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Ash1ish
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Ash1ish
Hello Everyone

The Question: Should I apply to Insead & LBS
Fixed Decisions: I will be applying to Oxford & Cambridge
Background:
1. GMAT: 690 (Still trying to improve :cry:)
2. Workexp: two business
a. Sports retail: Family 30k/yr pounds turnover
b. Skincare: I started when there were 10 people / now we have 500+ (& a Unicorn); I have worked with the founder throughout
3. Ex: National skater, state gold medalist, Music band which has won national competitions, National engineering competitions, & published papers
Post MBA:
1. Consulting (Strategy)
2. Long-term: My own venture (non-negotiable)
Disclosure:
The careers team at both places is not very important to me; I think I can do the groundwork, but this feels more like a fear of missing out on a scenario. I am agnostic to the choice of location.
Non-negotiable:
1. Brand Name
2. People (I like stealing the way people think; diversity means more people to steal from)


Now the brief,
I was set on only applying to Oxford & Cambridge, but after taking to Aluminis from all four schools I have been made to feel like I have to apply to all four schools. My goals were being met by the first two schools & hence decided to not go ahead with anything else. I am collecting opinions on what should be my play here.

Disclaimer:
I may not get into any of these schools; just trying to orient myself (I am not arrogant; if you feel my text is, please do let me know I will try to change).


Please do let me know what you lot think, this will very help full for me.


Thank you

Ash1ish - quick q's before sharing some feedback:

1. How many years have you worked in the businesses (sports retail & skincare)? And can you share a bit about your roles/ involvement there i.e. which functions did you handle, did you lead teams etc.?

2. Do you speak any European language?

3. What's the Q/ V split of your current (690)? And are you looking to apply in R1/ R2, given that it seems you are planning a retake?

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:https://admitstreet.com| E: [email protected]



Hello Arvind

1. 1.5 years, after which I have been an external consultant (5.4 years) sports retail: Moved the business online, started a brick and motor store, handled in rotation 5 people
5+ years: Skin care: More than 10 people (Matrix & organizational structure); International market expansion (20+ products), product strategy (80+ product launches), portfolio management, QC department, International regulatory department
2. No, unfortunately
3. 690 (V36;Q48); R1, Aim is for R1; my Oxford and said applications are complete, just waiting for GMAT score. and I confirmed with all the schools that I could share a updated GMAT score after 2 weeks of the deadline

Ash1ish - thanks for updating this. Having worked in strategy consulting in the Middle East post my MBA and successfully guided candidates (including entrepreneurs) secure admits into your target schools, hoping to share some thoughts that might help:

1. Your professional experiences are strong, particularly being part of the the founding team and scaling start-ups in a dynamic market like India. B-schools and consulting firms like entrepreneurs for the on-the-ground experience and collaborative skills they bring. Highlighting transferable skills to your post-MBA consulting role can help. Be clear on why consulting, why now and why you (vs others).

2. Certain geographies e.g. UK, Netherlands, Middle East, Scandinavian countries, Germany (some cities) offer consulting opportunities for English speakers that can be of interest. In your case, both a generalist consulting role in the likes of MBB's and within boutiques which specialize in sports/ skincare can be interesting as there are more transferable skills. In-house consulting roles are an option too.

3. LBS and INSEAD are particularly strong in consulting and have a good number of alumni who are entrepreneurs. They also value experienced candidates, including entrepreneurs. While all 4 schools in your list can help achieve your post-MBA goals (i.e. they have good alumni presence in consulting in the above geographies), I would suggest finally picking the program whose culture/ alumni you resonate with the most. For now, applying to all 4 (not with rushed through applications though, always have a bias towards quality) would be alright. The score, while a bit on the lower side, would likely be offset by the experiences and the strong essays you write, and applying to 4 schools would minimize the risk.

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: [email protected]
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Profile Eval Request

Demographics : Indian Male, Engineering, Age 27

Professional Background: 6 years- Operations role(Assistant Manager) at Oil and Gas Industry (PSU) (in Petrochemicals sector).

Academics: B.Tech(Hons.) in Chemical Engineering from a Tier-1 Institute(Top-10 in country) with a CGPA of 8.1/10
CFA L1 qualified(in May,2023), no plans of appearing for L2 as of now.

