Stanford Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

ShreyaPatel11 hope this finds you well

Congratulations on the impressive GRE score. That truly forfeits the already existing academic trajectory.

I see that you are currently pursuing a master's degree in environmental mgt from the USA. I am not clear how you have decided to explore MBA prospects even without completing your master's degree. Given your fast track academic and career progression, you may not need an MBA eventually. However, if you do, an important aspect would be to speak about your motivation for pursuing a first master's degree in environmental management and how you realized an unfulfilled need for an MBA.

The most important part that you must spend your energy and time on is to create a conscientious goals plan. What is your long-term vision? As an Environmental Engineer in an Oil and Gas company you may have been responsible for designing and implementing programs to minimize the negative footprint of the company's operations on the environment. If this subject motivates your long-term objectives, then use your rich experience of environmental sustainability to create a differentiating factor for yourself.

When it will be time for you to apply for MBA at the top-tier schools globally, the schools will look beyond academics, the GMAT, the undergrad pedigree, and the strong employer brand to judge your potential. Over the next 2-3 years, depending on your areas of interest, you should conscientiously grab professional opportunities that add new dimensions to your portfolio.

If you enhance your profile, you will have a fair shot at the top 10 US/Global Schools down the line. But this profile enhancement would need to show as a take-off point in your career graph. For example, you could negotiate an international assignment with your employer, or get into super challenging yet impactful roles in startups (climate - tech if that interests you or VC), or in consulting and strategy roles where you get hands-on experience on the business building blocks. I feel there would be no dearth of opportunities for someone with your credentials. So, take advantage.

Take up interesting passion projects or hobbies on the side. That would help you to come across as a multidimensional personality. For MBA, showcasing balanced right-brain thinking and searching for meaning beyond the academics and numbers is also important in an MBA application.

Feel free to reach out should you need candid advice. Best wishes

Welcome thoughts on my candidacy for the Stanford MBA:

Background:

-40 year old hispanic male, American citizen, member of LGBTQ+ community, VA 100% Permanent and Totally Disabled combat veteran.
-PhD in International Relations (3.98 GPA), MA in International Relations (3.68 GPA), BA in International Relations (3.50 GPA)

GMAT: 610. I took it three times and can't improve my score. For another MBA program, I took the EA and got a 149 with a 7 in Quant.

Work experience:
-Current Organization: U.S. Department of State:
-Current Position: 2013-Present I have been a U.S. Diplomat (Foreign Service Officer) for 10 years representing the U.S. at the highest levels on the world stage, have served in multiple U.S. Embassies, have participated in and successfully negotiated international treaties over the last decade that Harvard Kennedy School students will study about in class.
-Past positions:
2020-2021 I took a leave of absence to takeover as CEO and Chairman of a family-owned tech company following health issues of the founder, my father; the company was in crisis and with no business experience, I built a team, set the vision, and exited with more than a doubling the valuation of the company since I took over (the company was valued at $50m+ when I exited).
2012-2013 I was a Country Director at the Pentagon where I managed a $1.5 billion budget.
2004-2012 I was an active duty US Navy Officer for 8 years where I led more than 40 Marines in combat during two deployments to Afghanistan (2008, 2011).

Community and others:
-I speak fluent English, Russian, and Tajik
-Volunteer Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sister Org for one year.
-Captain of veterans ice hockey team
-Member of State Department's Pride and Disability advocacy employee groups.
-Amateur Astronomer and I do research in my backyard to collect data to discover new Exoplanets and submit the data to NASA -- for fun.
-I'm an FAA commercial pilot, own a plane, and volunteer my time and my plane as an Animal Rescue pilot.

Post-MBA goals:
Gain the hard, soft, and leadership skills offered by Stanford to round-out the diverse life experiences i've had, following graduation return to the State Department for several years where my mid-term goal is to become a U.S. Ambassador (realistic within the next 7-10 years). Following my retirement from the State Department, i'd plan to goto an MBB firm for a few years as an experienced hire and then transition after a few years at an MBB into the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company in Strategy.

