Stanford Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Your grades are excellent, but even if you get that 730, which is competitive, you needs to show progression on the job and impact off the job. Given your roles at Toastmasters, I suspect you can show that engaged community citizenship and impact. Realize that progression on the job isn't only changes in title; it requires increases in responsibility. So if you can show increased responsibility over time, you can show progression on the job. If you have that and if you get a higher GMAT, then it would make sense for you to apply. If you don't have opportunity for increased responsibility, you may want to look for another position that would give you more responsibility and apply next year.

Best,
Linda

Don't really think I have much of a chance with my GPA, but curious about how I could possibly fare in R2.

Black Male Canadian, 25

Undergrad GPA: 2.36 at top Canadian school in Economic Development (although all of the low grades were while I was a CS major for most of the time I was in uni)

GMAT: 750 (49Q, 44V)

Work experience: 3 years (4 at matriculation) in ERP Consulting. Worked at a smaller firm for a couple years before taking what was effectively a promotion in title at B4.

Extracurriculars: Actively involved with onboarding and recruitment at B4, president of a major cultural group in university that held events for 100s of attendees regularly, Big Brother, volunteered regularly at asylum seekers home.

Goals: Transition from ERP to strategy consulting with the long term goal of working on projects that align closely with my degree (i.e. international development projects in Africa). Long-term would want to either work at a firm like Dalberg specifically focused on development consulting or be a strategic lead at an organization focused on African development.

Hi Lekoben,

Thank you for sharing your profile, and congratulations on an excellent GMAT score. You have exciting goals with a potential for significant impact. I want to learn more about your role in ERP Consulting to understand your contributions, leadership, and impact there. You will definitely need to address your GPA and speak about how you have learned from that experience. You do not mention the schools you are targeting, but I recommend you expand your target list beyond Stanford for maximum ROI.

I'd love to help you tell your narrative to top-tier business schools. If you are interested in continuing the conversation, please reach out.

Good luck!

Susan

I am an Indian male.

Background: Civil Engineering
Undergrad Information: 8.9/10 CGPA, Department Topper for Civil Engineering, Continuous 100% scholarship for all 4 years based on previous years performance.
The college is ranked 37 according to the government of India but it is one of the Top 5 private colleges in India. I chose it because of the scholarship and distance from my home.
GMAT: 710 (Q49 V38 AWA5 IR8) first attempt(was sick that day) and 770 (Q50 V45 AWA5 IR8) on the second attempt
WE: no full-time work experience as I am applying for the deferred programme
Leadership: Have been actively involved in numeorus activities on campus. Most notably I have worked for three years organising the annual Model United Nations Conference where I worked my way up to the position of Director-General with over 100 people working under me. I am also the president of the Entrepreneurship Club of the University and have organised multiple one of a kind events and interactions on campus. Also involved in the Student Chapters of multiple organizations in various capacities. I am one of two the elected class representatives for my batch.

Outside of campus, I have also been involved in social work. I have worked for two years with an NGO working for the rights of women and children in mainly an editorial role but contributing on the ground as and when required.
I have completed my certifications in Lean Management and Lean Six Sigma from the British Standards Institute as well as many certifications in Data Presentation and Project Management from Coursera.

Post MBA Goals: Finance has always been of great interest to me. I want to get into Venture Capital (maybe Impact Investing in particular) as I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and I like meeting new people and listening to new ideas. India is a great growth market for VC and I want to come back to India and contribute to the growth story here.

I plan to work in an early stage startup or a VC fund in the two year after graduating and start my CFA.

JUST A DETAILED REVIEW OF WHAT I DO and what i am.... I work for a public sector bank wherein the government of India owns 55%... there is tough competition to get into this job.. its not a Investment bank or a foreign bank... its a government bank with a triple bottom line... it may be treated as government career as most of our day to day functions involve implementing government policies with respect to financial inclusion, out reach of credit to rural poor, improving agriculture sector through involvement with village governments, engaging with rural women to uplift them through Self help groups, etc ( and i have done this as a job for 3.5 of 4 years on a daily basis)...

