Profile Evaluation

ImranTutul, a few thoughts on your profile evaluation and plans:

1. The academic arc is a bit of mixed bag. The top college pedigree should help - has your college been a feeder? The GPA looks to be on the lower side and that, together with the GMAT will definitely come under the scanner also compared to the larger Asian candidate pool. Not a deal breaker but something to address.
2. The professional profile is quite interesting and relatively unique. The reason behind a seemingly disconnected career change has to be brought out well and the need for MBA underlined clearly. Also develop sharpness in your post-MBA pitch.
3. This is why schools value ECs. The tutoring part would be worth fleshing out and reviving (if in the past).
4. From a timelines perspective, I'd echo the other evaluator's comments on US schools - avoidable. If you cannot wait, check out some MBA schools in the UK with slightly later deadlines if that geography works.

Hope this helps some. Do feel free to check out our application services if you need help on that front of course.

Hey ImranTutul

Thanks for sharing your profile.

To begin with, 680 is a decent score for the schools you are targeting. Although your GPA also falls on the lower end. Any additional academic accolades will help compensate for the low score. You may also want to read an article on The Ultimate Roadmap if you have low GMAT to counter your low score.

The major highlight of your application will be your work experience. All you need to do is portray your roles & responsibilities, skill-set, and professional accolades in a more quantized manner. Moreover, the international exposure in your role will help you since AdComs prefers candidates with strong international experience/exposure. You have also mentioned promotions, ensure highlighting your career trajectory and leadership roles to the Adcoms. Everything depends on how you present it to the AdComs. You have extensive work experience; all you need to do is make a strong case for it.

You may also want to read an article on How to create a Strong Resume for Your MBA Application? to gain some insights.

Coming to your ECs, they play an important role in an application and add diversity to your profile. Social work is highly valued and appreciated, your involvement with blood donation camps and tutoring underprivileged students will help you justify your social responsibilities. For a better understanding, you could refer to our article on Significance of Extracurriculars for MBA Application to get a better understanding.

Regarding your post-MBA goals, you must work on connecting your experience with your post-MBA goals. Finance and consulting roles seem very generic, hence, you would need to add more value to your goals by aligning it with how an MBA would help you achieve your goals and become more impactful in the industry, your aspirations regarding it, and the impact you dream of creating. You may want to read our article on How to bring collinearity in your post-MBA goals to align your goals properly.

I would suggest do not apply to R3, instead apply to US schools in R1 sept 2024 intake and you can apply to Canadian schools like Schulich, Queens and Ivey in Jan 24 intake. 680 is a decent GMAT score for these schools. Overall your profile is good, and do have a chance at business schools. Hence, If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and strengthen your chances further. Feel free to schedule a call with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com

Hi ImranTutul hope this finds you well

I am sorry to hear about your GMAT situation, but do not be discouraged. A little perseverance and effort on your part will open several doors for you when the time is right. You have a great profile, and you can certainly stand out among a large number of South Asian MBA aspirants.

I suggest that you focus on improving your GMAT and try in the early rounds of the 2024 intake to increase the odds of securing admission and have a better chance at scholarships. I would be happy to give you one-time personalized feedback on your application. You can reach me at aanchal.sahni@insead.edu if you would like.

You could also look at diversifying your target schools between the US, Canada and Europe to hedge against your age and Finance sector goals (which are tough to break into as a non-native). Nevertheless, a thorough deliberation on your Post MBA goals strategy will be much needed at the time of application.

Best wishes