An avaluation of chances of a Russian applicant to top-10

Question

Hi Pbodine,

I have seen several evaluations which you gave to potential applicants. I found that most of them are useful and reasonable. I also would like to get your point on my case.

I am Russian 32 years old.
GMAT 610 (Q 49, V 25)
Exp. 8 years, five of them as finance director and CFO of industrial companies, mainly from FMCG sector. I have strong background as a leader. I have international experience, particularly I invited the Swedish PE fund as an investor to my last company. Also I have realized several other projects.
I have a first degree in Chemistry Ingineering.
My goals - I would like to stay in Finance, but to change a field from industrial finance to private eqiuty or investment banking.
I choose next B-schools with strong finance focus:
1. LBS
2. Columbia
3. Booth (Chicago)
4. Stern
5. Wharton
Also Kelloge and Duke

I suggest that the higher GMAT score can improve my chances, but what can you tell me about my the other sides.
I plan to pay at least half of my education from my own savings (I've heard that in this time it is also important for admission).

Kind regards,
Nikolay

Accepted.com · Answer

Nikolay,

Paul is away so I am responding for a few days.

You have to improve the verbal section of your  GMAT score to have a decent chance at any of these school. You didn't give an indication of how well you did as an undergraduate so I can't comment on that. Your work experience is competitive. You also don't mention extra-curricular activities, which do play a role in MBA admissions at the top schools.

Best,
Linda

tychinin · Answer

Hi Linda,
Thanks a lot for your prompt response.
Unfortunaly, my GPA -2,8
extra-curricular activities are not impressive (organized rugby team with friends and holded small cup with other street teams), but I am affraid that my job and a career have not given me spare time for such activities.
I understand that me GPA is low but maybe you can advise something that can outweight my weak sides.

Kind regards,
Nikolay

bsd_lover · Answer

Nikolay,

Your profile in general is competitive at LBS. They are more older applicant friendly than some of the others you mention. But you may need to bump up the GMAT to make up for that GPA. LBS is known to ask a few people to retake the GMAT - but why take that risk.

I don't think that your financial ability to support the MBA will make a big difference at LBS (or most other schools). LBS still has the HSBC sponsored loan program and most American schools have found loan options now.

Good luck.

Accepted.com · Answer

Nikolay,

Make the most of what you have done in terms of the extra-curriculars. If rugby is your passion, then write about that. Please see  Extra-curriculars in MBA Admissions, 
 my blog post today.

The GPA is more of an issue, however sometimes in "translating" a GPA lot gets lots. If you were in the third of your class with that GPA, let your targeted schools know it.

Finally, the  GMAT , particularly the verbal score, is a major hurdle at your target programs. You need to raise the verbal portion significantly, particularly if you were outside the top third of your undergraduate class. Please see  "MBA Admissions: Low Stats."

Best,
Linda

tychinin · Answer

Linda,

Thanks a lot for your comments. The comments are realy useful. I will try to improve or outweight my weak sides.

Nikolay

PaulBodine · Answer

You're welcome (for Linda).

An avaluation of chances of a Russian applicant to top-10

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