Extracurricular Activities: Nothing significant. Few awards in Hockey and Fine Arts competitions during college in various inter-hostel competitions.

Post-MBA Aspirations: Work in Supply chain management role.

GMAT: 750 (Q50 V42)

I am planning to apply in R2 and would like to know which programs should I target based on my profile and GMAT score.
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Name- Aishwarya Srivastava
Gender- Female
Work ex- 3 years in PSU
Age- 27
Qualification-
10th C.B.S.E - 10 CGPA
12TH C.B.S.E - 94.4%
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from College of Technology , Pantnagar, Uttrakhand (state gov) - 8.427/10 CGPA (Gold Medalist)
GMAT - 700
Extracurricular/Hobbies - Singing, Pianist, active in sports and reading
certification- Certified as Power System Operator (National Power Training Institute, Bengaluru)
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aish1996
Name- Aishwarya Srivastava
Gender- Female
Work ex- 3 years in PSU
Age- 27
Qualification-
10th C.B.S.E - 10 CGPA
12TH C.B.S.E - 94.4%
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from College of Technology , Pantnagar, Uttrakhand (state gov) - 8.427/10 CGPA (Gold Medalist)
GMAT - 700
Extracurricular/Hobbies - Singing, Pianist, active in sports and reading
certification- Certified as Power System Operator (National Power Training Institute, Bengaluru)

aish1996

Your academic arc is sound. However, could you please provide the breakdown of your GMAT score, as the individual quantitative and verbal scores are important for profile evaluation? Also, please indicate how you have grown in your 3 years at PSU, whether you have been promoted or given more responsibility from project to project.

Do not hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours for our applicants

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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Hi everyone
I'm aiming primarily for ISB (round 3)and SP Jain . I have a gre score of 324 ( gave it in 2019 Jan). I'm currently preparing for the gmat but I'm not scoring decent on it.What are the chances of getting an interview call if I apply to isb with my gre score ?
I have 3 years workex as a SDE

Thanks for your time .

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Hi everyone
I'm aiming primarily for ISB (round 3)and SP Jain . I have a gre score of 324 ( gave it in 2019 Jan). I'm currently preparing for the gmat but I'm not scoring decent on it.What are the chances of getting an interview call if I apply to isb with my gre score ?
I have 3 years workex as a SDE

Thanks for your time .

Posted from my mobile device


Sb1131

The odds of getting the call do not solely depend on your GRE score but also on how well you execute the application. You did not mention the breakdown of your GRE in quant and verbal. The individual scores also have a significant influence on your application since a solid quant score will do more to convince the adcom.

If your score is balanced, a 324 on the GRE along with a well-done application will fetch you the coveted interview invite. However, please note that historically ISB has been rolling out a high percentage of interview calls. So, getting an invite does not necessarily compensate your application's weighted score in the final decision. Try your best to do well on all the aspects.

Do not hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours for our applicants

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
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Thanks for the repsonse Aanchal

PFA more details :
GRE - 324 ( 169 quant, 155 verbal )
10th/12th/Undergrad from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus BE in CSE - 95/94.4/9.1
Workex - ex-HSBC 17 months , current Oracle 19 months ( both as a Software Engineer )
Extracurricular - Lawn Tennis and Squash ( part of the college team) , Editorial Head at Computer Science Association in BITS,Freelance writing pepper Content

Thanks again for your time :)
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Sb1131
Thanks for the repsonse Aanchal

PFA more details :
GRE - 324 ( 169 quant, 155 verbal )
10th/12th/Undergrad from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus BE in CSE - 95/94.4/9.1
Workex - ex-HSBC 17 months , current Oracle 19 months ( both as a Software Engineer )
Extracurricular - Lawn Tennis and Squash ( part of the college team) , Editorial Head at Computer Science Association in BITS,Freelance writing pepper Content

Thanks again for your time :)

Sb1131

You have a perfect ~99th percentile in quant and a solid academic pedigree and background. IMHO, you do not need to retake the exam unless you feel you can improve your vocabulary for GRE and really want to take valuable time away from your applications to improve your verbal score. Verbal score is more of a reflection on your communication skills. Do your best to explain that your verbal score on GRE is not representative of your communication skills and that you are very well able to hold conversations in formal settings, including discussion-based pedagogy in the classroom. Your performance in the interview will be very important.

