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arahim
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Hi arahim,

Overall, nice profile. Your post suggests a lot of leadership instances, both at college and at work, which is a pre-requisite at any top MBA program, such as the ones you have in mind. I also like the BD work you are doing in your consulting role- not many consultants your age get that opportunity.
I think you can do better aiming for a higher GMAT score. A 700 is unfortunately lower than the class average at the American MBA programs. It can work for you at LBS and Insead though.
In terms of bschool choice, all look good. You could consider Tuck and Kellogg as well. LBS and INSEAD may be a tad better suited if you want to work in the Middle East. Both have executive programs running out of UAE so that can help form a local network - this is something you can question adcoms about when you interact with them. This said, you cant go wrong with the American programs either. I remember one of my past applicants who went to Tuck, got his post MBA gig at Bain in Dubai - this was guided by his preference to be in the region.
I'd love to connect separately to know more about your Tokyo exchange for my daughter who goes to UCL(I stay in the UK as well). Do reach out at [email protected]

Namita Garg
Founder, http://www.Mbadecoder.com

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Namita, thanks for your post and advice. Yes - Upping my GMAT is the aim, hoping for a 720-730 by the time I sit the exam in October.

Regarding the Tokyo exchange - it wasnt through the university, I just messaged people on LinkedIn across various banks, and hit gold with one. If your daughter is looking for a foreign exchange, I'd recommend she reaches out to individuals on LinkedIn, and eventually someone will bite.
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arahim
Hi all, I would like to have a gauge on my chances for applying to B school in R2 for 2024.

Profile:

Age: 26 when I apply
Sex: Male
Nationality: British (Pakistani Origin)

Education:
University - University College London (Top 5 Uni in UK)
Subject - Stem
Grade - Upper 2:1 (converts to 3.7GPA)

During University I set up an inter-university society, which spanned nationwide, helping students from non-traditional backgrounds into the Finance / Consulting industry. We ended up gaining close to 1,000 members across several universities across the country. Additionally, I was involved in several sports teams and other societies.

Work Experience:
1. Pre Graduation - worked at a hedge fund covering Biotech firms. Additionally spent a summer in Tokyo working in the equities division

2. Post Graduation - 2 years at Big4 doing business consulting - helped launch the Alternative Energy team - looking to expand the firm's growth with Hydrogen start-ups, then moved to a boutique, where I have spent 2 years, doing Strategy.

I have been promoted once since joining the new firm, and manage a team under me. I have worked on some high profile engagements - e.g.: Organising and coordinating the movement of vaccines during COVID-19. I was part of the team that helped set-up and get millions of Britains jabbed on time, to prevent further lockdowns. Additionally, since moving into my new role, I have been part of a team responsible for bringing business into the firm, and have generated £10m in 'wins' in the past year. I am on the charity committee for work, as well as helping launch the South Asian committee, which provides mentorship to those from South Asian backgrounds at my firm.

Short Term Goal - Pivot to Middle East to work at MBB
Long term Goal - Use the experience from MBB in the ME to move back to Pakistan and help with the booming entrepreneurial scene there and provide consulting services - currently a very untapped market.

GMAT - tracking at around a 700, hoping to get 720 by the time I take my test in October.

Goals are M7 - particularly Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg / Chicago. I would also consider LBS / Insead.

Thanks all

arahim - interesting profile. Having worked in strategy consulting in the ME post my HEC Paris MBA, happy to share my views.

Your consulting experiences, particularly the high-impact vaccine project and BD 'wins' are strong points that differentiate your profile. Working at a boutique also indicates your entrepreneurial skills and self-drive, which MBBs certainly value, apart from the analytical skillset and first-principled problem solving which I assume you possess.

GMAT 720 would place you in a good position for the top schools such as the ones you mentioned. I would add HEC Paris and ESADE to the list: these have good alumni presence in consulting in the ME. The geographic preference among these top schools then becomes more of a personal choice. Interning at one of the MBBs (or boutique/ Tier-2 firms) in the ME during your MBA can be a great way to transition.

Feel free to reach out if you would like to schedule a chat. All the best.

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected]

Hi Arvind,

Thanks for your reply. Yeah - I was thinking of HEC Paris, would be good to know how well they place at MBB.
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arahim

Hi Namita, thanks for your post and advice. Yes - Upping my GMAT is the aim, hoping for a 720-730 by the time I sit the exam in October.

Regarding the Tokyo exchange - it wasnt through the university, I just messaged people on LinkedIn across various banks, and hit gold with one. If your daughter is looking for a foreign exchange, I'd recommend she reaches out to individuals on LinkedIn, and eventually someone will bite.

Thanks for the valuable tip.
Also, it adds to your profile, for having experience of a new market.
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arahim
Hi all, I would like to have a gauge on my chances for applying to B school in R2 for 2024.

