Would appreciate a review of my chances of getting in. Contemplating applying in round 2.

Background

Work experience:

Past - 3 years in a Malaysian investment bank (2nd biggest in the country), working in Corporate Finance (similar to work done in bulge bracket IB's but focusing on local companies and with a bit more emphasis towards regulatory submissions - eg: drafting the Prospectus and application to the SEC). Came in via the bank's management trainee programme (only one in my Batch to do a 3 month rotation in Indonesia).

Current - 1.5 years in a life science VC fund (Main LP is my country's sovereign wealth fund. Invests across the life science spectrum (medtech, pharma, clean tech, agri etc) focusing on companies in the US and EU.

Extracurriculars:
University - Student lounge manager (paid position), Head of the Welfare Department (elected position)
Work - Ran the volunteer programme for my investment banks management trainees for about 1.5 years (part of the requirement for the management trainees is to fulfil certain CSR requirements. I headed the team that gave them their postings, found organisations/events to send our trainees to and ensured their timely and proper completion of their requirements).

Undergrad school/major: Monash University (Malaysian campus) / Accounting and Finance

side note - flunked out of an earlier attempt at university (TLDR; pushed into the sciences my whole life by parents, wasn't passionate about it, showed when I entered university to do engineering, hence flunking out). Took a break and worked for a while in a sales position in a gym (8 life changing months, learnt a lot, got me out of my shell) while contemplating my goals in life and what was important to me before deciding to study Accounting and Finance in Monash.

Other education/coursework: CFA Charterholder

Race/nationality: Indian / Malaysian

Sex: Male

Stats

GMAT Score (include breakdown!): 750 (49Q / 42V / 6IR)

Undergrad GPA: 3.75

MBA Info

Goal of MBA: My intention with an MBA is to (i) learn - keen on the business analytics and stragey majors in Whaton; and (ii) move into consulting. My end goal (10 years time) is to be at a decision making/strategy level in my countries public investment institutions (think sovereign wealth funds, public retirement funds and the like). In order to do that, I would need to equip myself with the relevant knowledge and work experiences that would enable me to contribute effectively and drive progress within these institutions. These institutions have a national level impact and would be my way of contributing to the country, as small as it might be. Consultancy seems the obvious next step seeing as its an environment of non-stop learning across multiple indusries. Looking into firms with a PE value creating practices/focus such as Bain. Tried applying, but only had an interview with one (failed at the final interview). Aiming to work in consulting (MBB being the target) in SEA (Singapore, if not, Malaysia or Indonesia) post-MBA

Hi mkipa1,
I think you've got a good shot at top 10 schools assuming strong essays & LORs. Although it's not ideal to flunk out of university at any point it sounds like you learned from the experience & really rebounded, and I think the adcom will appreciate your self reflection & the ultimate maturity you showed. Your GPA & GMAT are strong as is your work experience. You're also coming from a unique demographic, which always helps.

I say go for it! Definitely reach out to us if you need any help thinking through your strategy or your story. If you email Claudia at claudia@admissionado.com she can set you up with a free consultation with an MBA consultant who can take a look at your resume & give you some more detailed thoughts!

MBA Profile

HI! Hoping for your help in evaluating my profile. Thanks!

Demographic
27 years old. Male from the Philippines.
Undergraduate Degree: BS Management Engineering (Honors Program), GPA 2.80
GMAT: 710 (considering retaking it to offset my low GPA)

Work Experience
5 years in the Oil & Gas Industry working for a “Big Oil” Company
- Completed the competitive “Big Oil” Graduate Program
- Assigned in various regions in the Philippines. Within the 5 years I’ve been with the company I have already held 6 different and challenging roles and have been promoted the equivalent of 4 times.
- Assigned as the terminal manager for one of “Big Oil’s” largest terminals in the country. Had 4 direct reports and over 100 contractors reporting to me. Historically, I was the youngest manager for the terminal I was assigned in.
- In my current role I responsible for the management of several contractors/haulers who deliver to the most significant delivery envelope in the Philippines (Metro Manila)
- I was recognized and awarded as one of the top outstanding employees In the company for my performance in 2018
- I have led several large projects for the company that have provided millions of dollars in benefits. I have also been given significant responsibility by the company (e.g. Terminal Manager role) for the positions I’ve been in.
- Every year we go through performance rankings, and I have consistently been ranked high against my peers and have been given excellent performance feedback.

