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ravinikhil
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 05 Sep 2022, 09:52
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Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.
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jeffreyadcom
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 05 Sep 2022, 10:15
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    I guess below par essays would have tripped the 2021 application
    730 is a good score
    Your work experience is decent
    Go aggressive with strong essays
    Add Gouizeta, Anderson & Haas to the aggressive list
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ravinikhil
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 05 Sep 2022, 23:49
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jeffreyadcom
    I guess below par essays would have tripped the 2021 application
    730 is a good score
    Your work experience is decent
    Go aggressive with strong essays
    Add Gouizeta, Anderson & Haas to the aggressive list
Show more

Thank you for your reply !! I guess being an Indian male of IT background has its effects.

bb can you tag someone who was in a similar boat last year and can help me out? Thanks in advance
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 06 Sep 2022, 01:16
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ravinikhil
Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.
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Hi ravinikhil hope this finds you well

If I may suggest a strategy for applications, you could focus on securing an admit first by applying to a selected few schools from your safe and competitive list (3-4 schools in R1). You may select the schools basis your interaction with the alumni or the adcom and the school's focus on your target industry. Make sure you do a stellar job at preparing your personal narrative and essays. If you see a good response from these and if you feel your application is in good shape, you may target more competitive schools such as Foster, Kelley, and Tepper at best in R2/R3. You should ideally limit your applications to about 5-6 schools to produce quality work on each application. I would consider Duke and other T15 to be high reach schools with a 730 on GMAT.

Best wishes
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 06 Sep 2022, 03:20
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ravinikhil


Thank you for your reply !! I guess being an Indian male of IT background has its effects.

bb can you tag someone who was in a similar boat last year and can help me out? Thanks in advance
Show more

I could analyse your 2021 application packages and give you feedback. PM/Email..
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 06 Sep 2022, 21:02
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ravinikhil:

The difference between a 710 and a 730 can be significant, especially for a candidate coming from a competitive demographic.

We agree with an earlier post that you might want to focus on more sure schools this time around if you want to guarantee admission and maximize your scholarship chances.

T15 isn't totally out of the question (we're thinking 10-15 is your best shot), but you're very unlikely to get scholarship money with your profile. If that's super important, do not waste your time.

What about adding WP Carey and Smeal?

Lastly, all this being said, it's hard to totally understand your background just based on what you have provided. The same goes for your essays, which are a critical part of this process. I strongly recommend reaching out to us (as well as our peers) for a free consultation so we can learn more and discuss the right pathway for success this application season.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 09 Sep 2022, 03:24
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ravinikhil
Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.
Show more

Hi ravinikhil,

Thanks for writing in.

Curious to understand the post MBA goals you put forth because you haven't particularly spoken about the same.

Considering your goals are in place and the essays you prepare put forth a compelling narrative, you have a decent chance at most of your target schools. Having said that, you should replace Duke with Kenan Flagler. You should also add Emory (2-year) to your list as it is also going to be scholarship friendly.

To target a Top 15, you must improve your GMAT score further thanks to the over-represented pool of applicants you come from. If you absolutely want to apply to a T15 with your current profile, you may consider Darden.

We would add a Boston Questrom to the list as a Safe option; it is a fine program even though it is ranked lower; the location is a major plus and the MBA+MSDT track is also STEM certified. Besides, you can definitely expect a scholarship.

Hope this helped.

All the best!
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 09 Sep 2022, 03:32
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ravinikhil
Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.

Hi ravinikhil,

Thanks for writing in.

Curious to understand the post MBA goals you put forth because you haven't particularly spoken about the same.

Considering your goals are in place and the essays you prepare put forth a compelling narrative, you have a decent chance at most of your target schools. Having said that, you should replace Duke with Kenan Flagler. You should also add Emory (2-year) to your list as it is also going to be scholarship friendly.

To target a Top 15, you must improve your GMAT score further thanks to the over-represented pool of applicants you come from. If you absolutely want to apply to a T15 with your current profile, you may consider Darden.

We would add a Boston Questrom to the list as a Safe option; it is a fine program even though it is ranked lower; the location is a major plus and the MBA+MSDT track is also STEM certified. Besides, you can definitely expect a scholarship.

Hope this helped.

