Profile evalaution!!!

[niranjan.arigai]

Hello,
Please help me evaluate my profile.

I am Indian citizen (Yes one the thousands looking to get his/her MBA.) living in the Silicon valley, California. I am looking to change my field from engineering to Finance, to be more particular Investment Banker.

GMAT - 700 (Quant - 88%, Verbal (75%) - Worried about my low verbal score.

Acads - Master in Electrical Engineering - GPA - 3.6 - During my masters I received a fellowship award.
Bachelors in Engineering - GPA 3.4

Work Ex - 3 and 1/2 Years in Semi-conductor industry with one promotion. I work as a product engineer.

Extra-curriculars - Extensive voluntary work with a non-profit organization helping organize medical camps, food for poor, setting up a school for the poor, etc in India.
- Over here in the US, have been involved with voluntary organization to help rise funds for kids, etc.
- I was part of the executive committee of the Indian Student Organization during my masters.


I am interested in the following schools Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, Kellogg, Michigan, Duke, Darden, Haas, Yale, Cornell, NYU and UCLA. Please let me know which schools are a stretch for me, sweet spots for me and sure shots (if there is one) for me.

I would also like to know if changing my fields (from engineering to finance) would concern the adcom and drag my applications down.

Is this the correct time to apply, I mean will this be the most competitive year with all the layoffs etc? Please let me know.

Thanks for the help.

[mbamission]

Hi,

Thanks for the inquiry.

First, to address your question about career changers in this environment -

You are asking the right question in terms of whether this issue will be concerning to AdComs in light of the current market and economic conditions. In our conversations with Admissions Committee Directors, we have heard that now, more than ever, they will be looking for the compelling reasons why you are looking for the career change. They also want to see that you have taken steps to familiarize yourself with your targeted industry, i.e. career shadowing for a day, discussions with professionals from your targeted field, etc.

In addition, you could also consider including a "more realistic" back-up plan in your goals. Admissions Directors have told us that this is completely acceptable and, in fact, shows that you have thought about and understand the risks associated with trying to make a career switch in this challenging hiring environment.

In terms of your profile, sounds like you have some interesting community service experience and solid academics. Your verbal score on the GMAT is not materially below 80th percentile, however, I understand your concern. Do you have solid undergraduate scores in your liberal arts (English, History, etc.) classes or any other piece of your application that would demonstrate strong verbal communication abilities? This might mitigate those concerns.

Based on the information you provided, Wharton and Kellogg may be considered stretch schools, while programs like Darden, NYU, Duke would seem to be reasonable.

Regards,
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[niranjan.arigai]

Erin,

Thanks for your response!!

Could also be more particular about Columbia, Chicago, Yale, Hass and Cornell? Do you think they are realistic or stretch?

Please let me know.

Thanks again!!

[mbamission]

Hi -

In terms of these schools, Chicago, Columbia and Haas would be on the more competitive end of the spectrum. Cornell and Yale could be said to be more realistic.

Best,
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php