Extra Curricular
Triathlete
- I’ve joined many triathlon’s including two 70.3 Ironman events.
- Currently I am training for my first full Ironman 140.6 which will be in 2020.
Volunteer Work
- I’ve participated in various coastal clean up activities across the Philippines thanks to the opportunities provided to me through my work

Reason for MBA (Still working/reflecting on this part)
- Seeing the “bigger picture”, I’ve been quite fortunate in having several roles across operations but I do not yet have experience in other areas of business such as finance, marketing, sales, etc. I plan on majoring in strategy so I can capitalize on the various classes provided by MBA’s schools to develop a more wholistic approach when it comes to solving business problems.
- Diverse culture and international student profile. Adapting the best practices and management styles of different people. Coming from an “asian” background I do tend to be shy and not vocal, this is something I hope I can work on by being exposed to the “western” side of the world.
- My end goal would be to land in a role in a consulting company by using my skills (A strong foundation in operations, and “big picture” view of the needs of businesses)

Reason for the low GPA
- The course I finished was highly competitive (only 50% of us graduated) and as a honors course, it was one of the more prestigious courses of the university
- Poor balance of time, I was heavily involved in extra-curricular activities. I led several student org projects and was also a member of the fencing varsity team (I won gold in our UAAP (NCAA for the americas) competition). I plan on showing that I have already overcome this weakness through my success in work.

Questions: Do I need to re-take the GMAT to make up for my low GPA? Is 710 enough? How are my chances?

Hi PatrickPecson,

You have a good profile overall, with lots of achievements at work, which will translate to good MBA stories. The career goals are aligned with what you have done so far- now their presentation will matter. It will matter how well you tell your story that shows your career progression so far and how consulting is the next step in order to achieve your long term goals.
I am definitely recommending you retake the GMAT. A low GPA and GMAT will not help, specifically, as we talk about prioritization skills (because of which your GPA was low in the first place). Adcoms always tell applicants to apply when their profile is strongest and so from their perspective, you could have prioritized your GMAT to leave time for a retake (I say this in case you are applying in R2 and feel crunched for time). And also, use the optional essay to explain the low GPA.
_________________

Hi

Could you please evaluate my profile for MBA? Thank you in advance

I am 33, Indonesian (US resident)

Education: BBA in Accounting and Finance (double major) - mid tier University. GPA: 3.7.
Certification: CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Work experience:
- almost 9 years of public accounting (auditor) in Texas:
+ 2.5 years in local firm as senior auditor. Clients include publicly traded companies, specializing in energy
+ 3.5 years at EY (big 4) as supervising senior auditor (assistant manager equivalent). Clients include publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 companies, specializing in software and energy
+ 2.5 years at BDO as experienced manager (1 level below sr mgr). Clients include publicly traded companies. Had experience with IPO.

- 2 years of industry midsized private oil and gas (exploration and production) experience as CAO - Chief Accounting Officer (managing all accounting employees and all aspects of companies' financials). The Company is backed by PE and financing from banks. Grows through M&A. Had experience of attempting an IPO (completing S-1 filing). Candidate for CFO within next year.

Other experience:
- Co founder of a construction company based in Indonesia founded in early 2018. 4 full time employees. Revenues are approx $0.5M annually & growing.