Just want to know my chances at Tuck

Background and nationality-
26 years , Indian, male,

Undergrad Information- Aerospace Engineer - SRM UNIVERSITY
7.32/10 GPA- top 25% of the class- (university level- TOP 40 in India)

GMAT: 730 ( on 3 gmat prep mocks -- test on Nov 7th with target of 770 which i will likely achieve)

Work experience and leadership - largest bank and financial services group (public sector) of the country ( back bone of the Indian economy )... State Bank of India (TOP 50 global bank and a F 500 company) .. selected as one of the 2000 officers out of 2.5 million applicants.

1. Credit analyst- 6 months- Commercial Credit- State Bank of India
Ensuring risk quality and credit quality aspects of proposals appraised keeping in view the credit policy of the bank. Performing industry analysis, due diligence processes, etc. Obtaining and analysing relevant financial information, including operating statements and balance sheets for carrying out CRA exercise/preparation of proposals for underwriting new loans, increasing loan commitments, periodical review or substantive changes in terms.Preparation of reports of Special Mention Accounts (NPA) for submission to the appropriate authorities.
Carrying out inspection of units as and when required and mandated in the loan agreement.Ensuring compliance with the bank’s credit policy, local regulatory requirements and compliance with the central bank. Coordinate with officers handling opreations to ensure timely updating and modification of data/terms and conditions/ date of review/approval etc are in the system as and when such change takes place for ensuring correctness of data and information. Achieved more than 35% growth over existing loan book of the asset management team that I worked in a span of 4 months. Appraised credit facilities to the tune of $99 million (Rs 705 cr). Handled 17 corporates accounts with a total exposure of $244.36 million.



2. Deputy Branch Manager of large branch- 1 year 2 months- State bank of India
Incharge of Branch Operations, the head of staff, and head of personal banking division at the branch level.Was directly responsible for the functioning, training, and working of 8 full time staff members. Was incharge of business development in the areas of customer acquisition, agriculture, bullion backed credit, personal segment advances, deposit mobilisation, and cross selling.
Achievements
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S CLUB- MUTUAL FUNDS- OUSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN Bank's MUTUAL FUNDS- 3RD IN THE STATE AMONG 19853 EMPLOYEES.
GOLD QUALIFIER IN YEAR END CAMPAIGN- MUTUAL FUND- FELICITATED BY CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER.. 7th among 19853 employees.
CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER’S CLUB- SBI GENERAL INSURANCE- TOP 3 IN THE STATE
Adjudged the best Deputy Branch Manager in the Network of 850 branches by the General Manager of the network
Adjudged the best Deputy Branch Manager in the Region of 48 branches by the Assistant General Manager/ Regional Manager
The following are the achievements of the team that I lead as the DBM
Gold loan campaign- Was among the 35 branches that qualified in the national level twice in 2 back to back months
QUALIFIED xyz CAMPAIGN- TOPPER AT THE NETWORK LEVEL AMONG 830 BRANCHES.
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER’S CLUB – NOMINATED BY ALL THE DGMS IN THE STATE TO BE BEST BRANCH AMONG 1300 BRANCHES.


3. Branch Manager – 8 months- State Bank of India
As branch manager lead a team of 4 staff members with Rs35 millions of business. Primarily responsible for business development of the branch, functioning of the staff, marketing, appraising MSME credit proposals, ensuring due-diligence of all liability and asset products, and overall security measures of the branch premises.As Branch Manager and team lead, I had along with my team successfully tripled the number of deposit holders in a span of 6 months, increased the agri-gold loan business by 150% over the previous fiscal, sourced and apprised MSME loans to the value of 300% the asset portfolio of the branch, made the branch a 100% digitally banked rural branch from 15% previously by conducting digital awareness programs in the nearby villages, with the help of Sarpanchs ( head of the village level government) and also insured 85% of salaried factory workers from a previous level of 3% a feat appreciated by the GM of the network.

4. New recruit officer - 2 years- State Bank of India
Mandatory time of 2 years of learning of the bank policies and assisting the branch functionaries in business development.
Handled crowds of about 20,000 everyday for 3 months during the demonetization (lineups were 2-3 kms) exercise that took place in 2016 (the greatest challenge at the time).
Increased revenue of a branch by 50%.

Leadership
Leadership (extra-curricular):

1. Organiser and Head of Planning Committee – DEPARTMENT FEST – 2013
Organized and planned the UN international Space week in Aerospace Department. Planned, Created, and set-up events for participation. Coordinated and Managed 50+ volunteers for the success of the technical fest.

