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Comments (3 comments)

30 Apr 2024, 21:39

One mantra I suggest to all my candidates is 'never fall in love with your own CV'. The relationship with a vendor versus a client is very different. To a vendor, you are / were the customer; as a consultant, you will be the vendor. Anyways, I am only trying to share some insights, since besides being an MBA admissions consultant, I have also been a management consultant for past almost two decades.

30 Apr 2024, 21:02

You have good strong profile and score. The tenured career of 10 years and lack of client facing roles could be a slight challenge to enter consulting. It all depends on how you position and package your candidature. - Dee (admissions consultant).

Heidi_Lee

30 Apr 2024, 21:35

I have handled vendor management activities for the entire refinery as a single point contact for 9000 plus vendors. I see to make up for the client interaction with this aspect of my job

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30 Apr 2024, 20:59

I'd recommend SDA - your lingual skills will help you land a job faster.

Comments (4 comments)

Hoho12

30 Apr 2024, 17:21

HEY COULD I DM YOU? I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS WE HAVE A VERY SIMILAR BACKGROUND.

tbafupcf

31 Jan 2024, 18:53

Hi! How did your UNC interview go?

HRJ2023

31 Jan 2024, 19:25

Hey, It was good. Very conversational in nature. Questions were around my work experience (especially on leadership traits), a few questions with regard to creativity and life lessons from travelling (based on the conversation on hobby earlier)

31 Jan 2024, 20:17

Great to hear! Would you mind sharing some of the questions you were asked?

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Comments (13 comments)

MBADecoder

30 Apr 2024, 15:36

To your comment about applying to US programs- have you looked at Kellogg 1 year MBA? It takes a substantial number of Indian candidates who already have an MBA. And, you should apply to LBS as well. I take it that you are looking at other options still even after the HEC admit?

TheMBAEdge

11 Jan 2024, 04:34

Your GMAT is couple of points of lower for LBS, in the ballpark for the IMD program.

The second MBA and your MBB experience will position you quite well for these programs. EU programs tend to focus quite a bit on the international experience which is a positive for your profile. ME is a strong target market for these programs, hence you have aligned all elements of your profile well. Continue to work on your profile and maybe give the GMAT another shot to better your chances.

All the best! Do reach out at info@themabedge.com if you have need clarifications.

BePositive_1993

15 Feb 2024, 00:31

what should be the ideal score I should look at ? for top European programs?

15 Feb 2024, 09:06

Their average is around 700/710. However, for some competitive groups you want to add 20 more points on top of it.

16 Feb 2024, 07:59

Got it. Thanks bb.

30 Apr 2024, 09:13

Thanks bb. and what chances for US schools. I have updated my GMAT score

30 Apr 2024, 09:21

That’s an awesome score! Congrats!

I think you have a fantastic and the really strong profile. Working in MBB is a big deal.

if you are open to working in the US, you should definitely apply to some US programs. Do you have a really strong shot at Stanford MSX as a program for slightly older candidates and frankly booth is also usually open to experienced applicants. I think the argument of wanting to move into PE in the United States or something like that is going to be a pretty strong one or at least good enough. I would recommend applying to five or seven US schools across the two rounds.

30 Apr 2024, 09:33

Thanks bb. I am also considering some M7 programs (Not sure how open they are for double MBA candidates). Maybe likes of Kellogg or Columbia J term. I hope I have a decent shot at them

30 Apr 2024, 15:05

They are open as long as you can demonstrate the need in the second MBA. However, if one got a Law Degree, an MiM and then wanting an MBA, then it is clear that person is just collecting degrees and has no idea what to do with their life but if it is clear that you have a real goal and a real need, they are open.
P.S. There used to be a second MBA policy in the past but that has been stricken about 10+ years ago. Schools realized they were dinging great candidates that would be a great contribution to their class stats and alum base (something else to play up)

mrtester101

11 Jan 2024, 09:09

How are European programs with second MBA's? is that something you have to explain or they are not as inquisitive as the US counterparts?

11 Jan 2024, 09:14

Second MBA is well understood and appreciated by EU schools. There are ample examples of students going for a second MBA to schools like LBS, INSEAD, IMD and HEC which makes logical sense since the average class work ex in on the higher side when compared to US schools.

AugustAcademy

30 Apr 2024, 09:19

How did LBS go?

