MBA Admissions Questions

[raghudeep.b]

Hello Manhattan GMAT Staff,

I wanted to take your advise and opinion on how my chances are and what should I be doing in order to break into a top US MBA program (preferably Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT). Kindly provide me with your feedback.

Here is my profile:

1. I will be applying for Fall 2012 and I will have 52 months of experience in Civil Engineering Consulting Industry from a leading Worldwide Engineering/Construction Firm (Fortune 500/Fortune 100 best companies to work for, etc). I have very strong analytical and technical skills and have demonstrated good leadership skills at work (currently leading about close 1-5 Million $ projects, managed up to 5 different subcontractors, 5-20 people). Currently, I have 3 years of experience and I had 1 promotion.

2. I did my Masters in Civil Engineering in top 30 Engineering Univs in the US and have a 4.0 GPA. Added to that, I was heavily involved in research and co-authored 3 journal papers in the most prestigious american journals (a very rare feat for an MS student). This research was done as a collaboration between 3-5 universities and in total our group was about 5 profs and 10 students. We had a lot of coordination between ourselves and I led the laboratory testing effort for the research program, taking help of many co-student researchers and technicians.

3. I have 750 on my GMAT (Q50, V40, 98 %ile)

4. I'm an Indian with Undergrad in Civil Engineering from one of the top schools in the country and have a reasonable GPA (7.8/10, where the average is 7/10)

5. I don't have run-away and stand out extra-circular/community activities but I do have some good ones that I did at school and also work (Undergrad: team-leader for branch technical festival, coordinated guest lectures and invited professors from various countries to speak and motivate students, etc and at work: led few community home repair events; Actively involved for about an year in Engineers without Borders and led many of their events).

I'm looking to switch careers and move to Strategy and Management Consulting. I'm mainly involved in Engineering Design, Project Management and Proposal work/BD but happened to be involved in a Strategic Planning Project and genuinely developed interest for that field. As an Consultant who provides engineering services, I do understand the mechanics of Management Consulting/Strategy and also I'm prepared for the rigors of that career. I worked on projects all throughout US and have heavily traveled for work.

Please evaluate my profile and advise accordingly.

Thank You very much

[mbamission]

Hi raghudeep,

Thanks for writing in. First off, congratulations on an outstanding GMAT score. I think between that score and your MS academics, any concerns over your academic experience should be put to rest.

I would encourage you to only focus on extracurriculars you've been involved in since college -- if you don't have them, don't force the issue by listing things you are minimally involved in or that occurred many years in the past. Instead, turn the conversation to your strong points.

Based on the data you provide, I think the key to cracking into a top school will be your "why MBA?" story. Why are you looking to make this career switch? How does it make sense given your work to date and your post-MBA plans? Be clear in your essays and try to weave a cohesive story that lays it out plainly.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[raghudeep.b]

Thank you Daniel for your valuable suggestions. I'm working on the Essays very hard and I hope will be able to express my thoughts well on paper.

As far as extra-curricular activities go, I got involved in office promoted extra-curricular activities and also outside of work in a non-profit organization called Engineers with Borders. In 2009, I was one of the team-leader, who helped plan and organize fund raisers for some construction projects in less developed countries. So between 2008 to first half of 2010, I do have some good community involvement. But not after that. Got to busy preparing for exams and other stuff. I hope to get involved in some community work this summer though.

Thank you very much
Raghu

[mbamission]

Hi again,

The Engineers Without Borders work sounds interesting; it may be worth mentioning in an essay if you were able to show leadership or initiative through your work with this group.

Best,

Daniel Richards
daniel@mbamission.com