jayshah0621
Hello Jon,
This is Jay. I am seeking some guidance regarding my profile and the application process. I would appreciate your input. Here's some information about myself.
Indian Citizen, 27 years old, Green Card holder (moved to the US in 2015)
X - 84%
XII - 76%
Bachelors in Computer Engineering - Gujarat University - 66% (My undergrad transcript says 3.8 CGPA, but I am not sure if that's the right conversion).
GMAT - yet to give. Planning to appear around Oct. end
Work experience
Total work experience more than 5 years
Currently, working as a Web Developer / Web Master for a small high tech company. The company is one of the leaders in the surveillance industry, though.
Previously, worked in India as a Web Developer. No big name companies here. I did manage a few projects in which I had some junior team members assigned to me, but not a significant professional leadership role so far to showcase.
Extra curricular
1) Volunteered for an NGO for 6 months. Spent time with underprivileged kids and taught them English and Math. This was 3-4 years ago. I used to do it on the weekends.
2) I organized many MBA focused meetups - Pagalguy meetups - in my hometown. Something like a local GMATClub. This was also a few years ago.
3) One of the companies I worked for had a communication and public speaking club. I was a proactive member of that club. I won a debate, hosted a debate, and have certificates to showcase. I was a leader/mentor for one of the club chapters. This was during 2014-15. The company in reference is an Indian subsidiary of an American company. The American company is known as "Google" for property management software.
4) I have a blog on which I have published travelogues, poetry, and fiction. I've wrote a few sponsored blog posts as well for marketing campaigns for a few companies.
5) I've performed stand up at some open mics in the US.
Short Term Goal
Role: I am interested in making a move to Product Management / Management Consulting.
Location: Currently, I am on the east coast. However, I would like to move to the west coast.
Target schools - UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UT Austin, Foster
My concern is whether I should apply this year or next year? Should I add other schools to my list?
I'd like to apply in Round 2 or Round 3. If I apply next year, I don't think I'll be gaining any professional / leadership skills. There is no such scope at my current job. Switching job doesn't seem like a good idea just to "improve my candidacy". I would rather prefer start pursuing MBA next year than the year after. Also, my other concern is that if I apply 1 year later, I'll be 29 by the time I enroll. I am not sure if that will put me at any disadvantage.
What's your take on this?
Thanks in advance for taking some time out and offering your assistance!
Hey Jay!
Good to hear from you!
So first of all, r.e. your question: it depends on your GMAT. From what I see here if your GMAT is good (meaning as high as you believe your max is) then yes, Round 2 is possible (even if a bit tight). Round 3 you can forget about. Its very hard to get in R3 and there are few spaces left. So if your GMAT is low, then yes, do delay by one year.
Secondly about your profile: it's hard to say without a GMAT, but you do have some weaknesses in your profile that will make Top 20 schools very difficult:
- Indian/Male/Tech candidate
- Non IIT with low GPA
- Non target employer
But the good news is that there are plenty of programs in the Top 50 that are awesome and can help you reach your goals anyhow! We can chat more about this, but it will be easier with a GMAT score.
So for the meanwhile, go kill that GMAT!!
Best,
Jon