In your application, effectively highlight your exceptional stakeholder management skills and strong communication abilities.

You should not postpone your application once you are convinced of the high quality of the essays etc.

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process.

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
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Hello aish1996,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile is quite strong and has several positive aspects that could make you a competitive applicant for the ISB MBA program.
Your 10th and 12th-grade scores are excellent, with a 10 CGPA and 94.4%, respectively. Your B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the College of Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, with a CGPA of 8.427/10, is good, and being a Gold Medalist adds prestige to your academic achievements. Your GMAT score of 700 is around the average for ISB. While it's a good score, it's essential to ensure that the rest of your application compensates for any areas where you might not stand out. Your certification as a Power System Operator from the National Power Training Institute, Bengaluru, is a valuable addition to your profile, especially if it is relevant to your post-MBA career goals

You have 3 years of work experience in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), which demonstrates stability and a commitment to your field. Your experience in a PSU may provide valuable insights and perspectives that could contribute to class discussions and group projects during your MBA. Your involvement in singing, playing the piano, sports, and reading indicates a well-rounded personality. Mentioning these activities in your application can help show that you are not just academically strong but also have a range of interests and abilities.

Write compelling essays that showcase your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your career goals, and how ISB fits into your plans. Be specific about how your experiences and skills will contribute to the ISB community. Ensure that your recommendations highlight your strengths, both in terms of your professional abilities and personal qualities. Consider using the optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances or provide additional information that could strengthen your application.

Overall, with your strong academic background, work experience, and extracurricular involvement, you have a competitive profile for the ISB MBA program. However, remember that admissions can be competitive, so put effort into creating a compelling application that sets you apart from other candidates.

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
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Email: [email protected]
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aish1996
Name- Aishwarya Srivastava
Gender- Female
Work ex- 3 years in PSU
Age- 27
Qualification-
10th C.B.S.E - 10 CGPA
12TH C.B.S.E - 94.4%
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from College of Technology , Pantnagar, Uttrakhand (state gov) - 8.427/10 CGPA (Gold Medalist)
GMAT - 700
Extracurricular/Hobbies - Singing, Pianist, active in sports and reading
certification- Certified as Power System Operator (National Power Training Institute, Bengaluru)
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I must say that it has been an incredibly valuable resource in my business school application journey. This tool offers a comprehensive and user-friendly way to assess one's chances at different business schools
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aish1996
Name- Aishwarya Srivastava
Gender- Female
Work ex- 3 years in PSU
Age- 27
Qualification-
10th C.B.S.E - 10 CGPA
12TH C.B.S.E - 94.4%
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from College of Technology , Pantnagar, Uttrakhand (state gov) - 8.427/10 CGPA (Gold Medalist)
GMAT - 700
Extracurricular/Hobbies - Singing, Pianist, active in sports and reading
certification- Certified as Power System Operator (National Power Training Institute, Bengaluru)

Hi aish1996,
1. Great CGPA,
2. Good ECs, but I feel there is much left to highlight in terms of leadership activities.
3. GMAT on the lower side; but please provide break-down of the scores
4. Please provide Career Trajectory to help understand your performance in the PSU

Hope it helps
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My question - I have already shortlisted IESE and IMD. I'm also considering US schools but I'm not sure because of my average GMAT score. Would you tell me which US schools can I target?

Indian, Male, 29 yo
Score: 730 GMAT
Pre-MBA industry: Consulting
Post-MBA industry: Health Care (preferably but flexible)
Work Exp: >5 years in total till now, aiming for 2024 intake
1. Experience Associate at PwC (present)
2. Demand Planning Manager (Cipla, Indian pharma)
3. Consultant (Bristlecone, digital supply chain consulting)

Education: Both prestigious Indian schools
1. MiM, IIT Bombay - 7.5/10 (good extracurricular)
2. B.Tech., NIT Jalandhar - 6.75/10 (good extracurricular)

Extracurricular:
1. Pro-bono consulting in marketing for a startup that sells women's hygiene products
2. Volunteering at an NGO involved in sustainability

Looking for:
1. Top MBA brand
2. Want to join LDP, Biz Dev, Corporate Strategy, or consulting (preference in this order)

Thanks a lot!

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kumaraish1195
Profile Eval Request

Demographics : Indian Male, Engineering, Age 27

Professional Background: 6 years- Operations role(Assistant Manager) at Oil and Gas Industry (PSU) (in Petrochemicals sector).

