Here is the chat log from our recent chat session with ARINGO MBA Admission consultancy held on May 3rd 8am PDT | 8:30pm ISTIntroduction of our guest from ARINGOMy name is Shimri Winters. I am a London Business School alumnus and I have been heading the strategy team here at ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting for 6 years now.
A bit more about me: I have a computer science degree, and before my MBA at LBS, I worked as a programmer in a big software company. Post-graduation I work in consulting. Additionally, when I graduated from LBS, I was asked to be part of the LBS interviewing committee (I was helping LBS, interview MBA candidates, for 8 years).
Feel free to ask me anything during this chat!
(You can also check out our website https://www.ARINGO.com for further information or shoot me an email on shimriw@ARINGO.com with your CV, GMAT, school wish list, timeline and questions.Will 2 years’ experience put me at a disadvantage since the pool is competitive?So, most business schools look for at least 2 years of experience. Will it be enough? It depends on the schools you are going for, your profile, your GMAT, your timing and your strength of applications.
Hi Team, thank you for organizing this. For applicants applying with a GRE score, what would you recommend for T10? (From an over represented population, big tech recruiting).All schools are indifferent to GMAT or GRE. Really. Some US schools have seen 10%-15% and even 20% of applications come in with a GRE score so they really don’t mind. You can read more about these tests here:
https://www.aringo.com/gmat-vs-gre-for-mba/ and choose the best test for you.
I have 2 years of work ex as Manager Key accounts in Saint Gobain, with CGPA 4 in b-tech Chemical Eng. What are my chances in R1, should I wait for another year, which all colleges should i be looking to now?Like I said before. it depends on your GMAT, the schools you are going for and the strength of your application. Another year will strengthen your application, the question is, and do you need to wait another year.
Being an independent contractor since graduation affect chances of admission. Anything "different" is an advantage - so you are saying you have your own business in consulting (it is all how you present it!)
But no, it should not harm your chances in any way!
I have 2.5 years of work ex and a gnat score of 650. I have chosen not to work since November 2019. Would It be permissible to apply to ft MBA programs in Canada (schulich, Smith, Sauder and haskayne). Should I?You can apply to any MBA program as you have the minimum requirements. should you apply? That is up to you
Are your chances high Only if you can explain this gap in your professional career. If you can’t I suggest finding a great job and applying in 1.5 years
Coming from a state school and apply to a M7 with a low gpa (2.7) effect chances?Not if you have a great GMAT, career and write amazing applications that will compensate for that.
I have been out of job for past 8 months now, I have 9+ years of work experience, 31 years old. What are my chances in top European schools if I get a score of close to 730+-; I am from India living in Poland for this past 8 months but have work permit issues because of which haven’t been able to get a job? Also, I have close to 2 years of experience working in US and Europe when I was working. Kindly help!Sounds like you have a very good profile. I would say your chances are very high if you score a high GMAT.
Feel free to send me your CV, the school wish list etc. once you take the GMAT, and I will be able to give you a more specific chances estimation
Can I be competitive in mba as I am turning to 40 years old?Please read my article on MBAs over 30 -
https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/they are 5-6 "special" programs for senior / older candidates..... So even with a GMAT Waiver option
(after you read it, if you have any questions, feel free to send me a line at
ShimriW@ARINGO.com) with your CV and I can help further.
Do you think coming from a non-traditional background is a disadvantage? I have 4 years of corporate law experience (M&A and Capital Markets). Indian Male, 27.Coming from a non-traditional background is a BIG ADVANTAGE!!! You won’t be competing against another 1000 "like you" applicants...sounds to me like you have a very very good profile (missing a GMAT score and school list to tell you your chances...)
