UCLA Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi All!

Would love a profile review and any advice you can muster!

Work experience:
Data Analyst - 1.5 years at a boutique consulting firm specializing in healthcare compliance management. Learned tons about data and client deadlines. Picked up VBA and SQL.
Jr. BI Developer - 1 year at a mid-size tech firm specializing in ad tech. Got really good at SQL, picked up Tableau, and Python. Did some pretty cool analytics projects involving automation and segmentation.
BI Developer - (promoted) .5 years at same ad tech firm. Really good at Tableau and Tableau Server and better at Python. Started working with Linux. Started leading cross-functional teams through project life cycle: design, dev, feedback, implementation, and maintenance. Doing more high-impact analytics projects that are informing overall strategy. Projects are starting to incorporate more work from data science and data engineering teams.

Extra curriculars:
4 yrs rugby in college, was recruitment officer and led uni to first USA tournament, am active as an alumni organizer
4 years frat, was a philanthropy coordinator
self-published a mini novella online (to zero praise, but it was a great experience)
performs standup and improv monthly (haven't in a bit cuz of GMAT and essay writing)

Undergrad school/major:
Top 50 uni; econ and French; May 2014 grad
studied abroad in France
broke foot playing rugby senior year which might have dropped my gpa from 3.6 cuz I was a lil loopy in the fall due to pain meds

Profile
Race/nationality: White, US living in Phila
Sex: Male
Age: 24.99
Stats
GMAT Score 740: Q50 V 40 AWA 5.5, IR 6
Undergrad GPA: 3.53

MBA App Info
Goal of MBA: Short term - mgmt consulting to hone in on what makes effective tech strats for growth or resource utilization. Long term - Develop better leadership and analytics skills to eventually lead a strat and ops group at a major tech firm. Even Longer term - Maybe some type of non-profit org that teaches key computer techniques to under served areas in US.
Essays: focused on analytics, comedy, failure, searching for the authentic self
Recs: Strong, one from technical manager and one from VP both of whom I have v good relationships with and have been coaching through the rec letter process, will write about leadership and expertise
Why UCLA: strong tech connections in a lively city and I was really impressed by a few of their students who I reached out to, they felt UCLA gave them the tools they needed and I want me some of that ahah

Additional:
Most people from my company apply to grad school for stats, comp eng, and ops masters. There are a few MBA(s) in upper mgmt, but they weren't working here before they applied to MBA programs. Two Fox MBAers and the CEO is a Whartonite. CTO also has a cert from Tuck.

Nationality- Indian
Gender- Male
Undergrad- Engineering from IIT
Grad GPA: 2.4/4
GMAT- 700 (Q-50, V-34, IR-6)

Work Exp : 6.5 yrs as of now
1. Have worked in 4 different industries with roles varying from Operations, Project Management, Business Strategies, Venture Launch.
2. Have got 4 role up-gradations in last 6.5 yrs, with all 4 of my organizations.
3. As a part of International work experience, Worked closely with Siemens VAI (Austria team) for a duration of approx. 10 months, on a $40 million project. Worked on successful commissioning and launch of project. Later worked on designing and implementing the operations for the Project
4. Have worked as EA to CXO level in an organisation with yearly turnover of $2.5 Billion, directly monitoring the business size of approx. $0.6 billion.
5. Have almost 2.5 yrs of work ex with 2 startups, both in different market segment.
6. First Startup (secured series B of $10 million): launched the business in a City and was responsible for expansion and PnL of that city. Later launched a business vertical for same startup, worked from scratch on doing pilot projects, designing the sustainable business model, setting up the complete Operations, Sales team. Later launched the business in 5 different cities, and later left the startup, when we were clocking approx. 1000 transactions per day. As of now this business has grown to approx. 10K transactions per day, with positive unit economics.
7. Second Startup (secured Series C of $34 million): Worked with multiple functions, to improve Supply Partner NPS. Launch loyalty program for company. Majorly look into the various problem statements company is facing and work on resolving them, with fast pace.

Volunteer Experience:
1. Worked with an NGO and taught kids in Orphanage for approx. 6 months (Though do not have any document to prove the same).