2. Joint Secretary and English teacher- a student based NGO- 2012-2013
Was a part of the management team of a student based NGO. As Joint Secretary, I developed syllabus and teaching functions, guidelines for environment awareness focus campaigns , put together the online campaigning strategy, formulated HR policies including setting up of different verticals , conducting interviews for on-boarding of volunteers, conducting induction programs for new volunteers of the newly formed NGO. I was also given additional responsibility of being in charge of the book wings program where I planned, organized, scheduled classes on a weekly basis for teaching English to under-privileged children.

3. Director & President – student based ngo -2013-2015
As the director of Go Green, I was directly responsible for 200 volunteers. Organized Beach clean-up programs, environmental cleanliness awareness campaigns, water conversation campaigns, animal habitat restoration programs, sanitation awareness programs etc., . As the director, I was in charge of proper policy implementation of the NGO to ensure effective outreach of the awareness campaigns, build relationships with the external agencies for planning events of a larger scale, ensuring that every volunteer is well versed on climate change & sustainable development goals relating to environment and helping the junior volunteers in the on-boarding by conducting induction programs and team building exercises. As the first Director, I had an additional responsibility of formulating polices on succession of the directors and voting of green-captains .

4. Volunteer- Earthlings- 2015-present
active environmental activist in my city and region by participating in awareness programs and educating the general public.( couldnt take up a leadership position because of time constraints as i have 6 day week and have to come in even on sundays with a 15 hr work schedule... that being said i have always pitched my view because of my experience of running an NGO)

IF these count.. because all these are part of my job (outside daily business though)
1. Member of the District level committee on Industrial policy.
2. Member of the Mandal Level committee (one step lower than the district level) on banking, and financial inclusion.
3. Member and advisor of the Telangana State Industrial infrastructure corporation at the Mandal level.
4. Member of the Bank's regional committee on strategy and business growth.
5. Member of the Bank's regional committee on Agriculture, Self-help Group (women empowerment through banking), and small credits.


Community and others- Have a deep connection with nature and environment. Always been an active activist for environmental causes. Have been volunteering for the past 7 years of my life biweekly to raise awareness and continue to do so.
Hobbies: Cooking, volunteering for the good, teaching (i teach the kids of my house maid and their colony members on saturdays and sundays), love playing and watching soccer.

Post MBA goals- Want to work for not-for-profit organisations in the social sector that create impact on lives, eg like the gates foundation. Basically want to stick to the public and social sector where i will be working to uplift lives.

Hi!

I am 24, Indian, UG in Computer Science Engineering.

Work ex: Consulting at Tier-II consulting firm ( Fortune 500 professional services company) - Got a policy exception to join consulting from technology without an MBA - the youngest member of consulting practice at my company in India - due for promotion which will make 3 promotions in 3 years of my career at the company.

Extra-curricular:

1. Trustee of a sports foundation - We train underprivileged kids in sports for free with an aim to make them professional athletes. This foundation is under leadership of an accomplished Paralympian
2. Advisor to an NGO which has fixed over 500 garbage dumps in India
3. Advisor to Member of Parliament ( Congressman ) - Help him with policies and initiatives around startups and tech

Reason for MBA - Get a deeper understanding of business and global markets and build a global network. I want to come back to India post-MBA and work for a VC along with helping the government in building a strong startup ecosystem for my country.

I am planning to write an MBA in the next 4 months and apply to class of 2021. You advice will be very helpful formulizing my strategy going forward.

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

Please help me evaluate my profile:

Background and nationality : Indian Female with 6.5 years of work experience in Technology.

Undergrad Information: B.Tech from NIT, Allahabad in top 5% in class --- GPA : 8.5/10 , high school 92% and secondary school 91%
leadership role in undergrad- General secretary of college, hostel president.