I am a student at IIT Kanpur, Got Minor in Literature, Management and Computer Systems. I am expecting at 740-750 GMAT. But Cgpa is 7/10. In fourth year of college now. Should i try MIM or MBA later?Your call if to try MIM now (or deferred MBA applications) or wait 3 years and apply to MBAs
both great routes and paths to amazing careers
Will having almost 8 years of experience be too much?8 years is fine for MBA applications. I would say over 10 is "a problem" and over 12 is a BIG PROBLEM
Hi, I gave gmat once, last year April. Got a 650 Q45, V35. Aiming for isb. How do I need to prepare for the next attempt? Should I concentrate more on quant or verbal? And what is the ideal amount of time. How should I plan my study schedule I am currently working 8hrs/day. Please suggest!Sorry, I work in MBA Admissions... I can’t help you with your GMAT prep... good luck
Hi please let me know I am having 10 years of experience in after sale and service as a service manager can you please let me know at what stream I should go ahead along with country.Hi, as 10 years is boarder line between "regular MBAs" and "senior executive full time MBAs" I suggest you read my article on MBAs over 30 there is a list of programs there...:
https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/I am currently working in an NGO (Education with the Govt.)And soon up for a promotion (within a year). I have worked at Accenture for 3 years (HR) prior to this. I have a degree in BBA and PG in HRM (GPA 3.25) as well. Won several National Level Music competitions. Currently working on GMAT last test score: 690. (Hoping to get 730 +). How are odds getting into the top 10 schools?I love your profile - being different is a huge advantage is the MBA competitive world. Please be in touch with me after your GMAT? (
Shimriw@ARINGFO.com) for a deeper chances assessment...
What can you possibly do to standout from an over-represented pool in a competitive R1 app, when you already have a 750 GMAT, 8.7/10 GPA, work for a fortune 500 company, with some good ecs that demonstrate leadership and moderate work exp., given you don’t have international experience? I am looking to get into Tech consulting and aiming for M7 schools.Sounds to me like you are already standing out
but, if you write kick-ass applications and mention interesting stories about yourself and your professional and personal work experience, you will have a good chance overall
feel free to send me your CV to
shimriw@aringo.comMy major is Mathematics (B.S. degree) . Chances for M7 after 3 years vs chances for MIM in HEC and LBS now?I don’t have enough info on you... with a high GMAT you can get into a top MIM program. Three years from now? Let’s see where you work, what the progress you have made.
Hi Aringo team. I am Korean-Japanese. Am I considered to be in the "overly-represented group"? Also, if my gmat is around 700-710, GPA 3.5, undergrad business background, work in F500 company, good extracurricular and recommendation, will I have a good shot for getting admission from M7 + LBS/INSEAD?You are not over-represented. You are you. And your background sounds great
Hi, you have an interesting profile!
Please send me your CV, GMAT Score, school Wish list, the timeline of your application and any other info to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com for a profile evaluation.
Hi. Hope all is well with you. Choice Schools: SMU, NUS, Rotman, Warwick, Judge, LSE, HEC Montrel
Course: MSc Finance / Masters in Finance/ MBA
Brief Intro
Nationality: Indian. Age 27 years. Did my graduation in commerce in Sept 2014 with 71 %. Worked with NSDC Govt of India as an intern for 3 months as marketing Associate.
Worked with reputed CA Firm for 3 years and working as a Data Analyst with us based company since 2018.
Since 2015 working as a volunteer with Thalassemia Society and Red Cross. Organized blood camps and donate blood and motivating others to participate in the camps.
Not appeared for GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL. Do I need to appear for these exams?
For which B schools I am eligible for? (Those who waived GMAT and with GMAT Score).You need a GMAT for all top MBA programs.
You need a GMAT for some MIF programs and some not.
The list is long, sorry I can’t send you all the MIFs in this chat
Profile:
GMAT: 760,
IIT (India),
Grade:4.0, Department rank 2
3 years in Management Consulting in U.S. based boutique consulting firm (1.5 years’ experience in South Africa and U.S.),
1 year in E-Commerce startup in Business Intelligence team,
Post-MBA goal: Consulting; Would be great to know prospective schools Simple
you have an interesting profile! Great academics, great GMAT, great work experience, international experience the full package, you can get into any school in the world with a good application...
Please send me your CV, and any other info to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com for a deeper profile evaluation…
Indian female with 5 years of cumulative experience, including 3 years in consulting (big 3) in India and over a year so far at an international NGO (based in South East Asia). Education background: Planning to take GMAT in a month (hopeful of a 740+). Chances of making it to the Ivy League colleges?Very high chances with a good application
Female + Consulting + big 3 brand + international experience...
