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MiMEssay
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palodarpit
Hi All,

I am Arpit and planning to Apply for ‘23 intake for HEC Paris. I know I am very late in the process but working on multiple fronts to make my application count.

Here is my profile

27 year old Male, Indian

GMAT : Not given yet. Expected score 700 based on the mocks. Online GMAT exam scheduled on 20th Jan
Undergraduate degree : B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay(premium engineering college in India)

10th: 9.4/10
12th: 86.4/100
UG: 6.9/10(I didn't focus much on studies but have got many internship experiences)

Work Ex : 5.5 years in 3 different jobs

1. Analyst at a UAE based micro VC firm - 1 Yr
I was interning here during college and then joined the firm full time right out of UG college. Worked there for almost an year(including college time) learning about startups and interacting with many founders. After an year, I realised that I'll need some real industry experience and hard skills, hence moved on to work in data science field

2. Data Scientist in Revenue Management Dept at a LCC airline based out of India- 3Yrs
RM is a field in Operations Research and involves both commercial and technical acumen. Here I worked with a lot of data, learnt python, did some good amount of coding and built a lot of automation tools for the airline. In the first year of my 3 year stint here, I built a dynamic pricing algorithm which manages the complete pricing of airline's tickets leading to 15% increase in the cash flows. The covid stuck during my second year here and all the projects got stalled and the airline went into cost-cutting mode. That's when I went on to work at my startup in stealth mode

3. Co-Founder and Technical Lead at a startup(an impact oriented IT and Data Science consultancy firm serving govt and private clients)- 1.5 Yr:
This experience has been the most challenging and I learnt a lot of things encountered by entrepreneurs. Developed 3 innovative products from scratch and managed the IT infra and tech team budget. Oversaw a team of 10 engineers and data analysts along with multiple IT and data science projects while maneuvering the company through the challenges posed by government clients(delayed payments, mismanaged client expectations, low understanding of tech). Managed the flagship product of the company. Went through all ups and downs of the startup where we had to do salary cuts and even let go some of the team members due to performance issues.

Co curriculars:
1. An avid player of table tennis having played and won state level tournaments
2. Travelled across lengths and breadths of India(thanks to my free airline tickets)


Spikes that can distinguish this profile from others:
1. Aviation operations research experience where I developed something affecting the top line of business directly
2. Humbling startup co-founder experience
3. Experience working in the impact sector with multiple govt and police officials
4. Premium institute UG degree(if that counts at all)
5. Varied experience of finance(VC and CFA L1 attempted), aviation and Govt IT consulting

Post MBA Goals -
A career that remains relevant to consumer psychology while staying in touch with technology world, work for a b2c company in leadership position in the short term and eventually start a company some day

Please share your analysis. Also, I am open to any questions you might have

Suggestions also required on:
1. Whether this is the best college suited for my profile. If there's any other college that would suit more(I'll be posting the same profile for analysis in some other univs thread too)
2. Given my current level of preparation(No GMAT, no essays, short Round 2 deadlines), can I still apply for a top college and get an admit OR should I opt for next year(2024 intake) with full preparation. Although I don't want to delay MBA by 1 year, this will remain my last resort in case I don't get a top college
3. Any suggestions for essays are most welcome

Thanks in advance


Hi palodarpit hope this finds you well.

You will be a great fit for HEC Paris. Why not add INSEAD to your list if you are looking at European schools?
For me, you check all the criteria to make you a top-tier applicant.

A strong undergrad brand pedigree, and a differentiated career path touching multiple industries such as VC, Aviation, and IT, topped with an entrepreneurship experience, is a top-tier kind of Pre-MBA profile. The schools will rate you high on the "employability" bar, given your stronghold in data science and analytics, enabling you to pivot to an industry of your choice post-MBA.

Your profile is strong, and you would have plenty of leadership experiences to discuss in your application. But what you must do now after your GMAT is to focus on weaving a plan for post-MBA that eventually will lead you toward your goals for utilizing technology to understand the consumer psyche. Read about companies that are currently playing in the area that interests you. Please speak with the folks in these companies and understand their feeder pipelines. What would it take to be in an impactful position in one such company? Look for insights that, if you share with the Business schools, will take you from an MBA interview shortlist to a convert.

