Hello,
I will be applying to B-schools in 2 years but I am very motivated towards it and I would like to know what are the things I can do in the interim to strengthen my profile
My current profile(I am 26, Indian):BE (Computer Science, 72% from a middle tier Indian university ranked 20-25)
MS (Computer Science, GPA 3.6 from a top 10 US university)
GMAT: 770(99%) (Q:50(94%), V: 47(99%), AWA: 5.5(80%))
Work experience: My work experience is not IT related. I work as a Business Analyst(BA) for one of the Fortune 3 energy companies in USA. I have been working for 18 months now (had 2 internships with the same company while I was a student working towards my MS degree).
I have already been elevated to lead BA and have been been assigned mentor to 2 new hires. I hope to gain more leadership experience in the future with my company.
Ex-curricular:- Co-Chair of the community service organization in my company
- Worked part-time for an energy non-profit during undergrad (1 year)
- Worked for a non-profit for 1 year that is owned by Steven Spielberg ( involved in rehabilitating World war Holocaust victims. I have a good story to tell about this experience as I was very involved in this. I have my picture next to Steven Spielberg on their web site!
)
- Played soccer for undergrad college
- Was assigned Teaching Assistant for one of the courses in the business school of my graduate university ( The b-school is ranked top 20 in US rankings and I worked with the associate dean of the Business school during this time)
- Headed the Association of Indian students in my graduate university ( I expanded the organization and brought some new ideas I can talk about)
My questions/concern:1. I know I am doomed to be part of the Indian IT application pool but do you think that my non IT US work experience , US degree and some of my unique extra-curricular activities can help offset that limitation?
2. My undergrad in India was not stellar but I did go to a top graduate program in US. Do you think my graduate GPA from a top university and a good GMAT score will help offset the undergrad limitation?
3. My target schools are Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, Kellogg, MIT, NYU. Do you think I have a fair shot at them and what can I do in the next 2 years so improve my chances?
4. I am absolutely sure that I would be taking help from an admission consultant when I apply. If I am planning my application for Fall 2011 (to get in the 2012 fall class) how early should I contact you?
Thanks and I really appreciate your effort in helping the applicants with their question!