Please send me your CV to
shimriw@ARINGO.com once you take the GMAT...
But carry on what you are doing (hope there are some extracurricular activities there too )
In your opinion, how do you believe R1 admissions (this fall) will compare vs a typical R1? Will it be much more competitive due to economic downturn + deferred population from this application cycle? Or could uncertainty from coronavirus (e.g. whether MBA programs are online or in-person) still result in lower volumes at least by R1 deadlines? Do you believe there will be a difference in competitiveness between domestic vs international students?Coronavirus impact on Sep-2021 admissions:
This is what I think:
A. Many international candidates who were accepted to Sep-2020 studies will ask for a deferral (= next year, there will be fewer seats in the class due to deferred students from this year)
B. Many people are now sitting at home, rethinking their future, thinking of a career change (=next year there will be more candidates)
A + B => next year will be harder to get into top MBA programs.
What does this mean for you? Not much.
You can only do what you can do.
Hi! I have almost 8 years of experience and probably won’t work from today until I get back from the mba Due to coronavirus, I plan on applying this year to start on 2021. Will that be bad?Well, I don’t know anything about you. But once you take the GMAT, and I see your CV and your school wish list I can tell you your chances. (send me your CV to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com)
but no, it is not bad, if you worked 8 years, and will have now a little gap due to the corona virus
Gaps are ok, if you can explain them!
I have 5 years of work experience and left my job after having baby...I haven’t worked since three years. Do I work again and then apply to b schools as I have a break in career since 2017? Will it limit my chances of getting into a top b-school?Hi, unfortunately, yes, not working for three years does limit your chances for top MBA programs. I know this sucks, but that is life. Perhaps go back to work for ~2 years and then apply to an MBA? Or compromise and go for a lower-ranked school or an online / part time MBA?
6+ years of experience with public sector, 2 years of gap after bachelors in engineering from NIT. Aiming for 740 GMAT. Indian female. What should I do to be able to crack Kellogg?740 GMAT female engineer with 6 solid years of experience? You have a great profile. Please be in touch after you take the GMAT and we can talk further (
shimriw@ARINGO.com) but in a nutshell, write the best possible applications... but for now, GMAT GMAT GMAT
Hi, is it possible to change recommender in the middle of the process, I’m trying to score a really good recommender. But she’s kinda busy, she already said that she’ll do it but I’m afraid she might pass the deadline. Thoughts?You can contact the school and ask. Most schools will approve this
obviously lesson for next time. Pick your recommenders wisely!
How hard is it to get into UF Warrington for the one year all majors? I have a 650 gmat so far but I need the scholarship.Well as you know, UF Warrington is not a top ranked MBA program, hence, it is "easier" to get into in comparison to other top MBA programs. What are your chances? No idea... I know nothing about you. The GMAT is just one factor... if you want to get accepted / scholarship, you need to write the best possible application, and hope for the best.
25M Indian Engineer
Education: College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai (GPA: 8.3)
Work Exp. : 5 years as Utility manager in 2nd largest Automobile manufacturer in India. Managing a team of 16 members. Lead a no. of contingency and process improvement projects. Worked with international suppliers from Bulgaria and South Korea
Expected GMAT score: 670+
Target schools: (1 year MBA) Essex, HEC, IE Spain, UCD Ireland, Ivey Canada
Expected GMAT score: 670+You have a great profile. Lots of managerial experience, in an interesting industry. Score the 670 and talk to me (I am on
Shimriw@ARINGO.com) don’t rush, you can apply to these schools in R1 or R3... but get the highest GMAT possible.
Indian Female, Work exp - 5 years (3 years in Amazon, currently working in Amazon), GMAT - 700, Aiming for a 750. What are my chances in the top 15?Hi, I don’t have enough info on you. BUT Female, Amazon => two good things...
if you have had some promotions, and you have some extracurricular hobbies, and you score a good GMAT, you will have good chances overall.
I am an engineer and worked as software engineer for 2 years. Started my own firm and worked with a few Startups. I am leading a team of 21 (most of them are older than me) and am the youngest member in my company’s core team of 6. 3 I have total 6 years of work ex. With a 740 in gmat, what do you think are my chances of getting into one of the M7 schools are?Sounds like you have a very interesting profile. I am missing some info on your background, extracurricular, GPA, school wish list etc. please send me all of this and your CV to
shimriw@ARINGO.com and we can take it from there
Profile:
GMAT: 700
89 percentage in Undergraduate from PSG Tech. Top engineering college in state.
