highflier234 wrote:
Hi Jon,
I'd really appreciate if you could evaluate my profile.
1) Brief description of your full-time work experience. What do you do?
I work for a small strategy consulting firm (not the Bains, McKinsey's, not even the Deloittes, KPMGs). Though my firm is small, I have worked on some great projects with quantifiable outputs and am leading a team of 3 people. I have 3.5 years of experience and have previously worked in a similar role at the research division of a top consulting firm.
2) Your GMAT.
750 Q50, V41, AWA: 5.5, IR:8
3) College info: The name of the college, your GPA or grade average, your major, year of graduation. For any graduate degrees, please provide the same info. If you grades are low, please indicate if there were extenuating circumstances.
I am a Computer Engineer from one of the top 5 colleges in India (non-IIT though). I graduated in 2011 and my GPA is 6.9/10 (that's about average and grading at my college was A-10, B-8, C-6, D-4, E-2)
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
Used to write for a reputed international newspaper on politics, current affairs and international relations. Worked with an NGO for a few months, involved in a few community service initiatives at college. Avid quizzer, won quiz competitions at school and college. Founded a student club with >200 members at college, responsible for organizing events during the technical festival.
I have been rated among the top analysts at both the firms I've worked for.
5) Your target programs.
Kellogg, Tuck, Duke, Cornell, Ross, Tepper (I'm looking for schools that are more consulting focused, need to research more on this)
6) When you plan to apply? Please specify round and application cycle, for example R1 2013-14 or R3 2012-13.
R2 2014 or R1 2015
7) Your post-MBA goal.
My short term goal is to work for a top management consulting firm (MBB)
I had initially planned to take the GMAT by Nov-Dec and apply to schools in R1 next year. I was planning to move to a more recognized brand, re-start writing a weekly column and re-engage in community initiatives to build a more compelling story. However, I took my GMAT last week and am confused whether I should apply to some schools in R2 this year.
I'd be grateful if you could help me in assessing where I stand today vis-a-vis the competition, whether waiting for a year and putting in efforts to improve my profile would help me target better schools (Kellogg, Wharton, Booth) next year, or if I should apply this year, which schools should I go for.
Thanks!
Hey there,
So let's start with the "this year vs. next year" question. It's up to you: do whatever's better for you. You have your GMAT, you have enough work experience should you decide to apply. Also, if you wanted to go for R2, you are right on time. So, I'd say if you are ready, why not?
Second: schools. Here things get a biiiit tricky. I think you may have to compromise on your schools a bit. Your GMAT is totally awesome, no doubt but you come from a non-IIT with not so great grades, and that alone might make things tough. I'd suggest moderating your school list, and opening it up to Top 20/25 schools and not just sticking to Top 10.
The fact that you come from a boutique firm is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it's great to have big names on your profile, buuuuuut if you yourself have done some awesome things at the workplace it can go a long way.
Last note: What I would be looking for in your profile if we were working together is: diamonds. Right now, your profile is good, but it doesn't yet sparkle. And you gotta get some sparkle in there. You are up against some big and tough competition, and every little stone helps...
Best,
Jon