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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA Updated on: 22 Dec 2023, 07:10
Originally posted by griffith7 on 31 Jul 2023, 21:09.
Last edited by griffith7 on 22 Dec 2023, 07:10, edited 1 time in total.
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Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Sr Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Insurance

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
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TheIvyLeagueEdge
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Affiliations: TheIvyLeagueEdge
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Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: Yale (A)
GMAT 1: 740 Q47 V44
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 01 Aug 2023, 01:25
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FyodorPiketty
Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in smaller LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Senior Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Top 5 US Insurance Brokerage

Education Narrative: Completed first 2 years of degree at more highly regarded private university before transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs. Worked nearly full-time from sophomore year onward to cover cost/living. GPA was better in business/econ courses than it was in miscellaneous general core classes. I, of course, greatly regret the poor GPA and wish I had managed time better despite working.

Career Narrative: Hired as financial analyst out of college by current employer (top 5 US Insurance Broker) to work with complex larger corporate clients on their risk management and risk financing challenges. Current title is Sr. Risk Analyst; also was placed in charge of overseeing RFP's for the region a few years ago. Job does involve some international element, primarily correspondence with London partners. Have always received very good internal reviews, but would rather not use current manager / senior colleagues as recommenders to avoid awkward discussion and having people try to talk me out of leaving work for school. Will probably ask to use former managers as recommenders/referrers.

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ only interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
Show more


Hi FyodorPiketty,
You reminded me of a client (Indian, Male, Over-represented category) who joined USC Marshall yesterday with USD 100 K Scholarship, with just about a 50% GPA from a non-name university, but working through his college.

Your GPA seems to be much better, and if you could get your GMAT to be 750+, it would really help.
That said, I would put INSEAD and IESE as too ambitious, but if your application has a compelling aspect to it, I don't see why you may not have multiple admits from the others, with possible scholarships.
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admitStreet
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 01 Aug 2023, 02:29
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FyodorPiketty
Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in smaller LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Senior Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Top 5 US Insurance Brokerage

Education Narrative: Completed first 2 years of degree at more highly regarded private university before transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs. Worked nearly full-time from sophomore year onward to cover cost/living. GPA was better in business/econ courses than it was in miscellaneous general core classes. I, of course, greatly regret the poor GPA and wish I had managed time better despite working.

Career Narrative: Hired as financial analyst out of college by current employer (top 5 US Insurance Broker) to work with complex larger corporate clients on their risk management and risk financing challenges. Current title is Sr. Risk Analyst; also was placed in charge of overseeing RFP's for the region a few years ago. Job does involve some international element, primarily correspondence with London partners. Have always received very good internal reviews, but would rather not use current manager / senior colleagues as recommenders to avoid awkward discussion and having people try to talk me out of leaving work for school. Will probably ask to use former managers as recommenders/referrers.

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ only interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
Show more

FyodorPiketty - a question before giving feedback: what are your post MBA goals: short term & long term - target sector, function, perhaps also any specific companies?

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected]
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MBAGuide
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Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 01 Aug 2023, 03:06
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FyodorPiketty
Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in smaller LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Senior Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Top 5 US Insurance Brokerage

Education Narrative: Completed first 2 years of degree at more highly regarded private university before transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs. Worked nearly full-time from sophomore year onward to cover cost/living. GPA was better in business/econ courses than it was in miscellaneous general core classes. I, of course, greatly regret the poor GPA and wish I had managed time better despite working.

Career Narrative: Hired as financial analyst out of college by current employer (top 5 US Insurance Broker) to work with complex larger corporate clients on their risk management and risk financing challenges. Current title is Sr. Risk Analyst; also was placed in charge of overseeing RFP's for the region a few years ago. Job does involve some international element, primarily correspondence with London partners. Have always received very good internal reviews, but would rather not use current manager / senior colleagues as recommenders to avoid awkward discussion and having people try to talk me out of leaving work for school. Will probably ask to use former managers as recommenders/referrers.

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ only interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
Show more

FyodorPiketty Hi

Here are some valuable tips and ideas that can help you address a low GPA in your MBA application:
Read- Navigating a low GPA in B School Applications

Overall, I am really impressed with your profile, and I believe the schools will be too! Your ability to overcome challenges and thrive in various conditions speaks volumes about your capabilities and potential.

INSEAD
To be candid, your chances at INSEAD will largely depend on your GMAT score, as I don't see any other standout aspect like extensive international experience or exceptional extracurriculars. Your profile is interesting and aligns well with INSEAD's evaluation criteria, but it's crucial to present your work experience and career vision from a unique perspective. Keep in mind that slight differences in profiles could influence the final decision, so aiming for a high GMAT score (740 or above) will significantly improve your chances.

Demonstrating that you've done thorough research and have a well-thought-out plan by interacting with schools, alumni, and industry experts will also boost your application. Reach out to alumni working in your target sectors on professional platforms, connect with them, and engage in insightful discussions. Highlight what you've learned from these interactions in your essays and interviews to reinforce your interest in the specific school. All things being equal, this approach will undoubtedly enhance your chances of acceptance.