3 years’ experience in Project and supply chain management in Alstom Railway manufacturing. Led a team of 10 member’s project matrix. 2 promotions within three years and awarded best employee of year 2018.
Volunteered in community service of the local region. Organized fund raiser to provide food to poor and disabled. Active blood donorInteresting profile!
Please send me your CV, GMAT Score (700?), school Wish list (Europe? US? Canada? Asia?), the timeline of your application and any other info to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com for a profile evaluation…
Are the 2021 deadlines going to get extended due to the corona scare?Currently, no school have advertised changes to their 2021 deadlines.
And I don’t see ANY REASON why they would change them
so expect a round 1 in September as usual...
So basically, since retaking the test is pretty much a hit or miss scenario now, I’ll get straight to the point with existing stats.
I am from an ORM but with a few good OP weapons in my arsenal. (I mean I think can present it that way).
With over 5 years of work-ex in IT I have been blessed to handle broad spectrum of roles, from being a grunt worker to leading projects. Being a voice in pre-sales meetings attracting business for my organization and ending up as an offshore Operations lead for the past 4 months in the field Quality Assurance and Process Automation.
610 Gmat(Q49 V25)
6.78 CGPA In UG from Top 20 university
Strong Extracurricular and community work in UG(Event Management, Band, Club Head, NGO Work )
Any community work in my post college days involve me being part of usual Corporate Social Responsibility Programs in my Org.
I have not taken my ILETS or Toefl.
I aim top 30 -40 colleges
looking for your guidanceI don’t know where you come from but 610 sounds a bit low for an international applicant for these schools, although, you do have a good profile, the average GMAT scores are much higher... so you might have to aim for lower-ranked schools or improve your GMAT
Profile: Indian Male, 29, Merchant Naval officer (Chief Officer), Managerial level, 6 yrs. experience. B.Sc. in Nautical Science. Expected GMAT score: 720+, Target schools: DUKE, LBS, INSEAD, HEC, and Chicago Booth. Insights?We work with a lot of army and navel candidates. Schools like these sorts of candidates (great managerial and project management skills)
Next steps? Finish your GMAT, contact me (
Shimriw@ARINGO.com)
but with 720+, and some good apps, you have a great chance in the above schools
Profile:
GMAT: 750
Education: Indian Chartered Accountant (competitive professional qualification which only 5% of the students clear in the first go) || A Commerce graduate, with a CGPA of 6.62/7.
Work Experience: 3 years as a consultant with Grant Thornton where I advised a large Indian media & entertainment group with a global business (listed in the US Markets). Followed by that, I have been working in the Corporate Development team of an upcoming start-up in the M&E space where I have led two acquisitions with a ticket size of USD 15mn. The Company has raised USD 35Mn till date and includes some renowned industry people on its board. We have successful shows (video and audio) currently running on Amazon Audible, Prime Video, Netflix and Spotify.
Post-MBA goal: Possibly a PM role for the entertainment business at one of Apple, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, HBO.
EC: Volunteered with Teach for India in 19-20, and with Make a difference in 2016. Helped my sibling’s venture develop the pitch deck and business plans for a photography venture, which went on to be a successful photography platform whose clients include the likes of Budweiser.
I also self-learnt Python, and have independently run various data assignments, including a COVID tracker for India which is currently being used by my colleagues and friends to get their daily Covid stats.
Best American schools that I should consider? Any suggestions to plug any gaps?
Given the competitive round 1 this year, do you think I would have a fair shot at those colleges?If you want to move to the media industry, the best schools are probably NYU, UCLA and USC.
You have a very interesting profile, feel free to send me your CV to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com...
GOOD LUCK!
What are my chances in the top 5? HBS, GSB, INSEAD, MIT?
Applicant Pool: Indian, Male, Non-IT Background. Identify in the LGBTQ+ community.
