Profile Evaluation

[vabhobe]

Hello!

I am an Indian Student, and have completed my Graduation in Bachelors in Management Studies (BMS) Degree from the University of Mumbai in May, 2011.

I intend to pursue my MBA in Finance from a US University.

I have full time work experience of more than 6 months and have also worked during summer holidays (full time) for another 6 months collectively. I am working as a Management Trainee and have experience of various departments such as Business Development, HR and Finance. I have a strong extra curricular background having learnt a classical dance form (Kathak) for the past 10 years and having won various competitions for the same, apart from participating in various school/college festivals and cultural activities.

I gave my GMAT in August, 2011 and scored a measly 600 - Verbal 28 ( i know this is messed up) and Quant 46 (my saving grace!). I gave the exam thinking i had nailed a 650+ score, but was disappointed on learning that i had scored miserably in my Verbal! It was not that bad though!

Anyway, my TOEFL is scheduled in the month of September and i am hoping for a 110+ score there!

Now, i intend to apply to 5 of the top universities and to another 10 tier 2 and top 15-30 universities in the US.

My choice of top 5 universities and schools includes:

Ross School, Michigan (my dad is an alumni of University of Michigan)
UCLA Anderson, LA
Stern School, New York
Duke Fuqua School
Carnegie Mellon School of Business

My choice od 2nd tier universities and schools includes:

Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, Michigan
Kenan Flagler Business School
Johnson Graduate School of Management

This is all that i have been able to finalize on all this long! And i need help finalizing on more universities that may consider my application a favourable one!

My questions are:

1) What are my chances with this kind of a profile, and what are my shortfalls where i need to look into?
3) Are my above made choices of Universities all right?
2) Which other universities would suit my profile?

Thanking you in anticipation of your response.

Regards,
Vinayita.

[mbamission]

Hi vabhobe,

Thanks for writing in. As to your questions:


1) Your lack of work experience is a significant shortcoming that is going to impact your competitiveness, especially with a 600. Your competitive dance is a nice way to stick out from the crowd but I don't think it's enough to overcome these issues.

2) Unfortunately I think the lack of experience and 600 GMAT are going to work strongly against you for your top 5 and even your second tier. I'd encourage you to think about gaining another two years of work experience and then applying (and retaking the GMAT). Your application will be a lot stronger then, AND you'll be in a much better position to benefit from what an MBA program has to offer.

3) If you do want to apply for this year, I think you should look at schools in the top-40 to top-50 range.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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