Help in chosing schools.

Question

Hi Linda,
I would appreciate your help on chosing schools to apply to. Here is a short profile:

Indian Male 29

Previous Degrees: MS (EE) (Texas A&M University) 2003 (GPA - 3.8), 
BEngg (EE) NIT Trichy 1998 (Regional school in India) (GPA - 3.9).

3 years of work experience prior to MS in software companies in India, 2 years of work experience as part of R&D team in high tech semiconductor firm after MS.

All work experience has been in India, however it has involved working with global teams and travel to US and Europe.

GMAT score: 780 (q-51, v-45)

I am looking at schools with a general management course. Which are the schools you think that I have a shot at ?

I would like to spread my chances by chosing 2 schools from the top 5, 2 from 5-10 and 2 from 10-15. Do you think this is a reasonable strategy?

Thanks,
Abhijit

Accepted.com · Answer

If anything, I would add one more school to the top ten and have just one safety in the 10-15 category, but I want to caution you, even as I for convenience use these terms, that those rankings are so subjective. No school is going to be a real stretch for you because you are well qualified. Think in terms of those you are dying to attend, those you would happily attend, and those that meet your needs and that you would attend, but perhaps aren't that enthusiastic about. 

Between the first two groups, choose 2-3 each. Then choose one from the last group. 

Before I recommend schools, what do you want to do after your MBA?

abhijitp · Answer

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your response.

After my MBA I would like a job in Consulting. However, I would also not like to close out the option of returning to the technology industry on the business side. Given these preferences here are some of the schools that I am considering applying to:
HBS
Wharton
UCLA

What do you think of this list ? 

I want to add three more to this list. Among the following schools which do you suggest:
GSB Chicago
MIT Sloan
Berkeley
Dartmouth
Virginia
Cornell

Do you think I am aiming too high ? I would like to limit my apps to 6 and given that constraint would it make sense for me to chose one school in the Trans Elite list, i.e. UTAustin or UNC Chapel Hill and only 2 from the list above ??

Thanks again for your help.

Regards,
Abhijit

Accepted.com · Answer

I like your top 3 list. I would add Dartmouth, Darden, and MIT Sloan. If you have to drop one of your six in order to have a safety lower down the food chain, drop UCLA and add UT Austinor UNC.

Good luck!

Good luck!

abhijitp · Answer

Hi Linda,
Thanks so much again. 

I have another question relating to deadlines.

How much difference does it make to apply in the 3rd round as compared to applying in the 2nd round ? Given the time constraints I feel I might have a better shot at putting together good applications in case I move some to the third round. Would that hurt my chances ?

Thanks !!

Accepted.com · Answer

It makes a difference, particularly if application volume increases. Last year there were a number of schools actively recruiting applications for their late round deadlines or even extending last deadlines. If this year is like last year, a late application will have less impact on your chances than in higher volume numbers when the schools are better able to fill their classes earlier in the application cycle. If volume increases markedly, then second round is significantly better than third round. 

In addition it is harder for overseas students to obtain visas if they apply third round and it is harder for all third round applicants to obtain financial aid. 

However a mediocre application is never a good idea and can also reduce your chances significantly. So it's hard to say which is better. If at all possible, put out the effort so that you submit top applications second round. Perhaps apply to two schools second round and two schools third round. Obviously, your favorites should be the applications submitted second round.

Help in chosing schools.

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