Score: 700 GMAT Classic
GPA: 7.3
Pre-MBA industry: Entertainment and Sports
Post-MBA industry: Internet and New Media
I have 5 years of sales experience combined at BYJU'S (Edtech), OYO (Hospitality) and Disney Star, and and 2.5 years in Product & Revenue Strategy role at Disney Star (Walt Disney India Business).
My college (SASTRA University) GPA was 7.3 / 10, although my college is very strict in grading. It's all India #34 ranked and #6 in Tamil Nadu. I scored 94.4 and 94.2% in 10th and 12th respectively.
Received 1 promotion in OYO and 1 promotion in Disney Star. GMAT score = 700 (Q47, V38)
No social work experience.
Short term goal: Management Consulting / Product Management in Tech.
Long term goal: Entrepreneurship in Sports / Education focusing beyond Metros.
Colleges: US T20
Applied in R2 for 2024 intake: Rejects from ISB and NUS.
Applied for 4 US colleges: Haven't heard back from UCLA Anderson and USC Marshall.
Gave interview with Foster (Awaiting result) and Mccombs (Peer interview) - Awaiting result.
If I do not get any admissions, I am thinking I should position my profile more for Management Consulting (Gave short term goal as product management for all applications) and I am thinking to write GMAT Focus and try for a 740+ equivalent.
From your experience, please suggest what should I improve to get into top 20 colleges in 2025.
AppliedJan 4, 24
DeniedMar 22, 24
AppliedJan 4, 24
DeniedMar 23, 24
AcceptedMar 22, 24
ScholarshipNone
close
You have a very solid profile because you have some of the best brand associations on your resume from the startup space as well as the media tech domain. I would have liked to know the breakdown of your 700 score on the GMAT. Having a Q49+ gives much assurance to the adcoms regarding your relative academic capabilities in the very competitive Indian demographic if they love your profile. The gmat becomes even more critical at top tier schools like Duke and Haas where there will also be someone with a better profile stat for the last remaining seat. I hope you understand how important then it is to establish a rapport with the alumni and the admissions team pre application to gather insights on what makes the target school a great fit for you and how you in your capacity would add a unique perspective to the class.
Regarding your long term goals, I would advise you to not name all the possible industries you can think of. Narrow down your message to the core values that you seek in your work area in the long term. Think what kind of work would make you happy and feel fulfilled at the same time. As an entrepreneur you would like be driven by a passion to build your tech business. If you have an idea what you truly feel passionate about, speak about it. Then go on to justify how certain roles in the next few years would provide you the right exposure to take on bigger responsibilities later in your career. Adcoms are looking for genuine responses. I dont think Anderson is a long shot. Haas and Duke definitely are. ISB is well within reach too if you execute your application and interviews well.
Should you want guidance on the applications or the interviews feel free to connect.
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
You have an interesting profile. Let's tick a few boxes here from your profile -
1. Previous Work Experience
7.6 years of work experience is a good amount of experience for an MBA applicant. Your experience in sales, product and revenue strategy, and business development is relevant to your post-MBA goals.
2. Post MBA Goals
Your post-MBA goals of working for an internet-based business and eventually starting your own tech, media, or education company are well-defined and aligned with your experience and interests. Leveraging your skills in Strategy & Sales experience could be a good approach to initially start a career in consulting before you take up entrepreneurship
3. GMAT Score
You have a decent GMAT Score, but it would be a bit competitive when you're looking at top business schools in US
4. International Exposure & Volunteering Experience
You have not mentioned any international experience in your profile. This could be considered a weakness by some admissions committees, as many top MBA programs value international exposure & community engagement.
Additional Tips
1. Keep options for other colleges either specialised in Entrepreneurship or those that have consulting placements
2. Make sure your application essays are well-written and highlight your strengths.
3. Get strong letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can speak to your accomplishments.
4. Practice for your MBA interviews so that you can make a good impression on the admissions committee.
Please feel free to reach out to me in case you need any more information or guidance.
Regards,
Mrunal Deo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrunaldeo1509/
Email - contact@involve-consulting.com
You have a very solid profile because you have some of the best brand associations on your resume from the startup space as well as the media tech domain. I would have liked to know the breakdown of your 700 score on the GMAT. Having a Q49+ gives much assurance to the adcoms regarding your relative academic capabilities in the very competitive Indian demographic if they love your profile. The gmat becomes even more critical at top tier schools like Duke and Haas where there will also be someone with a better profile stat for the last remaining seat. I hope you understand how important then it is to establish a rapport with the alumni and the admissions team pre application to gather insights on what makes the target school a great fit for you and how you in your capacity would add a unique perspective to the class.
Regarding your long term goals, I would advise you to not name all the possible industries you can think of. Narrow down your message to the core values that you seek in your work area in the long term. Think what kind of work would make you happy and feel fulfilled at the same time. As an entrepreneur you would like be driven by a passion to build your tech business. If you have an idea what you truly feel passionate about, speak about it. Then go on to justify how certain roles in the next few years would provide you the right exposure to take on bigger responsibilities later in your career. Adcoms are looking for genuine responses. I dont think Anderson is a long shot. Haas and Duke definitely are. ISB is well within reach too if you execute your application and interviews well.
Should you want guidance on the applications or the interviews feel free to connect.
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com