Aspirant16 wrote:
Here is where I need some guidance:
1. Is it realistic for me to target the colleges mentioned?
2. Which category (strong/ medium/ weak) would my profile fit in the colleges of my choice?
3. Is there an area that needs more focus. Should I wait another year and improve on those weaker areas (I however am very keen to apply this year)?
4. Are there schools in top 20 (which I have not mentioned) which I should target instead where I have a better chance of getting in?
5. If I have to narrow down on two colleges for round 1, which two would you suggest.
Really appreciate you taking time out to reply and Thank You for your guidance.
Hey there and thanks for dropping by,
So first of all, my advice would be for you to wait one more year. Two years is really a bit on the low side in terms of experience, and even just waiting will improve your profile (but hopefully you will also improve other items in your profile). If you decide to apply this year anyhow, I'd suggest you forget about retaking your GMAT. Actually a 710 is good enough to get into any school, and yes if you get higher it's better, but it's more of a "bonus" than a necessity. Instead, using the time to improve your application, apply to more schools, and work on your materials. If you apply next year and are pretty sure that you can get higher, then the problem is solved, because you can take the test whenever you are ready, and then in July of next summer start preparing your applications. Right now Kellogg and Haas are stretches, Ross and Emory should be competitive. If you were to wait one year, get a higher GMAT, gain leadership, and maybe strengthen your volunteer work this might improve things for you.
As for other schools - maybe. ALL schools are good for management consulting, but we need to know your preferences and choices before we can help you there.
Sooo, even if you really feel like you have to apply this year, I think you'd ultimately do better if you waited one more year.
Let me know your thoughts,