Thank you Jon.
Work Experience:
5 years in the Software R & D division of a leading technology company with a focus on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity.
Tech Lead with 4-5 people reporting to me and have helped develop 3 well-known technology products all of which have more than a million customers.
Goals:
Short Term/Long Term: Drive Strategy and deliver compelling, innovative and useful products and services (either at a Tech Company or a company making use of Tech to grow)
Undergrad School: Good but not exceptional.
Volunteer Work: Project Lead for Non Profit projects in education (3~4 years starting with being a participant and growing into a lead)
ECs: Nothing unique. Reading. Toastmasters.
My biggest question right now is whether I should apply now or whether I should postpone my application to R1 next year.
I am only targeting M7 schools and would especially love to get into HBS/Wharton.
Advantages of postponing to R1 next year:
1) I can do a 6-month strategy oriented project at my company.
2) I can do summer school at LSE covering Strategy and Marketing.
3) I will have more time to polish and refine my application.
Major disadvantage of postponing to R1 next year:
I am 28/29 now and I will be 29/30 when I apply next year.
Will being 30 significantly reduce my chances of admission at the M7 schools?
I am very unclear about this and would greatly appreciate the guidance.
JonAdmissionado wrote:
knowledgeforaction wrote:
1) Basic demographic info: 29, Male, India
2) Educational Background: B.E (8.5/10 - India), M.S (Engineering - 3.7/4.0 - Top 20 School in US)
3) GRE: 339/340 (V: 170, Q: 169. Official ETS Conversion is to 800/800 on GMAT)
4) Work experience: Staff Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA. 5 promotions in 4.5 years.
Work in the Software R & D division of a leading technology company with a focus on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity.
5) Extracurriculars: Involved with a non-profit working in the education sector for the last 4 years. Have a functionary role within the org.
6) Short/Long term goals: Strategy (maybe with a focus on Technology)
7) Schools: Wharton, MIT Sloan, Booth, Kellogg MMM, Columbia, Haas (EW-MBA)
8) Recommendations - 2 good recommendations from engineering managers (direct supervisors)
I currently have a well paying job where I am gaining good experience and I am wary of spending $130K on a Tier 2 MBA program.
At the same time, I understand that I come from an over-represented pool and do not have much to make my profile unique.
I am very interested in knowing whether there are any programs which will give higher weightage to my GRE/GMAT and Technology work experience (like the Kellogg MMM Program).
Greatly appreciate the support and guidance.
Well, that is a veeeery impressive GRE score, dude.
Now I'd love to dig in here, but since you are aiming high I need more detail esp. about your work experience, your goals, your undergrad school and volunteer work/ECs if you have.
I'd also look into Stanford. Seems like it might fit you. And they LOVE high GMATs.
Best
close
15 Nov 2017, 00:58
That's what you will go for, regardless of chances... (and yes, you should have decent chances, even though you have some weaknesses in your profile.