Profile:

Age: 26 when I apply
Sex: Male
Nationality: British (Pakistani Origin)

Education:
University - University College London (Top 5 Uni in UK)
Subject - Stem
Grade - Upper 2:1 (converts to 3.7GPA)

During University I set up an inter-university society, which spanned nationwide, helping students from non-traditional backgrounds into the Finance / Consulting industry. We ended up gaining close to 1,000 members across several universities across the country. Additionally, I was involved in several sports teams and other societies.

Work Experience:
1. Pre Graduation - worked at a hedge fund covering Biotech firms. Additionally spent a summer in Tokyo working in the equities division

2. Post Graduation - 2 years at Big4 doing business consulting - helped launch the Alternative Energy team - looking to expand the firm's growth with Hydrogen start-ups, then moved to a boutique, where I have spent 2 years, doing Strategy.

I have been promoted once since joining the new firm, and manage a team under me. I have worked on some high profile engagements - e.g.: Organising and coordinating the movement of vaccines during COVID-19. I was part of the team that helped set-up and get millions of Britains jabbed on time, to prevent further lockdowns. Additionally, since moving into my new role, I have been part of a team responsible for bringing business into the firm, and have generated £10m in 'wins' in the past year. I am on the charity committee for work, as well as helping launch the South Asian committee, which provides mentorship to those from South Asian backgrounds at my firm.

Short Term Goal - Pivot to Middle East to work at MBB
Long term Goal - Use the experience from MBB in the ME to move back to Pakistan and help with the booming entrepreneurial scene there and provide consulting services - currently a very untapped market.

GMAT - tracking at around a 700, hoping to get 720 by the time I take my test in October.

Goals are M7 - particularly Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg / Chicago. I would also consider LBS / Insead.

Thanks all

I would suggest understanding the past recruitment for international candidates in these schools with similar background, as such, it seems that the profile is great, the GMAT can of course be improved to be closer/above to the class average and goals are certainly feasible, making them specific will help you a lot.
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arahim
Hi all, I would like to have a gauge on my chances for applying to B school in R2 for 2024.

Profile:

Age: 26 when I apply
Sex: Male
Nationality: British (Pakistani Origin)

Education:
University - University College London (Top 5 Uni in UK)
Subject - Stem
Grade - Upper 2:1 (converts to 3.7GPA)

During University I set up an inter-university society, which spanned nationwide, helping students from non-traditional backgrounds into the Finance / Consulting industry. We ended up gaining close to 1,000 members across several universities across the country. Additionally, I was involved in several sports teams and other societies.

Work Experience:
1. Pre Graduation - worked at a hedge fund covering Biotech firms. Additionally spent a summer in Tokyo working in the equities division

2. Post Graduation - 2 years at Big4 doing business consulting - helped launch the Alternative Energy team - looking to expand the firm's growth with Hydrogen start-ups, then moved to a boutique, where I have spent 2 years, doing Strategy.

I have been promoted once since joining the new firm, and manage a team under me. I have worked on some high profile engagements - e.g.: Organising and coordinating the movement of vaccines during COVID-19. I was part of the team that helped set-up and get millions of Britains jabbed on time, to prevent further lockdowns. Additionally, since moving into my new role, I have been part of a team responsible for bringing business into the firm, and have generated £10m in 'wins' in the past year. I am on the charity committee for work, as well as helping launch the South Asian committee, which provides mentorship to those from South Asian backgrounds at my firm.

Short Term Goal - Pivot to Middle East to work at MBB
Long term Goal - Use the experience from MBB in the ME to move back to Pakistan and help with the booming entrepreneurial scene there and provide consulting services - currently a very untapped market.

GMAT - tracking at around a 700, hoping to get 720 by the time I take my test in October.

Goals are M7 - particularly Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg / Chicago. I would also consider LBS / Insead.

Thanks all

arahim - interesting profile. Having worked in strategy consulting in the ME post my HEC Paris MBA, happy to share my views.

Your consulting experiences, particularly the high-impact vaccine project and BD 'wins' are strong points that differentiate your profile. Working at a boutique also indicates your entrepreneurial skills and self-drive, which MBBs certainly value, apart from the analytical skillset and first-principled problem solving which I assume you possess.

GMAT 720 would place you in a good position for the top schools such as the ones you mentioned. I would add HEC Paris and ESADE to the list: these have good alumni presence in consulting in the ME. The geographic preference among these top schools then becomes more of a personal choice. Interning at one of the MBBs (or boutique/ Tier-2 firms) in the ME during your MBA can be a great way to transition.

Feel free to reach out if you would like to schedule a chat. All the best.

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected]

Hi Arvind,

Thanks for your reply. Yeah - I was thinking of HEC Paris, would be good to know how well they place at MBB.

arahim - the best source for this information (for any school) would be LinkedIn: by filtering school name, even batch, company name and geography. The school's employment reports also provide this info: I would look at the past 5 years reports, to discount any anomalies.