For the record, I am only interested in the H/S/W full-time MBA programs at this point. Wharton already told me my GMAT and EA scores were too low for both their full-time and EMBA program). I am not interested in the Stanford MSx program.

I know my profile is strong for Standard, my goals are linear, I have a good story to tell, I add considerable diversity, but the weak point is the GMAT score. I've taken the GMAT three times over a 1.5 year period, i've done all the various prep courses, and I just can't get it higher. Is my profile and background strong enough for HBS to overlook a poor GMAT score and be one of those unicorn candidates who gets in with a mid-600s GMAT?

Thanks for the reply!

Thanks for your honest and thorough feedback. I want an MBA because I want to pivot to climate-finance related roles which I have very lean chances to get into with my masters degree. I am currently just gauging if it is sane to even consider MBA in the future.

Hi, would like to hear your thought about my chances of MBA at Stanford / Harvard / UCLA

I'm a Georgian male (Caucasus Region - Easter Europe) with 5+ work experience in different industries.

Work experience
* 2.5 years - KPMG advisory (local office), with double promotion reaching Senior role. Worked on international projects around the CIS region
* 2 years - Investment Banker at a leading local investment banking firm (London listed company with 1bn+ market cap), worked with top international banks (JP, Citi, RenCap etc.) on a couple of projects where I led my local team of 2-3 people. Received promotion during the period
* 1.5 years - (current job) Mid-management role at Singapore Fintech company (banking industry), leading a team of 2-3 people
* 1 year - VP at Nordic PE startup. Was working closely with founders and mostly engaged with deal underwriting and valuation. Then Russia-Ukraine war ruined everything.
* 3+ years - TopTal professional freelance network (worked with many companies, including startup / growth level companies from NY, London, Dubai and others)


GMAT - first try 650
GPA - 3.0 (out of 4)
BA - a leading local university, won't be something Stanford would probably know about. Took exchange program to Savannah State University, US

Community and others
* was a chairman of Student self-government
* won local competition Students for social enterprises. not a big project from the budget perspective but we helped social entrepreneurship companies to boost their product.
* was a member of the university Rugby team
* was interviewed and published in Savannah State University magazine during my study there (out of only a couple of students. Perhaps it demonstrates my communication skills and collaborative character)
* volunteered at the Savannah State university in book collecting and distributing to the social families in GA region.

Post MBA goal
* PE /VE in the California area
* want to develop myself as an international-level leader and acquire skills in how to lead an organization
* considering startup as well perhaps in PE / Fintech industry

Other
Also, I'm planning to fly for an on-campus tour to show that I'm very dedicated to the university (perhaps somehow to increase my level of acceptance). Would be great to hear your thoughts on this as well.

Subject: What are my chances? - Profile Evaluation for Stanford



Hey AD0195,

Your profile exhibits impressive work experience across various industries, reflecting your adaptability and versatility. To enhance your chances even further, it is crucial to emphasise specific achievements and quantify the impact you made in each role. For instance, highlight instances where you implemented strategic recommendations leading to significant cost reductions or successfully managed projects resulting in market entry triumphs.

Moreover, aiming for a higher GMAT score, ideally around 730, can provide you with a competitive edge, particularly considering that the schools you are targeting are considered ultra dream schools. Emphasise the strengths of your education, such as rigorous programs, relevant coursework, and notable academic achievements. Additionally, leverage your exchange program experience at Savannah State University to demonstrate your international exposure and adaptability.

When discussing your extracurricular activities, focus on examples that showcase your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and the meaningful impacts you made. Highlight the valuable skills you gained through these activities. Clearly articulate your post-MBA goals, providing specific details on why private equity or venture capital in California specifically interests you, and explain how obtaining an MBA from your target school will enable you to achieve these goals.

Lastly, visiting the campuses of your target schools can demonstrate your dedication and interest. It allows you to connect with current students, attend informational sessions, and gain valuable insights that will strengthen your application. Maintain a cohesive and compelling narrative throughout your application, tailor your essays to each individual school, and most importantly, let your passion shine through in all aspects of your application.

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
_________________

Hi,

I am hoping to get into Stanford GSB. I believe that I have a rather "exotic" profile and would like some insight/advice regarding my MBA potential. In particular, I am wondering whether I am just wasting my time trying to get into M7 or if I should give it a shot. I would greatly appreciate any tips or thoughts.

Profile

- Sex: Male
- Race: White (European)
- Family Background: first-generation academic
- Current Age: 29 (I plan to apply in 1-2 years)
- Country: Small European country (< 10 million population)
- Hobbies: Sports (played > 10 years as a kid at a local amateur soccer club; but also like to try new things: recently got into skydiving).
- Academic Background: Tech, primarily software engineering and cybersecurity.
- Undergrad University: no-name domestic university
- Undergrad Major & GPA: computer science, 3.84 / 4.00
- Graduate University (Master's): no-name domestic university (same as undergrad)
- Graduate Major & GPA (Master's): CS, 3.96/4.00. I have an additional master's degree in privacy law (3.94/4.00 GPA)
- Graduate University (PhD): domestic university (100-200 ranked in computer science)
- Graduate Major & GPA (PhD): computer science; will be graduating soon. Given my publication track record, I am highly confident that I will graduate with highest distinction.
- Current Occupation: Cybersecurity researcher & consultant (5 years) at a research/tech institute. My work is mixed between writing papers and security consulting (but mostly doing research).
- Previous Occupation: Software engineer (contractor) at a tech company (think Qualcomm, Intel, NXP, Infineon etc.)
- International Work Experience: Invited to work as a visiting researcher in Japan (~3 months).
- GMAT: Planning to take it in 10 months. I am aware that I will need a >730 score to be competitive.
- Certifications: >10 IT (security) certifications.
- Volunteer: I am a member of an international non-profit organization but not actively involved (so probably, I should ignore this). My priorities have mostly been in the academic realm: I am a member of the program committee (PC) of one of the top-tier cybersecurity conferences. Furthermore, I am a regular PC member of lower ranked conferences/workshops and regular reviewer of various top journals in the field. I was also the co-editor of a special issue (journal) and a book. I am not sure if this can be considered volunteering work (although I did these tasks primarily in my free time, they are certainly work-related); I think that this is where I can shine (most impact achieved as a volunteer, highly reputable duties given my academic age).
- Impact: I have published > 15 papers (first authorship), 3 of which have been published in top tier journals. Thus far, I gained >500 citations and helped to acquire >1MM in research funding. Over the past 5 years, I had >40 speaking engagements (international industry/academic conferences). I am also a member of a domestic expert group to provide input to leaders from the government and large enterprises and I have co-organized 2 highly renowned seminars in my field.
- Awards: I have received 2 awards for my research, also got 4 scholarships due to my academic performance.
- Letter of Recommendations: 1 x Doctoral advisor, 1 x supervisor at the company I am currently working. I think I could also get one from my past supervisor when I worked as a software engineer (but I would prefer not to do this given the rather 'low' impact achieved compared to my academic achievements).
- Current Targets: Stanford and MIT Sloan as I want to stay in tech. INSEAD due to the 1 year program and since I want to stay in Europe in the long-term.
- Post MBA Goal: MBB cyber risk consultant and then executive in the cybersecurity space or do my own start-up.
- Why MBA after PhD: I want to help senior management understand security risks. I know the tech but speak a 'different language'. I hope that an MBA opens new doors and helps me to navigate through the corporate jungle (and makes convincing execs about the importance of cyber risk less frustrating).

My concerns

- Less focus on volunteering: Unfortunately, I neglected volunteering work during my studies. I focused mostly on the academic side and was too busy writing papers even during my bachelor's. I am wondering if I can frame my academic community service as volunteering. I believe that I have achieved significant impact in my field (as a reviewer, PC member, organizer of seminars, co-editor) and did most of the work in my free time.

- Cert/degree collector: I am afraid that the admission committee will view me as a cert/degree collector and that I just want to do the MBA for the prestige. My past education is heavily tech-oriented and I think an MBA could be useful to successfully establish a 'bridge' to business. Again, even after the MBA, I will stay 100% in tech but want to move to MBB cyber risk or CTO/CISO level instead of my current software engineering, pentesting roles.

- Less impact in business: Apart from being a researcher, I also did security consulting. However, I don't know how I can sell this as a convincing and impressive story. I have improved the security posture of clients and made sure that they don't suffer from a major cyber breach or that no one dies (in the case of critical infrastructure). Yet, it's hard for me to quantify the impact and my academic achievements definitely outshine everything else.

- No-name universities: I only went to domestic "no-name" universities.

Do I have a realistic chance at getting into Stanford? I would greatly appreciate your honest profile evaluation and feedback.

Hey AD0195

Here's an assessment of your chances at Stanford, Harvard, and UCLA MBA programs:

Stanford:
Stanford GSB is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. They seek candidates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact, and personal qualities. While your work experience in advisory, investment banking, fintech, and freelance roles is diverse and impressive, it's important to showcase significant accomplishments and demonstrate your leadership abilities and impact in these roles. Your experience leading teams and working on international projects can be advantageous. However, your GPA and GMAT score might be on the lower side compared to the average admitted applicants. It's crucial to highlight your unique experiences and convey how you can contribute to the Stanford community. Your post-MBA goal aligns well with Stanford's focus on leadership and impact.

Harvard:
Harvard Business School also has a competitive admission process. They look for candidates who have excelled in their professional and personal lives, demonstrated leadership potential, and shown a track record of making a difference. Your work experience in advisory, investment banking, fintech, and freelance roles provides a diverse background that can be valuable in the classroom. Highlight your accomplishments, leadership roles, and international exposure. While your GPA and GMAT score are not at the top range, they are within the accepted range. Your extracurricular involvement, including student self-government, social enterprises, and rugby, demonstrates your leadership and engagement. Craft compelling essays and recommendations that showcase your unique experiences and emphasize your fit with Harvard's mission and values.

UCLA:
UCLA Anderson School of Management values a well-rounded class with a diverse set of experiences and perspectives. Your professional experience across various industries and roles can bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Highlight your leadership roles, promotions, and impact achieved in your work experiences. While your GPA and GMAT score are not the highest, they are within the accepted range. Your community involvement, sports activities, and volunteering show your engagement outside of work. UCLA Anderson's location in California aligns well with your post-MBA goal, and you can emphasize this fit in your application.

On-campus tour:
Visiting the campuses can demonstrate your strong interest and dedication to the programs. It allows you to gain insights, connect with current students or alumni, and gather specific information to tailor your application. However, keep in mind that campus visits alone won't significantly impact your admission chances. Focus on presenting a compelling application that showcases your qualifications, experiences, and fit with the programs.

Overall, your chances at these top schools will depend on how effectively you present your unique experiences, achievements, leadership potential, and fit with the programs. Craft well-crafted essays, strong recommendations, and a cohesive application that highlights your strengths. Consider targeting a range of schools to increase your overall chances of admission.

If you have any additional questions about your profile or the program and would like to have a more thorough and personalized discussion with our top profile experts, please feel free to schedule a call with us. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Book a free profile evaluation now!

Good luck!

Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
MBA and Beyond


_________________

Hey MBA_CS_PhD,

To begin with, you have a strong academic and professional background with notable achievements in the field of cybersecurity. Your research publications, conference engagements, and academic impact demonstrate your expertise and dedication.

Strengths:

Academic Excellence: Your outstanding GPAs, multiple degrees, and publications in top-tier journals showcase your intellectual capabilities.
Research Impact: Your extensive research experience, citations, and involvement in prestigious academic committees and conferences highlight your contributions to the field.
Professional Experience: Your experience as a cybersecurity researcher and consultant, as well as your international work exposure, demonstrate your practical expertise and versatility.
Leadership Potential: Your involvement in organizing seminars, co-editing a special issue, and being a member of an expert group display your leadership abilities and industry recognition.
Clear Goals: Your post-MBA goal of becoming an MBB cyber risk consultant and advancing in the cybersecurity field shows a well-defined career trajectory.

Areas of Consideration:

Limited Volunteer Work: While you have impressive academic community service experience, the lack of extensive volunteer involvement could be an area that could be strengthened. However, your academic contributions and professional accomplishments compensate for this to a certain extent.
Certifications and Degrees: Although you possess several IT security certifications and multiple degrees, it's important to clearly articulate how an MBA will bridge your technical expertise with the business acumen needed for your career goals. Emphasize the specific knowledge and skills you aim to gain from an MBA program.
Quantifying Business Impact: While your research and consulting work have likely made a positive impact, it's important to find ways to quantify and convey the results effectively. Highlight specific projects, outcomes, and testimonials from clients to showcase the value you brought to organizations.

Overall, your profile demonstrates strong potential for admission to top MBA programs. Stanford GSB and other elite schools often look for candidates with exceptional academic and professional achievements, leadership qualities, and a clear sense of purpose. Make sure to craft a compelling application that showcases your unique strengths, the impact you've made, and how an MBA will further enhance your skills and contribute to your long-term goals.

While admission to highly selective programs is competitive, it's certainly worth giving it a shot given your profile. As with any application process, thoroughly research each school's requirements and ensure that your application highlights your strengths and addresses any potential weaknesses.

If you have any additional questions about your profile or the program and would like to have a more thorough and personalized discussion with our top profile experts, please feel free to schedule a call with us. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Book a free profile evaluation now!

Good luck!

Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
MBA and Beyond


_________________

AD0195 hope this finds you well

Stellar profile overall, with room for improvement on GMAT.

1. Career growth progression- Your diverse range of roles and international exposure make you an incredibly compelling candidate. Business schools highly value applicants who possess a strong global outlook, which is enriched through their extensive industry experience.

2. Goals- What is also important since you are targeting the PE space is to demonstrate your understanding of the current state of the PE industry and your prior network within this space. For example, the recent downturn in deal-making and fundraising challenges due to the rise in interest rates and inflation in the U.S., exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has drastically impacted the PE industry. Banks had to withdraw financing for leveraged transitions, which is what PE is mainly about. Therefore, business schools will expect you to be realistic about how you can use your background to get a foothold in the PE industry in a particular field/geography.

3. GMAT - This is not your strong suit. Private equity is a very analytical field and every project is an ongoing quantitative task that requires constant performance. For this reason you would need a higher score or atleast a solid quant score to convince the adcom of your academic orientation.

4. Extracurricular- Your ECs seem dated but knowing your work situation in extremely challenging environments, the schools will understand that. For your ECs, I suggest that you think deeper and analyze whether you have missed considering any mundane/ unobvious/ subtle initiatives you may have taken through the years ( travel, learning a new language, certain diversity initiatives at work, for example, raising voice against gender discrimination, voicing strong opinions for diversity in the workforce, providing financial or moral support to someone in need, teaching the underprivileged kids, organizing diversity talks or off-site activities for better collaboration among teams, and so on). In my experience, I have seen that applicant usually do not realize in the first instance how they have contributed toward the betterment of their community. It will take a little introspection to unravel it all.

UCLA would be easier to get into than H/S/W. But don't give up the ship without a good fight

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni
MBAGuideConsulting
WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ |LinkedIn | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hey MBA_CS_PhD,

Your profile shines uniquely with your strong academic achievements and specialisation in the burgeoning field of cybersecurity. Your research endeavours, citations, and speaking engagements are impressive testaments to your passion and expertise. Coupled with your leadership roles in organising seminars, editing journals, and being on program committees, you've got a compelling case of a potential business leader.

To truly shine in the eyes of Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, or INSEAD, there are a few aspects you need to work on. Firstly, aim for a GMAT score of 720+ , leveraging your technical background for the quantitative part while also mastering the verbal and integrated reasoning sections. Display your community spirit by emphasising your contributions to the cybersecurity community and if possible, engage in more traditional volunteer work.

Demonstrate your business acumen by quantifying the impacts of your consulting gig. If your work saved companies from cyber breaches, articulate it in monetary terms. Clearly outline your post-MBA goals, highlighting the possible entrepreneurial venture and how an MBA would aid in the journey.