Extra Curricular:
1. Conceptualized, scripted and acted in a comedy play in College.
2. During college Lead a team of five and completed Kedartaal Trek (5 day trek at height of 10055 feet) (comes under moderately difficult category).
3. Was a part of Hockey team and won 3 silver medal in Intra College hockey tournaments.
4. Certified Rock climber (completed Basic rock climbing course) (rigorous 15 full day course, followed by practical and theoretical tests)

Post MBA Aim: considering that already been worked in 4 different industry and going by my interest in solving various problem statements, looking to move in Consultancy.

Also would like to know all probable schools, considering my profile and GMAT score, where I should apply.

TIA

Hi all! Please review my profile and let me know how I might improve my odds of getting into UCLA FEMBA.

General Info and Academics:

- Male, Pakistani, 29 yo
- Undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering, top Pakistani Engineering school, Top 500 university in the world
- GPA: 2.92 overall; Junior and senior years 3.1 (depression during freshman and sophomore years as I worked very hard and got into UT-Austin for my undergrad but could not get a US visa to attend; financial struggles throughout undergrad: I taught high school students in parallel with undergrad to fund college education)
- GRE: 321 (equivalent to 650 GMAT?)
- GMAT: Planning to take in July 2018
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Work Experience:

- Project Engineer at a company in Pakistan; Petro-chem industry
* 6 months
* Leading engineer for 5 projects

- Project Engineer at largest E&P company in Pakistan; Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
* 1 year
* Planned and executed several large projects at largest gas field in pakistan

- Systems Analyst to Manager, Projects and Systems; Fortune 100 Food Service Company in North America;
* 2 promotions in 3 years
* Got my PMP
* Led tech initiatives; created Strategic Project Management Office; Revolutionized e-commerce platform and vendor management; Increased revenues by differentiating from competitor's using tech and best practices; Setup and led off shore software dev team for design and dev of internal systems

- Systems Architect; Large private equity funded organization in the Veterinary Services Industry
* 3 months (working her currently)
* Developing PMO structure and managing large tech projects
* Developed strategy for enterprise collaboration and increased cross-functional engagement

Extracurriculars:
* Science and math mentor to high school students in community organization
* Active mentor to budding entrepreneurs in college Alumni association
* Active project management mentor in college alumni association
* During undergrad, founded and led team of fellow students that participated in Formula SAE competition in UK. This team was the first of its kind in Pakistan to participate in this competition.
* Led inter-faith initiatives as part of local religious community
* Varsity men's soccer in high school and college
* Co-founder of online religious travel business - 6 months ago

Other:
* Fluent in Urdu
* Top 1% Academic Achiever in High School

Post MBA objective:
* Product Management in tech.

Hi there - thanks for writing! It looks like you have good extracurricular involvement and progressive work experience, although you'll want to explain the short durations at your jobs prior to the food services company. It's good that your GPA has an upward trend - I would explain the reason for your freshman/sophomore year struggles in your optional essay. To offset the overall GPA, try to do as well as you can on the GRE or GMAT. A 321 is decent, but aim for as high a quant score as possible. On GMAT, a 46+ on quant/710+ overall. Here's a tip - when you take the GMAT, do not automatically submit the score to Anderson. Wait until you get your score, so that you can decide whether to submit GRE or GMAT. Once they officially have your GMAT score, they have to consider it (and people have been known to get admitted with a GRE score that's technically a lower GMAT score equivalent, since the school is not as concerned about "protecting their average" with GRE as they are with GMAT, as GMAT averages are calculated, published, and factored into school rankings).

For UCLA, based on this year's essays they want a strong sense of what your career goals are, what inspires these goals, and how Anderson can help you achieve them. They'll also want to know what attracts you to their particular program and what you'll both gain from and contribute to it. So to maximize your chances, try to speak with as many students/alumni as possible, and attend any local events - this way, you'll get real insights on why the program is a fit for you and be able to communicate them in your application.

Hope that helps!



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Hi,

Just wondering if someone could help me understand why I didn't even get an interview call based on my profile? This would help me pinpoint the area of improvement for re-applying to the college for next year. Let me know if I should post this to another thread.

