Profile Evaluation

Hi Shikhin! Thanks for writing in. I'll try to tackle your questions as best I can!

1) What are my chances of conversion for target colleges with scholarship if I score 730+.
-Stanford
-Kelly
-Foster
-USC Marshall
-NUS

Well, I am not sure about your chances of scholarship, as schools don't always make that information very transparent at all. For admission, too, it is about more than just a single number. It is not as if everyone who applies with 730+ gets in to Stanford, and everyone who falls below doesn't. Otherwise they would not have an application! But in general, as a first cut at your chances of admission, I would say that if you compare your profile to the averages at these programs, and roughly estimate where you come out vs. the profile, you will be able to understand at least somewhat whether your chances are better or worse than the typical applicant's. Then of course, you will also want to demonstrate what else you can bring to the program. You'll always want to keep in mind that schools with very low admissions rates are higher risk. So as a baseline, you might say that as the most competitive MBA program at the world, and an admit rate around 6% typically, and a GMAT average of 738, Stanford would be the toughest program to aim for as an Indian applicant with lower than average work experience, and a GMAT of 730+. At NUS, where the GMAT average is a 640, a 730+ profile would be more favorable, but it is still a competitive program, and again you have lower than average work experience for this program, which would potentially make it harder.

- What are the colleges that I can add to this list.

To answer this, we would want to better understand your goals. Strategy and Consulting and Finance is a pretty broad universe. Some programs are better at Strategy than others, some are better at Finance. What kind of roles are we talking about that you want to get, and where? With clearer goals, you will improve your ability not only to identify schools that can get you where you want to go, but improve your actual chances of admission.

-Will there be negative impact given the gap in work experience.

Unfortunately, yes, generally, this can be a drawback, although it depends on why, for how long and how you spend your time. Typically, it helps when applying to be employed formally, and to be working at a company that schools have heard of before. Obviously, your family's needs make this a complicated question to answer, but all things being equal, I would not let an informal arrangement continue too long if that is what is happening, as that is difficult to explain and document. If you are not a formal employee and paid properly, with people who can write real recommendations for you, then, if possible, I would try to return to that kind of employment as soon as possible. I don't know how big the enterprise is or what the details are, so I am just guessing based on your suggestion that it might seem like a "gap." That makes me think you are just helping and maybe not a full employee.

- How can I improve my profile.

I actually think you would benefit from taking more time here to prepare yourself to apply. Most top programs have an average candidate work experience of 5 years at matriculation, with an upward trajectory of promotion or success, and so I would try to gain more work experience, and do well there! I would also take the time to really invest in studying for and obtaining that good GMAT score, since it may take some time to get there from your current 640. Finally, I would research my goals and what programs might get me there! Then, target an array of programs, including ones where your stats are well above what they typically attract, to improve your chances of success (especially for scholarships).

Good luck!
Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission