Hi,

Would like to get my profile evaluated for following shortlisted B-schools. I am an international applicant from India and am planning to apply (in 2011) to following B-Schools for MBA/MSMS programs (1yr programs in General Management):

Shortlisted B-Schools:

1. INSEAD MBA
2. Cambridge Judge MBA
3. Kellogg 1yr MBA
4. Oxford SAID MBA
5. LBS MBA (exception)
6. MIT Sloan MSMS

Summary of my credentials: Non-IT, 6yr+ post (double) Masters Managerial work-exp with excellent acads.

Please find below my career progression details:

1. Have done my undergraduate in Engineering (majored in Civil Engineering) from a top league Engineering school (i.e. NITs / IITs) in India with GPA of 3.4+

2. Have done my double masters from Management Schools in India & US (part of joint program), equivalent to MBA degree with GPA of 3.4, reason for going back to a B-School for second MBA is to move into a general management (senior) roles in my current work area at a little early stage . Also, an international MBA in General Management from a top school will make me competitive in the eyes of any top corporate for any global/senior roles at a little early stage in my professional career.

3. By mid of 2012 (the time i wish to enter the MBA program), I will have in total 7yrs (post my 1st MBA work experience) of mid-managerial level work experience in the area of Market research, consumer insights and consulting positions in FMCG & Telecom sectors. Worked with the best and unique organizations in the industry and currently heading a vertical in my current organization. My current role is into estabilishing a new vertical for a Research giant in South Asia...it is more of an entrepreneurial role.

4. GMAT: 660 (Q48/V32) AWA (awaited)

5. Started a venture/start-up in the field of education consulting during early stage of my professional career, didn’t work out well.

6. Published & presented few papers in the area of Management and Engineering.

7. Additionally, to enhance my analytical & managerial skills did a Management Development Program: Advanced diploma in Statistical analytics with Major in Marketing & Sales (1 year diploma program)

8. Practiced martial arts for 6yrs and a certified professional trainer. Worked as a Trainer for mixed Martial Arts

9. International work-experience: Started my professional career with a Medical Devices company in Western part of the world then moved to East (India) and in my previous and existing roles looked after business requirements primarily for South Asia markets

10. Reco/Refrees: Can get good reco from my current and previous employers, or do you suggest 1 referee from my Grad School?

Let me know if my shortlisted (expected) B-schools are in line with my profile. Any suggestions....?

Just FYI, I am looking at B-Schools among Top ten ranks only, and if I don't get through any of these B-schools this year, I won't mind re-taking GMAT and re-applying next year. So, won't mind even if u're brutally honest on my B-School Apps prospects.

Thanks

Hi godspeed,

Thanks for writing and sharing these details. One of the biggest challenges I think you'll face is explaining further why you want to get an MBA since you already have similar post-grad experience. Beyond just saying you want to move into General Management, go further by saying why an additional degree will allow you to achieve things that you can't now.

I don't have a ton of familiarity with the programs you list as most of my expertise is in traditional two-year programs. Given, that Kellogg might be a bit of a reach and your challenge with the LBS MBA will be proving the point I made in the above paragraph.

As for recommendations, you want them to be all professional if possible, not academic.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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Thanks for your reply.

Just one more question for you, I spoke to some counsellor and he recommended to retake the GMAT and cross 700 barrier, as he said Kellog & INSEAD will be little out of reach with my current score. What do you think?

Hi Godspeed,

I do agree -- as I mentioned before I thought Kellogg was a bit aggressiv, as a 660 is in the bottom 10% of scores there, and the INSEAD range is nearly identical. Crossing the 700-mark is certainly a positive step if you can pull it off.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (15 individual school titles)

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