Hello, everyone my question about chances in Ivy League schools.

Question

Hi, I am a Bachelor in Business Administration(BBA) guy passed my grad from Future Institute of Engineering and Management (FIEM) Kolkata, WB, INDIA. I scored 3.5 GPA. It is my wish to get admission in Top Ivy schools for MBA. I along with my studies started my own shop which is an Internet cafe shop which is running successfully for 4years helping many village people everyday.

My Questions are:
1. Will this experience be counted for MBA?
2. What I will write for short and long term goal, as I prefer to work for a consulting company (like Mckinsey)?
3.Will my startup adds value to my application?

Please kindly guide if there is any chance.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing some info about your background, answers below:

My Questions are:
1. Will this experience be counted for MBA?
Yes, this experience will be counted, I would say you will need to do more explaining than the typical applicant given this is more unique but certainly will count, as always the most important aspect when evaluating work experience is impact/results and interpersonal skills development (leadership/teamwork) so make sure your experiences reflect the importance of this

2. What I will write for short and long term goal, as I prefer to work for a consulting company (like Mckinsey)?
Then say that, just know you will really have to explain how your past work experience coupled with an MBA can make this a reality, given how non-traditional your work experience is

3.Will my startup adds value to my application?
Sure if the experience has been meaningful for you and made an impact , if not then it will not. Having a startup on its won does not reflect much the impact it has had on you and others is the more important thing to consider

bhshk94 · Answer

That's sure but I opened my shop with a very limited fund. At first nobody supported me not even my father but I had to convince him for the funds with a promise to give returns. Soon my shop turned out to be popular place for the village people. I come from a very interior village and there is a shortage of proper Internet cafes according to my market survey. Thus helping these poor villagers to fill up various forms, teaching children about computers as well as helping youths. This fulfils your queries about Leadership and Impact.

1.Another question is will my experience adds value to the class? Which schools I will apply?
2.How will I send my LORs because it is a shop I do not have supervisors to recommend? Should I explain it in my Essays?

ARLeeConsulting · Answer

Hi bhshk94,

you have indeed a very interesting profile. I agree with all Veritas Prep answers.

To answer your new questions:

1. Another question is will my experience adds value to the class?

Of course. Your experience and your motivation to start your own business are quite unique. It will definitely add value to the class.

Which schools I will apply?

This is a tough one. You need to do your homework and get to know the schools. Each school is different so you need to choose a school where you feel you fit the most. But it would be wise to apply to four or five schools, and then decide once you have the acceptance letters.

2.How will I send my LORs because it is a shop I do not have supervisors to recommend? Should I explain it in my Essays?

You should choose for your LORs someone who knows you very well in a professional setting and who can speak about your managerial and leadership skills, and your potential for senior management. It could be a client, vendor, or anyone within the value chain of your business.

If you have a really hard time to find such person, it could also be from your academic experience, such as a professor. Just make sure the school you're applying to accepts this.

In any case, try to use the essays to explain your choice. Most likely there will be an optional essay that you can use to explain this.

I hope this helps.

Best of luck!

bhshk94 · Answer

Thank you Sir. thanks a lot. Your advice gives me a lot of courage to apply

Hello, everyone my question about chances in Ivy League schools.

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