Request for Profile Evaluation for INSEAD/LBS/Darden

Question

Hello Everyone,

Appreciate insights on the profile:

Age - 26
WorkEx - 4 years
GMAT - 690 Q-50 V-32
Background - M,Indian,Engineer, GPA - 6.8/10, College - Top25(Not IIT/NIT)
Pre-MBA Work Profile - Consultant - Deloitte:
Earned accelerated promotion to consultant. Led teams for multiple firm initiatives ranging from 5 to 30 people with Global Leadership visibility
Worked with clients across 5 different industries based out of NA/SA/EMEA/Asia
Recipient of 8 awards during my tenure, highest ratings throughout the tenure with the firm.
Achieved quantifiable results for work done with the clients

EC -
On the advisory board of a $50m AUM Family Office. Worked with them on new business/expansion across Asia and the Middle East. Currently working with them as they enter the hospitality industry with their F&B Premise. Roles range from strategy, recruiting, forecasting, supply chain setup etc. Previous projects include M&A diligence for Asia-based football teams(Thailand, Indonesia), VC diligence.

Angel Investor - Invested alongside likes of Coinbase, Balaji, a16z and led deals worth $500k in multiple startups as a scout/research analyst.

Social - Led impact club while in college which was the largest student-led organization in a university conducting charity fundraisers, setting up solar electricity infrastructure for orphanages, providing clean water access to nearby schools, supporting and empowering women by providing them sewing machines, covering insurance and health care costs for 25 rural families, etc. Received recognition from university for the top 5% of the class who have contributed to the student community.

Post MBA Geography - Middle East
Post MBA Industry - Consulting
Target Schools - INSEAD, LBS, Darden, Fuqua

Please help review the profile and share any insights on target schools or recommend alternatives that might be a better fit.
Appreciate taking the time to respond to the post!

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

WE great
However, GMAT Score low for the over-represented pool that you come from; GPA also low. Please try to bump the score to at least 730 (750 is better to help you compensate for your lower than stellar GPA), 
 
These do not show leadership roles as much as the top schools would like to see.

The good parts of your Social ECs seem to be from your College times, or seem to be outdated. The AdCom would like to look at more recent examples as well.

Hope that helps.

MBADecoder · Answer

I am going to agree that the GMAT combined with a low GPA is the sore point in an otherwise good profile. At this point, you should be working toward getting the GMAT score up by atleast 40 points. I quite like the parallel work experience- is this from your family-owned office? The Deloitte experience is good too. Get your GMAT score up. The timing here is crucial as you have the deadlines right round the corner. INSEAD and LBS will appreciate the international experience, as will the other b-schools. Namita Garg https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/

admitStreet · Answer

mbamisfit Having worked in management consulting in the Middle East post my MBA at HEC Paris, I'm happy to share my thoughts. Work-ex : Impressive, and aligned to your post-MBA goals. Highlight 2-3 specific projects (in your essays) which can make the most impact. Acads/ Scores : GPA is not competitive: try to highlight quant-courses you took in engineering, so it could alleviate concerns on this. GMAT is below the average of most schools you mentioned. I suggest a retake if possible, particularly focusing on Verbal (and the sub-sections and question-types that are your improvement areas). Happy to share a free GMAT Study Plan (with an Error-Log template) which I prepared with inputs and insights from 730+ scorers: feel free to reach out if you'd like access to it. Post-MBA goals : As your post-MBA goal is consulting in the Middle East, identify particular firms and practice/ divisions within those that interest you the most. Most consulting firms (including MBBs, Big-4s etc.) recruit experienced professionals for specific practice areas. If your goal is to be a generalist, this may not apply, however if you want to leverage your experiences at Deloitte, this can be interesting. Finally, identify why/ how an MBA and the particular B-school will provide you with the right resources (e.g. clubs, job networks, alumni, etc.) to help you transition effectively. Networking with alumni, particularly consultants/ ex-consultants can be valuable. These points, while more useful in job search, can also help you effectively answer the "why MBA" and "why our school" essay prompts. EC & Social : ECs are good, can be used to highlight your (transferable) skills for consulting and specific niches you find interesting. Try to highlight more recent experiences in Social. Anything related to your personal areas of interest can be interesting, if presented in a compelling way i.e. highlighting your impact, the result, and your learnings. I would add HEC Paris and ESADE to the list of schools, as these have alumni and good post-MBA opportunities in consulting in the Middle East. Oxford/ Cambridge, IESE, Kelley and USC Marshall can be interesting too. Regards, Arvind HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  mbamisfit ,

Thanks for your query.