Turn your lesser-known undergrad university into an asset by accentuating your stellar GPA and challenging coursework. Express why an MBA isn't just another degree for you but a crucial step towards achieving your goals. Your stint in Japan can be leveraged to showcase your global perspective.
For recommendation letters, choose individuals who can vouch for your skills and potential, like your past supervisor who can bring a unique perspective.

Remember, your application is your narrative that intertwines your past, present, and future. Use every component - essays, recommendations, interviews - to underscore why an MBA from your target schools is the perfect fit for you.

Your leadership can be demonstrated through successful projects, mentorship, problem-solving, and innovation. Similarly, your work's impact can be substantiated by your consulting success, influence in research and community, and business impact. Always use specific examples and compelling stories to bring your achievements to life.

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
_________________

Hi MBA_CS_PhD hope this finds you well

Your profile has several strong aspects that Standford and INSEAD would favorably consider, including a solid academic background (particularly in research), language skills, and strong recommendations. However, I would like to highlight areas that require more introspection and preparation as you work on your applications.

1. Career progression Most importantly, your leadership capabilities, or what I like to call "career progression," will be of particular interest to the school. As you will be a relatively senior (than average) candidate when you apply, the schools will want to know about your professional and personal growth over the past decade.

While research profiles are differentiated for the MBA program, it is essential to be strategic in communicating the challenges you faced during your research work, which was a significant period in your history as a doctoral candidate. You should also demonstrate functional responsibilities in relevant projects, showing your ability to manage and engage stakeholders. While speaking about your research work, it's still suggested that your experiences and stories highlight your hands-on experience, your ability to engage with industry leaders to gather insights, and your skill in contextualizing business problems specific area of work you will target post MBA.

As an engineer turned researcher in cyber security space, I believe you will have ample potential for storytelling in developing product concepts, creating product design specifications, designing and testing prototypes, identifying and solving design problems, and collaborating with teams to ensure a successful product launch. Additionally, as you are interested in MBB, you could leverage your passion for working in your current role/industry and a desire to develop innovative security solutions that improve client outcomes at a tier 1 management consulting company.

What I am saying here is that you need to have a solid vision behind your decision to do a MBA, and that should make your career decisions in the past seem coherent with what you plan to do shortly and in the long term. Why do you want to do an MBA? Why do you need an MBA to get into MBB? Why do you want to get into MBB? What problems do you want to solve as a management consultant in the industry? What issues have you seen in the industry through your prior experience? Why would MBB value your expertise? Addressing such questions in your essays will be very important.

2. Quantification of impact/ contributions to business If you feel challenged in quantifying the impact of your professional work and lack of launched products, you can focus on your contributions to each project as a consultant and how they have positively impacted the team's output and company's P&L (think in terms of time saved, costs saved and so on for your employer or your clients). You can emphasize how you effectively communicated with team members and stakeholders or how you improved a specific process or system within the project. You can also mention any recognition or awards you have received for your work. As an engineer, you should be aware of your contributions; it is crucial to logically evaluate your impact on the company's business.

3.Gather insights and give proof to adcoms of alumni who made similar transition- Also, I suggest you reach out to folks working at MBB who have a similar background. Research the type of projects that you would like to work on. Reflect on the insights you gather and use these insights to make your essays stronger.

Overall, you have a great profile. Focus on getting a good GMAT score and presenting an impressive and authentic application.

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum and ex-admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ |LinkedIn | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hello there,

Thank you for your detailed description. Rarely do we come across someone with a PhD looking at an MBA, and that's great - it means you're diverse (in terms of the applicant pool) to start with. Here's our assessment of your profile:

- Your academics are clearly strong, not just in terms of GPA, but also in the breadth and depth of your study, which spans from computer science to privacy law. While your universities may not be globally renowned, your consistent academic excellence across different fields, coupled with your research publications and awards, should demonstrate your intellectual rigor and curiosity. Regarding GMAT, given your aspirations for Stanford GSB and MIT Sloan, we'd recommend aiming for a score of 740+ to make your application competitive.