30 Apr 2024, 09:35

I have not applied to LBS yet. checking if i have a decent shot at that or not

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Comments (2 comments)

30 Apr 2024, 09:20

Yeah, like the other poster suggests, just improve upon your score and send the new one. If you get a 675, you could have a good shot at these schools. Reach out if you want to chat more: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

30 Apr 2024, 05:03

Since you are sure to retake and improve, I see no benefit in sending your current score of 615 to any school. When you have an improved score in hand, then you quote both scores in the applications, as that will show your drive to improve. - Dee (admissions consultant).

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me.abansal

30 Apr 2024, 07:58

Hi Jatin,
Thank you for your wishes.

I have chosen to go with the University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business.

jatinjain8

31 Mar 2024, 06:58

Hey Congratulations,

Which college will you be finally going to ?

ARINGO

30 Apr 2024, 03:20

Hi TechGen,

Thanks for sharing your profile and MBA aspirations. My name is Priyanka, Client Manager at ARINGO.

Strengths of your profile for MBA application:
Strong academic background: A 3.6 GPA overall and a 3.9 GPA in your Master's demonstrate academic strength.
Technical expertise: Your 7.8 years of experience as a development engineer in a top company (EURO STOXX 50) showcase valuable technical skills.
Entrepreneurial experience: Leading a team of 4 people as a CIO in a startup demonstrates leadership potential and interest in entrepreneurship.
Diverse experiences: The European exchange program and social year as a paramedic add a global and well-rounded perspective to your profile.
Clear post-MBA goals: You have a well-defined goal of either starting your own company or becoming a product manager at a big tech company.

Recommendations:
GMAT preparation: Focus on acing the GMAT. A strong score will significantly improve your chances at top programs.
Quantify your achievements: In your application essays, quantify the impact of your work experience, especially your leadership role in the startup. Highlight specific achievements and results.
Leadership potential: Expand on your leadership potential beyond your formal experience. Did you take initiative on projects? Mentor others?
Target schools: While MIT Sloan, Kellogg, and LBS are great choices, consider a school like INSEAD or Oxford Said for their strong European presence and entrepreneurship focus.

Overall, your profile is strong with a clear path for your post-MBA goals. If you send me your CV and other info on priyankak@ARINGO.com , I would love to connect you with our CEO who will be happy to help further with a detailed review and perhaps work together on some amazing apps.

All the best!

https://ARINGO.com/ – MBA Admissions Consulting

Specializing in candidates with GMATs under 720 or low GPAs

Try our free Admissions Chances Calculator - https://aringo.com/mba-admission-chances-calculator/

All statistics verified by Ernst & Young - https://aringo.com/aringo-mba-admission-statistics/

29 Apr 2024, 21:05

Don't worry about your age. Go for it...but well prepared. That includes deep research on what schools look for and aligning your strengths with those of the target schools. You need to give schools a reason to admit you - an offer they cannot refuse. - Dee (admissions consultant)

Comments (15 comments)

VardanMaheshwari

29 Apr 2024, 05:42

anyway admits are raining upon you.but have you mailed to them regarding this??

InvolveConsulting

03 Nov 2023, 07:30

Hello!
I understand it must be hard after receiving so many rejections inspite of a good GMAT Score! I would like to help you with your application!
Please send me an email on contact@involve-consulting.com & I'll get back to you immediately!

14 Dec 2023, 20:56

It has been a really weird year. A weird R1. I’m sorry. I know two people which I know is not a big number but two people who got waitlisted Fuqua, got waitlisted Ross, denied at Stern but admitted to Kellogg 🤷‍♂️

We have seen a Haas waitlist for a Harvard admit.

It’s really annoying. I’m sorry 😥 and I’m not sure what the problem was for those individuals… I would persevere and try again in January.

One thought perhaps is that your background and goals were not matching very well and you were considered a risky admit. I’m just guessing here by the way.