Pro-tip for HEC- I advise you to be in no hurry to apply to HEC in R2. You may apply in R3 when your application is in the best shape. Soon after submission, HEC has a presentation interview round for selected applicants. While it is surely up to the applicants what they want to present during the interview, applicants who present their long-term strategy, business models/plans, market research, and innovative solutions to market problems stand out the most in late-round HEC interviews. Spending time on achieving your goals strategy will also make you much more confident during your interviews.


1. Whether this is the best college suited for my profile. If there's any other college that would suit me more(I'll be posting the same profile for analysis in some other univs thread too)

I would add INSEAD Jan24 Intake for European schools. As mentioned in previous comments, there will be many other suitable schools in the USA. A high GMAT is preferred for top-tier programs. Ross will particularly be a great fit for you given your strong operations design experience in Aviation.

2. Given my current level of preparation(No GMAT, no essays, short Round 2 deadlines), can I still apply for a top college and get an admit OR should I opt for next year(2024 intake) with full preparation. Although I don't want to delay MBA by 1 year, this will remain my last resort in case I don't get a top college

For HEC and INSEAD, consider Jan 2024 intake. The deadlines are fast approaching but you still have reasonable amount of time.

3. Any suggestions for essays are most welcome

HEC and INSEAD are some of the most exhaustive MBA applications. Give yourself ample time to strategize your story and future motivation. Refrain from looking at essay questions in isolation and writing about some not-so-relevant leadership experiences. Build up your story essay by essay cohesively.

Feel free to reach out

Best wishes!
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Hy,
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Arluiza
Hi,

Nationality / Age:
Armenian, 21, female

GMAT/GRE Score:
GMAT: I haven't taken it yet, but I'm aiming for 700+

Educational Background/ GPA:

Bachelor of Linguistics(French and English) in the top-20 universities in Russia (the university is well recognized in Russia, but unknown abroad). GPA-4.9 out of 5 (with honors). Top 5% of graduates.
Semester abroad at the best university in Eastern Europe, received a full scholarship.

Work experience:
Data Analyst at the largest agro-industrial holding in Russia.
Teaching assistant at the university course "Business Communication in French"
Private tutor (English/French)
Also worked in the family business.

Languages:
I am bilingual (Russian and Armenian). Fluent in English and French. Also basic level of Latin (fun fact). I also plan to take the DELF exam.

ECs/Volunteering:
Member of several university clubs (intellectual club, case club)
Volunteer at the Buddy Club (organized many intercultural events for international students, helped in the study of the Russian language).
Class president for a year.
Volunteer in organizing educational events for children from the orphanage.
Volunteer of the Armenian Society in my city.
Organized classes for writing resumes, motivation letters, cases for passing job interviews for my classmates.

Some notes:
Since I have a liberal arts background, I don't have any quantitative classes, I'm planning to go to LSE summer school or take some online courses from b-schools.
I’m graduating in July 2022, but I plan to apply to schools in September 2022, so I have enough time to work on my application.
Also I visited 20 countries:)

Master program(s) you are applying to?:
MiM programs.
Dream-HEC-Yale M2M.
Also LBS, LSE, Imperial, Warwick, Duke, UMich, Bocconi.

Post-MS Targets:
Consulting

I am graduating in July 2022, but I plan to apply to schools in September 2022, so I have enough time to work on my application. What are my chances of getting in and how can I maximize my application in 9-10 months? Thanks in advance!


Hey Arluiza,

Your profile is quite strong and shows a well-rounded individual. You have a high GPA from a top university in Russia and valuable work experience as a data analyst and tutor, along with notable ECs and volunteer experience. Additionally, your language skills and travels give you a diverse background.

Your goal of a 700+ GMAT score will help boost your chances for admission to top MiM programs like HEC, Yale, LBS, LSE, Imperial, Warwick, Duke, UMich, and Bocconi. To maximize your chances, you can consider taking additional quantitative courses or attending a summer school to show your interest and aptitude in the field. You can also focus on highlighting your leadership and impact in your ECs and volunteer experiences to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Overall, you have a strong profile, but keep in mind that these schools have competitive admissions processes.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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Hello everyone, could you give me your opinion based on my profile. I am quite unsure whether my GMAT score would be enough for HEC Paris. I am interested for the MSc in International Finance programme.

Background and nationality:

I am Greek but im doing my undergraduate in Germany (no German nationality)

Undergrad Information:

Studying in a private german business school, very well-known in Germany, among the top 3.
GPA: 4.0/4.0 (around 97%)

GMAT:

Total score 680 (Q47, V35, IR7)

My score is the only thing that is making me unsure. If necessary I could retake it, I still have some time as I will be applying for the 2024 intake.

Work experience and leadership

A lot of experience in investment banking (3x internships, 2 of them in smaller companies, 1 in the investment banking division of one of the big american banks) and private equity (2x internships, one in a small company, the other in one of the large american PE funds).

Community and others

Active in 2 student initiatives at my university
2x scholarships from different organizations

Thats all. I assume that apart from my GMAT score, nothing else would speak against my admission at HEC. The question is thus whether I should retake GMAT and try to score >= 700.

What do you think? Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
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askquestion
Hello everyone, could you give me your opinion based on my profile. I am quite unsure whether my GMAT score would be enough for HEC Paris. I am interested for the MSc in International Finance programme.

Background and nationality:

I am Greek but im doing my undergraduate in Germany (no German nationality)

Undergrad Information:

Studying in a private german business school, very well-known in Germany, among the top 3.
GPA: 4.0/4.0 (around 97%)

GMAT:

Total score 680 (Q47, V35, IR7)

My score is the only thing that is making me unsure. If necessary I could retake it, I still have some time as I will be applying for the 2024 intake.

Work experience and leadership

A lot of experience in investment banking (3x internships, 2 of them in smaller companies, 1 in the investment banking division of one of the big american banks) and private equity (2x internships, one in a small company, the other in one of the large american PE funds).

Community and others

Active in 2 student initiatives at my university
2x scholarships from different organizations

Thats all. I assume that apart from my GMAT score, nothing else would speak against my admission at HEC. The question is thus whether I should retake GMAT and try to score >= 700.

What do you think? Thanks a lot in advance for your help!

Hi, here's our assessment of your profile:

- Regarding your academic achievements and GMAT score, your GPA is impressive, signaling a strong academic prowess which can't be overlooked by admissions committees. The GMAT score, while above average, could be improved, especially since you're eyeing HEC Paris, which is known for its competitive admissions process. Even though your quant score is solid, boosting your verbal score could give you an edge. Consider targeting a GMAT score of 720+ for HEC Paris.

- From the perspective of industry specificity, your experiences within investment banking and private equity speak volumes about your readiness for the MSc in International Finance. Your goals seem coherent with your background, but you might want to articulate why this specific program at HEC Paris would be a catalyst for your career aspirations, in order to set a more compelling narrative for your application.

- In terms of work experience, your background in investment banking and private equity is a clear plus. Multiple internships in these fields demonstrate your commitment and will be viewed positively. The major challenge we've observed for applicants from this sector is the need to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive pool. Use your experiences, achievements, and lessons learned during your internships to make your application stand out.

- The next steps we would advise for you are two-fold. First, consider retaking the GMAT with a focus on improving your verbal score, as mentioned earlier. Second, reflect deeply on your career goals and motivations for the HEC Paris program. Be sure to articulate these in your application in a compelling way. We've found that HEC Paris values diversity, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose and passion for the program from its applicants.

- To address your specific question about retaking the GMAT: given your profile, a score above 700 would indeed strengthen your application. This is based on the fact that HEC Paris is a highly competitive program and every point counts when it comes to making an impression.

We hope you find this evaluation helpful, and please feel free to post more queries here or to contact us directly. Wishing you the best in your endeavors!
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askquestion
Hello everyone, could you give me your opinion based on my profile. I am quite unsure whether my GMAT score would be enough for HEC Paris. I am interested for the MSc in International Finance programme.

Background and nationality:

I am Greek but im doing my undergraduate in Germany (no German nationality)

Undergrad Information:

Studying in a private german business school, very well-known in Germany, among the top 3.
GPA: 4.0/4.0 (around 97%)

GMAT:

Total score 680 (Q47, V35, IR7)

My score is the only thing that is making me unsure. If necessary I could retake it, I still have some time as I will be applying for the 2024 intake.

Work experience and leadership

A lot of experience in investment banking (3x internships, 2 of them in smaller companies, 1 in the investment banking division of one of the big american banks) and private equity (2x internships, one in a small company, the other in one of the large american PE funds).

Community and others

Active in 2 student initiatives at my university
2x scholarships from different organizations

Thats all. I assume that apart from my GMAT score, nothing else would speak against my admission at HEC. The question is thus whether I should retake GMAT and try to score >= 700.

What do you think? Thanks a lot in advance for your help!


Hey

Your application for HEC Paris' MSc in International Finance looks promising, packed with a standout GPA, great internships, and engaging community activities. You're right on the money with your concerns about your GMAT score. A score of 680 is decent, but again GMAT is just the 25% of your profile and a lot of your chances depend upon your essays, SOPs and LORs.

But don't let the GMAT become the be-all and end-all. Remember, you're more than just numbers. You've interned at top investment banks and private equity firms. That's big! Talk about those experiences, about the projects that excited you, the value you added, and how they've shaped your aspirations in international finance.

You've also been an active member in your student community, which is fantastic. Detail your contributions, the roles you took on, and the difference you made. And hey, two scholarships? That's no small feat, so make sure you highlight them!

Your essays are your chance to let your personality shine. Talk about why you're so passionate about finance and why HEC Paris is the perfect place for you to further your journey. If you land an interview, it's your golden opportunity to really sell your strengths and address any potential concerns.

Recommendations can add a cherry on top of your application. Choose people who've seen you in action and can vouch for your finance prowess.

As for demonstrating leadership in your internships, you could discuss leading projects, identifying and fixing problems, showing excellent teamwork or communication skills, your steep learning curve, and instances where you took feedback and improved or even mentored others. The emphasis here is to show not just what you did, but the impact it had.

All in all, you have a competitive profile. A higher GMAT score could just be that final nudge you need to lock your spot in the program.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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Demographics: Mumbai, India, Male, 24 yr.

Education: B.tech in Electronics and Communication, Lovely professional University( 2017 - 2021) with CGPA - 7.3
Class XII - 73.6% (MP Board, 2016-2017)
Class X - 7.3 CGPA (CBSE, 2015)

GMAT: My first attempt score is 710 (Verbal - 39, Quant - 48)

Work Experience - Total 3 yr ( 2 yr full time + 1 yr Internship)
* Started my career as Program Analyst Intern in Board Infinity(Edutech Startup) in May 2020(the final year of my B.tech).
* I worked as a program analyst for 6 months and got promoted after 6 months as associate program manager after the successful completion of multiple projects.
* In the year 2021 after a year of completion of my internship and college degree I got promoted to Category Manager, because I was a key member of the team during periods when the team was severely understaffed, always a top performer, automated lots of processes, responsible for multiple entities and for parts of the group consolidation.
* Currently, I am working as a senior category manager in Board Infinity itself as a core team member. Managing a team of 16 and handling 3-4 verticals in the organisation.
* Using advanced analytical tools and automated reports to track performance, and designing solutions that balance technical capability, cost, and time against business needs.
* Resolving escalations and maintaining a process that reduces Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Turnaround Time (TAT)
* Planning and designing end-to-end workflows for cohorts and automating repetitive tasks using Zoho CRM, optimising operations to improve overall productivity and efficiency.
* Providing consultation to 1500+ customers across various domains, solving their problems and improving their overall experience.
* Handling P&L INR 4 Crore Monthly and building B2B partnerships currently
* Spearheading corporate relations and community management efforts while also working closely with technical teams to ensure that operational requirements and product changes are communicated effectively.
* Curating high-quality content and outreach to influencers, while also managing and mentoring team members to maximize their potential and foster an environment of growth and success.


LEADERSHIP ROLES AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY :



Department of Youth Capital:

* Volunteered at the Department of Youth Capital, in the Division of Student Welfare, where I contributed to office management tasks.
* Successfully handled all Public Relation requirements and ensured the smooth functioning of different teams.
* Effectively managed office management tasks, including data entry, scheduling, and organising events.
* Developed strong organisational skills and attention to detail while single-handedly managing office management responsibilities.
* Collaborated with other volunteers to ensure seamless execution of events and projects.
*Headed and Conducted North India's biggest fest Youthvibe as Head of Relations.
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Hi Everyone,

Please evaluate my profile

Demographics: Mumbai, India, Male, 24 yr.

Education: B.tech in Electronics and Communication, Lovely professional University( 2017 - 2021) with CGPA - 7.3
Class XII - 73.6% (MP Board, 2016-2017)
Class X - 7.3 CGPA (CBSE, 2015)

GMAT: My first attempt score is 710 (Verbal - 39, Quant - 48)

Work Experience - 2 yr full time + 1 yr Internship
* Started my career as Program Analyst Intern in Board Infinity(Edutech Startup) in May 2020(the final year of my B.tech).
* I worked as a program analyst for 6 months and got promoted after 6 months as associate program manager after the successful completion of multiple projects.
* In the year 2021 after a year of completion of my internship and college degree I got promoted to Category Manager, because I was a key member of the team during periods when the team was severely understaffed, always a top performer, automated lots of processes, responsible for multiple entities and for parts of the group consolidation.
* Currently, I am working as a Category Lead - Founder's Office in Board Infinity itself as a core team member. Managing a team of 16 and handling 3-4 verticals in the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

*Leading Team and Customer Strategy: As a seasoned professional, I have led a diverse team of 50 individuals across three verticals: Category Management, Operations, and B2B Partnerships. By fostering collaboration and utilizing my expertise in customer strategy, I have successfully conceptualized and executed end-to-end strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
*Career Coaching and Student Mentorship: I formalized and mentored a team of career coaches to ensure effective guidance and support for students. By understanding their program outcomes, I facilitated a productive learning environment and helped students achieve their goals.
*Profit and Loss Management: I have demonstrated expertise in managing portfolios with a monthly turnover of over 4 Crores INR. By leveraging my financial acumen, I effectively handled profit and loss responsibilities, optimizing financial outcomes and ensuring sustainable growth.
*Sales Collaboration and Performance Tracking: Collaborating closely with the sales team, I actively tracked their performance and provided valuable inputs to increase product sales. By aligning sales strategies with overall business objectives, I fostered a revenue-focused environment and achieved exceptional results.
Product Launch and Business Development: I played a pivotal role in launching new products, including courses, an online testing platform, and white-labeled products. Through comprehensive market research and strategic planning, I successfully expanded the product portfolio and drove revenue growth.
*Strategic Partnerships: I have built strong partnerships with renowned international clients in the education industry, such as Coursera and Springboard. Additionally, I collaborated with top management colleges in India, including XLRI, IIMs, IMTs, and IMIs, to foster mutually beneficial relationships and drive business expansion.
*Business Strategy and Content Management: I formulated comprehensive business strategies, optimizing content quality management processes to meet the evolving needs of educators and customers. By leveraging my expertise in content and curriculum design, I facilitated productive interactions and enhanced customer satisfaction.

LEADERSHIP ROLES AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY :

Department of Youth Capital:

* Volunteered at the Department of Youth Capital, in the Division of Student Welfare, where I contributed to office management tasks.
* Successfully handled all Public Relation requirements and ensured the smooth functioning of different teams.
* Effectively managed office management tasks, including data entry, scheduling, and organising events.
* Developed strong organisational skills and attention to detail while single-handedly managing office management responsibilities.
* Collaborated with other volunteers to ensure seamless execution of events and projects.
*Headed and Conducted North India's biggest fest Youthvibe as Head of Relations.
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Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.

Hey nikhil0602,

Your profile looks like a solid a fit for the HEC MBA program. Here are some broad inputs on various parameters you mentioned:
Test Score: 710 is a decent attempt, however would advice you for a retake if you can bump it up by another 20-30 points as that will make you more competitive in the Indian application pool while also enabling you to be considered for some decent financial aid (internally and externally)
Academics: 70% in Pune University is quite decent, but a strong GMAT score can further augment your academic aptitude. Don't convert your grades into GPA as that may not be at picture, let the admission committee do it at their end since they have been evaluating applicants from pretty much every Indian university
Work Experience: Your experience with the Markets team of Bulge Bracket bank should definitely help you stand out since they enable you to develop strong quant skills along with a good international perspectives. B Schools do have an affinity towards experiences with these top tier names as they understand the value it brings to the classroom. The only point you need to be careful about is the nature of role, most Markets role tend to be light on the leadership front and hence you will need to figure out a way to demonstrate your leadership capabilities as that is crucial to most business schools.
ECs: CFA does tend to add a value to the application particularly if you have a keen interest in pursuing a career in Finance. Will be great if you can work on other aspects of ECs since they also tend to have weightage in the application process
ST goals: Leveraging markets experience to transition into a Product Management role maybe difficult specially for a 1 year MBA format. I would endorse exploring the Management / Strategy Consulting route and even having a look at some good Leadership / Corporate Finance roles which will enable you to build upon your Finance experience and knowledge (Treasury/M&A roles will be good fits). Besides a lot of Bulge Bracket banks also recruit for areas such as Private Wealth, AM etc.

