Indian Singaporean Entrepreneur Profile Evaluation

Question

Hi,

I wanted a profile evaluation -

Nationality - Indian
Gender - Male 
Current country - Singapore
Age - 24 (DOB - 09/21/1990)
GRE - 321 (V - 153, Q - 168, AWA - 5/6)
GMAT - NA

Education: 
10th - 91.8%
12th - 86%
B.E - Manufacturing Processes and Automation Engineering from NSIT, Delhi University, Delhi, India - 64.57%
M.S - Entrepreneurship - Nanyang Technological University, Singapore + Stanford University, California - 4.5/5 (NTU Scholarship holder)

Work Ex: 
Fractal Inc. 
Data Analyst/Consultant - Key Clients - Kimberley Clark, Walmart (July 2012 - May 2013)
Startup (Lythal Pte. Ltd.) based out of Singapore (December 2013 - Present)
2 failed startups before

Total official work ex till MBA - 25 months +

I am looking to do an MBA as I am looking at a exit from my company in the next few months and the next career that I want to pursue is in VC financing or consulting - depending on the school I go to, and the core focus I pick there.

Following is the list of schools that I plan to apply to:

Any changes or suggestions in this list would be appreciated:

University of Chicago: Booth
Yale School of Management
University of California at Berkeley: Haas
Northwestern University: Kellogg
University of Michigan: Ross
UCLA: Anderson
University of Virginia: Darden
Cornell University: Johnson
University of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler
Carnegie Mellon: Tepper
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Southern California: Marshall

My Basic question is - how is GRE compared with GMAT applicants, and since I have a work - ex of only 25 months compared to 50+ months on an average, how much is that of a disadvantage.

Also, is a MS in business related courses a plus for me? or should I focus more on my corporate and startup careers?

Can you also help me in Essay editing?

Thanks
Rishabh

MAC · Answer

Hi Rishabh,

Thanks for your message. I reviewed your profile similar to other candidates' profiles when I worked as part of a top tier program's admissions committee.

Based on my experience over the past 6+ years, I think you have a strong background for the programs which you shared: Booth, Yale, Haas, Kellogg, Ross, Anderson, Johnson and Tepper. I would probably leave the others out for now given your background. If you are also looking at other programs, then I would also encourage you to apply to some top European programs that attract you.

I would like to first congratulate you on the incredible risk you incurred to establish your entity in Singapore and have led it to a stage where you can exit, which is remarkable.
From a career standpoint, you have gained strong exposure as an entrepreneur, not to mention exposure to several prominent functions and industries as a data analyst & consultant. I like that (in short time) you also gained solid teamwork, analytical and leadership skills in cross-functional and cross-cultural settings. I found your goals to be highly realistic and certainly achievable given your success to date. Additionally, your academic background is in the competitive range for these schools and displays your ability to handle the rigorous curriculum. Based on my experience, schools will accept the GRE and the GMAT both; however, I have found that there is still preference for the GMAT exam. This will not be a “deal-breaker” if the other parts in your application are effectively communicated. Lastly, it is ideal to have 3-4 years of work experience, however, given your career track, I am not too worried right now.

The only area I would suggest focusing on is why you have chosen these programs specifically and how each program's offerings align with your future goals. This will also help AdComms understand why you are looking to pursue an MBA after you achieved entrepreneurial success.

As you approach your applications, there are a few questions you will want to reflect upon, as top business schools will have similar questions about your candidacy:

1. How will you apply the MBA after b-school, given that you are successful in your career currently?
2. Do you really need an MBA versus the other traditional MBA candidate (without any entrepreneurship experience or practical business knowledge) who is looking to get in to the same program?
3. Why do you want to obtain an MBA when you have a Master’s degree currently?

I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with our consultants who are former admissions committee members or our recent admits at any point, please visit https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/

You can also visit our essay outlining & essay development services: https://macapproved.com/overview/

Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team

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rishabhbansal101 · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it.

I was a little concerned about my GRE score - 321/340 (Verbal - 153, Quant - 168, AWA - 5/6)

Do you have any past experience with GRE scores and admits?

I read in some article that people with GRE score in the range of 318-322 should apply for colleges in 20-50 range. Do you agree?

Thanks

MAC · Answer

Hi Rishabh,

It is definitely a solid score given your background experience but it may or may not balance both your undergraduate and graduate GPA. Yes, we have worked with other candidates in the past with GRE scores who were successfully placed at MBA programs. I do not agree that you should apply to the 20-50 ranked schools. This is quite low to aim for and many programs here start to fall under the non-competitive category. I would still aim for the top 15 programs but make sure that all other parts of your application is effectively communicated.

Please keep in mind that for these schools, it will be imperative that you effectively communicate your personal and professional background, along with your aspirations for business school. Most importantly, make sure that the other aspects to your applications are produced with unwavering quality. I have read many online posts from candidates with similar backgrounds who were rejected from their dream schools, not due to a gap in their background but due to an inability to effectively share their background and aspirations for an MBA.

I hope this helps you.

Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team

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