sharathskal wrote:
Need help on schools to target. I am location agnostic, but a little tight on finances. So, prefer good schools likely to offer decent scholarships. I am also open to re-taking the GMAT. Please be kind enough to go through the profile.
Also, please evaluate my chances at Darden, Johnson, Duke, Tepper, Emory, Kelley, Scheller, Vanderbilt. Aware that these schools aren't all comparable in terms of pedigree. these are the schools I currently have on my mind for the US.
Post MBA Aspiration- Wish to Pivot to Strategy Consulting (MBB, roland berger etc), if it does not materialise would be happy transitioning into technology consulting career.
Basic Details- Indian Male 27 years
GMAT- 730 (Q48 V42 IR5) earlier attempts-- 700 (q49 v35), 650 (q49 v28)
College GPA- 6.91 out of 10 (State Govt Engg. school on Merit Scholarship)
Work Exp- 5.3 yrs
Currently doing MBAMath, as suggested by Duke AdCom in an event.
I have 5.3 years of Experience with TCS in the Digital Transformation domain. I work as a Robotics Process Automation Developer cum Business Analyst.
As part of my current role in the project, I own automations-- the role entails all activities ranging from feasibility analysis, requirement gathering to delivery of the automations. Also, the manager of the central automation tool housing 100+ automations. As part of Centre of Excellence initiative have some experience of consulting other teams on the right course of action to be taken for their transformation initiatives.
In 6 automation assignments, had junior developers working under me. In terms of progression, I have had 2 promotions, the recent one being a fast track promotion to an early mid-management level designation in the organisation. Even in terms of salary progression, will be able to show an annual increment of ~27% yoy in the organisation.
Other Distinctions:
1) Made it to the Final interview (C-level panel) round for Tata Group's Flagship General Management programme, it was a 5 round process open to Tata Group employees of 2-6 yrs experience (1 million employees in total) including 2 rounds of Group Discussion and Case Study/Interview conducted by VPs in Tata Group. Was part of the final 28 to have made it to the interview.
2) Customer Appreciation as Most Promising RPA Team member
3) Star of the Month and on the spot awards
ECs: -
1) Took training Sessions on RPA tools for Business Operations associates seeking retraining opportunities (~100) as part of Machine first delivery model initiative in TCS.
2) Trained 6 associates in Centre of Excellence team in Excel VBA to meet an ad-hoc project requirement
3) Volunteering at an NGO since July this year, as part of this teaching 10th graders from unprivileged background Science
4) Class Representative in final year of College, helped the college achieve National board accreditation through data acquisition initiatives (a major exercise that happens every 5 years)
5) Organiser in Entrepreneurial fest in college and technical fest organised by department
6) School Vice Captain in School- Spearheaded the conduct of Social science exhibition hosting 7 other schools.
7) Interschool Social Science Quiz- 2nd Prize. Volley Ball First Prize in School (I do not know if these are even relevant)
Posted from my mobile device
Hi
sharathskal I would like to be very honest here. If you are tight on finances, it's best to graduate with the least amount of loans possible. For that, you should do two things:
1.Increase your GMAT to a 750+ level. No matter how good your essays are, there will be a bunch of similar profiles applying to all these schools on your list. Therefore, putting some effort into improving your score can definitely improve the chances for an admit as well as scholarships.
2. Understand what might be your safe schools at your current score. Cast a wide net in terms of schools in the T25 range. Even though not ultra-competitive, at Tepper, Emory, Kelley, Scheller, and Vanderbilt, you could fall short in demonstrating career progression which a lot of IT applicants are able to due to job switches, more industry/business exposure, multiple promotions, etc. Add Foster, Olin, and a few others to your list.
Your ECs are alright but mostly dated. Duke is quite unlikely to happen with the current score and profile (unless theres something I am missing). I suggest you utilize your time in taking some serious actions, on the GMAT front, or researching safe schools and adding more to your list.
Feel free to seek professional advice
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsultingLinkedIn |WEBSITE:
https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email-
mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com