GMAT: 700 (retaking gmat in a few weeks)

Work experience and leadership:
-currently working with OLX group as a senior software engineer - past 6 months
- worked with Goldman sachs for ~6 years in technology division. Joined as an analyst, promoted to associate after 3 years and (fast track)promoted to Vice President in 2 years.
- have led various software projects at GS and at OLX, significant experience working with cross-cultural teams and internationally diverse folks due to travel and clients etc
- involved in campus recruitment initiate for 1 year and training for summer interns at GS
- reverse mentored the ceo of gs for 1.5 years

Community and others
- led the women in tech chapter at GS for 2 years
- part of Diversity and Inclusion initiate at OLX
- volunteered to help women seek career opportunties in tech
- taught underprivileged students mathematics at an ngo for 6 months
-participated in oxfam 50k trailwalk and raised money for fight against inequality, partcipated in a few marathon events for women equality initiatives

Post MBA goals
- Product Management role at a tech firm

please let me know what you think. Other schools that I am considering are - Tepper, UCLA, MIT, Hass. (I know the chances to get in stan are really less). Also trying for a higher gmat score.

Thanks alot for your inputs.

Right Now Stanford is a stretch. However if your raise your GMAT, you would have a competitive profile for Stanford. In terms of your goals, you have chosen your schools well (again assuming a higher GMAT). You may also want to consider Ross and Kellogg. perhaps post again when you get your GMAT.

Best,
Linda

I am an Indian male.

Background: Civil Engineering
Undergrad Information: 8.9/10 CGPA, Department Topper for Civil Engineering, Continuous 100% scholarship for all 4 years based on previous years performance.
The college is ranked 37 according to the government of India but it is one of the Top 5 private colleges in India. I chose it because of the scholarship and distance from my home.
GMAT: 710 (Q49 V38 AWA5 IR8) first attempt(was sick that day) and 770 (Q50 V45 AWA5 IR8) on the second attempt
WE: no full-time work experience as I am applying for the deferred programme
Leadership: Have been actively involved in numeorus activities on campus. Most notably I have worked for three years organising the annual Model United Nations Conference where I worked my way up to the position of Director-General with over 100 people working under me. I am also the president of the Entrepreneurship Club of the University and have organised multiple one of a kind events and interactions on campus. Also involved in the Student Chapters of multiple organizations in various capacities. I am one of two the elected class representatives for my batch.

Outside of campus, I have also been involved in social work. I have worked for two years with an NGO working for the rights of women and children in mainly an editorial role but contributing on the ground as and when required.
I have completed my certifications in Lean Management and Lean Six Sigma from the British Standards Institute as well as many certifications in Data Presentation and Project Management from Coursera.

Post MBA Goals: Finance has always been of great interest to me. I want to get into Venture Capital (maybe Impact Investing in particular) as I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and I like meeting new people and listening to new ideas. India is a great growth market for VC and I want to come back to India and contribute to the growth story here.

Knowing how difficult VC is to get into I'd be looking at Management Consulting and early stage startups as options too.

I plan to work in an early stage startup or an MBB firm in the two years after graduating and start my CFA.

Posted from my mobile device

Hi!

I would like to have a sense of the trade-off between age and GMAT score. As well as an evaluation of my chances to get into Stanford.

The question is simple: Apply with a 680 GMAT this year (Intake 2020:R2) or apply with an estimated 710 GMAT but one year older (intake 2021:R1)?

Average GMAT for Stanford is super high, as we all know, so getting closer definitely matters, but also I turn 29 on 2020 so I fear about age discrimination. My first exam without any studying was 640 and I've gone up only 40 points so I know I can get higher with time and effort. The rest of my application would remain "the same" I would have an extra year of managerial experience though as I've recently been promoted.

Background
Demographics
Latin (Salvadoran) Male, 28
Studies
Majored in Economics from country's top business school
Magna Cum Laude
Partial Scholarship from a national program based on academic performance
GPA: 8.8 (10 point based scale, top 5 out of 90)
1 year double degree program (exchange) with a German university (majored in International Business Management)
Current GMAT
680
Work experience
5 years: 3 in FMCG for a world known company, 2 in a telecom multinational
3 years in analytics, 2 in Product Management. A total of 5 different roles/titles. Currently a manager with a team of 2.
Recommendations
Directors in both companies I've worked for. I was a direct report. I expect an honest but very good recommendation.
Community
Teacher in an "english for work" program directed at high-school students in low income area (past 2 years).
Member of a known international youth organization seeking to help local communities (current).
Others
Started an mobile app design company in 2012 (while studying 2nd year). Sold my stake after a year, company stills exists today (small).
Economic debate national winner representing my university
2nd place in national entrepreneurship competition
Post MBA goals
Start a tech consumer or BPO firm based in latam

Any help appreciated!
Thank you very much.
[Posted in my top 3 schools' forum]

Hmmm. You could apply now and if not accepted, prepare again for the GMAT, raise your score, and apply next year. If you only want to apply once, I'd raise your GMAT and apply next year. If you're willing to risk rejection, try applying now. Your GMAT is low, as you know, but your other qualifications are impressive, and they don't get a lot of applicants from El Salvador. If you apply next year, either after rejection this year or just then, apply to additional programs; don't just apply to Stanford.

