Hi Varun,
I apologize for the delayed response as we were slightly bombarded the past few months and things are now settling down a bit.
Thank you for your patience and for sharing your background. I enjoyed reading it similar to when I worked in admissions at a top tier.
From a career standpoint, I really like that you have gained strong exposure in two different organizations, not to mention exposure to several prominent roles and industries. I like that (in short time) you also gained solid teamwork, analytical and leadership skills in cross-functional settings.
In my years of experience, I believe that your GMAT score falls within the competitive range for these schools. My slight concern is your GPA, as it may/may not be balanced by your GMAT score. However, since the GPA is only one of many components that you will be evaluated on, it is by no means a "deal-breaker." However, I wanted to be candid about this as well.
My only other main concern is that you are limiting yourself to these schools. I would recommend higher ranked programs as you are investing significant time and money into a brand. Unless you are passionate about these programs, please also look into Fuqua, Ross, Johnson, and other programs in the top 15. I recommend these schools as they will give you a strong overall brand as part of your portfolio. Remember, you will be making a new (brand) investment to further enhance your academic and professional identity. A brand that will attach itself to your name and become a part of your professional reputation in future endeavors. These schools will also give you an opportunity to increase your network across a larger diverse pool of students, alums, faculty members and recruiters.
Secondly, I enjoyed your question about "stretch schools" as this is one phrase we never use at MAC. You will also never see this term used by Admissions Committees or MBA Program ambassadors. This is a phrase that developed somewhere along the way and now is used commonly across admissions consultants. Personally, I have never believed in "safety" or "stretch schools" as I find candidates further compromise their choice of schools and settle for a less reputable school as the end result of their business school pursuit. An MBA program should not be pursued at a less ranked school because the other higher ranked schools that you really wish to attend may potentially reject you. You may have to strengthen your GPA or retake your GMAT exam but it will be worth it, I promise.
This is where I always like to use my favorite car example (Im a huge fan of cars)
Think of it like this:
My desire is to own the Veneno Roadster (Forbes: Country of Origin: Italy; Engine: 750-hp, 6.5-liter, 12-cylinder; 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds; Starting price: $4.5 million). However, I may not be able to own one, so I will settle for a Toyota Corolla (Forbes: Engine: 132 hp; 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder; Starting price: $16,800) and cease all efforts to own the Roadster. Or do you think I should continue trying for the Roadster, if not this year, then next year, or the year after? What should I do?
Please keep in mind that for the schools mentioned above, it will be imperative that you effectively communicate your personal and professional background, along with your aspirations for business school. Make sure that the other aspects to your applications are produced with unwavering quality. I have read many online posts from candidates with similar backgrounds who were rejected from their dream schools, not due to a gap in their background but due to an inability to effectively share their background and aspirations for an MBA.
I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with our consultants who are former admissions committee members or our recent admits at any point, please visit
https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team
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