- As a cybersecurity researcher and consultant, you have a unique position in the tech industry, and this can make you stand out in the application process. You have a clear career goal post-MBA: transitioning into MBB cyber risk consulting and then possibly a C-suite role or a startup. This specificity is excellent, as the admissions committee looks for applicants with a clear vision. We suggest you strengthen this vision by sharing why these roles appeal to you and how they align with your long-term goals.

- Your work experience is multifaceted, bridging academia and industry, and the domestic and international scene. This blend of experiences will be valuable in an MBA class setting. Your achievements as a researcher are impressive. However, business schools also value leadership experience, so we recommend highlighting instances where you have led teams or influenced organizational decisions. If possible, demonstrate your impact on the business side in addition to your academic accomplishments.

- For next steps, consider how to articulate your transition from tech to business. Highlight experiences where you have leveraged your technical expertise to inform business decisions or impact business outcomes. Show your understanding of the business side of tech and how an MBA fits into this picture. It would also be beneficial to network with alumni or current students from Stanford and MIT Sloan, especially those who have made similar transitions.

- Regarding your concerns about lack of volunteering work and being perceived as a 'degree collector', consider how to frame your narrative. Your involvement in academic communities can certainly be viewed as contributing to your field. As for collecting degrees, focus on demonstrating the practical reasons behind each academic decision you made, emphasizing the value they brought in terms of skills or experiences.

We hope this evaluation helps, and you're welcome to post further queries here or contact us directly. Good luck with your journey ahead!

Hi Everyone,

I'd love to get an idea if my profile stands a chance at Stanford.

27-Year-Old Indian Male

Academics
• Under Grad – Economics major from a top undergrad college in India (6.48/10 GPA)
• GRE – 337 (V – 169, Q – 168)
• Completed UCB’s Math for Management with an A

Work Ex
• 7 years at matriculation in the Retail space across India, UAE and Israel.
• Currently heading Consulting and Implementation for an Israeli Retail tech startup for India and UAE market
• It’s a spin-off of my first organization and they called me back to head the consulting and implementation arm
• Helped the Israeli start-up launch operations in the UAE market through my past experience and network (Given the geopolitical situation between both countries)
• 1 promotion in the last 1 year in the current job

ECs during college:
• Captain of the college basketball team
• Part of an 8-member organizing committee of the college’s sports fest
• Taught underprivileged kids during college time. Since my Alma Mater is in my hometown only, it was a way of giving back to my people and my community

Extracurricular after College:
• National level basketball player and represented my state at All India national tournaments for 3 consecutive years
• I have been coaching my college basketball team for a month every year for the last 3 years, to prepare them for our annual sports fest (Since my work is Hybrid, I can

Work From my Alma Mater’s base and coach the Team)
• Worked for TeachForIndia (Taught underprivileged kids) for 2 years
• I have my own podcast on NBA. We have around 5000+ subscribers. It’s a passion project that I run
• I have built a business of my own in the last 3 years, I own 5 retail stores in India with an ARR of $1.5 Million. We’ll add 5 more by Mid-2024. All these stores are built in Tier-3 or Tier-4 cities to give people quality retail products at an affordable price.

Post MBA Goals
• Short Term - Work for a Tier 1/Tier 2 consulting specializing in the Retail, Food & Beverages, and Consumer Goods space
• Long-Term Goal – To be an entrepreneur. I have a lot of ideas here but they’ll most be in the consumer goods space. My ultimate goal is to create an Indian sports apparel brand

shashijangir08


Though your CGPA is low, your stellar GRE can compensate well; ensure to talk about it; if you have had reasons that can explain it, works better (don't come across as justifying or offering excuses)


The diversity in your experience, and the career trajectory provides the solid pillars on which to build your candidature on.


Love the ECs, and a truly well-rounded personality.



Overall, you have a decent shot at M-7; Given the over-represented pool you form a part of, would advise you to draft a compelling application, or get a good mentor to help you navigate the journey, a senior/ good friend who's gone through a competitive MBA program, or a good applications consultant.
_________________

👋 Hey shashijangir08,

I came across your profile evaluation query on the forum and thought I'd reach out to offer some assistance from my own experience.

