Profile Evaluation

Question

I wanted to get a fair idea with regards to my chances at top US B Schools ( H/W/S). I'm 27, planning to apply at the end of this year. 
Profile :
Indian Male, GMAT - 710, Degree - Integrated Masters of Science in Statistics and informatics( not Engineering technically ) from IIT. Rank ( 10/55 ) in class. CGPA - 7.8/10
Age : 27
Work Exp - Associate, Completed 3 years Working at an Investment Bank in Mumbai, India. Complete process ownership of approx 5 Bill USD. ( Handle a side of the desk on my own ). Shifting to US permanently in a couple of months 
Extra Acads - Sufficient social work ( to fill in my CV ), co-founded a Technology Consulting Group at IIT to market in-house technologies to the industry and was successful in selling a couple of them

I understand my GMAT is a bit low vis-a-vis peers from my background and I'm fine with improving upon that, but beyond that what do you think ? Would be grateful to get a fair idea.
Also, are there any viable chances of scholarship for someone from my background at these Schools ?

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi there,

Thanks for posting. It sounds like you have a solid profile for reputable schools. The degree focused on statistics, and the investment bank experience, help you stand out from many Indian IT applicants as you have mentioned (not same as engineering or IT). The fact that you'll be gaining some US experience soon, and any international experience and exposure you have, will be a plus. What stood out for me was founding the Tech Consulting grp at IIT that sounds pretty successful... that sounds like the type of thing that would really give you some great experience you could draw from in your future career as well as in the b-school classroom so be sure to detail that more in essays/applications. You haven't mentioned your post-MBA goals here; just keep in mind that your overall 'story' is all relevant- why the MBA? why now? why THIS school? etc.
I wouldn't worry a ton about the 710 per se, though if you truly think you can improve you could try again as they'll take the highest score. But I would keep in mind even going in with a solid profile, those top schools (H/S/Wh) are so very competitive... it can be tough, and can come down to how you stack up vs other well qualified applicants. So you may want to apply to 1-2 top 5-8 schools for ex; then another few from 8-15 or 8-20, and maybe even a safety option in the 20-25 or 20-30 range. But do your research first and only apply where you'd definitely like to go! For more on choosing schools, check out our free download at: https://info.mbamission.com/Selecting-Yo ... ram-E-Book

Good luck!

anshulkamra · Answer

Hey Jen,

Thanks for your response. I realised later that the information provided by me was short on a couple of things. 
My Why MBA answer would be because after 3 years in investment banking, I need to grow in an academically stimulating environment. And a program which could provide me that, along with limitless opportunities to grow would be an MBA. I am interested to move back to India after my MBA as this is where I see a plethora of growth opportunities, but with my current skill set I believe I'm a bit restricted and hampered, which an MBA from a good school shall help overcome.

I missed mentioning a couple of points that currently I'm also leading a team of approx 20 employees across the globe who assist in index maintenance.

Along with this, I'm setting up a desk from scratch with 4 team members with an aim to target an AUM of USD 1 Billion by year end

Would the above information help in getting a fair idea of my chances ?

Regards,

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi again,

Thanks for the additional info. That helps certainly. But I'd also suggest you think more about your 'why MBA' answers, at least before you work on essays and interviews, as most applicants, especially at the more competitive schools, can answer not just that they want to be academically stimulated etc, but why and HOW the degree will help facilitate both their short and long term career goals. If 2 candidates are both qualified, but candidate A can clearly state how an MBA is required for he/she to learn xyz skills, necessary for abc next career step for the following reasons, all contributing to xyz long term career plan... and candidate B just says they want to get an MBA to learn more and open up opportunities.... candidate A is going to sound more compelling, and like the MBA makes more sense, and likely gain admission over candidate B. So do think through and ideally be able to support why you truly need this degree and exactly how you intend to use it.

Good luck!

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