ask Paul Lanzilotti

Question

Hi Paul,

is it necessary to have 12+4 yrs of education to be eligible for applying to an american University?

Thanks

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hey KaranMutha,

Thanks for reaching out to me. This is actually a pretty interesting question, and I am definitely curious about what may be going on behind the curtain here.
The short answer is no - you don't have to have 16 years of education.

While most degrees in the US are four years, I know that in India the BCom degree is only three years - for example. It's actually a fairly common thing for programs and educational systems with their roots in the British heritage.

Now, what is not as common is to only have 16 years of education, no work experience, and to be accepted to a top MBA program. I'm not sure if that is what you are asking – given the abbreviated nature of your question.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

KaranMutha · Answer

Thanks Paul.

You got it right.
I am planning to appear for the GMAT and heard from a few friends that u need to have minimum 16 yrs of education to be eligible.
So was in double minds (as i have done my Bcom and have only 15 yrs of education) of whether or not to appear.

I am also a qualified CA and employed with PwC since Nov'11 (almost a year).

Do I stand a chance of making it to the top b-schools for the September'13 batch if i manage a good GMAT score (considering i'll have > 1.5 yrs work ex till then)?
I am sure this is not as abbreviated as the previous question

Thanks.

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hey K,

Do you have a good chance? AKA what are my chances? - well, here is my economist answer -  it all depends .
So let's assume that you have an above average GPA and a GMAT that is above average, also let's assume that your work experience is above average as well, in addition to your extracurriculars. Controlling for all of that – what it really comes down to is your school fit. I'm not talking about you liking school because it's in the top 10. I'm talking about it school is looking for an Indian applicant like you. What that means is that you are going to have to differentiate yourself, of course. This can be done several ways and most prominently through the essays. However, it also means having salient goals - short-term and long-term goals that build off of your current work experiences. this means understanding – again – what the school is looking for. This requires research. For example, at Columbia – do not be a career switcher. In any case, a good place to start would be schools career center reports. Look to see from what industries are entering the school, and into what industries the schools MBA graduates are entering. That should help you hone your goals. However, if a school district just not have a lot of your type, and especially your type from India, you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

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