I graduated as an engineer from IIT and like most of my classmates wrote the CAT and GMAT in my graduation year, targeting both IIMs and top MIM programs in Europe. I guess at that point in time, it was only about getting an MBA degree from a reputed institution under my belt and I understood little of the lifetime worth of the opportunity. I got into a few IIMs right after college but decided to take up a job offer from campus in a niche consulting firm instead.
A couple of years down the line, as I worked as a consultant, I applied to HEC and ISB EEO (Early Entry Option). I got into HEC and ISB, but decided against joining both. I realized I wanted more professional experience so as to maximize my MBA experience. Another thing that weighed on my decision against joining these schools was that I was doing well in my current role, having increased learning and leadership opportunities in a fast expanding engagement, with global opportunities.
Fast forward three years, I finally decided to apply for a global MBA. I assessed my situation and thought that with a decent GMAT score and undergraduate school, some work accomplishments and good extra-curricular in college, I was in a decent position to get in a Top10 US MBA program.
The reality however was radically different than my expectations. I applied to Columbia Business School early and Wharton in R1, and was rejected. I felt lucky not to have applied to other schools in R1, as otherwise I might have ended up with the same catastrophe everywhere. I hurriedly consulted many admissions consultants who all but one told me I stood no chance in a M7 program. I guess they were all influenced by my dings from CBS and Wharton. Among the many reasons they listed, a few were:
1) Indian male engineer – Wish the numbers carried a weight here
2) My GPA had taken a toss with a serious declining trend over the years. I had done well on everything except my major and had multiple C grades.
3) The firm I worked with was a “No-Name” firm for MBA admissions. I heard this this term from one of the big names in admissions consulting I had a “Free Consult Call” (Read 15 Minute sales pitch)
Disheartened, I had almost decided to postpone my application by a year when I changed my mind after a call with this no big-name consultant. She gave me candid feedback on my essays for CBS and Wharton and told me I had a great profile, but my story wasn’t coming out that well in my essays. Wary initially that she might be selling her services, I was moved by the fact that she took out time to read my essays and gave me specific feedback, without charging me anything for it. Persuaded, I decided to apply to other schools in R2. I thought in a worst-case scenario I would be rejected but wanted to take a chance.
I started the process from start, and took time out to think on my story, my passions, my goals and my motivations in life. I got some valuable advice on the ideal networking approach, evaluating my fit with target schools, etc., which I felt I had missed when I had applied earlier to know the schools better. In the next two months, I took a completely different approach to my application, and submitted my application to five more schools. I was selected in two M7 schools with substantial scholarships, and with a dean’s scholarship at one other.
Below I have structured my MBA journey in two parts. One is my GMAT preparation and the other is my MBA application process.
GMAT Preparation:
I started preparing for the GMAT in my final semester at college and gave it around two months. I did not take any coaching classes and prepared using
the Official Guide,
Manhattan GMAT and question banks available on GMAT club forums. Some tips that I feel would be helpful for prospective applicants:
1) Spend as much time practicing the tests as possible. Make an
error log as well for some recurring patterns in mistakes.
2) Make use of all the free tests available.
3) Do not ignore
the official guide as it prepares you most closely for the actual GMAT exam.
I used the second free practice test available a couple of weeks before the actual GMAT and scored almost the same in the actual GMAT exam. Some applicants who reached out to me for advice did make the mistake of using both the free GMAC tests one after the other, without much preparation and time between the two tests. This is not a good idea as these tests are the closest to the actual GMAT exam.
Application Strategy:
I started fairly late in the process and managed to get only two applications in by R1. Though it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me, I would recommend applicants to be more prepared ahead of time.
1) Do not over or under estimate your profile. Know your story well, and your passions and motivations should reflect in your essays.
2) Start early, and if possible and budget permits, visit the schools. With the current situation this might not be possible, but make sure to get to know the school culture better.
3) Think in terms of what makes and what doesn’t in terms of your unique story and background without trying to fit into a particular MBA profile.
4) Introspect in terms of what makes you unique. Applicants tend to spend lesser time on this part though this is super important.
5) The GMAT is one part of the application but for the over represented pool try to be above the median GMAT score for the program.
6) Stagger applications between rounds to send in the best application possible for each school you are applying to
7) Network extensively to know the school and why it is a great fit for you
Arguably, anyone getting an MBA would have strong areas and weak areas. I focused on being authentic in my story as well as explaining the weaknesses in my story without sounding like these were excuses. This involved a lot of introspection.
Lastly, trust in yourself and put your best foot forward. There might be days where the confidence is low, but definitely perseverance in this demanding process is very important. DO NOT give up on your dream! Even if it doesn’t work out there will not be any regrets of not having tried hard enough.
Footnote: I have been helped by many amazing folks in my journey and have gotten advice and assistance from unexpected quarters. I would love to give back and address any queries and questions as time permits to benefit the applicants.