Profile Evaluation please

[sagarmathur86]

Hello,

I'm thankful for the opportunity to seek an honest profile evaluation on this forum. Request you to kindly share your thoughts on my profile below:

GMAT: 670 (Q43, V39). IR and AWA scores N/A yet
This was my first attempt. Verbal has always been my strength, when compared to quants. I ran out of time in the quants section and had to blind-mark last few questions.

Work Experience:4 years and 2 months (as of Nov '12)
I have been working in the Market Research & Consulting field since 2008.
Aug '08-'10: Worked in the Automotive Consulting division of a leading research and consulting firm (KPO) in India.
Aug. '10-present: Working in a globally leading manufacturing MNC in Pune. Part of the Europe Marketing team. I work closely with the sales and marketing members/heads in the region.

My consulting/research experience has been on entry strategy and market/competition mapping (in KPO), business development strategy as well as marketing communication & branding strategy (in the current organisation). I believe the experience has been helpful in developing a good business acumen, working with/reporting to domestic and international colleagues (esp senior management) and understanding team dynamics.

Undergraduate Degree: B-Tech. Chemical Engineering
Graduated with 68% (first class) in 2008. However there's a catch. During the course I had many backlogs (had them in every semester except 8th). In fact, I took one extra examination after 8th semester to clear one remaining backlog. To be honest, I just couldn't generate enough interest in the course and thus never studied hard enough until the sixth semester.
Overall, my UG record is what is pulling my hopes down about getting into a good b school.

Extra Curriculars:
I am the chief co-ordinator of CSR (India)-Environment vertical of the company I currently work in. Its a very important responsibility and my work in this area has been officially recognised by the management.

Since 2009, I have been a sponsor of a child's education, healthcare and housing through the World Vision organisation. In addition to this, I have been making charitable donations from time to time to recognised and reputed NGOs like Helpage India, Boond etc. I also financially co-support (unofficially) a family who I personally know.

In college, I was a guitarist in the college rock band. We won positions in several inter-college competitions. I have been active in company cultural events as well (music).

Official Recognitions:
None in college for academics. Many for music.
None in the KPO (they did not have an 'official' recognition process, except for long term achievements).
Several certificates of appreciation in current company (related to core projects as well as extra curricular activities).

Recommendations:
One from current direct supervisor in India.
Another from a senior manager in Switzerland. While he is a senior person, I have sought his recommendation since I have worked closely with him and he is part of my annual appraisal process.

My objective:
To get selected for a globally recognised b-school's MBA program and specialise in marketing strategy development.
I feel it is the right time for me to accelerate my career in marketing and business strategy development. In the coming years, I also have to stave off competition from other MBA grads.
Also, I would love to work in the Automotive Sector, as I have keen interest in automobiles, but this is not a restriction.


Which schools would you suggest I apply to in US? (also Europe if feasible, given the current economic recession there). I ask you this knowing that a lot depends on essays as well.

Currently I have sent my scores to
>ISB Hyderabad,
>NUS Singapore,
>Mannheim (Germany),
>Asian Institute of Management Philippines,
>Great lakes Chennai

Would you say that I stand a chance in ISB and/or NUS? Would you also suggest that I retake the GMAT in January 2013 to strengthen my application?

My apologies for the long post. Thanks in anticipation for your patience as well as your kind evaluation of my profile.

Regards,
Mathur

[mili]

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your profile. I think you do have a shot at ISB and NUS (especially if you can bring that GMAT score up), but they will be reach programs. I do need a little clarification on your undergraduate scores though - what exactly is a "backlog?" I apologize as I am not familiar with this term.

As for US programs, I would suggest these tiers of schools (the specific schools you'll want to research for fit).

-Michigan (reach)
-UCLA/Darden (targets)
-Tepper/Kelley (safer)

-Northwood University - research this - I know nothing about it, but came across it in researching programs with automotive specializations. I know nothing of its reputation, only thought I'd mention it given your interest.

Good luck,
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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[sagarmathur86]

Hello Mili

Thanks for your evaluation and suggesting which b-schools to apply for. This is very helpful. Darden was on my wishlist and its good to know that you suggested the same. I categorised it as a reach school though.

Please note that 'backlogs' were exams that I didnt clear in the first attempt and had to reappear for.

Please let me how this factors in.

It would also be helpful to know if I would be eligible for any kind of financial assistance/waivers from these b-schools, as the fee is exorbitantly high in US schools.

Many thanks again and looking forward to your response

-
Mathur

[mili]

Hi Mathur,

It's possible that the backlogs would impact your application, but I think in the end, if you passed, it won't be too big an issue.

As for financial assistance, this is determined on a case-by-case basis and I do not know enough about your financial situation or profile to evaluate this. You should look through each program's scholarship opportunities and you can also connect with their financial aid offices to see what options you have. I know that financial aid is usually more difficult to attain as an international student.

Best,
Mili