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09 Dec 2023, 12:40
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi!
I am confused about whether I should wait another year and give GMAT again or go ahead with applications this year at safe schools. Looking for feedback on what schools I would be a good fit for.
Demographics: Indian, Female
· Education: Engineering in I.T., First Class, University of Mumbai, graduated in 2013
· Other coursework or post-undergraduate education: Have done couple of certification courses - Project Management by Google and Instagram Marketing
· GMAT or GRE or EA score : GMAT 650 (1st attempt in 2022), 70%, Q47, V33, AR 5, IR 6
· Work experience:
2013 - 2015 - Associate Product Developer, CSC India
- Built business software for 4 group insurance clients in Cobol and AS400 and collaborated with project managers to select ambitious, but realistic coding milestones on software project development.
- Promoted to development lead in 2014. Trained and managed team of 6 developers and discussed issues in order to provide resolution and apply best practices.
2015 - Present - Co-founder & CEO - Whole New Level
Launched my own creative marketing agency. I have successfully bootstrapped it and grown it to a team of 5 and over 70 clients. Have worked with clients from a multitude of industries and have worked in advisory capacity to startups for their initial strategy. I have launched client websites in US, Australia, UK & Netherlands.
2023 - Present - Strategy & Operations Consultant, Admire
Helping set up a new agency in this role. Streamlined operations by setting up & managing project management system. Created monthly reports on team performance. Developed hiring strategy & plan for next 8 months. Currently working on SOPs for various project types.
· Extracurricular activities:
Notable undergraduate: Nothing as such, won sudoko contests at college level, part of all college festival committees, head of dance festival, particpated in singing and played sports at college level - gold medal in Kho kho, silver in cricket. - should I mention these anywhere? They aren't exactly notable I suppose.
Post graduate:
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSC Mumbai from 2013-2015: Helped disburse yearly donation, spearheaded all location corporate social responsibility activities and managed a team of 2.
Rotaract (2012 - 2016):
Community Service Director:
Lead 25+ comm serv projects in my year, most notable being a project where we designed and made solar lanterns and installed them in a village in India where they don't have electrical line yet. Also collected & donated 20k clothes to this village, organised medical camp, Nominated as best community service director.
Club President:
Lead club activities, managed a team of 70 members
District Admin Director: Admin for Rotaract District. Executed 4 events that saw over 1000 Rotaractors attending.
· Post-MBA goals: I would like to go into management consulting immediately after graduation. I am keen to work with an international team and gain a deeper understanding of how larger businesses function. I am working on other business ideas that I wish to launch in the coming years.
· Target schools: Duke Fuqua, T20 schools if not too aspirational. Or else applying to Rotman, Trinity, Schools in UK - Imperial, Cambridge
I could do with realistic help in picking schools. Also, what aspects of entrepreneurship should be highlighted?
I am confused about whether I should wait another year and give GMAT again or go ahead with applications this year at safe schools. Looking for feedback on what schools I would be a good fit for.
Demographics: Indian, Female
· Education: Engineering in I.T., First Class, University of Mumbai, graduated in 2013
· Other coursework or post-undergraduate education: Have done couple of certification courses - Project Management by Google and Instagram Marketing
· GMAT or GRE or EA score : GMAT 650 (1st attempt in 2022), 70%, Q47, V33, AR 5, IR 6
· Work experience:
2013 - 2015 - Associate Product Developer, CSC India
- Built business software for 4 group insurance clients in Cobol and AS400 and collaborated with project managers to select ambitious, but realistic coding milestones on software project development.
- Promoted to development lead in 2014. Trained and managed team of 6 developers and discussed issues in order to provide resolution and apply best practices.
2015 - Present - Co-founder & CEO - Whole New Level
Launched my own creative marketing agency. I have successfully bootstrapped it and grown it to a team of 5 and over 70 clients. Have worked with clients from a multitude of industries and have worked in advisory capacity to startups for their initial strategy. I have launched client websites in US, Australia, UK & Netherlands.
2023 - Present - Strategy & Operations Consultant, Admire
Helping set up a new agency in this role. Streamlined operations by setting up & managing project management system. Created monthly reports on team performance. Developed hiring strategy & plan for next 8 months. Currently working on SOPs for various project types.
· Extracurricular activities:
Notable undergraduate: Nothing as such, won sudoko contests at college level, part of all college festival committees, head of dance festival, particpated in singing and played sports at college level - gold medal in Kho kho, silver in cricket. - should I mention these anywhere? They aren't exactly notable I suppose.
