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free2rhymenaveen
Joined: 21 Jul 2013
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Location: United States
Concentration: Technology, Nonprofit
GMAT 1: 710 Q50 V35
GMAT 2: 700 Q49 V35
GPA: 3.3
WE:Engineering (Consulting)
GMAT 2: 700 Q49 V35
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GeneralEducation
Joined: 12 May 2010
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Hey there,

So I'll jump on the bandwagon here and agree with Jon and Neha here. If you got interest from some schools last time around with a 710, then you probably met the requirements to pass the first "stat based filter". It seems like your work experience and, to a certain extent, your assessment of the quality of your applications, are what kept you out.

You had a good range of schools last year and I think diversifying will help but I'd also point out to maybe think about the stories you told these programs. Did what you say resonate? Stick? It might be a good idea to stay as diversified in terms of range and maybe expand it a bit, but also do a little more work to make sure what you're selling is tailored to those programs.

With deadlines and essays out, the application season is in full swing so only touch the GMAT if you can retake it and rock it without much effort at all.

Good luck and let us know if you have other questions!

Bhavik
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PaulBodine
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free2rhymenaveen,
You are probably right that your work experience was a factor in your dings last year. The fact that you were interviewed suggests the schools will be even more interested this year now that your work experience is deeper. Your GMAT score is good but given your demographic and the fact that you are aiming high, you might want to retake it if you have some evidence that you could do better (e.g., practice tests etc.). Your transportation/infrastucture theme seems to be your biggest differentiator so I would play that all the way. I think you were looking at about the right level of school last year. Consider adding Michigan and Cornell. Whether you can realistically aim higher would depend on factors that are hard to gauge from your brief profile such as depth of leadership, current community leadership, strong personal story etc.
Hope this helps,
--Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, www.topmba.guru/testimonials


free2rhymenaveen
Hi All-

Let me start by giving a little bit of background-

- Indian male, Engineering background, currently working in the US
- Top undergrad school in India (IIT), GPA : 3.3/4.0
- GMAT: 710 (Q 50, V 35, 5.0 AWA)
- MS in Engineering from a top 15 school in the US (GPA : 3.4/4.0)
- Work Experience: Worked for a year in the public sector in a technical role; Worked in the private sector as a consultant in the transportation industry for about 1.5 years. Total full time work experience: 2.5 years. Have over 1 year experience as intern/co-op
- EC: Strong leadership experience in sports in college; Actively involved in professional organizations through work, Volunteered organizing a global alumni meet for my undergrad school.
- Post MBA goal: Work in the transportation division of a top consulting firm; long term goal: starting a non-profit to develop infrastructure in India.
Interested in Social Entrepreneurship and NetImpact.

I applied to the following schools last year: Kellogg, Duke, Darden and UNC.
I interviewed with a couple of schools, however did not receive any admits. Upon doing some introspection, I realized that I probably did not spend as much time on my essays as I would have liked to and also I think my work experience is on the lower end. I am planning on applying to schools again this year and expanding the range of schools. I am considering retaking my gmat this year. Any suggestions regarding the schools I should consider and whether I need to retake my gmat are welcome. Thank you.