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PSMBAPS
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PSMBAPS
hello experts and Alumni!

I am 30, Indian Female, with 8 years of work experience in garments exports and sourcing for some big international brands. Though not working at present as taking care of my infant. i scored a low gmat of 600 this week :(

i am planning to apply to ISB and INSEAD to begin with, and the application deadlines are end Nov 2013. I can only apply for a one year program, kindly advise which other good schools i can apply to.

I want to excel in retail, first at high corporate positions and eventually set up my own retail stores after gaining rich experience in retail.

could you please advise your valuable suggestions with respect to the below:
1) are there any good courses and faculty in retail at these schools.
2) how are placements in retail
3) if you could kindly connect me to other alumni who are into retail or chose retail electives
4) my chances of selection (of course backed by a good essay and recommendations :)
5) any suggestions regarding essays and recommendations
6) can i expect a financial aid considering i am not working and separated from husband and have no financial source other than my savings.

many thanks for your help in advance :)

You certainly do have a very different profile, one that AdComs will find really interesting! Here are my thoughts:
  • The financial aid you get will depend on your profile and GMAT score. In your case, though your profile is different, the schools you are looking at are pretty selective and their average GMAT scores are much higher than 600. So, if retaking the GMAT is an option, you should consider it. Anything above 650 will make your application competitive. Better to give it your best shot the first time than just apply early for the sake of it. Re-applications are more difficult than you think!:)
  • You have worked with international clients/vendors - but have you lived and worked abroad? INSEAD gives a lot of importance to international experience and a majority of the class typically has experience working outside their home country for substantial periods of time. This is something you may want to consider.
  • The best way to connect with alumni of any school is to write to the admissions office with a brief of your profile and goals, and ask to be put in touch with a current student or alumnus with similar profile/goals. Most B-schools would be happy to do this for you. Alternately, you could look at LinkedIn for alumni or students of your target school and send them a Connect request, clearly mentioning why you want to talk to them.
  • Regarding the application itself: Your essays must clearly communicate why an MBA at this point makes the most sense - personally and professionally - since you clearly won't be having an easy time of it. So, articulation of goals is really important. Typically, you would need 2 recommendations, of which at least one must be from someone who has supervised your work recently. The other can be from a client, business partner, vendor or colleague.

Do let me know if you have further queries. :)

Gowri N Kishore
Admissions Consultant