consulting and is good on sustainability/ESG, but it’s stats-sensitive. You must spotlight MS 3.9 + rigorous quant projects; show impact at Nike beyond reporting (like cost, risk, carbon, or traceability wins). Odds: Reach (doable with excellent execution + values/mission fit).

What can move the needle: Turn “ESG + supply chain” into 2-3 punchy, quantified achievements (like “Launched supplier-traceability pilot across tiers; improved PO-level visibility, cutting expedites and projected scope variance.”). Consulting resume screeners love clear before/after. Show leadership under pressure: From semiconductor “urgent ops” days, did you own a war room, coordinate cross-functional fixes, or protect a key product launch? Those narratives scream “consulting-ready.”

Use the optional essay to (briefly) contextualize UG 3.3 and point to MS 3.9, quant coursework, and data-heavy impact. If you can add any relevant certificate with an A, even better. Ask recommenders to evidence client influence, executive-facing communication, problem-solving, and team leadership, not just reliability. Join school consulting clubs’ public events; connect with ops/sustainability practice folks at MBB.

Questions to reflect on:
1) At Nike, what measurable outcomes can you share (like % improvement in supplier visibility, lead-time variance, compliance rate, etc)?
2) In semiconductors, what was your highest-stakes “save” (scope, dollars at risk, cross-functional leadership)?
3) Any client-facing or senior-stakeholder presentations you led?
4) Geographic target post-MBA (US only or open to EU/Asia)?

We would love to learn more about your extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Feel free to register for our Coffee Session: “MASTER YOUR MBA APPLICATION ESSAYS FOR INSEAD, HEC, LBS, AND IESE!” which is on August 22, 2025 | 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 AM ET. KNOW MORE DETAILS

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hello,

Your GRE 327 is strong, and your mix of semiconductor and Nike supply chain experience positions you well for operations-focused consulting.

The sustainability and ESG angle adds good differentiation. Academically, your GPA is slightly below average (3.4 undergrad), but the 3.9 master’s GPA helps balance that.

Schools like Kellogg, Ross, and Duke are strong fits given your career goals. INSEAD and Yale are possible but not certain, since they see many strong Asian male candidates.

McCombs is a good safety. You’re competitive overall, but make sure your essays highlight international exposure and sustainability impact clearly.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar

Hello,

Your profile has an international edge with Hotelschool The Hague, PwC Middle East, and Dubai startup exposure. That mix is attractive to INSEAD and HEC.

However, without a GMAT/GRE, you’re non-competitive at all three of your targets.

Aim for 700+ GMAT equivalent to offset the Indian female overrepresentation.

Your switch from consulting into media/entertainment is not a common post-MBA path, so you must justify it with evidence of entrepreneurial or strategic exposure to that industry. With the right test score and refined narrative, INSEAD and HEC are within reach, while LBS is a balanced target.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar