RiyaJain69 wrote:
Hello, experts. Please evaluate my profile.
Age: 35
Gender: Male
GMAT: 650 (Q47, V34, IR 3 🙁)
Industry: Journalism
- Headed city desk of a national English daily
- Served as co-founder of a media-tech startup, whose unique concept made its founder win Ashoka Fellowship and TED Fellowship
- Won award for business journalism in my journalism college's alumni awards
- Won a fellowship and was shortlisted for a prestigious fellowship
- Have been doing deep-dive investigative journalism of late. One story forced a government department to quit imposing an illegal technology on people. The other, about a bank fraud, has triggered an RBI investigation into the bank and follow-up stories by other media houses. (More such fireworks will be published in the coming months.)
- Have worked in leadership capacity in two orgs. and in managerial capacity in the startup, from writing policies to establishing partnerships with other organisations to hiring and crisis management. Anchoring special projects.
- Have ghost-written a course on media literacy for college students and ghost-edited a book on financial frauds.
Extra-curricular
- Music: I had quit my full time job in 2014 to start a band with my friend. One of our songs was shortlisted for the now-reputed Radio City Freedom Awards. One track selected as Track of the Week in an international EDM star's record label. Two songs released worldwide as a demo project file with a music making software. Some top DJs in the world have played our tracks in their set.
- Not sure if school credentials matter but I've extensively taken part in and won in activities such as elocution, extempore, poetry recital, storytelling, debate etc. Have even represented my school at regional meets twice.
- Socially, I'm active in the civic affairs of my locality. I'm the one who gets work done (cleaning, repairs) by our government authorities by coordinating with the local councillor or the municipality or by filing complaints at the CM helpline.
Now, I'm aware that 650 is a poor GMAT score, more so when seen with my IR score of 3. But does my profile compensate for these shortcomings? Should I apply for round 1 of IIM A, B, C with this score or is it pointless with my GMAT score? Also, I have poor score in class 12 (59.8%) and graduation (BBA-59.9%). B grade in my PG studies in journalism. I'm not dumb, just that parents (IITian father) beat me up to force me to opt science at +2 level. I just won't study what I never wanted to study, so naturally the score tanked and so did my spirit. Aimlessly and helplessly, got into BBA college. When I finally got into journalism, years of emotional abuse got to me and I was diagnosed with clinical depression. From struggling with suicidal thoughts, I'm proud I passed with a B grade. I've helped my journalism college by publishing stories of their students, by helping them get an interview call for placement in my companies. They proudly showcase my work on their social media. I'm an asset to whichever college takes me. I want IIM A.
Pardon my oversharing. Kinda disappointed with my low verbal score. My English is good! Telling all this to impress upon you that my extra curricular is good and leadership experience is good. Should I apply with 650 or try again?
Sorry for the long read. Travelled to another city for the GMAT. Everything is closed here because of some strike. I'm hungry and thirsty in a hot and humid place. I must stop. Sorry and thank you!
Posted from my mobile device
👋 Hey
RiyaJain69,
Here is a detailed profile evaluation for you!
Your profile exhibits
significant achievements and resilience. With a background in journalism, you bring a unique perspective to any MBA cohort. Key highlights include:
👉
Professional Accomplishments: Leading a city desk at a national English daily, co-founding a recognized media-tech startup, and deep-dive investigative journalism that prompted real-world changes are all significant achievements. Your contributions to journalism education via ghost-writing and editing further enrich your profile.
👉
Extra-curricular Achievements: Your foray into music, particularly with songs that gained international recognition, and your active role in civic affairs showcase versatility and a multi-dimensional profile.
👉
Leadership and Managerial Roles: Your leadership capacities in various organizations, coupled with experiences in policy-writing, partnerships, and hiring, are in line with the leadership ethos of top B-schools.
Areas for improvement:
👉
GMAT Score: A 650, especially with an IR score of 3, is on the lower end for top-tier schools like IIM A, B, C. Your academic scores also pose a challenge.
👉
Personal Challenges: While personal struggles like battling depression after enduring emotional abuse provide context to your academic performance, it’s essential to present this in a way that showcases resilience without overshadowing your achievements.
👉 Given the strength of your profile, you could be considered, but the GMAT score may act as a hurdle. If IIM A is your aim, consider retaking the GMAT and aim for a 680+ to enhance your chances. A compelling application and essays emphasising your unique value and experiences can make a difference. If you opt to apply with the 650, ensure the rest of your application is impeccable.
If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a
FREE call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
👉
Click Here to Set-Up a FREE Call 👈
09 Aug 2023, 14:09
(Forced to take up, redundant job etc) 
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