JDLaw

16 Dec 2023, 00:46

Hey bb and Arvind, thanks for your responses. To answer your point, I have experience in 3 companies (Big MNC, startup, and small traditional business) and different models of business ( B2C, B2G and B2B) through sales, marketing, sales support and development. The rational is I have had varied experiences which have given me skill sets which are needed in a consulting career such as adaptability, pattern recognition, analytics and an understanding of marketing and branding. One more clarification, I have explicitly mentioned consulting with a marketing and branding track like in companies such as McKinsey or even smaller companies that excel at this.
I too had originally thought that maybe there is a gap in my goal and experience but speaking objectively (also through discussions/interviews with MBa students and Adcom, where they gave a positive response for my line of thought) the story while not air tight is honestly not very bad... I would have thought many schools like IESE, Cambridge would've called me for an interview, but that didn't happen. I had worked with a consultant who helped me with building the story in a very personalized and individual way.
What was supposed to be a 6 month process, from preparing to admit has become very overwhelming now. I had hoped to target T25, but that seems like a distant dream right now. Not to mention how it has felt like Indian profiles are held at a very high standard even by the college's level.
Any thoughts on which colleges I should think about? Or if I should work on building my profile for a year and apply next year?

admitStreet

14 Dec 2023, 22:58

@JDLaw: sorry to hear your R1 applications didn't go better. While it's hard to speculate without discussions/ details, I broadly align with BB's hypothesis that the background/ goals may not have been compelling.

Since consulting is the most (over)used post MBA goal, having a strong rationale, linking your transferrable skills (if any) could help the case. I'd like to understand your profile better to advise though.

Feel free to reach out through the link(s) below for a deeper discussion.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet
W: https://admitstreet.com | L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arvindkvenkat/ | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

16 Dec 2023, 15:20

Sorry about the dings and WL's. This has been a WEIRD year. We have had a person dinged at Stern, Booth, WL'ed at Fuqua and Ross, and admitted at Kellogg. We had 2 people like that. Also had a person dinged at Cox and Minnesota and Jones but admitted with an almost full ride to UNC. Someone was WL'ed at Haas and Fuqua but admitted to HBS. I can't figure out which end is up in this season and the only thing I would say keep trying because it seems a luck game based on the results.

In terms of improving your profile, if you feel your goals are good and real, that's awesome and instead perhaps you can consider what you want to do. Probably not much you can change about your score for R2, but you can retake and send an update to WL's and also R2 schools. Try UNC. it is decent for consulting, though I am hearing that consulting internships and hiring are really challenged this year due at many top schools even.

Does it help? What are you thinking?

16 Dec 2023, 21:54

Agreed... Not a lot is making sense right now. I too felt that something was truly amiss when even my conventionally safe colleges didn't give me an interview. The cases you highlight bring the weirdness of this round in the forefront!
While I agree that an updated GMAT might definitely help, I'm unfortunately not sure if I have it in me to prepare again and try a 4th time. Might sound a bit defeatist but the 3rd time was to be my last attempt even if I had scored worse. While my mocks gave me 780, 760, I am sure I'll score much lower in my next attempt.
I'm planning to apply to T40, + top colleges at Alternate countries (eg Australia (not sure with their changing immigration policies though)) . Worst case I'll wait for next year and build my resume up with a promotion and few big projects. Maybe give GRE a try... Don't know. But one thing is for sure, all this talk of "holistic" decision making keeps us in the dark about what is wrong and what to improve. I see candidates with weaker profiles from other countries (avg & under represented) getting scholarships where I am unable to get an interview. UNC is on my list for R2 with tepper, darden, mccombs (maybe), Emory, Vanderbilt (maybe), and a few more maybe. My main focus however is to find the motivation to be in the game after such a dismal R1 result.

Thanks for your reverts BB, I think I speak for many on Gmat club forum when I say that you've been like the friend I've never met and can still talk to comfortably and most definitely would enjoy hanging out with. 😊

16 Dec 2023, 23:29

Thank you for the kind words. I get you - 4th attempt is definitely brutal 😥
I don't know that GRE is an easier route these days... potentially but none of these would be really feasible for R2 deadline.
Here is a crazy idea for you - if you are not busy on Sunday, take a GMAT Focus mock and see if you can get a decent score. It is only 3x45 minutes and has ALL New questions and it will give a pretty reliable result. This wont' be enjoyable but it is just 2.5 hrs that will give you an answer that may change the course of your life or at least make you not regret not taking it. Focus works differently and covers less material than Classic and the algorithm is not as punitive for mistakes in the first part of the test (very punitive for leaving questions unanswered). Anyway, check it and see if youave it (or maybe next weekend or some other day within a week when you feeling OK. Don't take it if you are a mess mentally though; the result won't be good). Why take the test? See if you can eek out a quick gain due to scoring changes. You won't know until you try. (not suggesting a prep grind)

17 Dec 2023, 00:37

That sounds wild, but not enough to be dismissed! I just might do that. Will have to see the portion and bridge any glaring gaps before I do though... My GMAT knowledge had started melting the moment I got a 720! ;P But can definitely think about it. Thanks for the suggestion BB!

