Suggestions sought for ISB

Question

Dear Gyanone

I am a seafarer (Merchant Navy) with an engineering degree from BITS Pilani. I have put in approx 3 years of service and have worked on variety of ships Viz. Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers. All my service has been on foreign shores. During the last four months I prepared for the GMAT and scored 700 (Q-47, V-39). I was a bit disappointed and am working to improve my score.

In the interim, I wish to seek following advice from you, with my strengths and weaknesses as under.

Weaknesses - 
1. My academic performance during the graduation was barely satisfactory at 58%. (despite being a scholarship holder in the first semester) 
2. I have a back semester during the fourth year at college.

Strengths.
1. I have since worked hard and was able clear my mandatory certification for class IV Marine Engineer Officer in two attempts (most people take 4 attempts to clear the exam)
2. I can obtain good recommendations from Technical superintendent / chief engineer of my company.
3. I have worked with multiple nationalities as the Company I work for is Dubai based.

My preference for MBA would be ISB- Hyderabad, INSEAD / HEC, NYU (Stern) or HKURST

In view of the above do you think I have a reasonable chance of getting into any of these colleges? Need your frank opinion.

Regards

Kay

NoobGeneralChaos · Answer

From what I hear, a lack of a few years of international experience is something of a deal breaker in places like INSEAD and HEC. NYU Stern would require a GMAT of at least 750 if you're an Indian Applicant. I don't know about HKURST.

ISB seems like a good target. I expect you should be able to get in there.

GyanOne · Answer

Hi Kshitij,

ISB would still be doable given your differentiated profile and extensive international experience (given your work in the Merchant Navy). Your GMAT score too is in the range for ISB, though of course a higher score on your retake would help further. The academic score factor can be overcome for ISB, but might present more problem at INSEAD and Stern. HEC and HKUST would again be possibilities.

As of now, try to raise your score as much as you gain as it will help in the schools a bit beyond your reach right now. For INSEAD and Stern, also keep in mind that they might prefer not only stronger GMAT scores but also more experience.

Hope this helps. Feel free to come back with further questions.

ersheet · Answer

Hi Gyanone,

I am looking forward to apply to ISB this year. Kindly evaluate my profile and let me know what are my chances.

GMAT - 730 IR 5
B.E in Electronics and Communication from Maharishi Dayanand University (An average college) with 65%

12th (CBSE)- 79%
10th (CBSE)- 70%

Work Ex - 5.5 years of experience in Telecom Industry:
2 years in pre-sales support and rest as a Tech support engineer.

Extra curricular: 1) was a part of college volleyball team and participated in couple of national level tournaments. 2) I am into trekking and mountaineering and have done a month long mountaineering course from renowned govt institute.

Thanks,
ersheet

Coachmba · Answer

there are ways to work with your current situation and still position for all schools. 
ISB & HK... are not in the same league as INSEAD or HEC or NYU. 
Your Navy experiences can help you to differentiate .. assuming you have had enough leadership experience

GyanOne · Answer

Hi ersheet,

You seem to be well on track for ISB. Strong GMAT score, good experience in telecom, and some experience in a business function as well. ECA seem fine as well. Go ahead and ensure you essays convey your full potential. All the best!

bb · Answer

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