Need an evaluation too..

Question

First of all, thanks in advance. 

Here is my profile

Bachelors in Computer Science 80% - I dont know what GPA this translates into.
Citizenship - India
Work Experience - 
 3 years - Infosys
 3.5 years - Hewlett Packard
International Experience
 8 months - Japan
Currently working in HP in California for the past two years.

GMAT Score - 730

Topped Management entrance exam for Engineers in India (JMET). 

Constantly rated as top 5% of workforce in both Infosys and Hewlett Packard.

Recieved around 8 awards for exceptional work.

Worked with the Government of India to provide e-learning to children in schools. I was not affliated with any organization, but i have a appreciation letter from the Goverment.

I have strong recommendation letters from the director and program manager of sales operations HP. 

I know I probably dont stand out? For this year, given the application deadline, I plan to apply in GSB and MIT. What do you think my chances are? 

If i dont get into either next year i will evaluate my options again.

rajiv_av · Answer

Currently i lead a team of around 15 people and also play the role of a business analyst.

golfpro20050 · Answer

you come to brag? *I think you know where u can go

PaulBodine · Answer

Rajiv_av,

The leadership definitely helps your case. Do you stand out enough to get into GSB and MIT? You fall within the crowded Indian Male IT category, but applicants from that pool do get admitted, and if your leadership stories are strong enough and you work hard at communicating some personality and excitement in your essays, you could certainly be among that pool. You are shrewd to target GSB and MIT, I think, rather than other similarly ranked programs that are not as friendly to your profile. Make the most of your international experiences, especially Japan, as a "human interest" / "cross-cultural" / "personal growth" theme. A generic-sounding set of essays will be fatal.

Good luck,

rajiv_av · Answer

Hi Paul,

Advice could not have come at a better time. Thank you so much. 

I got a 5.5 on the AWA, just got the results today. Not too bad i guess. 

Any case I was thinking of Stanford too, just because of its close affliation with Hewlett Packard. Do you think its worth giving it a shot?

Really appreciate your feedback. 

Thanks and Regards,
Rajiv

PaulBodine · Answer

Rajiv,

I see don't that "special something" -- e.g., sheer unusualness -- that Stanford and HBS like to admit. They also admit super-achievers, but I'm not sure your profile is quite in that 'god' category.

Good luck,

rajiv_av · Answer

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for your evaluation. I was in two minds about applying to Stanford this year. Will skip Stanford this year. 

Given your analysis i will try to further work on my essays and try to refine them.

If things dont work out this year, then i will apply in different schools next year and also will consider applying to a few part time courses.

Again thank you.

Regards,
Rajiv

PaulBodine · Answer

You're welcome; best of luck to you.

Need an evaluation too..

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards