Suggest B-Schools at 710

Question

Hi
 GMATNinja 
 bb 
@askmbaadmission
 Admissionado 
 Squareoneprep 
@amerasia
 ApplicantLab 
 StratusSoterios 
 PaulLanzillotti 
 AvantiPrep 
I am a male medical doctor from India (completed education and training from top 3 med-schools in my country (AIIMS)) with a more than 5 years industry experience. 
I scored 710 in GMAT. 
We don't have a GPA grading in med school or residency, but never failed in any exam. Remained more like in the middle 50% of the class.
I have done a short term clerkship in UCLA- Los Angeles for 6 weeks during my med-school in an exchange program. 
I wish to apply to top-10 (or top-20 given my score), b-schools in USA with interest in entrepreneurship, consulting and marketing (not necessarily healthcare).
B-schools of interest (in broad order)- HBS, GSB, Wharton >>> Berkley Haas, Booth, Columbia, Kellog, Fuqua, Stern, Tuck, MIT Sloan, Darden >>> Ross Michigan, Emory University.

I have 2 questions:
1. Which b-schools should I apply to where I have maximum chances of acceptance?
2. Will it be a right move to apply in Round 2 (this year Dec 2020-Jan 2021) than in Round 1 (next year Sept 2021)?
3. Is there a chance to get a scholarship (fully funded) at this time. Which colleges do provide fully funded scholarship?

Your valued inputs are highly appreciated.

Thanks

Squareoneprep · Answer

Hi there -
Thanks for reaching out for a free evaluation. We have worked with MDs - one, from India, who was older with 10+ years experience, got into Harvard Kennedy School and Sloan Fellows with a 590 GMAT score. We did the hard work to cast that in shadow. So I am hopeful for you but need to learn more.

In lieu of writing a lengthy reply, I'd rather we connect via Skype / whatsapp / phone / google meet / zoom so we may have a real dialogue and you can ask me questions as I give you an assessment. Additionally, I will be able to offer you a much more robust assessment if I am able to ask you more questions. If doing a free consult via skype/phone interests you, please fill out our FREE CONSULT form https://squareoneprep.com/free-consultation/.

I look forward to hearing from and speaking with you soon. Thanks again for reaching out.

Kathryn Lucas, Founder
SQUARE ONE PREP
Mobile: +1.917.841.6833

Admissionado · Answer

amitsingla : Responding to your uqestinos: 1. Which b-schools should I apply to where I have maximum chances of acceptance? A: From the schools on your list, Emory will be your best shot. It is the least selective. Bear in mind, fit is always subjective and can be the reason why someone gets into a school that they maybe shouldn't have and rejected from a school to which they should have been accepted. 2. Will it be a right move to apply in Round 2 (this year Dec 2020-Jan 2021) than in Round 1 (next year Sept 2021)? A: That's up to you. If you feel like you're ready to apply in Round 2 this year, go for it. Statistically speaking, there's no advantage between rounds. Round 3 (and later) is where everything changes. 3. Is there a chance to get a scholarship (fully funded) at this time. Which colleges do provide fully funded scholarship? A: Yes, there is always a chance. All of these schools have money to distribute. Their criteria are different. My team is standing by if you're interested in hiring an admissions consultant to guide you through this process. If so, please sign up for a free consultation using the following link: https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

StratusSoterios · Answer

Hi  amitsingla  - Thanks for reaching out.

First off, I agree with the other advice you received, that of the schools you mention, Emory is the least competitive and therefore gives you the maximum chance of acceptance. But your chance at any of these schools will depend on far more than your score - the biggest driver will be your essays, and your ability to connect the dots in your life, explaining where you are headed and why, how your medical background fits into that picture, why you now want an MBA, and how an MBA from each specific school will best help you get where you're going. Depending on your answers, any of these schools might be possible for you, though some are stretches for even the very best candidates. You will also need to demonstrate leadership and impact, at work and hopefully via extracurricular activities.

Emory offers an automated tool to assess your likelihood of admissions success at  https://ami.emory.edu/

Whether you wait until next year's R1 depends on whether you think you would have a stronger application if you wait. Do you think you could take the test again and get a higher score? Or are there work milestones or promotions that might be in place if you wait? Otherwise generally the chances between R1 and R2 are very similar.

And I agree that scholarships are available at most of these schools. If this is very important to you, you might consider dipping even further into less competitive schools where you might stand out even more.