Post graduate:
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSC Mumbai from 2013-2015: Helped disburse yearly donation, spearheaded all location corporate social responsibility activities and managed a team of 2.
Rotaract (2012 - 2016):
Community Service Director:
Lead 25+ comm serv projects in my year, most notable being a project where we designed and made solar lanterns and installed them in a village in India where they don't have electrical line yet. Also collected & donated 20k clothes to this village, organised medical camp, Nominated as best community service director.
Club President:
Lead club activities, managed a team of 70 members
District Admin Director: Admin for Rotaract District. Executed 4 events that saw over 1000 Rotaractors attending.
· Post-MBA goals: I would like to go into management consulting immediately after graduation. I am keen to work with an international team and gain a deeper understanding of how larger businesses function. I am working on other business ideas that I wish to launch in the coming years.
· Target schools: Duke Fuqua, T20 schools if not too aspirational. Or else applying to Rotman, Trinity, Schools in UK - Imperial, Cambridge
I could do with realistic help in picking schools. Also, what aspects of entrepreneurship should be highlighted?
12 Dec 2023, 06:30
Kudos
Bookmarks
Dear Neha,
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive background. It highlights engineering expertise, entrepreneurial ventures, and significant leadership roles in extracurricular activities.
Self-Assessment & Timing:
Your accomplishments stand out, notably your entrepreneurial journey and influential roles in extracurricular leadership.
Strengths: Your entrepreneurial venture's growth, leadership acumen, and impactful community service initiatives reflect exceptional potential.
GMAT: While your GMAT score of 650 is commendable, it's pertinent to note that top-tier schools often have an average GMAT score of 700+. Data indicates that candidates at schools like Fuqua typically have median GMAT scores ranging from 670 to 720, showcasing the competitive landscape.
Application Strategy:
Target Schools:
Fuqua (Duke University): Known for its consulting programs, the class profile data reveals a median GMAT score of 710, signaling the competitiveness of applicants.
Rotman (University of Toronto): With a median GMAT of around 665, Rotman appreciates strong leadership, as reflected in the cohort's diversity.
Trinity Business School (Trinity College Dublin): The MBA cohort demonstrates global diversity, with a median GMAT of 630, making it a potential fit.
Imperial College Business School: Known for innovation, their program boasts a GMAT median of 670, attracting a globally diverse cohort.
University of Cambridge (Judge Business School): Renowned for consulting, their median GMAT scores hover around 690, attracting high-caliber applicants.
Some more suggestions from me:
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University):
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted students typically around 700-760.
Known for its collaborative culture, emphasis on teamwork, and strong alumni network, particularly in marketing and consulting.
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted candidates often around 680-750.
Offers a unique culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, with strong ties to Silicon Valley.
NYU Stern School of Business:
GMAT Range: Median GMAT score is around 720, with the middle 80% range approximately 680-750.
Located in New York City, providing access to numerous career opportunities and renowned for its finance and strategy programs.
Yale School of Management:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted students usually falls around 690-760.
Known for its integrated curriculum, emphasizing responsible leadership and social impact.
UCLA Anderson School of Management:
GMAT Range: Average GMAT score is about 715, with the middle 80% range commonly around 680-750.
Offers a diverse and collaborative environment with strengths in entertainment, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Darden School of Business (University of Virginia):
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted students often around 660-740.
Known for its case method of teaching, emphasizing practical application and strong in consulting and general management.
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted candidates typically around 660-730.
Strong leadership development programs and a collaborative culture, particularly strong in marketing and consulting.
Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business:
GMAT Range: Average GMAT score is approximately 690-700, with the middle 80% range often around 650-730.
Renowned for its analytical approach to business education and strengths in technology, operations, and finance.
Michigan Ross School of Business:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted students commonly around 680-750.
Known for its action-based learning approach and strong emphasis on consulting and marketing.
Strengthening Entrepreneurship Aspects:
Quantifiable Impact: Leveraging metrics such as revenue growth, client acquisition, or successful project numbers showcases tangible achievements.
Start-up Growth Metrics: Demonstrating year-over-year growth, client portfolio expansion, or market penetration adds depth to your narrative.
GMAT Retake Consideration:
Data suggests that an improved GMAT score significantly enhances the probability of admission to top-tier schools. Schools like Fuqua have admitted candidates who retook the GMAT to boost their profile and align with class averages. Aim for 720+ (doable in 2-3 months with targeted prep and guidance).
Application Execution:
Recommendation Letters: Aligning referees' insights with your career trajectory and entrepreneurial journey enriches the qualitative aspect of your application.