I am from India, did Bachelors in Commerce from one of the topmost Delhi University college with 78% in undergrad. Been working in auditing at a Big4 since 4.5 years, and got the CPA certification. I have had a decent career growth, with one accelerated promotion and consistently high performance rating.

Reason for MBA - Change career to management consulting in the short-term, and general management in the long-term

GMAT 700 - V38 Q47

Other -
Certification in French language
Participated in case studies/quiz competitions at college level (not much of extracurriculars with work)
Volunteered at 2 NGOs during college

Thanks in advance!

It's the GMAT. If anybody tells you that you can expect an interview invite from UCLA with a 700 GMAT s an Indian female is probably not being completely truthful. Your profile is pretty awesome. Bump the GMAT to 740 and top 12 is all yours.
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souvik101990 Thanks for the reply! Appreciate it

you are welcome. I know it is hard to hear. I am happy to help you with the GMAT stuff though there are more accomplished (and more helpful) folks on the GMAT forums.
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Hi, and thanks for writing! The admissions process is quite competitive, so every year there are strong candidates who don't get interviewed/admitted. That said, a few thoughts that may help you evaluate your application in retrospect:

- Your GMAT is solid, but given that you're applying from heavily represented pools (Indian applicant + Big 4), 720+ would be helpful
- In your essays, did you provide specific reasons why Anderson is the right fit for you professionally and personally, and specify ways in which you would contribute to the community?
- Career goals: Admissions committees want to know in your essays not only WHAT your goals are, but WHY (i.e. what drives you to want to pursue consulting/gen mgmt)
- Recommendations: these should provide detailed, specific examples of your performance (esp vs. peers), potential, and how you've grown over the time you worked with the recommender
- Extracurriculars: While college involvement certainly is meaningful, having post-collegiate involvement (whether within community service or any other area of passion) can definitely help strengthen an application
- Resume: This needs to provide the AdCom with evidence that you've done well at your job (highlight the promotion, plus the impact you've made on the firm and its clients), rather than a list of responsibilities

Hope this helps! If you want to discuss your profile in more detail and discuss ways in which you may be able to strengthen it for next year, I'd encourage signing up for a free consultation with me here: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/?dis ... admissions


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Please evaluate my profile.

10th - 88
12th - 82
Btech Marine Engineering - 8.44 (BITS, Pilani)

Work experience - 3 years with 2 promotions
Presently sailing as 4th Engineer ( Merchant Navy)
Maersk Line study scholarship for good performance during internship

Extra Curricular :
1. TMISAT all India topper
2. Scholarship in all semesters spent in my Institute
3. Cultural Head for various events
4. INMUN, Delhi
5. Committee Member for All India Level festival
Various certification courses

Post MBA Goals : To work in Shipping company / Oil gas major with specialisation in Strategy Management.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Hi - I see that you posted this on the Tuck Profile Evaluation Thread as well. My response to you on that thread applies here as well. Please me know of any UCLA-specific questions here, thanks!



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Would request you to please evaluate my profile. Planning to apply this year for fall 19 intake.

Nationality: Indian Male, Age 31, Commerce graduate

Undergrad percentage: 61% from University of Mumbai

Post graduate diploma in Management: 4.3/7

Gmat score: 670 (planning to retake the test in July '18)

Work experience: 2 years in KPO, 5 years in Banking operations as Assistant Manager managing a team of 8 in an MNC bank. 1 promotion.

Extra curriculars: Organising CSR and other corporate events at my workplaces. Have also volunteered at an NGO for mentoring underpriveleged children

Post MBA goals: Transition from banking to management consulting and specialising in strategy and leadership.

GMAT is bit on the lower side. A 700 + would give you a foothold.

Hi, and thanks for writing! For Anderson, given its competitiveness and that you're from a heavily represented applicant pool, I'd aim for a 720+ GMAT (the higher the better, to help offset your GPA). It sounds like you have progressive work experience, though I'd need to know more about the nature of what you do and the highlights of your key accomplishments to assess this area. It's good that you have extracurricular involvement within and outside of work - be sure to highlight the LEADERSHIP you've shown in these areas (how you went about organizing the work events and what the results were, and how you were able to impact the NGO/how consistent your involvement was). Also, in your applications, be sure to explain the motivations behind switching to mgmt consulting - why does this career appeal to you? AdComs want to see that sort of reflection. To do so, try to do as many informational interviews as possible with current consultants.