As with the others who have commented, we at Stratus Admissions are also happy to provide a more detailed discussion if you are considering working with a consultant on your applications. Please click  here  to schedule our 30-minute free consultation if you are interested.

In any case, best of luck to you!

amitsingla · Answer

Thank you for an elaborate response. 
 GMATNinja 
 bb 
@askmbaadmission
 Admissionado 
 Squareoneprep 
@amerasia
 ApplicantLab 
 StratusSoterios 
 PaulLanzillotti 
 AvantiPrep 
 mbaMissionKate 
 PersonalMBACoach

I would like to add some more information to help you understand my profile better.
-  International experience:  No international work experience, other than 6 week clerkship at UCLA that I already mentioned. If I apply next year, there is a chance that I may get to work as a Radiology specialist (healthcare setup, as a medical doctor) in Middle east/ Carribeans/ Mauritius etc. That's the best that can happen over one year w.r.t international experience. Plus I can improve my profile with respect to leadership qualities as in community mobilization and community participation etc. 
-  Leadership position:  I was social and cultural secretary of Student's union for one year during my medical school and brought about changes that helped the community. I helped mobilize funds for our school festival (7 day long festival called Pulse) which is Asia's largest medical community festival. I was an active participation member of the organizing committee for the festival.
- Work Experience: After my post-graduation (completion of degree training as a Radiologist), I worked for a few months (9 months) in govt sector and then moved to private sector. I have been in private job as Consultant Radiologist for past one year and serving the community in a rural setup.
-  GMAT score:  I have given GMAT 4 times with 710 (Q50, V35) as best score (2nd last attempt).
-  Age:  I am 32y4m old at present.
-  Carreer goals:  MBB Consulting in US, preferably West coast (California)
 StratusSoterios  I checked the Emory AMI score tool, and it gives my profile score was 683.

I am interested in career switch from healthcare into consulting/marketing and would preferably wish to work in US.
So my follow up questions are:

1. Should I give GMAT again? (feel a bit exhausted, but can bounce back if the need be)
2. Should I apply in upcoming round 2 in jan 2021? (Do you think waiting for 1 year is worth the game?)
3. Do you think there is any good chance in applying to Top 20 schools (other than Emory which is great)?
4. Is my age a concerning factor with my application?
5. Promotions are not a norm in private healthcare industry unless you stay for >5-10 years. Is not getting a promotion a negative aspect of my application?
6. How about European schools (LBS, Insead). Do I stand a chance of admission there? Are they comparable to top US schools wrt career prospects in USA? I am not acquainted with French or other european languages.
7. Where do ISB (Hyderabad, India) stand wrt Consulting/ Marketing jobs in US?

I shall be really grateful for answering my queries.

Admissionado · Answer

amitsingla : 1. Should I give GMAT again? (feel a bit exhausted, but can bounce back if the need be) If you have taken it 4x, you might have reached your maximum. While a higher number would be better, there's no sense in killing yourself over it. A 710 is still a great score and should give you options! 2. Should I apply in upcoming round 2 in jan 2021? (Do you think waiting for 1 year is worth the game?) At your age, I would push for R2 this year. You have plenty of time. People have started from scratch weeks from now in their respective years and still pulled it off. 3. Do you think there is any good chance in applying to Top 20 schools (other than Emory which is great)? Top 20 (which is subjective), yes, there's a possibility. Top 10, significantly less of a chance. 4. Is my age a concerning factor with my application? No, but I wouldn't wait another year. 5. Promotions are not a norm in private healthcare industry unless you stay for >5-10 years. Is not getting a promotion a negative aspect of my application? No, your letters of recommendation and CV will show your progression in responsibilities and strength of your accomplishments. Promotions can vary from industry to industry as you noted. 6. How about European schools (LBS, Insead). Do I stand a chance of admission there? Are they comparable to top US schools wrt career prospects in USA? I am not acquainted with French or other european languages. Those are very tough schools. I would put them on the same level as the Top 10 in the US. 7. Where do ISB (Hyderabad, India) stand wrt Consulting/ Marketing jobs in US? I am not as well-versed on this subject matter. Hopefully someone else can help you with this inquiry. I am re-sharing the link to register for our free consultation if that interests you. It sounds like you would benefit tremendously from having someone by your side to structure your time pre-R2 and to give you guidance on how to position yourself in the best light possible. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ -Admissionado

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