Academics: B.Tech(Hons.) in Chemical Engineering from a Tier-1 Institute(Top-10 in country) with a CGPA of 8.1/10
CFA L1 qualified(in May,2023), no plans of appearing for L2 as of now.

Extracurricular Activities: Nothing significant. Few awards in Hockey and Fine Arts competitions during college in various inter-hostel competitions.

Post-MBA Aspirations: Work in Supply chain management role.

GMAT: 750 (Q50 V42)

I am planning to apply in R2 and would like to know which programs should I target based on my profile and GMAT score.


👋 Hey kumaraish1195,

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:
➡️ GMAT Score: Your 750 score (Q50 V42) exceeds the median for nearly all top schools, such as Wharton and INSEAD where average GMATs range around 730-740.

➡️ Academic Background: A B.Tech from a Tier-1 institute with a CGPA of 8.1/10 demonstrates your intellectual capability. Your CFA L1 adds a financial lens to your profile.

➡️ Industry Experience: Six years in the Oil and Gas sector at a PSU, especially in an Operations role, provides you industry-specific knowledge that can enrich classroom discussions.


Areas of improvement:
➡️ Limited Extracurriculars: The lack of significant extracurriculars might create a one-dimensional impression. However, your hockey and fine arts accolades in college could still be leveraged in your applications.

➡️ Age Factor: At 27, you're within the median age for most programs but moving towards the higher end, making now a good time to apply.


Program Suggestions:
➡️ Dream: Wharton, Chicago Booth, INSEAD, LBS
➡️ Competitive: Kellogg, Cornell, Duke, Ross, Imperial, Warwick, ESSEC
➡️ Safe: Babson, Boston, Illinois, Foster, IESEG, Manchester


Final Thoughts:
➡️ Your strong GMAT and industry-specific knowledge make you a solid candidate for R2 applications. Your post-MBA goal in supply chain management aligns well with your existing skill set, further strengthening your profile. The key is to weave these elements together in your application to present a coherent and compelling narrative.

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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Hi 26F
Indian Female
Engineering background
5years experience
I joined my current company(fintech) as a fresh grad and have been working there since
I initially joined in client service vertical where I used to have direct contact with clients from big banks all over NA,europe

After 2.5 years i internally switched within my company to a role which is a mixture of both product management and project management
I am involved in defining roadmaps,governing releases and a lot of stakeholders management

My gpa school and college is 95% and 4.2 respectively
I have a decent background in extracurricular(some competitions in school and was part of editorial committee in college)

I want to get into the following schools
UAlberta
Smith
UBC sauder
John Molson
I want to either pivot to consulting or remain in tech management.
I’m a bit unclear now because of uncertain market conditions.

I appeared for gmat twice and even after preparing hard for it i got
560 1st attempt
620 2nd attempt

I am not feeling motivated for it to appear for it for the third time.

Do I have a decent chance at getting an Mba admit with this score?

Posted from my mobile device
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Hello skap24,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile is certainly competitive for MBA programs, but the GMAT score could be a potential concern, especially for some of the schools you've listed. Here is an evaluation of your profile.

1. UAlberta - The Alberta School of Business typically has a competitive MBA program. While your GMAT scores are on the lower side for this school, your strong academic background and work experience in the fintech industry could still make you a competitive candidate. Ensure you highlight your achievements and leadership roles in your application to strengthen your chances.

2. Smith School of Business - The Queen's MBA program at the Smith School of Business is also competitive. Your work experience and academic performance are strong, but the GMAT score may be a concern.

3. UBC Sauder School of Business - UBC is a prestigious institution, and Sauder is known for its MBA program. Your profile is also competitive here, but the GMAT score might be a bit low for their average. However, your work experience and academic achievements could offset this to some extent. Ensure that your application essays and recommendations are strong enough to make a compelling case for admission.

4. John Molson School of Business - Concordia University's John Molson School of Business offers a well-regarded MBA program. Given your strong academic background and work experience, you have a good chance of admission here. While the GMAT score is not ideal, it may not be a deal-breaker if the rest of your application is strong.