Extracurriculars (ECs)
You didn't mention this in your profile, but I suggest you carefully consider your extracurricular activities and reflect on whether you might have overlooked any significant initiatives you've taken over the years. These can include activities such as traveling, learning a new language, engaging in workplace diversity initiatives (such as promoting gender equality or diversity in the workforce), supporting those in need either financially or emotionally, teaching disadvantaged children, organizing diversity conversations or activities to foster better collaboration between teams, and more. Sometimes, taking a moment for introspection will help you recognize the ways you've contributed to your community.


Getting LORs from current organization can be more impactful but schools understand the risk involved. Get those from whoever is your strongest advocate.
Do check out these tips for crafting stellar recommendations.

1. The Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations
2. How To Select Your Recommenders

If you get a high GMAT, I would say be more selective about the schools.

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 01 Aug 2023, 07:43
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Hello FyodorPiketty,

I hope you are doing well.

Your profile looks good on the surface. To begin with, your confidence in achieving a 740+ on the GMAT is impressive and will significantly boost your application. You have six years of professional experience in a top 5 US Insurance Brokerage, with increasing responsibilities and exposure to complex corporate clients. Your role as a Senior Risk Analyst and handling RFPs demonstrates leadership and expertise in your field.

Your undergraduate GPA is on the lower side, but you have provided a clear explanation for it, including transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs and working nearly full-time to support yourself. While a low GPA can be a concern, it's not a deal-breaker, especially if you can offset it with other strengths in your profile. It's understandable that you may not want to use current managers or senior colleagues as recommenders, but having strong recommenders is crucial for your MBA application. Former managers who can speak to your skills, achievements, and potential would be ideal.

While you mentioned some international correspondence with London partners, it might be beneficial to emphasize any other international experiences you have had or any global exposure you gained during your career. Having dual citizenship in a smaller LatAm country could be advantageous, especially if you plan to target European schools. It may add diversity to the applicant pool and showcase your international background.

Overall, your strong profile makes you a competitive applicant for top B-schools. Be sure to highlight your achievements, experiences, and the impact you've made in your roles throughout your application. Craft compelling essays that showcase your passion, aspirations, and how an MBA from their institution will help you achieve your goals.

Wishing you the best of luck as you pursue your MBA and future endeavors!

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
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FyodorPiketty
Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in smaller LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Senior Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Top 5 US Insurance Brokerage

Education Narrative: Completed first 2 years of degree at more highly regarded private university before transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs. Worked nearly full-time from sophomore year onward to cover cost/living. GPA was better in business/econ courses than it was in miscellaneous general core classes. I, of course, greatly regret the poor GPA and wish I had managed time better despite working.

Career Narrative: Hired as financial analyst out of college by current employer (top 5 US Insurance Broker) to work with complex larger corporate clients on their risk management and risk financing challenges. Current title is Sr. Risk Analyst; also was placed in charge of overseeing RFP's for the region a few years ago. Job does involve some international element, primarily correspondence with London partners. Have always received very good internal reviews, but would rather not use current manager / senior colleagues as recommenders to avoid awkward discussion and having people try to talk me out of leaving work for school. Will probably ask to use former managers as recommenders/referrers.

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ only interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
Show more
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 01 Aug 2023, 07:50
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Hello there,

You have a great profile and we can certainly help you with the schools you're interesting in attending. We've helped hundreds of candidates in similar scenarios.

Please book a time on our calendar for free consultation.

https://calendly.com/titanrconsulting/event
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Profile Evaluation Request for 2024 MBA 04 Aug 2023, 00:05
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FyodorPiketty
Age/Gender: 28 M
Nationality: US + dual citizenship in smaller LatAm country (is this an advantage?)
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate College: Average public state school
Undergraduate GPA: bad, something like ~2.7
GMAT: confident of 740+ based upon practice exams
Job Title: Senior Risk Analyst
Professional Experience: 6 years
Employer: Top 5 US Insurance Brokerage

Education Narrative: Completed first 2 years of degree at more highly regarded private university before transferring to a less regarded public university to reduce costs. Worked nearly full-time from sophomore year onward to cover cost/living. GPA was better in business/econ courses than it was in miscellaneous general core classes. I, of course, greatly regret the poor GPA and wish I had managed time better despite working.

Career Narrative: Hired as financial analyst out of college by current employer (top 5 US Insurance Broker) to work with complex larger corporate clients on their risk management and risk financing challenges. Current title is Sr. Risk Analyst; also was placed in charge of overseeing RFP's for the region a few years ago. Job does involve some international element, primarily correspondence with London partners. Have always received very good internal reviews, but would rather not use current manager / senior colleagues as recommenders to avoid awkward discussion and having people try to talk me out of leaving work for school. Will probably ask to use former managers as recommenders/referrers.

(Possible) Target Schools for full time MBA ~ only interested in Europe w/ intent to stay long term if possible:

ESADE
St Gallen
IMD
IESE
IE
Bocconi
HEC Paris
Edhec
ESCP
(INSEAD possible?)

Looking for general advice; am I aiming too high? too low? Which schools should I prioritize?

Many thanks!
Show more

Hello FyodorPiketty,

Thanks for writing in.

Considering your low undergrad GPA, a spike in GMAT is almost necessary. A 740 will be a good score for most of the schools on your list barring INSEAD. Even then, GMAT is only a piece in the puzzle; your chances of getting accepted will also depend on whether your goals sync with the strengths of the school you are targetting and the round you are applying in.

Hope this helps.

All the best!