Linda

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 achievement -- 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?

I replied to you on the HBS thread and my response would be the same, only that Stanford wants to know what you're going to do with the education it provides. You need to clarify if not here then in your application, what you are your goals for the MBA. Also, as I wrote there, I can't assess competitiveness without more specific information.

Hi Jpenaavila,

I would advise you to wait until next year to apply to Stanford (and other MBA programs) for a couple different reasons. First, it sounds like you're quite confident that you can raise your GMAT substantially, and the closer you can get to Stanford's class average of 734, the better. Second, when given a choice, it's generally better to apply in R1 than R2, as it gives you a cushion to apply to other programs in R2 during the same cycle if you don't get into your top choice in R1. At this point (late November), we're getting a little too close to this cycle's R2 deadlines for comfort, so I would advise you to slow down, focus on retaking the GMAT, and gathering all your forces for a strong R1 attempt in fall 2020. While it's true that you could apply this year and simply re-apply next year if you don't get in now, you'll have some explaining to do as a re-applicant, which I generally advise avoiding if possible.

In cases like yours where your GMAT might be below the class average, the essays become even more important, as they allow you to present a full picture of yourself that the numbers alone won't tell. That's the other advantage of waiting until next year to apply -- you'll have more time to fully develop your essay responses and put your absolute best foot forward!

Feel free to reach out to us at Admissionado if we can be of further help! Best of luck!

I thank you very much for your assessment and recommendations. I will definitely take them into account.

I think I'll concentrate on my GMAT for this year in order to maximize my chances. Also, I'll be applying to 5 out of the top 10 schools next year, using character-program fit to decide to which.
Thank you again.

Hi,

I am originally from India (33YO), when I was 18 I moved to the UK to pursue my Bachelors. I graduated with First Class Honours from a Mid-ranked university there. While, I was there, I also won a couple of major business plan competitors, that were covered by the media.

After graduation, 1 Worked for 1 year for a Fortune 100 company in the UK then moved to China to start my start-up. 8 Years later, my start is now a medium sized mature company (8 Figure Revs in 2018 + 15 Employees) but I am looking to change career paths and start a new venture in the tech-space after taking some time-off as well. I am in the process of exiting my current venture.

This is why I am looking to pursue an MBA, and especially keen on Stanford (and UC Berkeley as my 2nd option) as I am looking to be based in the Valley. I have just started the process literally 3 days ago and I understand, I am under tight deadlines if I have to hit the Jan application dates. I have not taken the GMAT Yet but am working on it.

In terms of the diversity factor, I wonder if entrepreneurship as a path reflects positive or not on my application, compared to working in a large well known organization?

1. I wonder if I would be a good fit for Stanford (or other top schools), if I was able to hit around 700 in GMAT in the limited time available?

2. Also, if I was to hit Jan deadlines for most of the top schools in the US, do I have sufficient time to complete the process?

Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

I'm don't really view "entrepreneurship" as a diversity factor. However starting and growing a business as you have in China when you aren't from China is an achievement and distinctive. It shows initiative and impact. It is definitely something you will want to highlight in your application.

To answer your numbered questions:

1. A 700 is a low GMAT for Stanford. It would probably be more competitive as would your level of experience at the Stanford MSx program.
2. I'm not sure what you mean by the question. If you meet the January deadlines, you should be able, if accepted, to get a student visa in time to attend. Is that what you mean? Or are you asking do you have enough time to prepare for the GMAT and submit multiple applications by the January deadline? The answer to the latter question is it depends on how many apps you intend to submit, when you take the GMAT, and how much time you have available in the next six weeks to devote to MBA applications and GMAT prep.

You may be interested in:

Get Accepted to Stanford GSB, a webinar recording
The Stanford MSx Program for Experienced Leaders
UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essay Tips
From the Military to Haas MBA
Accepted MBA Admissions Consulting

Best,
Linda