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Hi 

* I have around 6 years of work experience across the globe (US, South America, Taiwan) in various sectors - HealthCare, TELCO, Finance mostly providing technical expertise. 
* Currently working as Tech Lead/Architect in a HealthCare industry for a top 10 consulting firm (member of Sr. Staff). 
* estimate my GMAT score to be around 700 
* GPA has been 3.1. 

I am targetting for HAAS, Sloan, Kellogg. What are my chances to get through any of these. BTW I am Indian but currenly based in US, and passionate about Strategy/consulting.

Thanks !

Hjort · Answer

Hi,

Considering your interests, I was a bit surprised by the absence of so many of the strongest schools in consulting. In addition to your present schools, I would consider virtually any of the ultra elites (Penn, Columbia, etc.) as well as other schools in Berkeley's cluster such as Michigan and Dartmouth. 

Like other posters, I think it is crucial that you to demonstrate to admissions officers what distinguishes you from the mass of ostensibly similar students with similar grades and test scores. How do you plan on doing this?

Hjort

scottshrum · Answer

I'm interested to know why you named those three schools. They're all obviously great schools, but is there something about each one of them that specifically appeals to you? 

Also, and I know I sound like a broken record, the real key for you is going to be distinguishing yourself from other applicants. You didn't mention any extracurricular experience or community involvement... Do you have any?

Your odds of getting into at least one of those schools are probably decent, IF you can show how you are somehow unique.

Good luck,
Scott

whitehorse · Answer

Unfortunately I am not really involved in any Community work besides helping in Food Harvest drives or some little activities. But yes I am involved in quite a bit of activities besides work. Mile Biking, clay modelling is something which I often do. And tracking Aurora borealis (solar activities) in Yukon is my passion. I do unofficial research on it, and yes I know quite a bit of them. Of course I don't have any qualifications on these studies. What else can I present to them. 

Honestly, my technical qualifications and experience surpasses in the field I work (enterprise application integration). I have designed and implemented for a huge HealthCare company (forture 500), a system which manages almost all it's trading partners and data exchange. I am involved in lot of enterprise level technical decision making. Now, will this experience bolster my case. 

And I appreciate your frank suggestions.

scottshrum · Answer

That professional experience is good, but don't underestimate how much work you'll need to do to demonstrate how you're unique. There are lots of Indian applicants with tech backgrounds, many of whom have done impressive things, but obviously most of them don't get in. The ones who don't get in probably fail because they don't sound unique enough, not because of a low GMAT score or GPA. 

Your hobbies will help, especially if you can clearly and compellingly explain why they matter to you (you ideally can tie them back to your desire to get an MBA, but don't force it). Your lack of community involvement will make it tougher for you, though. Just be aware of that.

Scott

whitehorse · Answer

Thanks Scott for you time.

Just one question - normally how, does one show community involvement? How do people show difference? Or Can I do something about it?

scottshrum · Answer

Ideally you're involved in something that you're truly passionate about, whether it's helping kids learn to read, taking up a civic cause, helping a non-profit manage its books, etc. Involvement is good, but being able to show that it really means something to you is what really matters. And just being involved usually isn't enough... You want to show how you made a difference -- such as by creating a new program or improving someone's life -- rather than just doing what someone else asks you to do. It's this kind of initiative and passion that schools are looking for.

Scott

Hjort · Answer

With due respect to other posters, I wouldn't force the community involvement aspect too much. If one has experience of this nature, great. If one has little, focus on other aspects that differentiate the applicant and demonstrate leadership. 

I would rather see limited community involvement than a resume padded with contrived experiences motivated by the wrong reasons. 

Hjort

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