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ramalo
Joined: 30 Jul 2013
Last visit: 28 Apr 2022
Posts: 124
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 44
Concentration: Strategy, Sustainability
Schools: ISB '16 Insead Sept '16 Darden '17 Goizueta '17
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V39
17 Aug 2015, 21:57
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi guys,
I've been contemplating applying to INSEAD for a really long time now. But I'm not sure if INSEAD is a realistic option for myself, given certain shortcomings in my profile. I however think that through my application I'll be able to share some interesting professional and personal stories. Since I do not have too many people around myself to evaluate my profile I was wondering if someone here could give me a true sense of where I might stand when it comes to applying to INSEAD for the Fall 2016 intake.
-28 y/o Indian Male (will turn 29 by the time I start in 2016)
-GMAT 710 (49Q, 39V)- I know its probably on the lower side for an Indian male applicant. Trying to figure out whether to concentrate on the apps or on retaking the gmat. Leaning towards retaking and improving score by 20-30 points.
-Graduated in 2008 from a business school in UK with a degree in accounting and finance. Topped my degree in year one. Ended up with an upper 2.1 degree.
-planned on working in UK itself in order to get some international work ex but had to move back to India because of my fathers death (3 weeks after final term). Had to take care of family affairs (financial and emotional) so moved back.
-Have 7+ years of work experience.
-working as head of the business development and strategy implementation division of a firm based out of New Delhi, that has revenues in excess of US$150m with interests across hydropower, textiles and education. Have worked across all 3 sectors. Currently leading a team in implementing the expansion/diversification of the education vertical. The project is at an advanced stage of implementation and the financial rewards from the project have already started flowing in. The idea for diversification was my brainchild and thus I was made the team leader of the project. I'm also the youngest at the firm at a senior managerial role. I've held leadership roles across all the 3 verticals. I regularly deal/interact with clients from all over the world and frequently visit textile marketing events across the globe. The firm however would be relatively unknown to people on the admissions staff. Co-founded an education focused start-up in 2006 and a have an summer internship experience with HSBC.
-Extra curricular: work with one of the most prominent environmental NGO in the country. Have been closely associated with environmental research over the last 5 years. Also, Having lost my father to blood cancer I started a cancer foundation in his name and have raised over INR 2.5m which in turn is being used to help underprivileged patients in their treatment. Also organize an annual blood donation camp. I have also redrafted and implemented the corporate social responsibility charter at the firm with a focus on sanitation for the poor and improving female financial literacy. Finally I've also worked for a member of parliament from 2009-2014 on devising a plan for development in the members parliamentary constituency with a population of over 2m residents.
-Short term goal would be to transition to a career in management consulting with a focus on the strategic side of things. An alternate goal would be work for a consulting firm with a focus on the education consulting (eg. at Parthenon)
Thanks
I've been contemplating applying to INSEAD for a really long time now. But I'm not sure if INSEAD is a realistic option for myself, given certain shortcomings in my profile. I however think that through my application I'll be able to share some interesting professional and personal stories. Since I do not have too many people around myself to evaluate my profile I was wondering if someone here could give me a true sense of where I might stand when it comes to applying to INSEAD for the Fall 2016 intake.
-28 y/o Indian Male (will turn 29 by the time I start in 2016)
-GMAT 710 (49Q, 39V)- I know its probably on the lower side for an Indian male applicant. Trying to figure out whether to concentrate on the apps or on retaking the gmat. Leaning towards retaking and improving score by 20-30 points.
-Graduated in 2008 from a business school in UK with a degree in accounting and finance. Topped my degree in year one. Ended up with an upper 2.1 degree.
-planned on working in UK itself in order to get some international work ex but had to move back to India because of my fathers death (3 weeks after final term). Had to take care of family affairs (financial and emotional) so moved back.
-Have 7+ years of work experience.
-working as head of the business development and strategy implementation division of a firm based out of New Delhi, that has revenues in excess of US$150m with interests across hydropower, textiles and education. Have worked across all 3 sectors. Currently leading a team in implementing the expansion/diversification of the education vertical. The project is at an advanced stage of implementation and the financial rewards from the project have already started flowing in. The idea for diversification was my brainchild and thus I was made the team leader of the project. I'm also the youngest at the firm at a senior managerial role. I've held leadership roles across all the 3 verticals. I regularly deal/interact with clients from all over the world and frequently visit textile marketing events across the globe. The firm however would be relatively unknown to people on the admissions staff. Co-founded an education focused start-up in 2006 and a have an summer internship experience with HSBC.
-Extra curricular: work with one of the most prominent environmental NGO in the country. Have been closely associated with environmental research over the last 5 years. Also, Having lost my father to blood cancer I started a cancer foundation in his name and have raised over INR 2.5m which in turn is being used to help underprivileged patients in their treatment. Also organize an annual blood donation camp. I have also redrafted and implemented the corporate social responsibility charter at the firm with a focus on sanitation for the poor and improving female financial literacy. Finally I've also worked for a member of parliament from 2009-2014 on devising a plan for development in the members parliamentary constituency with a population of over 2m residents.
-Short term goal would be to transition to a career in management consulting with a focus on the strategic side of things. An alternate goal would be work for a consulting firm with a focus on the education consulting (eg. at Parthenon)
Thanks
cico09
Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Last visit: 12 Jan 2016
Posts: 14
Given Kudos: 1
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: IMD '16 (WD) INSEAD Jan '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38
GPA: 3.87
18 Aug 2015, 05:46
Kudos
Bookmarks
Gonna play the tough guy role and give you an honest opinion. 
Please apply in round 1 or round 2 so there is less of a worry on the "quota" factor.