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected]
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arahim
Hi all, I would like to have a gauge on my chances for applying to B school in R2 for 2024.

Profile:

Age: 26 when I apply
Sex: Male
Nationality: British (Pakistani Origin)

Education:
University - University College London (Top 5 Uni in UK)
Subject - Stem
Grade - Upper 2:1 (converts to 3.7GPA)

During University I set up an inter-university society, which spanned nationwide, helping students from non-traditional backgrounds into the Finance / Consulting industry. We ended up gaining close to 1,000 members across several universities across the country. Additionally, I was involved in several sports teams and other societies.

Work Experience:
1. Pre Graduation - worked at a hedge fund covering Biotech firms. Additionally spent a summer in Tokyo working in the equities division

2. Post Graduation - 2 years at Big4 doing business consulting - helped launch the Alternative Energy team - looking to expand the firm's growth with Hydrogen start-ups, then moved to a boutique, where I have spent 2 years, doing Strategy.

I have been promoted once since joining the new firm, and manage a team under me. I have worked on some high profile engagements - e.g.: Organising and coordinating the movement of vaccines during COVID-19. I was part of the team that helped set-up and get millions of Britains jabbed on time, to prevent further lockdowns. Additionally, since moving into my new role, I have been part of a team responsible for bringing business into the firm, and have generated £10m in 'wins' in the past year. I am on the charity committee for work, as well as helping launch the South Asian committee, which provides mentorship to those from South Asian backgrounds at my firm.

Short Term Goal - Pivot to Middle East to work at MBB
Long term Goal - Use the experience from MBB in the ME to move back to Pakistan and help with the booming entrepreneurial scene there and provide consulting services - currently a very untapped market.

GMAT - tracking at around a 700, hoping to get 720 by the time I take my test in October.

Goals are M7 - particularly Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg / Chicago. I would also consider LBS / Insead.

Thanks all

Hello arahim,

Thanks for writing in.

Frankly, your profile is in good shape; if you are able to deliver a set of compelling essays that tie your strengths, experience, and future goals in a robust manner, you will have a very good chance.

With regard to your GMAT score, you should target one in excess of 730 at least. This will further help spike your case.

All the best!
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arahim
Hi all, I would like to have a gauge on my chances for applying to B school in R2 for 2024.

Profile:

Age: 26 when I apply
Sex: Male
Nationality: British (Pakistani Origin)

Education:
University - University College London (Top 5 Uni in UK)
Subject - Stem
Grade - Upper 2:1 (converts to 3.7GPA)

During University I set up an inter-university society, which spanned nationwide, helping students from non-traditional backgrounds into the Finance / Consulting industry. We ended up gaining close to 1,000 members across several universities across the country. Additionally, I was involved in several sports teams and other societies.

Work Experience:
1. Pre Graduation - worked at a hedge fund covering Biotech firms. Additionally spent a summer in Tokyo working in the equities division

2. Post Graduation - 2 years at Big4 doing business consulting - helped launch the Alternative Energy team - looking to expand the firm's growth with Hydrogen start-ups, then moved to a boutique, where I have spent 2 years, doing Strategy.

I have been promoted once since joining the new firm, and manage a team under me. I have worked on some high profile engagements - e.g.: Organising and coordinating the movement of vaccines during COVID-19. I was part of the team that helped set-up and get millions of Britains jabbed on time, to prevent further lockdowns. Additionally, since moving into my new role, I have been part of a team responsible for bringing business into the firm, and have generated £10m in 'wins' in the past year. I am on the charity committee for work, as well as helping launch the South Asian committee, which provides mentorship to those from South Asian backgrounds at my firm.

Short Term Goal - Pivot to Middle East to work at MBB
Long term Goal - Use the experience from MBB in the ME to move back to Pakistan and help with the booming entrepreneurial scene there and provide consulting services - currently a very untapped market.

GMAT - tracking at around a 700, hoping to get 720 by the time I take my test in October.

Goals are M7 - particularly Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg / Chicago. I would also consider LBS / Insead.

Thanks all

Hey arahim,

Your journey from UCL to diverse work experiences culminating in MBB aspirations reflects ambition and adaptability. The strong academic foundation and extracurricular leadership are commendable.

Highlight the impact you made in the Big 4, the kind of process changes you made, and what kind of leadership roles you’ve had. Mention your extracurriculars like volunteering experience and CSR activities. Showcase quantifiable results where you organised cross-university societies, and contributions to vaccine logistics.

Your current GMAT score of 700 is impressive but if you are aiming for M7 schools then aim for 740. If you will head towards October, then you will be missing round 1. So if you want to aim for these then you need to act early. You can also target some competitive schools like Cornell, and Duke which you can aim for with your current GMAT score.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

You can setup a call via this link: https://bit.ly/3DSH5km