Hope that helps!



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Hi varuns28,

Thanks for posting your query.

A detailed profile evaluation would need your exact role at work, as well. Nonetheless, here are a few things that we would like to mention.

- A GMAT retake is strongly recommended at this juncture. Currently, you are well under the average GMAT score at UCLA and as an Indian candidate, you should definitely look upwards of 720. The GMAT retake becomes even important to offset certain other limitations such as low academic scores, and work experience that is quite above the UCLA average.
- Your essays will not only need to focus on your role at work but also career progression. The promotion looks good and you must elaborate on the same. At the same time, your goals too need to presented in a coherent manner, systematically divided into short-term and long-term with a clear sync between the two.
- We see that you already have an MBA. Hence, your essays will also need to focus on your need for a second MBA at this point.

If you are able to take care of the above, you should have a fine application in place for UCLA.

Should you feel the need for a detailed discussion on the above, please feel free to reach out to us.

Good luck!
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Hi cheshta13,

We know we are a bit late in responding to you. Nonetheless, hope this helps you

Considering your overall profile appears in very good shape, the GMAT would have been a concern definitely. The average GMAT score at UCLA hovers around 720 and as an Indian applicant, you must definitely be looking upwards of a 730.

We also hope you are spending significant time building your profile since the last time you applied Thus, rather than just volunteering roles in NGOs, try and take up a leadership role in a cause that you are passionate about. Also, keep performing at work and put your hand up for anything that challenges your leadership potential. Such points will help you include a number of additional talking points in your essays.

Should you feel the need for a detailed discussion, please feel free to reach out.

All the best!
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'm looking for a profile review for Anderson. Request a feedback.

Nationality: Indian

Sex: Male

Age: 25

GMAT: 720 Q50 V38 IR 5 AWA 5

Education: Btech & Mtech (dual degree) from IIT Kanpur

GPA: 7.4/10 (Btech); 8.4/10 (Mtech)

12th: 92.6%
10th: 89.2%

Work experience: 3 years

Currently working in consulting at PwC. I have been with the firm for nearly 2.5 years.
Recently promoted from Consultant to Senior Consultant. Awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding work.
Have worked on multiple projects with Govt, PSUs, multi-lateral banks and private clients. Area of focus primarily on aviation, logistics and infrastructure sector.

Some key projects include:

Business process reengineering and financial modelling for development of a community system for Govt.
Identified strategies to improve air cargo operations for a large PSU
Devised a market entry strategy for a private client looking to enter the Indian aviation market
Formulated a bid strategy for a large PSU bidding for development of a greenfield airport.
Formulated an economic development plan of South Asia for a multi-lateral bank.

Have also worked for a data analytics firm for 0.5 years.

Research experiences
Research internship at Hokkaido University (Japan)
Worked on a network optimization problem in Mtech thesis. Presented a research paper in an international conference
Teaching assistant for a UG course

Extra curriculars: currently volunteering for PwC foundation; part of the college badminton team; played badminton at State level and inter school nationals; part of the core team of the placement office in college;

Post MBA plan: consulting or product management

Hi, and thanks for writing!
Your academics are good -but would you consider retaking GMAT to try scoring 10+ points higher? Given how competitive things are for Indian male applicants, this may boost your chances.
Your work experience shows progression, which is good. Is it possible for you to take on a leadership role in your work for PwC Foundation? MBA programs greatly value community and firm leadership

Aside from this - in your application, you need to be very clear about why MBA and why Anderson is a fit for you based on its culture and resources within/outside of the classroom.
Hope this helps a bit!




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Thank you Nisha for your revert. Yes I am leading an initiative in pwc foundation.

I agree that the essay should reflect on how I am fit for Anderson. Given my current profile, would u call Anderson as a target school or as a stretch target for me?

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