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vvv000
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-- Updated on: 13 May 2023, 15:04
Originally posted by vvv000 on 12 Jul 2022, 20:13.
Last edited by vvv000 on 13 May 2023, 15:04, edited 1 time in total.
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PRamesh2008
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 07:54
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If you score in te range of 710 to 720, it would really assist you to apply for best MBA colleges across the world..
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 08:06
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try scoring +20 points avg of the gmat score of your target school , that should be sufficient for you to get an admission into the school of your choice..
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 10:46
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vvv000
Hello everyone,

I'm currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree (international economics and management) at Bocconi University and will be graduating soon. I took a gap year for personal and professional reasons (I would like to gain some experience in the finance sector in this year). The courses that I am interested in are Finance or Management and I'm planning to apply for the first rounds in the following universities:
- HEC
- ESSEC
- NUS
- LBS


Background: I'm a Chinese citizen, born and raised in Italy, female
GPA and GMAT: my GPA is quite average (around 26/30) for a few reasons. I wasn't the most responsible person during my first year of studies and, more importantly, had to be quite involved in the family business over the past few years. I attempted to try the GMAT last year after two weeks of preparation and got a very mediocre grade. I am now studying more seriously for it and aim for a 710-720 (I am currently in the 680-690 zone after an on and off preparation of about two months)
Work experience: I worked as a waitress from 2018-2019 (I had different responsibilities despite my age, but I don't know if i should put it on my CV as it doesn't have much to do with the courses I would want to get into), had a one month training as a junior consultant, did an internship of 6 months at Xiaomi as an e-commerce business analyst, and 3 months in an Italian consulting firm as a junior consultant. I am now looking for an internship starting from September for something more finance related (in case I can find something, I will be able to put it on my CV by the time I apply)

I'm quite worried about my profile for a few reasons: I learnt that my citizenship will bring the recruiters to compare me with all the Chinese students (who are quite competitive, especially the ones from mainland), being Chinese also means that I belong to an overrepresented pool of candidates, and to make everything even worse I have a very mediocre GPA. I do have valid reasons for it (depression and family business ) but I feel like trying to explain it only makes everything sound like excuses.

I want to ask you if you think I have any chances to get into these schools with my current profile, and if there's anything I can improve on.

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

I think you have an average profile and experience.

All you can do is get a great GMAT score and write a great Essay and then do great in interview.
720 GMAT score wont cut it. You need at least 760.
For essay you can take help of a consultant and get a great essay written.
For interview, you need to brush up your english and work hard to formulate answers to most probable questions which can be asked in interview.
Also, you should find a person who will write you a great recommendation. Apart from this you need to get some NGO experience.
Also, you have to have a complete clarity on what you want to do in your life. How MBA will help you? What can your dream college give you to fulfill the dreams you have for your life?

If you do most of these things, then you can definitely get a seat in your dream college.
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 11:35
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Hi vvv000:

Thanks for reaching out to all of us. Addressing a few of your concerns:

"I learnt that my citizenship will bring the recruiters to compare me with all the Chinese students (who are quite competitive, especially the ones from mainland), being Chinese also means that I belong to an overrepresented pool of candidates"

--> Yes, this is a factor but there's nothing you can do about it. You can't change your nationality/ethnicity, so why fixate on this point? You have to focus on the elements of your background and personality that you truly believe help differentiate you. That's not an easy task but it can be done with the right amount of introspection and craft.

"...and to make everything even worse I have a very mediocre GPA. I do have valid reasons for it (depression and family business ) but I feel like trying to explain it only makes everything sound like excuses."

--> I wouldn't write that off yet. If you have legitimate reasons such as these, they can be addressed in the optional essay. Again, it's all about striking the right tone and putting a forward-looking spin on it. At the end of the day, all you can do is offer your best reasoning. Instead, focus on improving your GMAT score. That is the single best way to counterbalance an average GPA. Getting into the 700 range will be important for someone with your profile.

