Hey GMATScorer21,

Congrats on the amazing GMAT score! 770 is no mean feat so kudos to you!

Coming to the broader profile - you have solid test score which is a big positive, since you aren't from the overrepresented Indian Engineer pool that too will work in your favor and your consulting / accounting experience will be pretty solid. In terms of your experience, with 3 years of total work ex by the time you start the program, you will be slightly below the median of around 5 years for most top tier programs, however that shouldn't be a major deal breaker since we have seen consistent success with candidates who have lower work ex but put in a solid application with clarity on the program fit and their career alignment. Would encourage you to go ahead and apply this fall.

Coming to your specific questions:
I'd like to figure out exactly how many, and which programs should I consider based on the probability of admit offer basis my current state of profile.
There is no right or wrong answer here, it purely depends on your profile and risk taking abilities. We have seen candidates apply to 1 school and get through after putting in a solid application and we have also seen candidates apply to multiple programs without determining a fit and struggle to make the cut. Honestly, applying beyond 5 wont do justice to your work and personal commitments given the effort that goes into each application. Rather than focusing on the number, try to research on the schools and determine a fit with your profile and then apply to the respective program.

I'd like to know how to network the the target B Schools to make sure I'm at the back of mind of Admissions Members when discussing candidature vs other candidates
Networking is critical for the application process, try to utilize all the resources / events offered by schools to make a connect. Attend the online / in person webinars to understand the process and gain insight into what the schools are looking for and maybe try to schedule a 1x1 conversation with the adcom member during these events so that get to know you as person and can put a face on your application once they do get to see it, also a lot of schools offer application fee waivers to candidates that attend these event. Second, most schools have Admission Ambassadors who volunteer to guide prospective candidates with school specific information, so do reach out to them as well. Lastly, Linkedin can be a great source, so drop a mail to recent graduates and second year students to schedule a quick coffee chats, based on their response you can also get an insight into the school's culture.

I'd like to understand if I should prefer to apply in dream programs in R1 to which there is not a lot of time left or R2 should be where I may begin.
No major difference between R1 and R2, but a lot of financial aid is available in Round 1 which can be a key consideration for some coming from a weak financial background. The short answer would be apply when you are absolutely ready, no point in rushing with a half baked application.

Can I build a basic essay format draft that I can edit basis all schools own preferences and requirements to strengthen my application? or will I have to create new essay each time?
A cardinal mistake most applicants committ. Please remember each school is unique and they expect you to research in to the same and establish a fit with their culture. Adcoms read 5000-10000 applications each season and it is very easy for them to make a cut and paste effort from one where a solid effort has been put in. Strongly urge you to look at each application in a unique way.

Hope that answers all your queries, do reach out at info@thembaedge.com || +918368000961 if you have any further queries.
All the best for your applications!!

@GMATScorer21

Congrats on the stellar GMAT. I see potential for free ride scholarship at some T20 schools provided you take good and well-informed shot at the B School applications. I have had an instance in the past where an applicant with a 770 got rejected at all the schools he applied to due to his myopic view on what admissions comittees look for in applicants. After he took my guidance, he got more than 200K in scholarships and is currently studying at no cost in the US. I would suggest taking professional help so you can best portray your less than average work experience of 2.5 years and maximize your return through maximum scholarships.

I'd like to figure out exacly how many, and which programs should I consider based on the probability of admit offer basis my current state of profile.
A- I advise applicants with less than 3 years of work experience to pick their 3-4 best colleges for two reasons. First, to focus on the fewer schools and build high quality applications. With this you would not have to worry about refurbishing your essays to too many schools. The more schools you have on your list, the more diluted your efforts on each. Second, as a young applicant you should not exhaust all your top targets in the first attempt, especially since it is clear you me you do not know in depth about cracking the admits. I see better odds with schools in 15-25 range.

I'd like to know how to network the target B Schools to make sure I'm at the back of mind of Admissions Members when discussing candidature vs other candidates
A- That cannot be told in a single sentence here. Would entail a longer discussion to understand your profile and your hook factor.

I'd like to understand if I should prefer to apply in dream programs in R1 to which there is not a lot of time left or R2 should be where I may begin.
A- Never apply with halfhearted efforts. Apply when you are most ready. Stay confident in your candidacy. Shoddy applications lead to no good.

Can I build a basic essay format draft that I can edit basis all schools own preferences and requirements to strengthen my application? or will I have to create new essay each time?
A- No you should not. That would lead to you trying to fit in the same stories into every school's application. Every school requires a different approach and builds in subtle requirements into the essay questions that must be specifically addressed. Although you must surely prepare for a repository of stories and experiences, preparing a basic essay is not an approach I would recommend.

Feel free to set up a call to get 1 to 1 candid feedback on your profile and the right strategy to crack the admit.


Personalized advice tailored to your specific situation is just a phone call or message away. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours for our applicants

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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