You can also explore the LBS Masters in Finance given your inclination towards the Finance industry.

Hope the inputs are useful. All the best!
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.

HI Nikhil,

You have a competitive profile. As you are already into GMAT prep, its ok to retake and score higher. If you don't manage a higher score, even that will not harm you as a 710 score in itself is quite good for European MBA programs. In addition to HEC, I will also consider looking into INSEAD and LBS FT program. A higher GMAT score could be more beneficial for LBS. Remember, you will also have 2 levels of CFA to point as additional qualifications.

Your work experience sounds competitive. Focusing upon the international nature of work and the fact that you work in global teams will help answer to an important criteria of business schools- international orientation. The ECAs are average, but they won't harm you. The career goals are open and wide at this point- so you will need to put some thought there about what best aligns with your career interests and experience so far. Doing a pre MBA internship can be a good idea if you want to explore some options before starting biz school, but that discussion would be for next year :)

Feel free to reach out for a discussion. WE have experts in the team who can help you be more clear on your career goals.
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.

Hi nikhil0602,
Previous posts have already said you have a competitive profile.
To answer your questions in greater detail,
some of the pointed answers may help.

1. For HEC, your admissibility is very high (assuming you put in a good application, but scholarship possibilities from the school itself may not be limited. Remember, while HEC says they offer students €1,000,000 in aid (Financial aid, NOT scholarships), no amount of scholarship grants can exceed 50% cumulatively

2) While your WE is competitive for most schools, including US schools, your age, and (less than stellar) GMAT score would place you at just about the threshold for many, and out of the top 10 (with the current score)

3) You haven't specified what you have done through your gap periods (looks like you have some); that may impact your overall application (adversely or favourably, depending on your application strength

4) From an experienced perspective, it looks like you have good ECs, but will need to extract them in the application process.

Hope that helps...
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.

Hi nikhil0602

Your work experience is impressive, showcasing intelligent and progressive role transitions. However, your goals appear scattered and lack focus. It is important that you present a more focused approach to the admissions committee to avoid appearing confused.

If you are serious about management consulting, you should improve your GMAT score and add some more ambitious programs to increase your chances of getting into top firms like MBB. HEC is a great school but is not as strong with MBB as LBS or INSEAD. For venture capital, consider business school options that offer the right network and connections, taking into account the geographical location you desire for your VC pursuits (e.g., UK, Middle East, or US).

The chances of receiving a scholarship depend on the strength of your profile, your GMAT score, and your application. Do not worry about this at the moment; simply focus on doing your best. Business schools assess scholarship applicants holistically and award scholarships when they deem it appropriate.

Wishing you the best of luck, and please don't hesitate to reach out should you need professional guidance.

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.

Hey nikhil0602,

Your profile shows great potential with a strong academic background and solid work experience in investment banking and finance. Your impressive GMAT score of 710 demonstrates your aptitude for business studies.

While retaking the GMAT is an option to improve your score, it's important to remember that it's just one piece of your application. The admissions process takes a holistic view, considering factors such as essays, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, work experience, and achievements. Focus on crafting compelling essays and a captivating statement of purpose that highlight your unique qualities and experiences.

Dedicate time and effort to writing persuasive essays, securing strong recommendations, engaging in impactful extracurricular activities, and showcasing your achievements.

Engage in activities outside of work that showcase your leadership, teamwork, and community involvement. Seek opportunities to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact. Choose recommenders who can provide strong endorsements of your abilities. Highlight your professional achievements and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km
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Hi everyone, could you please tell me what my chances are for 2024 entry to French MiMs? I am applying to ESCP, HEC, ESSEC, EDHEC, INSEAD, and possibly others.

Profile:

- I just graduated from a top 5 Liberal Arts College in the United States with a 3.24 GPA. My school has severe grade deflation hence my GPA but I also cross registered at a top 3 university where I received perfect grades and got involved in orgs.

- French citizen: I left France for college because I got a full ride in the US but I speak fluent French as well as two other languages. Received Mention Très Bien on the Bac.