Application Essays: Augmenting your narrative with specific entrepreneurial milestones and the impact on your agency amplifies the application's depth and persuasiveness.
Interview Preparation: Considering the significance of GMAT data in the admission process, articulating your journey, impact, and future aspirations becomes pivotal during interviews.
Your profile exudes remarkable potential, and a strategic approach incorporating data-backed insights into the competitive landscape of your target schools will undoubtedly strengthen your candidacy. An improved GMAT score, coupled with a narrative accentuating your entrepreneurial achievements, will position you as a compelling candidate within the competitive MBA landscape.
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive background. It highlights engineering expertise, entrepreneurial ventures, and significant leadership roles in extracurricular activities.
Self-Assessment & Timing:
Your accomplishments stand out, notably your entrepreneurial journey and influential roles in extracurricular leadership.
Strengths: Your entrepreneurial venture's growth, leadership acumen, and impactful community service initiatives reflect exceptional potential.
GMAT: While your GMAT score of 650 is commendable, it's pertinent to note that top-tier schools often have an average GMAT score of 700+. Data indicates that candidates at schools like Fuqua typically have median GMAT scores ranging from 670 to 720, showcasing the competitive landscape.
Application Strategy:
Target Schools:
Fuqua (Duke University): Known for its consulting programs, the class profile data reveals a median GMAT score of 710, signaling the competitiveness of applicants.
Rotman (University of Toronto): With a median GMAT of around 665, Rotman appreciates strong leadership, as reflected in the cohort's diversity.
Trinity Business School (Trinity College Dublin): The MBA cohort demonstrates global diversity, with a median GMAT of 630, making it a potential fit.
Imperial College Business School: Known for innovation, their program boasts a GMAT median of 670, attracting a globally diverse cohort.
University of Cambridge (Judge Business School): Renowned for consulting, their median GMAT scores hover around 690, attracting high-caliber applicants.
Some more suggestions from me:
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University):
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted students typically around 700-760.
Known for its collaborative culture, emphasis on teamwork, and strong alumni network, particularly in marketing and consulting.
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted candidates often around 680-750.
Offers a unique culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, with strong ties to Silicon Valley.
NYU Stern School of Business:
GMAT Range: Median GMAT score is around 720, with the middle 80% range approximately 680-750.
Located in New York City, providing access to numerous career opportunities and renowned for its finance and strategy programs.
Yale School of Management:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted students usually falls around 690-760.
Known for its integrated curriculum, emphasizing responsible leadership and social impact.
UCLA Anderson School of Management:
GMAT Range: Average GMAT score is about 715, with the middle 80% range commonly around 680-750.
Offers a diverse and collaborative environment with strengths in entertainment, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Darden School of Business (University of Virginia):
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted students often around 660-740.
Known for its case method of teaching, emphasizing practical application and strong in consulting and general management.
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for admitted candidates typically around 660-730.
Strong leadership development programs and a collaborative culture, particularly strong in marketing and consulting.
Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business:
GMAT Range: Average GMAT score is approximately 690-700, with the middle 80% range often around 650-730.
Renowned for its analytical approach to business education and strengths in technology, operations, and finance.
Michigan Ross School of Business:
GMAT Range: Middle 80% range for accepted students commonly around 680-750.
Known for its action-based learning approach and strong emphasis on consulting and marketing.
Strengthening Entrepreneurship Aspects:
Quantifiable Impact: Leveraging metrics such as revenue growth, client acquisition, or successful project numbers showcases tangible achievements.
Start-up Growth Metrics: Demonstrating year-over-year growth, client portfolio expansion, or market penetration adds depth to your narrative.
GMAT Retake Consideration:
Data suggests that an improved GMAT score significantly enhances the probability of admission to top-tier schools. Schools like Fuqua have admitted candidates who retook the GMAT to boost their profile and align with class averages. Aim for 720+ (doable in 2-3 months with targeted prep and guidance).
Application Execution:
Recommendation Letters: Aligning referees' insights with your career trajectory and entrepreneurial journey enriches the qualitative aspect of your application.
Application Essays: Augmenting your narrative with specific entrepreneurial milestones and the impact on your agency amplifies the application's depth and persuasiveness.
Interview Preparation: Considering the significance of GMAT data in the admission process, articulating your journey, impact, and future aspirations becomes pivotal during interviews.
Your profile exudes remarkable potential, and a strategic approach incorporating data-backed insights into the competitive landscape of your target schools will undoubtedly strengthen your candidacy. An improved GMAT score, coupled with a narrative accentuating your entrepreneurial achievements, will position you as a compelling candidate within the competitive MBA landscape.
