Profile Evaluation would be a great help

Hi kusum797 - thanks for asking for our input on your profile. You have a lot of strengths that we can see already, and it appears you're going at this the right way, given the fact that you're starting to prepare now even though you don't think you'll even be applying for another year. Your GMAT is obviously very strong (the AWA is low but we're not overly concerned about it) and the rest of your background looks strong. While you are hitting up against the "Indian male engineer" profile there's also some ways you appear to be breaking out of that mold, which is great. Plus the fact that you're in the UK does add some value - international experience is always valued at these schools.

Let's talk about your plans for when to apply. All the schools on your list prefer applicants to have more work experience, especially NYU which looks for some significant history. The average age at most of these schools is 28 or even 29 in the case of UCLA.

However, it's always about quality, not quantity. We can't really tell from the brief sketch you've provided but it looks like you're really engaged at work and doing lots of good things. If you feel that you would benefit from going back to school sooner, then you might want to consider trying this year - you're coming at it early enough in the season that maybe it's an option for you. Some schools are more open to the early-career candidates. Booth comes to mind as one to consider, though they maybe aren't top-of-mind for technology. You have certainly selected the schools that we would've nominated for you, given that that's your focus.

The other thing of course is that some of these schools (Haas) probably will require a TOEFL from you. Don't take that test too early since it's got only a 2-year application window; it would be a shame for it to expire before you got in with one of your apps. MIT doesn't require the TOEFL for anyone so you wouldn't need to worry about it there, and other schools will waive the requirement since English was the language of instruction at your Indian college.

You didn't mention your college degree so maybe this doesn't apply, but you should know that both Haas and Anderson are not as keen on the 3-year bachelor's; if yours is a 4-year degree then you're more competitive at those two schools.

No matter when you decide to apply, keep doing what you're doing in terms of going for the important projects and finding ways to add value at work and in the community. Evidence that you're that type of achievement-oriented individual is what all the schools look for and it's the way to present a great app - and the way to live a great life, if we want to get all philosophical about it.

Thanks for hitting us up, let us know if we can help along the way!
EssaySnark