Other than that, stop worrying and just get some help to write a beautiful story. You got lots of material anyway.
As for admission chance, you pretty much check every box on the INSEAD list. Age, international experience, GPA, GMAT, volunteer stuff etc.
I have less impressive profile and still receive admission. At the end of day, biz school is just the first step toward your journey. Getting to the school as #1 ranking candidate or #500 makes little difference once you are in.
Cheers.
Please apply in round 1 or round 2 so there is less of a worry on the "quota" factor.
Other than that, stop worrying and just get some help to write a beautiful story. You got lots of material anyway.
As for admission chance, you pretty much check every box on the INSEAD list. Age, international experience, GPA, GMAT, volunteer stuff etc.
I have less impressive profile and still receive admission. At the end of day, biz school is just the first step toward your journey. Getting to the school as #1 ranking candidate or #500 makes little difference once you are in.
Cheers.
ramalo
farrous13
Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Last visit: 15 Aug 2016
Posts: 117
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 28
Location: Canada
Concentration: Strategy, Sustainability
Schools: INSEAD Jan '17 (M$)
GPA: 3.23
WE:Project Management (Energy)
18 Aug 2015, 08:32
Kudos
Bookmarks
I agree with cico09. I don't believe that you should compare your profile to anyone else. However, it's always good to know where you stand.
Your essays are your guarantee to admission. If you have good essays and a good idea about your short and long term goals, you'll have an upper leg on any candidate from India with a 770 GMAT, 3.9 GPA and 7 years experience but with a very dull and boring story.
We stress a lot about our GMAT and GPA, when in reality they are merely just tools to show the admissions committee that we are ready to take on the journey. Personally, I have been always concerned about the essay part. My mind is constantly running with ideas and I'm constantly evaluating the story and comparing it to others. However, I learned that no matter how good your story is there is always a better one out there. So be prepared to have others (2 people, 3 max) read and criticize. Avoid relatives, unless they are like Simon Cowell. That's what you need: a real checkpoint which can push you to another level.
It just so happens that I received this email from Stacy Blackman Consulting that could be very helpful (btw, I am not advertising or suggesting Stacy Blackman Consulting. Try to write your essays yourself first and then evaluate):
"When you’re hard at work on your MBA applications, it’s easy to get caught up in what sounds great to you, or what seems impressive to your friends, co-workers or parents. But what you really need to be doing is considering your materials from the admissions committee’s point of view.
Granted, it can be tough to form a truly objective opinion of your own candidacy. For example, some candidates think that if they have a high undergraduate GPA, aced the GMAT and have been successful in their career so far, their admission is all but guaranteed to the top programs. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
The majority of candidates who apply to the leading business schools are bright, personable overachievers who would be an asset to any program. Adcoms see literally thousands of deserving profiles come across their desks each year. That’s why you need to think beyond your obvious achievements and differentiate yourself through your essays and interviews by picking stories and experiences that are memorable and unique. This becomes even more critical if you're in an industry that typically makes up a bigger portion of the applicant pool, such as investment banking or consulting.
Having said all of that, if you’re so down about your shot at getting into a certain school that you’re considering not even applying there in the first place, take heart. While the process is extremely competitive, you shouldn’t count yourself out before the game even begins. Chances are your humility is a trait the adcom would appreciate.
Focus on highlighting what you can share with your classmates that would be valuable to them—experience or knowledge that others can learn and benefit from. Look at your application from the viewpoint of the people who are charged with putting together a diverse group of outgoing students. How will you enlighten your classmates over the next two years?"
Your essays are your guarantee to admission. If you have good essays and a good idea about your short and long term goals, you'll have an upper leg on any candidate from India with a 770 GMAT, 3.9 GPA and 7 years experience but with a very dull and boring story.
We stress a lot about our GMAT and GPA, when in reality they are merely just tools to show the admissions committee that we are ready to take on the journey. Personally, I have been always concerned about the essay part. My mind is constantly running with ideas and I'm constantly evaluating the story and comparing it to others. However, I learned that no matter how good your story is there is always a better one out there. So be prepared to have others (2 people, 3 max) read and criticize. Avoid relatives, unless they are like Simon Cowell. That's what you need: a real checkpoint which can push you to another level.
It just so happens that I received this email from Stacy Blackman Consulting that could be very helpful (btw, I am not advertising or suggesting Stacy Blackman Consulting. Try to write your essays yourself first and then evaluate):
"When you’re hard at work on your MBA applications, it’s easy to get caught up in what sounds great to you, or what seems impressive to your friends, co-workers or parents. But what you really need to be doing is considering your materials from the admissions committee’s point of view.
Granted, it can be tough to form a truly objective opinion of your own candidacy. For example, some candidates think that if they have a high undergraduate GPA, aced the GMAT and have been successful in their career so far, their admission is all but guaranteed to the top programs. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
The majority of candidates who apply to the leading business schools are bright, personable overachievers who would be an asset to any program. Adcoms see literally thousands of deserving profiles come across their desks each year. That’s why you need to think beyond your obvious achievements and differentiate yourself through your essays and interviews by picking stories and experiences that are memorable and unique. This becomes even more critical if you're in an industry that typically makes up a bigger portion of the applicant pool, such as investment banking or consulting.
Having said all of that, if you’re so down about your shot at getting into a certain school that you’re considering not even applying there in the first place, take heart. While the process is extremely competitive, you shouldn’t count yourself out before the game even begins. Chances are your humility is a trait the adcom would appreciate.
Focus on highlighting what you can share with your classmates that would be valuable to them—experience or knowledge that others can learn and benefit from. Look at your application from the viewpoint of the people who are charged with putting together a diverse group of outgoing students. How will you enlighten your classmates over the next two years?"
