rp_gmat wrote:
Hello Paul,
I will be starting my applications to business schools for Fall 2007. I will really appreciate if you can do a quick review of my profile.
My Background
Sex -Male
Nationality - Indian
Age - 31 yrs
Professional Experience -
Industry - IT Consulting
Job Experience - 9 years
Current Title - Sr. software consultant/Lead Developer
Worked in India for 2 years. Moved to US and have been involved in consulting roles as Developer/Technical Lead/Architect. In lead/architect roles, I have lead and mentored teams at client sites. The team sizes I have lead have been between 5-15 team members.
Education
Bachelors Electrical Engineering , India (GPA - 3.51) - Graduated in 2006
Masters in Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, MD -
Graduated in 2006
GMAT Score - 740
Extracurricular
Involved in community service during my undergrad days.
Currently member of a large India based NGO
Other Interests
Racquetball, Tennis, Golf and Cricket (as hobbies but not part of any professional league)
Certifications
I have 5 technical certifications from Sun and IBM
Goals
I intend to move into strategy consulting and in the long term move into corporate strategy. These are the following schools I have shortlisted based on their focus on consulting and my background. Can you tell me about my chances and if there are any other top-schools you might suggest with a focus on strategy .
Likelies
Darden
Tuck
Columbia
Duke(I was thinking about it but looks like they do not have too many strategy companies coming to campus)
Stretch
Kellogg
Wharton
Chicago
Regards,
Rajiv[/b]
Rajiv,
You've got good numbers, so you will be competitive (or better) at Darden and Chicago (I agree that Duke is less relevant for your goals).
I would put Columbia, Wharton, Tuck, and Kellogg in the same group in terms of selectivity, and I agree that they will be stretches but potentially doable. You're applying out of a well-traveled applicant pool and apparently (tell me if I'm wrong) lack formal management and leadership in your community involvements, so you will have to fight hard to stand out, but assuming there's more to you than your post (a safe bet), then I would not be shocked if one or two of these four came through for you.
For strategy I would also take a hard look at Yale, Michigan, and INSEAD.
Good luck!