Profile evaluation

Question

4 years when I join - (1 year in Mumbai, 3 years in Singapore)
2 years in a niche Financial Consultancy, worked with Bank Front Office teams in India and Singapore on valuation post global financial crisis
2 years - Thomson Reuters (Singapore) - in a pre- sales role, involved in revenue generation and interacting with business stake holders focusing more on buy-side clients.Managing client expectations, proposing and designing solutions around pricing and risk. Traveled extensively across Asia -Pacific, meeting regulators, fund managers, banks for consulting and gathering requirements.

2) GMAT - 740 (M - 50, V-40,AWA - 5, IR -7)

3) Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay, GPA -7.9/10, Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

4)Active member of Thomson Reuters Foundation, involved in multiple events for raising funds and creating awareness about Human Trafficking
Actively Managing a small portfolio of financial assets (equity,bonds,mutual funds), earned a good return over past 2 years 
Part of Debating club, part of team organising first-ever National Debate in the institute.Won prizes in debating at college and national tournaments
Mentored and tutored financially less capable students for preparation for IIT entrance exams

5) Completed CFA and FRM

6)Make a long term career in value investing/ asset management

My target schools are Booth, Columbia, Stern, LBS, Tuck and Wharton. Am I applying appropriately? Is there any other school I should look at?

Could you please also let me know which schools from the list are "reach" and which are "stretches"?

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

Thanks for the post and, I've got to say, you're doing pretty well right out of the gate. Love the GMAT, love the GPA, love the undergrad institution, love the companies you've worked for, love the international experience, love the certifications. In short, you've been doing all the right things. Good job! That said, I wish you were a bit more involved but hopefully you can pull some meaningful experiences out of that human trafficking initiative and the tutoring you've been doing on the side.

So look, the skinny of it is you're in a good spot for the schools you've selected. You have earned the right to play, as it were. LBS, Wharton, and Booth are going to be your stretches. Columbia, Stern, and Tuck are a bit more aligned. They're all good in that they support your post MBA goals. That said, I wouldn't classify any of them as safe per se. As an Indian applicant, even with your stats, none of the top 10 are considered "safe" unless you're a real rock star. I'd say you'd want to look in the 11 - 16 range for a safety or two if you're interested in that. If not, that's fine too - just understand what that does to the risk profile you're bringing on. Do I think you'd be dinged across the board in a top 10 run? No, you're a strong candidate. But there IS always a chance! So maybe think of Darden or Johnson or Yale?

Just a few thoughts to get the conversation started - let me know what you think or what other questions you might have!

Bhavik

mohnishzaveri · Answer

Hi Bhavik,

Thanks for the evaluation.

I completely agree with the demographic and the resulting challenges. I think I should consider "safe" schools just in case.

I would like to know if I am completely off with my target schools . I am concerned if I am overshooting and being over ambitious. If that's the case what should my strategy be.

Best,
MZ

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey MZ, seems you've signed up for a free consultation with us - we'll take the conversation offline!

Bhavik

mohnishzaveri · Answer

Hi Bhavik,

Unfortunately, due to connection problems I wasn't able to get all my questions answered during the free consultation.

I would like to know if I am completely off with my target schools . I am concerned if I am overshooting and being over ambitious. If that's the case what should my strategy be?

MZ

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi Mohnish,

Unfortunate to hear about your connection issues. Hope we were still able to help! In regards to your question about whether you are "overshooting" - I would refer back to my comments earlier in our thread. Based on the information provided, your weak point (relatively speaking) is your involvement. But as I mentioned, find ways to draw out the value you brought to the table and the impact you had on the organizations you were a part of. Any mention of leadership will be key. That said, I do like the rest of your profile.

LBS , Wharton, and Booth are going to be stretch schools for you. Should you apply? I would recommend that you do, especially if you're open to applying to more than 4-5 schools! You have a strong profile, so be confident in what you've achieved. I am afraid there are no guarantees in this process. There is only calculated risk (to some extent) and well thought out decision making. As part of that decision making process, you should consider different school selection strategies. Assuming you're able to apply to 6 schools or so, you could dedicate 2 of them to be stretch, 2-3 to be aligned, and 1-2 out of the schools ranked 11-16 (to reiterate previous examples - Darden, Johnson, or Yale SOM). This spreads your risk while targeting specific schools that still meet your needs and support your goals. Best of luck with your next steps, and let us know if we can help!

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