So here is what I would suggest:

Strengths:
📚 Academics: Your GRE score of 337 is exceptionally strong and stands out as a highlight. While the GPA may not be as high, the subject matter expertise in Economics and an A in UCB's Math for Management are strong counterbalances.

💼 Work Experience: 7 years in retail spanning India, UAE, and Israel is impressive and rare. You've shown leadership in your current role by spearheading a startup’s Consulting and Implementation arm, which aligns well with Stanford's focus on innovation and leadership. Launching operations in the UAE amidst geopolitical complexities showcases your strategic and networking skills, which Stanford appreciates.

📈 Leadership & Growth: Your quick promotion within a year signals high performance and adaptability, key traits for any top-tier MBA program.

🏀 Extra-Curriculars: As a college basketball captain and a National-level player, you've demonstrated leadership and commitment over time. Your unique commitment to coaching your alma mater's basketball team annually adds a layer of community involvement.

🎙️ Personal Projects: Your NBA podcast with 5k+ subscribers reflects passion and engagement beyond work.

🛒 Entrepreneurial Skills: Owning retail stores with an ARR of $1.5M adds significant weight to your business acumen. The expansion plan aligns with your MBA goal of focusing on retail and consumer goods, giving your application narrative coherence and clarity.

🎯 Career Goals: Your goals are both ambitious and attainable, perfectly aligned with the areas you've already excelled in.


Suggestions:
➡️ Schools like Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, and Stanford have a very low acceptance rate due to their extremely competitive applicant pool. But you can still consider Wharton, and Columbia, though they are highly competitive.

➡️ Your GRE is just 1/4th of your application so you will need to craft a strong and compelling essay by showcasing all the quantifiable results. This will make your profile stronger than other applicants in the competitive pool.


📝 School Recommendations
🌟 Dream Schools: Columbia, Wharton, Chicago Booth, LBS, Oxford

🔵 Competitive Schools: INSEAD, HEC Paris, Cornell, Kellogg, UCLA Anderson, UC Berkeley, Duke

🟢 Safe Schools: Foster, Babson, Manchester

In summary, you have a compelling and unique profile with several strong suits. Stanford might be a stretch, but taking your diverse experiences together in a coherent and engaging narrative, you will be able to target the mentioned schools above.

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.

👇 You can setup a call via this link 👇:

👉 https://bit.ly/3DSH5km 👈
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Hello shashijangir08,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile certainly has some strong aspects that increase your chances of getting into the Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA program. A GRE score of 337 is good, it's important to remember that Stanford considers a holistic application, so test scores are just one part of it. Your undergraduate GPA of 6.48/10 might be seen as a bit on the lower side for a highly competitive program like Stanford. It's important to address this in your application and highlight your strengths in other areas.

You have 7 years of work experience in the retail space across multiple countries, including a leadership role at an Israeli retail tech startup. Your role in helping the startup launch operations in the UAE market demonstrates your leadership and cross-cultural skills. Owning and expanding a business with a significant ARR is impressive and aligns with your long-term goal of becoming an entrepreneur. Highlight specific examples of how your work and extracurricular activities have made an impact, whether in your current role, during TeachForIndia, or through your podcast.

You have a strong background in sports, both as a player and a coach. Your involvement with TeachForIndia and your podcast on NBA show a commitment to social impact and personal interests. Your short-term goal of working in consulting and your long-term goal of starting an Indian sports apparel brand is well-defined and connects to your previous experiences. Ensure your recommenders can speak to your leadership, impact, and potential. Strong letters can reinforce your application.

Overall, your profile has strengths that align with Stanford's values and goals, but it's important to work on addressing weaknesses and presenting a well-rounded and compelling application.

Good luck with your application!

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



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Hello shashijangir08,

Thanks for writing in.

You have a strong overall profile complete with international experience, leadership exposure, and extra-curricular engagement. The goals appear to be in sync with your professional experience.

The only major weakness is the low GPA; however, your excellent GRE score will help compensate for the same.

A lot depends on how you weave your strengths into a narrative that connects your experiences and strengths with an MBA degree and your goals thereafter. A set of well-written essays will give you a very good shot at bagging an interview call.

Hope this helps.

All the best!
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