All the best!
Show more

Thanks for your reply, My post mba goal would be product management, I would like to continue in the tech sector.
Also, I will be applying kenan-flager, duke because it gave me fee waiver and I like their program.
Safe: Olin and Simon is my updated list.
Emory does not place thier students in tech domain as per as thier report. Thats why I am better off at Foster/ Kelley.
What are your views on the same
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 09 Sep 2022, 04:54
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ravinikhil
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ravinikhil
Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.

Hi ravinikhil,

Thanks for writing in.

Curious to understand the post MBA goals you put forth because you haven't particularly spoken about the same.

Considering your goals are in place and the essays you prepare put forth a compelling narrative, you have a decent chance at most of your target schools. Having said that, you should replace Duke with Kenan Flagler. You should also add Emory (2-year) to your list as it is also going to be scholarship friendly.

To target a Top 15, you must improve your GMAT score further thanks to the over-represented pool of applicants you come from. If you absolutely want to apply to a T15 with your current profile, you may consider Darden.

We would add a Boston Questrom to the list as a Safe option; it is a fine program even though it is ranked lower; the location is a major plus and the MBA+MSDT track is also STEM certified. Besides, you can definitely expect a scholarship.

Hope this helped.

All the best!

Thanks for your reply, My post mba goal would be product management, I would like to continue in the tech sector.
Also, I will be applying kenan-flager, duke because it gave me fee waiver and I like their program.
Safe: Olin and Simon is my updated list.
Emory does not place thier students in tech domain as per as thier report. Thats why I am better off at Foster/ Kelley.
What are your views on the same
Show more

Hello ravinikhil,

Thanks for the clarity pertaining to goals.

Olin appears to be a good choice. Not a completely Safe option but a Practical one for sure!

All the best!
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 09 Sep 2022, 07:42
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ravinikhil
ravinikhil
Hi All,
Intro: 26M India ( 4 yrs Work Ex - Deloitte Digital/ Accenture Song) - E-commerce
Good Undergrad GPA from tier2 Eng Clg and decent EC's.

2021: 3 yrs worked back then and GMAT : 710
1. Applied to Foster/Kelley/McCombs. Got rejected everywhere without even an interview.

2022: 4 yrs worked, GMAT : 730 ( gave again )
1. Worked on personal side pro-bono project based on learning from online marketing from Wharton (intro)
2. Leading a team of 3
3. 4 years in tech consulting specialising in the eCommerce arena. Post-MBA Prdouct Managment.
4. Exp in hosting events and professional interviews.

Now, my question is what can I target this year in terms of safe/competitive/aggressive schools. I want to get into a quality school now and not mess up like last time.

List :
Safe ( should get in with a good amount of scholarship )
Mendoza, Scheller ( other options: Olin, Carlson, Simon, Fisher) : Really confused Here as to which clg to apply to.

Competitive ( good chance of getting in, chances of a scholarship less ! )
Foster, Kelley ( what else can i target ?? )

Aggressive ( tough to get in, impossible to get a scholarship)
McCombs, Tepper, Fuqua ( What else can I target ?? )

Please feel free to add/subtract or move the colleges around.

Also do I have any chance with any of T15 ? If yes then which one? I am also doing some research from my side.

All suggestions welcome. Cost is a concern, although can take some loans to make it work. STEM is required.

Thanks in advance.

My post mba goal would be product management, I would like to continue in the tech sector.
Also, I will be applying kenan-flager, duke because it gave me fee waiver and I like their program.
Safe: Olin and Simon is my updated list.
Emory does not place thier students in tech domain as per as thier report. Thats why I am better off at Foster/ Kelley.
What are your views on the same
Show more

Hi ravinikhil,
Given you have already seen once how people with profiles similar to yours may have received better results last year, it is a great idea to do everything you can to highlight your application in the most powerful manner; the most important pieces to work would include strengthening your resume, your LORs, your career goals, and of course your essays. With our experience working with profiles like yours, I feel you have the potential, but highlighting it is important for you to get ahead.

With the data you have given, esp. your years of work, role, and goals, and making some assumptions, I feel you have a good chance at top-15 with partial scholarship, including at programs like McCombs, Tepper & Fuqua.
Targeting the likes of Simon, I also believe you are underrating yourself, though your preference for tech may help in schools on the west coast, the safe ones of which could be Foster.
Happy to answer your questions on a 45 mins one-to-one. Please ping on my contact details below.
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Where all should I apply, really confused !! 18 Dec 2024, 07:29
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Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

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