jassiinpublic wrote:
Demographic
Indian - Born in India, raised in India, Africa, Canada and the US. Currently a Canadian / US dual-citizen.
Male
Age:27
GMAT: 710 (Q48,V40, AWA:TBD)
Education
Undergrad at Wayne State University (Detroit) - Graduated with Honors (first engineer in the history of the University)
Graduation 2005
Major: Electrical Engineering
GPA: 3.74
Masters in Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
Applying for Fall 2012 (hopefully in round 1)
Work Experience
Currently working as a design and consulting engineer in the Power Generation field (3.5 years).
Worked for a little over a year at a start-up company after completing MSEE (left due to funding issues).
Will have 5.5 years at beginning of Fall 2012 programs.
Extra-curricular
Active member of a local non-profit organization. Have served on the Board of Directors, served as a CFO for the same non-profit and volunteer there as well. Worked closely with the staff accountant and even participated in hiring process for the organization. Won a lifetime achievement award for contribution to the organization's finance committee (6th person in the history of the 70+ year old organization).
Licensed as a Professional Engineer (fairly lengthy and rigorous process).
Licensed as a LEED AP by Green Building Certification Institute.
Have presented at conferences related to my field.
Post MBA Goals
Would like to work in project development for large scale infrastructure projects. Would like to attend an MBA program with a strong emphasis on Management and Finance as it will complement my engineering background well to reach my career goals.
Target Schools
Wharton
Tuck
Kellogg
Booth
Ross
Sloan
Questions:
1) I took the GMAT exam today and my score is a bit lower that I had hoped for and expected (GMAT Prep exam #1 - 740, Exam #2 - 750). Is it worth retaking the exam?
2) If I don't retake the exam, is it still possible for me to get accepted to my top choices? (Wharton, Tuck, Kellog, Booth, Ross and Sloan)
3) Any advice on applications?
4) Should I stress my start-up experience even though it about 1.3 years?
Yes, I believe it is worthwhile to retake the GMAT since your practice scores are so much higher. You are almost certainly going to boost your score, which is essential to differentiate yourself from the myriad engineers applying.
Your extracurricular contributions are excellent and should be highlighted in the application. My one concern about these programs is a possible lack of leadership in your professional career. You may need to diversify and apply to a wider range of programs.