GMAT: 760
Undergrad: NMIMS (#1 for BBA in India)
Employment: Ran my own startup for 2 years. International work experience subsequently in Berlin. Have worked in the education space for the past 3 years, across for-profit, nonprofit, and social-impact space. Strong, impact-driven work over the past two years, working with low-income communities.
Volunteer experience: Significant fundraising for nonprofits serving low-income communities, crowd funding for mental health programmers.
Leadership: Long track record of leadership: Head Boy at school, to running my startup, to holding senior positions in my subsequent companies.
Other: Freelance copywriter and designer. I think I can make a strong case for a ‘creative’ applicant in a sea of technical applicants.You have a very unique profile - and a strong GMAT... please send me your CV to
Shimriw@ARINGO.com for a profile evaluation.
25M Mechanical Engineer
Education: M.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (7.8/10)
B.Tech From state University Gujarat, India (9.02/10)
Working with TATA MOTORS as senior manager in Engineering Research Centre
GMAT target score 710+
Working experience 3yr by June 2021
Targeting to get in top 25 B school for 2021 intakeyou have a good profile, although a bit young (currently, 2 years of experience) if you get a high GMAT then you can go for a top 10 program, if you get a mediocre score, then perhaps a top 25. OR wait another year to strengthen your profile (promotion?)
In any case, GMAT first!
It appears that many b-schools have waived or accepted alternatives for their later rounds in this year’s application cycle. At the very least, this would suggest that the weight of the GMAT is being lowered. Do you believe this could also happen for the upcoming cycle should at-home testing continue to be the only option, or would a strong GMAT actually stand out more than it usually would?So, GMAC are saying the home testing will stop in a few weeks in most areas, so I don’t think there will be a huge difference in GMAT scores next year. (Maybe people will take fewer tests, but many applicants are sitting now at home studying)
All in all, next year will be similar... although it might be more competitive
What are some Indian Bschools for social entrepreneurship? ThanksYou can see MBA Specializations on this page - unfortunately, we mainly rank top US and EU programs:
https://www.aringo.com/mba-specializations/I’m sorry it was sent by mistake. I’m male Chilean 31, 8 years of experience in the same company in real estate, two of those years in middle management and have been in charge of a team ranging 2-8 people, 3 promotions in total. I have no extracurricular activities, GPA 3.3 in business from the top school in Chile. I’m planning on changing careers to tech or a travel related company. I have gotten 640-660 GMAT pretests, hopefully I’ll get high 600 low 700. I want a one year MBA but I need at least full tuition scholarship and hopefully some extra stipend. I will be moving with my wife. Where’s my best chance for scholarships? Thanks!To be honest, your chances for a full scholarship and more in a top school are low. gt the GMAT score first, and then check out lower ranked schools (top 50) for scholarships... maybe some have full scholarships for Chilean applicants? I don’t know.
Does knowing more languages help when it comes to admissions panels like LBS or Oxford/Cambridge? So, if you knew English, Urdu and Japanese for example. Or English, Spanish, and Mandarin. (Of course, I’m talking with fluent level certifications to back them!)Yes, of course, people who speak several languages - this is an advantage
same as people who have traveled to many countries or have another interesting hobby
I’m looking to apply for next year application. Is it a good idea to take the GMAT Online, I’m afraid all the current reviews are mostly complaining about the technical aspect of the test. I have so many things to worry about: my countries have bad internet connection, my only laptop are office laptop (there might be some background app that is not permitted), etc.
Also, is it possible to change recommender in the middle of the process? in case the recommender are super busy. I know that most people recommend choosing a recommender that want to spare some time for you, I’m just pushing for a really good recommender here (talking about direct aide to one of the minister in my country). Or should I just play it safe and choose someone who will actually spare their time?I think I answered these questions above
1. Taking the GMAT online - there are many reviews on this online - you decide
2. I answered above about changing the recommendation -> if you haven’t submitted this, choose someone else. If you have, contact the school
Thanks, everyone for your questions. I really enjoyed it!
Don’t forget to check us out at https://www.ARINGO.com or to send me a personal message (with your CV, GMAT, timeline, the school wish list and questions…) my email is: shimriw@ARINGO.comThat is all from this chat, for more valuable chat sessions please visit the forum again and also you can follow my profile.Regards
Sajjad