17 Dec 2023, 18:32

I totally understand what you mean but I have heard and seen that people can get it back pretty quickly (but it is a perishable skill). It is only 2 hrs and that will save you from having lots of regret. The result is what it is but it is promising you can the spend a week and 10 hrs to refresh some of the mistakes and traps and give it one last shot though I completely understand you are tired from testing and it is not exactly cheap. I just don't have a better suggestion. Walking away seems would be wasteful too, hence the practice test. Free and fast.

creed1196

18 Dec 2023, 10:33

Hey- I am in the same admit process as you but had a bit better luck. If you need a second pair of eyes for the essay, resume etc feel free to dm. I would like to help. Good luck!

18 Dec 2023, 10:52

Hey, appreciate the offer. Will definitely keep this in mind when i do get stuck! Thanks 😊

MrunalDeo

26 Jan 2024, 02:54

Kudos! Interviews stand as the sole opportunity to showcase your skills and shine!
Feel free to connect if you would like to take up some Mock Interview sessions with our consultants who could give you some tips and approach of presenting yourself during these precious interviews!

Regards,
Mrunal Deo
E : contact@involve-consulting.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrunaldeo1509/

29 Apr 2024, 01:55

Hi..did you receive any update from ESADE??

29 Apr 2024, 05:22

Hey Vardan, I haven't received a revert yet sadly.

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29 Apr 2024, 04:53

You have a good profile - you'll have to think about whether you are a better fit for the regular MBA or the exec MBA. You may also have to explain why you wish to pursue an MBA at this point. Get a good GMAT as well - These are just different things you need to consider. It is not insurmountable!

Reach out to chat more: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

22 Apr 2024, 12:50

Hi. Sorry about the wait. You have extensive experience so the school will always look at why you are looking for an MBA. At the same time Canadian employers always look for relevant experience so as long as you can bring something to the table, you should be Ok.

Are you only apply to Canadian programs?

29 Apr 2024, 04:51

All the best - you need to target a 725 - 745 on the GFE.

Comments (9 comments)

Congrats on all the admits!

24 Aug 2023, 16:32

Hi. Welcome. Good job on the GMAT.

Just a quick note, you do not need to ever list your high school activities or grades. They no longer matter. This is graduate school and only your college experience matters at this point.

You don’t need to translate the GPA so you are good.

I think you have a good solid profile. Consulting can be tricky but having some data background and if you have good communication and presentation skills, you can ace the interviews.

24 Aug 2023, 16:33

I think the school choice makes sense in light of the GMAT scores we see at these programs from Asia male applicants. I don’t have much more to add except perhaps UNC. They do not bad with MBBs and consulting.

StrawberryDembaBa

28 Aug 2023, 22:43

Thanks a lot for your comments. Just wanted to know if I have a chance at INSEAD Singapore? Should I give it a try or it will be money down the drain?

gaur0711

27 Aug 2023, 07:02

Hey, can you tell me about scholarship as well?

28 Aug 2023, 21:51

It’s a little tricky and tough to get scholarships in top business schools. You have to be really better than other applicants and in someway be desirable and attractive to a particular program to qualify for a merit scholarship. Think about it as football teams that are trying to recruit the best soccer players. Someone to play for free and some need to be attracted with large payments… you have to be really good to be attracted with a scholarship

garima.11

29 Aug 2023, 08:28

Hey! I have a query regarding GMAT, Do we get to choose the business school we want to apply and does gmat send marks to 5 chosen colleges for free?

29 Aug 2023, 11:00

When you write your GMAT you get to choose 5 school to which GMAC sends your score. You don't have to pay separately for it if you choose to apply to these schools.

You're free to apply to any other school you want to, but you'll have to pay GMAC to send your scores to those schools.

The fees for sending your score is NOT within the application fees which you have to pay anyway (unless you have a waiver)

24 Apr 2024, 09:29

Hey! Congrats on all the admits! Have you made your decision yet?