- Took entrepreneurship and MBA level classes, have co-founded a very early stage startup for which I conducted extensive market research. I am in the process of starting my own business now that I have graduated and have a lot more free time on my hands.

- Internships in several countries, in nonprofit and fintech industry, including for a startup which raised seven figures. Studied abroad and lived in 6 countries. Prior political involvement in France.

- Fundraiser for a charity (Have raised 5 figures)

- Have not taken the GMAT yet but I am aiming for around 680-700.

I am mainly worried about my low GPA and my recommendations not being very strong as I dealt with some medical issues in college and did not form deep bonds with my professors. I could get good professional recommendations, however. I know ESCP doesn’t require any so there is that, at least. The other schools highly recommend 1-2 academic and a professional rec.

What do you guys think my chances are? How can I improve them over the summer other than through my standardized score?

Sorry for babbling and thank you so much for your attention and help :)

Posted from my mobile device
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Hey leylareese,

Thanks for sharing your profile.

To begin with, your profile looks good on the surface. While you haven't taken the GMAT yet, aiming for a score between 680-700 is a good target. Your GPA seems to be on the lower side, it's important to consider that some colleges have grade deflation, as you mentioned. Admissions committees are generally aware of this and take it into account when evaluating applicants from such institutions. Your cross-registration at a top 3 university and your perfect grades there demonstrate your academic capabilities. Highlighting this in your application can help mitigate the impact of your lower overall GPA.

Being a French citizen and having achieved Mention Très Bien on the Bac and fluency in multiple languages is an advantage. French MiMs value language skills and your ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will be viewed positively. Your involvement in entrepreneurship and co-founding a start-up, coupled with your extensive market research, demonstrates your initiative and business acumen. This experience will be valuable for MiM programs that emphasize entrepreneurship and innovation. Your internships in various countries, study abroad experience, and living in multiple countries showcase your global perspective and adaptability. French MiMs often appreciate candidates with diverse international exposure, so this aspect of your profile should work in your favor.

Speaking about your ECs, your involvement in fundraising for a charity, and your prior political involvement in France highlight your commitment to social causes and community engagement. These experiences contribute to a well-rounded profile, showcasing your leadership and organizational skills.


To improve your chances, consider the following steps:

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Use your personal statement to address your lower GPA, explaining any extenuating circumstances such as medical issues. Emphasize your strengths, experiences, and personal growth throughout college.
Leverage Your International Experience: Highlight your global experiences and how they have shaped your perspective and prepared you for a MiM program.

Showcase your adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work in diverse environments.
Focus on Your Entrepreneurship and Start-up Experience: Elaborate on your entrepreneurship and start-up involvement, emphasizing the skills and knowledge you gained. Highlight any achievements, lessons learned and the impact of your work.

Showcase Leadership and Impact: Demonstrate your leadership potential and your positive impact through your fundraising efforts, political involvement, and other extracurricular activities. Provide specific examples of how you've contributed and made a difference.
Seek Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who can provide detailed and enthusiastic insights into your abilities, skills, and potential for success. Aim for a mix of academic and professional recommenders, if possible.


We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Good luck!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
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Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

leylareese
Hi everyone, could you please tell me what my chances are for 2024 entry to French MiMs? I am applying to ESCP, HEC, ESSEC, EDHEC, INSEAD, and possibly others.

Profile:

- I just graduated from a top 5 Liberal Arts College in the United States with a 3.24 GPA. My school has severe grade deflation hence my GPA but I also cross registered at a top 3 university where I received perfect grades and got involved in orgs.

- French citizen: I left France for college because I got a full ride in the US but I speak fluent French as well as two other languages. Received Mention Très Bien on the Bac.

- Took entrepreneurship and MBA level classes, have co-founded a very early stage startup for which I conducted extensive market research. I am in the process of starting my own business now that I have graduated and have a lot more free time on my hands.

- Internships in several countries, in nonprofit and fintech industry, including for a startup which raised seven figures. Studied abroad and lived in 6 countries. Prior political involvement in France.

- Fundraiser for a charity (Have raised 5 figures)

- Have not taken the GMAT yet but I am aiming for around 680-700.

I am mainly worried about my low GPA and my recommendations not being very strong as I dealt with some medical issues in college and did not form deep bonds with my professors. I could get good professional recommendations, however. I know ESCP doesn’t require any so there is that, at least. The other schools highly recommend 1-2 academic and a professional rec.

