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.

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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