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29 Apr 2024, 04:49

I would advise getting another year's worth of experience. And another 40-50 points on the GFE if you are super keen on Booth and NYU. 30 points more for Anderson. LBS seems like a fit, depending on your work profile. Reach out to talk more: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

27 Apr 2024, 06:37

IMHO, you may want to postpone your applications by one year. It is not just the schools that may give priority to work experience, it is the hiring companies too. - Dee (an admissions consultant)

27 Apr 2024, 12:17

Hi. I agree in terms of the work experience comment. I assume you will have actually 3 years when you matriculate? Schools count your experience from the time you start your program (in the future). That's probably the minimum you want to have and I only recommend applying if you have reached the ceiling in your current position area as otherwise, this creates a gap between the typical position companies recruit for from MBA. You will just lose out to more experienced candidates with more promotions on their resume or more skills they will be bringing to the table.

About the GMAT, it would help to have a higher score. 730/675 (same score) are at/slightly over the average. Stern in particular has a very high average among international applicants - 746 average for non-domestic so you are well below that figure. If you can improve, I would recommend it from 2 positions: 1) Admissions and 2) Scholarship. E.g. you likely have a harder time getting into Stern with 730 but with 760 you may get a scholarship offer from them. If you have time, it would be a valuable investment as it could be worth the entire tuition bill!

29 Apr 2024, 04:48

You seem to have a good profile - but you absolutely need to improve your score to a 685/695 on the GFE. If you wish to catch up, we can: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

27 Apr 2024, 22:01

Please consider improving your score by at least 200 points. As an Indian male, the odds will be stacked against you by default, at all schools, not just INSEAD / HEC-P. The low score and tenured experience doesn't lend you any strength as of today. - Dee (an admissions consultant)

Ravi verma

28 Apr 2024, 03:34

Thank you

Prerna Arora

28 Apr 2024, 22:13

@Jaideepgmatfocus I have not received it yet

SnigdhaSingh

15 Feb 2024, 07:05

Hey Prerna,

I'm a fellow applicant to NUS MBA Round 2. Haven't heard from them yet. Do you mind sharing when you received the interview invite from NUS and what the experience was like?

15 Feb 2024, 22:12

@SnigdhaSingh I received the invite on 7th January.

The interview was conducted by an adcom member and an alumni. Following were the questions:
1. Tell us about yourself
2. Tell us about how your day to day looks like at your current job
3. You have managed XX no. of people, what are some of the challenges you have faced
4. How can NUS help you in your goals?
5. Tell us about the automations you have mentioned in your application? What's your view on AI?
6. Have you interacted with folks from different geographies and cultures professionally?
7. What sets you apart from others?
8. An instance where you were curious about something?

This went on for some 25 mins and then 5-10 mins were for my questions. They mentioned that they'll get back to me after 2-3 weeks.

All the best to you!

salonipatni

03 Mar 2024, 23:53

Hey
Did you interview for ross?

04 Mar 2024, 00:08

@salonipatni no I am actually waitlisted without interview

pshah29

04 Mar 2024, 02:39

Hi Prerna,
Did you receive an email from Ross about the waitlist? Even i have applied in the R2 cycle, but no update as on date.

04 Mar 2024, 03:16

@pshah29 I got an email yes. Stating this:
"If you are not invited to interview, the Admissions team will do an additional review of your application before the decision notification deadline. On March 15, you will receive either a waitlist or deny decision. If waitlisted, your application will continue to be reviewed throughout the cycle. "
So actually I am not even waitlisted - looks like pre-waitlist

04 Mar 2024, 03:23

Thanks Prerna, this helps.

CentaClaws

14 Mar 2024, 11:50

Hello Prerna,

Can you please describe your process and interview for Judge and Said? It will be very helpful. And also if you could talk about the acceptance/rejection criteria.

24 Apr 2024, 00:54

@CentaClaws I only interviewed at Said. She started by asking what did I learn from all the alumni I spoke to. A bit from my essays. My motivation for Said and my goals post MBA. Since I wanted to get into PE consulting, she asked me my thoughts about PE right now. She asked how I will manage the stress of an MBA. What do I value in a leader. She asked an interested question - there are two types of people in the world, who are they and which one are you.

My interview at Said was very average, I was a bit nervous. I think that was key to my rejection. At Cambridge I feel that I got rejected without interview since I applied in R3.

khanna05

14 Apr 2024, 05:48

Hi, are you not going to ISB?

24 Apr 2024, 00:50

@khanna05 I am not going to ISB. I will be going to LBS!

14 Apr 2024, 07:59

Congrats on the results!

@AugustAcademy Thank you!

Jaideepgmatfocus

28 Apr 2024, 14:43

Did you get your decision for insead?

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