utkbits wrote:
Hi,
I wrote my second gmat and got a score of 720 ( Q49, Verbal 38, IR 8, AWA - 4.5)
10th - 90.2 ( 3rd rank in class )
12th - 88.8 ( class topper )
BTech - Computer Science ( BIT Mesra, 2011-15, GPA: 8.2/10)
Work Exp: Developer Analyst in Goldman Sachs ( 2015 june - present ) - almost 2.5 years as of now.
>> I have been working on business side facing teams but my work mostly involved software development.
>> Lead a team of 30 employees for a day to organize an event at an NGO.
>> Rated 'Outstanding' for two consecutive years by peers.
>> Organised training for juniors.
International Exposure: Was part of a 2 months training program in New York HQ of Goldman Sachs where I interacted with senior people and colleagues from different region like London, Singapore, Tokyo, etc.
Extra Curriculum:
>> Collected more than Rs. 80,000 for Oxfam (Charity organisation) and will walk 100kms in 30 hours for it.
>> Reached finals of Impact fund where I pitched for my chosen NGO infront of a panel of MDs. If won, my NGO will get a grant of (20,000$-50,000$$)
>> Marathon runner ( ran 21km marathon in 1 hours 30 mins)
>> Singer (my song was viewed 1Lakh times on youtube)
>> Won intern school tennis competition once.
>> Won a free style Ganga Marathon, where one had to swim 3kms in Ganga river.
>> Part of SEEDS asia ( volunteer work )
I am still thinking if I should apply to US bschools because of the H1-B VISA problem and the risks involved. But if I apply, I would like to apply to these bschools next year:
1) Harvard,
2) Wharton,
3) Chicago Booth,
4) Yale,
5) NYU Stern
6) Cornell,
7) Tuck
8) Darden,
9) Ross,
Europe
10) INSEAD,
11) HEC Paris,
I have some time till I apply next year. I want to pursue career in consulting/finance. Being an IT Male engineer, I was thinking if I should focus on writing gmat once again or I should work on things which will help me later in career like (switching to some consult, Writing exams like CFA, FRM)??
Hey dude,
Very good to hear from you!
There's some very good stuff in your profile, and some big challenges too. Overall I think you can do well, but that your school list is a bit challenging as is.
Let's start off by having a look at your weaknesses and strengths
Weaknesses:
- Indian/Male/IT - Do not underestimate how tough the competition is. There are SO many similar applicants out there!
- Non IIT-grad - For Top 10 schools the VAST majority of Indian candidates come from NIT/IITs.
- Good but not great GMAT
(For some thoughts about being an Indian candidate and retaking the GMAT have a look at this:
https://admissionado.com/mba/3-tips-for- ... n=mba_bloghttps://admissionado.com/mba/to-retake-o ... n=mba_blog)
Neutral:
- Perhaps somewhat unrealistic goals - ALL IT people want to move in finance, but it just doesn't happen in reality, so you may want to shift your goals. Although in your case they may be possible given what you have done in GS.
Strengths:
- Very good volunteer work. Looks like you have done a lot of stuff here. and a variety too. I'm loving it! (And I have my fingers crossed for your NGO)
- Goldman Sachs on your resume
Now overall, given that you are working on the software side of things and in India, and with a 720, I think Top10 schools are stretches for you. We've seen people with 740s and who have worked int he US office of GS get turned away because of competition.
My main advice would be:
Consider retaking the GMAT if you feel that it is realistic for you to get a higher score.
Open up to Top20/30 schools (depending on your final GMAT score). Top 10 will be tough, even if you pull a 770 (although you should try), so I would recommend looking into other schools as well.
I hope you find this helpful!
Best,