Overall, while your GMAT score is not very competitive for these MBA programs, your strong academic background, work experience, and the fact that you've taken on different roles within your company can make your application more compelling. You can consider applying to these schools and highlighting your achievements, leadership, and future career goals in your application essays. Additionally, you may want to address the GMAT score in your optional essay, explaining why you believe it doesn't fully reflect your abilities or potential. If you decide not to retake the GMAT, ensure the rest of your application materials are outstanding to maximize your chances of admission. Consider applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to diversify your options. Consulting and tech management are both valuable career paths that many MBA programs can prepare you for, so your goals align well with the MBA degree.

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!

Good luck with your application process!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: [email protected]
MBA and Beyond




skap24
Hi 26F
Indian Female
Engineering background
5years experience
I joined my current company(fintech) as a fresh grad and have been working there since
I initially joined in client service vertical where I used to have direct contact with clients from big banks all over NA,europe

After 2.5 years i internally switched within my company to a role which is a mixture of both product management and project management
I am involved in defining roadmaps,governing releases and a lot of stakeholders management

My gpa school and college is 95% and 4.2 respectively
I have a decent background in extracurricular(some competitions in school and was part of editorial committee in college)

I want to get into the following schools
UAlberta
Smith
UBC sauder
John Molson
I want to either pivot to consulting or remain in tech management.
I’m a bit unclear now because of uncertain market conditions.

I appeared for gmat twice and even after preparing hard for it i got
560 1st attempt
620 2nd attempt

I am not feeling motivated for it to appear for it for the third time.

Do I have a decent chance at getting an Mba admit with this score?

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Hello 1124816,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile looks good on the surface. With a GMAT score of 730 and a strong professional background, you have a competitive profile for many top MBA programs in the United States. Here are some schools you can consider targeting for your MBA application:

1. Harvard Business School (HBS) - HBS is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Your GMAT score and consulting background align well with their program.

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business - Stanford GSB is known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Your background in consulting and interest in health care could be an attractive combination for them.

3. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania - Wharton is renowned for its strong finance and consulting programs. Your GMAT score and consulting experience should make you a competitive candidate.

4. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University - Kellogg is known for its collaborative culture and strength in marketing and strategy. Your background in consulting and interest in corporate strategy could align with their offerings.

5. Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago - Booth has a strong reputation in finance and strategy. Your GMAT score and career goals make you a suitable candidate.

6. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth - Tuck places a strong emphasis on teamwork and leadership. Your consulting experience and GMAT score could make you a competitive applicant.

7. Sloan School of Management at MIT - MIT Sloan offers a strong program in technology and innovation management. Given your consulting background, this could be a good fit.

8. Columbia Business School - Columbia is located in the heart of New York City and offers a strong corporate strategy and consulting program.

9. Berkeley Haas School of Business - Berkeley Haas is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, which aligns well with your interests.

10. NYU Stern School of Business - Stern offers a variety of concentrations, including corporate strategy and business development, which match your career goals.

When applying to these schools, be sure to highlight your strong GMAT score, consulting experience, and clear career goals in health care or consulting. Make sure your essays and recommendations effectively convey your unique strengths and contributions. Additionally, apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to maximize your chances of admission.

Good luck with your MBA 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!

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1124816
My question - I have already shortlisted IESE and IMD. I'm also considering US schools but I'm not sure because of my average GMAT score. Would you tell me which US schools can I target?

Indian, Male, 29 yo
Score: 730 GMAT
Pre-MBA industry: Consulting
Post-MBA industry: Health Care (preferably but flexible)
Work Exp: >5 years in total till now, aiming for 2024 intake
1. Experience Associate at PwC (present)
2. Demand Planning Manager (Cipla, Indian pharma)
3. Consultant (Bristlecone, digital supply chain consulting)

Education: Both prestigious Indian schools
1. MiM, IIT Bombay - 7.5/10 (good extracurricular)
2. B.Tech., NIT Jalandhar - 6.75/10 (good extracurricular)

Extracurricular:
1. Pro-bono consulting in marketing for a startup that sells women's hygiene products
2. Volunteering at an NGO involved in sustainability

Looking for:
1. Top MBA brand
2. Want to join LDP, Biz Dev, Corporate Strategy, or consulting (preference in this order)

Thanks a lot!

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1124816
My question - I have already shortlisted IESE and IMD. I'm also considering US schools but I'm not sure because of my average GMAT score. Would you tell me which US schools can I target?