Considering the schools you are targetting as well as the fact that you belong to an over-represented pool of applicants, you should look at improving your GMAT score; there is a lot of scope for improvement on the Verbal section anyway.
 
An improved score (in excess of 740) coupled with a set of well-written essays that help you highlight your range of experiences as well as potential for leadership roles, will help you build a strong case for the schools in question.

All the best!

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey mbamisfit,

I came across your Profile Evaluation, so here is a detailed one. 
Your profile is compelling with robust work experience, strong extracurricular activities, and notable achievements. You've demonstrated leadership at Deloitte, a reputable consulting firm, and your tenure there with multiple awards and high ratings certainly strengthens your case. Your involvement as an advisor in a Family Office and as an angel investor showcases your strategic thinking and risk-taking abilities. Your voluntary work speaks to your community service and leadership skills.

Your GMAT score of 690 is impressive, for your target schools (INSEAD, LBS, Darden, Fuqua), and is within the acceptable range. However, your GPA is slightly low, but you can compensate for that by showcasing your involvement to the admissions committee by involving in CSR activities, volunteering experiences, achievements, and taking up relevant certifications.

Considering your post-MBA geography as the Middle East, INSEAD and LBS are good options as both have a strong presence and reputation in that region. Darden and Fuqua are also great schools, but their Middle Eastern networks might not be as strong.

In addition to your target schools, you might consider programs with strong ties to the Middle East such as HEC Paris, IE Business School, Said Business School, Oxford, Imperial, and Warwick.

To strengthen your profile, a higher GMAT score would certainly help. It would also be beneficial to highlight your career progression, leadership roles, and achievements in your application. Since your GPA is a bit low, emphasizing other academic strengths or related achievements might be beneficial. Furthermore, a well-articulated career goal connecting your past experiences and an MBA to your future aspirations is crucial.

If you need  more help , you can message me directly and I'd be happy to give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello mbamisfit , I hope you are doing well. Your profile looks good on the surface, with significant achievements in both your professional and extracurricular endeavors. To begin with, a GMAT score of 690 (Q-50, V-32) is competitive and falls within the average range of some of your target schools. Your four years of work experience as a Consultant at Deloitte, with accelerated promotions and leadership roles, demonstrate your professional growth and impact. Working with clients across diverse industries and regions adds to your global exposure and adaptability. Speaking about your ECs, your involvement on the advisory board of a $50m AUM Family Office and your role as an angel investor alongside reputable names showcase your entrepreneurial and business acumen. Additionally, your leadership in the impact club during college displays your commitment to social causes and community engagement. Your clear post-MBA goal of working in consulting in the Middle East aligns well with your background and interests. Coming to your target schools, 1. LBS (London Business School): LBS also offers a diverse environment and strong connections with the Middle East. Given your post-MBA geography preference, LBS could be a good option. 2. INSEAD: Known for its global perspective and diverse student body, INSEAD could be an excellent fit given your international exposure and interest in consulting. 3. Darden (University of Virginia): Darden is known for its case method teaching and close-knit community. It's well-regarded for consulting and could be a strong choice to achieve your post-MBA goals. 4. Fuqua (Duke University): Fuqua's collaborative culture and strong consulting placement could make it a good fit for your aspirations. Considering your target schools and career goals, your list appears to be well-structured. However, it's always a good idea to have a mix of reach, match, and safety schools in your application list. The admission process is highly competitive, and it's wise to have backup options that align with your preferences. Other potential schools you may want to consider include: 1. HEC Paris: Renowned for its strong consulting placements and diverse class profile. 2. Rotterdam School of Management (RSM): Known for its consulting opportunities and strong presence in the Middle East. 3. IESE Business School: Offers a global perspective and strong consulting connections. Overall, your profile is impressive and has the potential to make you a competitive candidate at your target schools. With well-crafted essays, strong letters of recommendation, and a clear articulation of your career goals, you have a good chance of gaining admission to a reputable MBA program. We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Book a free profile evaluation call now! Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

Request for Profile Evaluation for INSEAD/LBS/Darden

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