Extracurricular:
- UT's mentorship program 2017 & 2018 : professional mentoring to college students to assist with job placements and interviews
- Led several social activities at church

Reasons for MBA
- Push my career further. I am currently in a place where I would need additional boost to be equivalent to my peers. In the past, most companies hire CFOs from a more traditional CPA / auditor / corporate accounting role or investment banking role. This trend has shifted lately where CFOs are also required to have other credentials, and seen equivalent as CEO in decision making. I believe getting MBA from top Bschool would add tremendous value to my portfolio
- I am currently very specialized on energy industry based on my experience. While the industry is lucrative, it is highly volatile. I would like to add credentials to enable me to explore other industries, apart on my short stint in software industry while I was at EY.
- Opening opportunities outside of finance field
- personal goal / achievement to get MBA

Due to time constraint from my full time role and part time business, I may not be able to achieve the best GMAT score. Would that hinder my application to Bschool?

Thanks again.

I actually just turned 33, so I will be 33 when starting MBA. I'm thinking PT MBA if I can find a job in close proximity to the college. If not, full time MBA

Posted from my mobile device

Hi,

Please, if you can, evaluate my profile as an international applicant for the MBA program

Nationality: Indian
Age: 29
Undergraduate Qualification: Bachelor in technology with specialisation in computer science engineering.
GMAT: not taken yet
Work experience: 6+ years
About me - An engineer turned entrepreneur, started a textiles manufacturing and trading business, while studying, with my father (as his prior experience and willingness to work in the same industry he's ever been). Completed my engineering side-by-side. Then left for job, but kept involved in business somehow of the location benefits as my manufacturing process used to take place in the same city I got a job in. Then moved back for business, leaving my job. Since then, been in business and have turned quite a lot of things around for us, and for the market in a good way.
key achievements --
Turned everything from credit to cash.
Took things online,
and added a customer-centric approach.

All these things and ideas were new for the market and my customers, but now productivity has increased for both.
I think entrepreneurship is a good idea for my MBA, but not sure if it’s a good idea in case I want to experience something different like a job maybe for some time. Also, I am so much involved into everything I do, I don't want myself to not make use of my 2 years at an MBA program, so I am a little cautious of schools where I may not find the right mindset of people whom I can be with.

Why MBA?
I have some ideas related to my field which I think can really help and change the way things are done. I want to incorporate tech into small scale manufacturing, and I don't mean just computers. I am looking for a school where I can get some tech exposure along with my MBA, as I may need to take 1-2 tech courses along with an MBA.

Extracurriculars: I am an active sports guy. I play tennis, have coaching experience of swimming (summers only :P) have formed 2 groups in my city -- running and cycling, started with 2 people now each group has around 500+ participants, 60% of them are moderately active, 80% are somewhat active.
I trek a lot and have taken most treks closer to my place, as I work 7 days so it's hard to take an off as treks need a lot of days, but I manage that somehow by minimizing risk.
I am a cyclist, too. you'll find me cycling in the hills, if not trekking.
I have taken part in brevet, 200 km one.
I am a part of the national cycling group and I represent my city for the group.
Also, I am a participant of a blood donation group, we provide blood to blood banks and the ones in need, in person, too. we don't charge for it, it's a free community service for anyone in need. we are presently handling 3 states and the group has around 5000 members, most of them are active. It's run by the people for the people, but then there are too many things to do.

References: From clients to these groups, I can ask anyone to recommend me, but I think it makes more sense if I ask my clients or business people.

shall I apply?

Hi Shrey,

I started my morning reading this very interesting article, which may be relevant for you: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/how-smart-msmes-are-harnessing-the-digital-wave-to-come-out-of-twinshocks-of-gst-and-note-ban/articleshow/72200493.cms
If your business is entirely India based and plans are to grow it in India and around, then ISB can be a good option for you. You can manage the business while studying and also apply your classroom learnings to the business simultaneously. I believe you will also benefit from the local context of the PGP program and ISB has good representation of courses for family business ( as does Wharton).
_________________

Hey Abhishek,

You have a great GMAT score, decent work and extracurricular experience. However, you're coming from a pretty competitive demographic and GPA is on the lower side, therefore, you will have to have very compelling essays and glowing recommendations to be considered. Wharton will be a reach for you given the statistics and information you provided here. If you're looking to goto schools in the US, I would highly recommend casting a wider net to Top 20 in the US. Good luck!