That all being said, LBS and HEC are top programs and I fear they will be tough for you. You should still apply if you manage to get the right GMAT, but I would also expand your list if you are really set on getting a master's degree. There are many great programs out there and you will find the right one!
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 17:21
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Thank you Admissionado for the feedback, I really appreciate it!

I know that HEC is very focused on academics, so I agree that it's gonna be tough and highly unlikely. However, I do know friends who got in with a gpa slightly higher than mine and a gpa of around 680-700 with an Italian citizenship. Does nationality really change things so drastically? Especially in HEC, where most students are European. Do you think that the situation is better with NUS and ESSEC?

Do you have any tips on essays?

I do have a few other options, ESCP, CBS, Rotman, EDHEC (one of my last choices), what do you think about these?

Thank you so much and sorry for all the questions
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 17:27
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Thank you so much desertEagle!

If that's the case I think I'm a little too late for the gmat, 760 seems very far sadly.

Can you recommend a good NGO?

My supervisor/manager from Xiaomi is willing to write the recommendation letter for me, I am thinking of asking the Italian office's CEO as well, do you think that this might help?

Thank you
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-- 13 Jul 2022, 18:01
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vvv000:

See our in-line responses:

Q: Does nationality really change things so drastically? Especially in HEC, where most students are European. Do you think that the situation is better with NUS and ESSEC?

A: It might factor in, but only slightly at most. It's not changing one's overall chances, especially if it's only a matter of citizenship and not experience.

Q: Do you have any tips on essays?

A: Yes, we have plenty of tips. In fact, we have full-blown strategies. I strongly encourage you to get time with someone on my team if you are interested in our essay services. I have included the link for you to register for a free consultation:

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

Q: I do have a few other options, ESCP, CBS, Rotman, EDHEC (one of my last choices), what do you think about these?

A: More good choices! CBS (assuming it's Columbia) is going to be a real stretch as well. That's on par with LBS and HEC. This is another topic we can discuss during the free consultation should you choose to sign up for one.
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-- 14 Jul 2022, 03:20
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vvv000
Hello everyone,

I'm currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree (international economics and management) at Bocconi University and will be graduating soon. I took a gap year for personal and professional reasons (I would like to gain some experience in the finance sector in this year). The courses that I am interested in are Finance or Management and I'm planning to apply for the first rounds in the following universities:
- HEC
- ESSEC
- NUS
- LBS


Background: I'm a Chinese citizen, born and raised in Italy, female
GPA and GMAT: my GPA is quite average (around 26/30) for a few reasons. I wasn't the most responsible person during my first year of studies and, more importantly, had to be quite involved in the family business over the past few years. I attempted to try the GMAT last year after two weeks of preparation and got a very mediocre grade. I am now studying more seriously for it and aim for a 710-720 (I am currently in the 680-690 zone after an on and off preparation of about two months)
Work experience: I worked as a waitress from 2018-2019 (I had different responsibilities despite my age, but I don't know if i should put it on my CV as it doesn't have much to do with the courses I would want to get into), had a one month training as a junior consultant, did an internship of 6 months at Xiaomi as an e-commerce business analyst, and 3 months in an Italian consulting firm as a junior consultant. I am now looking for an internship starting from September for something more finance related (in case I can find something, I will be able to put it on my CV by the time I apply)

I'm quite worried about my profile for a few reasons: I learnt that my citizenship will bring the recruiters to compare me with all the Chinese students (who are quite competitive, especially the ones from mainland), being Chinese also means that I belong to an overrepresented pool of candidates, and to make everything even worse I have a very mediocre GPA. I do have valid reasons for it (depression and family business ) but I feel like trying to explain it only makes everything sound like excuses.

I want to ask you if you think I have any chances to get into these schools with my current profile, and if there's anything I can improve on.

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

Dear vvv000,

Thanks for writing in.

You definitely have a chance at making it to your target schools especially the top 3 on your list, if you score upwards of a 720 on the GMAT. The spike in score will help you stand out in your applicant pool.

All the best!
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