Evaluation Request - Indian(F) Chartered Accountant - 4 yr WE - 320GRE

Question

Hi Everyone!

Background:

Qualification - Chartered Accountant (CPA equivalent) and lawyer. Undergrad in Bachelors of Commerce

WE - 4 years of post qualification work ex in advisory in Big 4. Will be 5 at the time of matriculation. 2 promotions. Also done 3 years of full time articleship in Big 4 as part of the CA course

EC - decent leadership experience including holding positions in school student government / college clubs. Mentoring students and giving talks to underprivileged children.

Nationality & gender - Indian female

Stats:

GRE - 320, AWA 5 (Q161 / V159)

Undergrad GPA - 3.62/4

Post MBA goals:

Short term goal is consulting  MBB

Target schools - M7, specifically Columbia / Wharton / Kellogg

What are my chances? I do intend to give the GRE again and try to up my score to at least 325.

Thank you

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey gmatfor750 , You have a strong profile with a unique combination of qualifications and work experiences that could make you a competitive candidate for top MBA programs. Strengths: 1. Chartered Accountant and lawyer background: This dual qualification showcases a diverse skill set that's highly valued in the business world. 2. Big 4 experience: Your advisory role and promotions demonstrate your professional growth and expertise. 3. Leadership and extracurricular activities: Holding positions in student government, college clubs, and mentoring underprivileged children show your initiative and impact outside of work. 4. Decent GRE score: While you're aiming to improve, a score of 320 is already respectable, and aiming for 325+ would certainly enhance your chances. Assessment for Target Schools: 1. Columbia: You have a competitive profile for Columbia. Your work experience, leadership, and qualifications could make you a strong candidate. 2. Wharton: With a higher GRE score, you would stand a better chance at Wharton. Your background could be appealing, especially given their emphasis on a diverse student body. 3. Kellogg: Similar to Wharton, a stronger GRE score would boost your chances at Kellogg. Your unique qualifications and experiences could resonate with Kellogg's collaborative and diverse community. Strategy and Recommendations: 1. Retake GRE: Your plan to retake the GRE is a good one. Aim for a score of 325 or higher to be more competitive for M7 programs. 2. Highlight Uniqueness: Emphasize your distinctive qualifications and how they contribute to your ability to bring a multifaceted perspective to the classroom. 3. Connect Goals to Programs: Tailor your application essays to each school, showcasing how your post-MBA goals align with their program offerings and values. 4. Recommendations: Choose recommenders who can speak to your leadership, impact, and potential for success in an MBA program. Given your qualifications, work experience, and leadership experiences, you have a strong foundation for your MBA applications. Improving your GRE score and crafting compelling application materials that showcase your unique background and aspirations will enhance your chances of admission to your target schools. Good luck with your applications! 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

admitStreet · Answer

gmatfor750 . Having worked in strategy consulting post MBA, hope to share some feedback. 1. I suggest, as you had indicated, retaking the GRE as an improved score can help your case with the top B-schools that you are targeting. I would also add Booth to the list, being focused on consulting. 2. Your professional arc is interesting, particularly your association with a big-4 brand and the promotions. Which role/ function within advisory are you part of, and do you serve clients within any specific sector(s)? This can help identify and highlight transferable skills to your goal (MBB). Based on your improved GRE score, rationale (point 3) and ECs (point 4), your application can be strengthened. 3. Highlighting why MBA, why consulting (post MBA) and why "specifically our school" with concise answers can help differentiate the application. I suggest connecting with AdComs or alumni in your target schools (ideally in consulting). 4. Any recent involvement in ECs post college? These can offer good talking points in essays, and also help with transferable skills which can be applied to the MBA and post-MBA setting. Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to reach out for a deeper chat. Regards, Arvind HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi GMATfor750, Hope you highest the GRE equivalent of a 750 GMAT on the next attempt. A 320-325 will unfortunately be low for the programs you are targeting. Your lawyer+ CA education is unique- I haven't really come across anyone on this path, although we regularly work with lawyers, year after year. I am also interested to know more about your work experience. how do you use both these degrees at work- what is your role in your projects? Timeline wise, it seems you had enrolled into CA while you were at law school. You ECAs sound like they are on the lower side and you dont have much to show in the past 4 years. Leadership in community initiatives at work also help, if you have done something there. Would need to understand more about your work to know if consulting makes sense as a career goal. And the goals would inform the choice of business schools. That said, all 3 schools would be great for finding opportunities in consulting or a finance career. Feel free to reach out for a profile evaluation by filling this form: https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/ Namita Garg, MBA Decoder

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  gmatfor750 ,

Professionally, you have a number of talking points that will prove to be advantageous to your case; if you are able to take your score upwards of a 325, you will have a good chance.

Having said the above, you must look at applying to a broader portfolio of schools so as to diversify your risk.

All the best!

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey gmatfor750👋 ,

👇 Here is your detailed profile evaluation:

Strengths:  
👉 Unique Skillset: Being a Chartered Accountant and a lawyer makes you a compelling candidate. This unique mix can offer a fresh perspective in class discussions and team dynamics.

👉 Strong Professional Trajectory: 4+ years at a Big 4 firm with 2 promotions speaks to your work ethic and expertise. Your additional 3-year articleship also adds depth.

👉 Leadership & ECs: Your roles in student government and college clubs demonstrate early leadership. Mentoring underprivileged children shows social responsibility.

Areas for Improvement:  
👉 GRE Score: While 320 is respectable, aiming for 330+ will make you more competitive for M7 schools.

👉 Clarified Career Goals: Consulting in MBB is a common goal. A more customized career path, demonstrating how your unique background fits, could be more compelling.

👉 Chances at Columbia/Wharton/Kellogg: These schools appreciate multifaceted profiles, and you have key strengths that make you a standout applicant. However, in an overrepresented demographic, you're up against steep competition.

👉 Retaking the GRE can significantly boost your chances, coupled with tailored essays that underline why MBB consulting is a natural next step given your unique background.

👉 Your chances are competitive, but details will matter, especially in your essays and interviews. You'll need to translate your numerical achievements into impactful stories to maximize your admission chances.

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

➡️  Click Here to Set-Up a FREE Call  ⬅️

Evaluation Request - Indian(F) Chartered Accountant - 4 yr WE - 320GRE

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