Indian, Male, 29 yo
Score: 730 GMAT
Pre-MBA industry: Consulting
Post-MBA industry: Health Care (preferably but flexible)
Work Exp: >5 years in total till now, aiming for 2024 intake
1. Experience Associate at PwC (present)
2. Demand Planning Manager (Cipla, Indian pharma)
3. Consultant (Bristlecone, digital supply chain consulting)

Education: Both prestigious Indian schools
1. MiM, IIT Bombay - 7.5/10 (good extracurricular)
2. B.Tech., NIT Jalandhar - 6.75/10 (good extracurricular)

Extracurricular:
1. Pro-bono consulting in marketing for a startup that sells women's hygiene products
2. Volunteering at an NGO involved in sustainability

Looking for:
1. Top MBA brand
2. Want to join LDP, Biz Dev, Corporate Strategy, or consulting (preference in this order)

Thanks a lot!

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1124816


Overall, a solid profile, although it would be helpful to mention the breakdown of the 730 into Q & V. The individual points have some bearing on how adcoms perceive your candidacy.

Your career demonstrates proof of progression and an upward trajectory. I don't see why you would not target the top 20 programs even with a 730. MBA essays are all about passion and how motivated are you to solve a problem you may have seen in an industry or to capitalize on an opportunity in the market. What is your motivation to do an MBA, beyond the next promotion or salary hike that you are seeking? What is the larger vision?

I will answer more specifically to your goals.
If you are interested in applying to top B Schools, for healthcare-related goals, you can have schools like Tuck and Duke MBAs on your list (because of the medical schools' affiliations). Both schools have a solid pharma/healthcare focus and are consulting powerhouses.

Think what skills you bring that you would be someone's preferred choice in an LDP or Biz dev role in healthcare. I think you have much introspection to do here. Healthcare is a nuanced sector where a high level of prior expertise is valued (the recruiting is dominated by former healthcare consultants or doctors or pharma specialists).

You should do your research and understand whether your prior experience in pharma makes you a good match for biz dev roles or whether consulting would be a better launchpad for you in a new job market (new geography). If you go with management consulting, you could pitch generalist consulting roles within the pharma sector in the short term and eventually pivot to a specialist track (depending on what resonates with your interest and prior experience) a few years down the line. Long term you could also pivot to big pharma in leadership positions. Obviously how you express your interest in a particular field within healthcare/pharma will make your candidacy unique.

If you execute the applications exceptionally well, you may add Ross, Darden and Haas to your list.

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process.

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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skap24
Hi 26F
Indian Female
Engineering background
5years experience
I joined my current company(fintech) as a fresh grad and have been working there since
I initially joined in client service vertical where I used to have direct contact with clients from big banks all over NA,europe

After 2.5 years i internally switched within my company to a role which is a mixture of both product management and project management
I am involved in defining roadmaps,governing releases and a lot of stakeholders management

My gpa school and college is 95% and 4.2 respectively
I have a decent background in extracurricular(some competitions in school and was part of editorial committee in college)

I want to get into the following schools
UAlberta
Smith
UBC sauder
John Molson
I want to either pivot to consulting or remain in tech management.
I’m a bit unclear now because of uncertain market conditions.

I appeared for gmat twice and even after preparing hard for it i got
560 1st attempt
620 2nd attempt

I am not feeling motivated for it to appear for it for the third time.

Do I have a decent chance at getting an Mba admit with this score?

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skap24

Your professional experience has potential.
Only stating the GMAT score is half the information. What is the breakdown into Q&V?
I advise applicants to consider GMAT scores in the quantitative and verbal sections individually. Admissions committees evaluate your performance along with that of your peers (from your demographic group) on a bell curve. For example, a Q49 score (~75th percentile) is considered borderline elite for overrepresented populations at top business schools. If your quantitative score is around this threshold, the admissions committee is confident that you can handle the academically demanding curriculum. On the other hand, for native English speakers, a high score on the verbal section works very well with the adcoms as that underscores the applicant has the expected level of acumen in this section.

Your verbal score is more likely to reflect your ability to participate in discussions in a truly diverse group at schools that place a high value on discussion-based pedagogy. Your interview performance will matter a lot.

Get candid advice tailored to your specific situation. We do not cap discussion hours with our applicants

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
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