MBA Consultant

Hi,

Applying to 8 b-schools is a big number. IMO there are two things that you would need to analyze and rectify this year-
1. your interviewing skills - its important to know what you were doing wrong/ or not as impressively. Interviewing at 4 b-schools is a decent achievement but not converting any is unfortunate. As you have reason to believe that your profile is desirable by b-schools (interview invites), its important you correct the first obvious thing that didn't work in your favor- your interviewing skills.
2. Your application - what can you do better so that you have a higher ratio of interviews? the right choice of b-schools given your profile and goals, well answered goals essays that show achievements, leadership and maturity- all of these factors can be improved with every single application. Sometimes applicants copy paste their essays from one application to the other- esp when they are applying to so many programs. You may have not customized your answers adequately to talk to every individual b-school where you applied. And if you copy paste past year's essays to this year's applications, then you may as well not apply there. Obviously your life stories would not change within a year, so it can be difficult reapplying. What you should do then is to reapply only to 1-2 MBA programs and select other new programs that may not have been on your radar earlier.

Also, it would be imperative to show improvements in your profile- so now is the time to start working on these. I would recommend a higher GMAT score for one. Sometimes, MBA applications are all about luck- that holds very true for Indian applicants because of the competition. Having a higher GMAt score will keep you in the run for longer.
Other profile improvements can be shown through- more responsibilities (and achievements) at work, a promotion, enhanced extra curricular activities, more aligned career goals.

Overall, I think you have a good profile. I always value applicants from an energy background. However, if you are applying to US based MBA programs, do a lot of research on your career goals by talking to students. Many energy companies in the US don't hire international students (just FYI, I see that your goals are different).
So, applying with a better GMAT score (think of a 30 point increase) will open up so many more better ranked MBA programs for you. And I see that potential in your profile from whatever little information you have shared here.
All the best.

Hello

After reading your post, it's quite apparent that your interviewing skills need to be improved.

The fact that you got through 4 universities means that your applications were strong enough. The fact that you didn't get through the remaining 4 also means that there's still room for improvement or that there was a problem with university selection.

While your profile is quite well balanced, a higher GMAT score could help. So do think about retaking it.

If you apply to the same schools, you will be a re-applicant. As a re-applicant, you need to convince admissions committees that your profile has significantly improved.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss further.