What do you guys think my chances are? How can I improve them over the summer other than through my standardized score?

Sorry for babbling and thank you so much for your attention and help :)

Posted from my mobile device
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Hey nikhil0602,
Thanks for sharing your profile.

To begin with, your profile looks good on the surface. Your GMAT score of 710, with a strong quant percentile, is competitive and falls within the range expected by HEC. While aiming for an improvement in a retake is beneficial, your current score already puts you in a good position. Your BE degree in Information Technology with a first-class distinction and an estimated GPA of 3.4 out of 4 demonstrates a strong academic background. Your high school scores are impressive, further strengthening your profile.

Speaking about your work experience: your work experience in investment banking and finance, particularly at Goldman Sachs and Barclays, showcases your expertise in front-office roles and structured products. This experience is valuable for HEC's MBA program, as it aligns with its focus on finance and international business. The CFA Level 2 candidacy is an additional advantage.

While you mentioned limited involvement in extracurricular activities, it's important to emphasize any leadership roles, community engagement, or unique experiences you have had outside of work. HEC values well-rounded candidates who can contribute to the diverse campus environment. Use this opportunity to highlight initiatives, volunteering, or personal achievements demonstrating your passions and interests.

Coming to your Short-term and long-term goals, your short-term plans to pursue an internship at a VC/consultancy firm and complete the CFA Level 2 align well with your post-MBA goals in management/strategy consulting or product management. HEC will appreciate your clarity of goals and the practical steps you intend to take to achieve them.

HEC Paris offers various scholarships to outstanding candidates. Scholarships at HEC are merit-based and highly competitive. While there is no guarantee of receiving a scholarship, having a strong profile and submitting a compelling application can increase your chances. Scholarships at HEC are awarded based on academic excellence, professional achievements, leadership potential, and diversity.

To apply for scholarships at HEC MBA, you typically need to indicate your interest during the application process. The scholarship application may require additional essays or information addressing specific criteria. Make sure to thoroughly review the scholarship information on the HEC MBA website and follow the instructions provided. It is also advisable to reach out to the admissions office or current students/alumni for more specific guidance on scholarship opportunities and the application process.

Remember to present a well-rounded application showcasing your achievements, goals, and fit with HEC's values and program. Highlight your unique experiences, international exposure, and professional achievements to maximize your chances of both admission and scholarship consideration.

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Good luck with your application process!

Neha Hadke
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Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
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nikhil0602
Hi Everyone,

Please help evaluate my profile.

Age/Gender/Nationality: 28 yr Male, Indian

GMAT Score: 710 [Quant:51 , Verbal:35, I.R.:3 , AWA:5]
planning to appear once more with the hope to improve at least 10-20 points.

Educational Qualifications:
Graduation: Completed B.E in Information Technology from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (Pune University) in 2018 with 70% (First class with distinction).
have applied for the transcript which also has GPA mentioned. It should be around ~3.4 GPA out of 4
X (CBSE): 9.6 CGPA (2012)
XII (CBSE): 90% (2014) [Maths: 95%]


Total Work Experience: ~4.5 yrs till June 2023 (Investment Banking/Finance, Non-Tech):
Current: July 2022 - Present: Barclays: Equity Finance (Global Markets) (front office, extension of HK team)
Prev: Jan 2020 - June 2022 - Goldman Sachs: Exotic Structured Products (Global Markets)
Prev: July 2018 - Mar 2019 - Edelweiss Finance (front office (sales), structured derivatives products and AIFs)

CFA Level 2 candidate

Extracurricular: nothing major as such. researching this one actually.

Short-term plan:
1. If I get converted, I will apply for internship at a VC/Consultancy firm before joining the MBA
2. Complete my CFA Level 2.

Post MBA: Management/Strategy consulting, Product Management (Growth) - researching more into this.

Why MBA? to develop skills to get into business side roles; to network with smart and ambitious people, there are skills that I need to develop/improve for which MBA programs provide great environment.

Interests/Hobbies:

I like derivatives trading and backtested and optimized neutral options strategies (have been doing this for almost 3 years and achieved a little success in optimizing profitable strategy)

I like driving and have done lots of road trips.
I like going out and meeting people, watching movies & series, and cooking.


Q: What are the chances of getting scholarships if I get the admit? and how to apply.
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