Profile Evaluation

[AbhiramA470]

Hi,
I am working as a Tech developer in India. My experience in years would be 3 years by the time MBA graduation commences. Aiming for 2015 class.
Experience - 3 yrs
GMAT Score is 730.
Essay 5/6 .

Technical Experience -
1. Promoted twice untill now. Handled multiple projects came up with unique solutions. Worked around 3 places in India for different projects. Led one project.
2. Started a start-up. Developed a app which is been used by 10K people and growing.
3. Freelanced many projects during college time.
4. Interned for 3 months, during college.
5. Huge open source enthusiast. Open source code contributor. Participated in Hackathons.



Extra curricular activities -
1. Organised technical events at college level.
2. Conducted many hack festivals, workshops, meetups with students, tech enthusiasts around India.
3. Run a small blog with network of professionals to guide students technically. To spread the uniqueness of a "How awesome a student can be?". Offer them suggestions, guide them to be a unique student, technically. 500+ students. Many professionals, joined our network and guide, tells what is industry expecting from a student. Prepare students.
4. Member of Hyderabad Open source Enthusiast. Conducted, volunteered many events.
5. Works for iCare a NGO organisation to teach economically challenged kids.


Post-MBA goals :
I would like be a part of Entreprenual program and start a startup after completing my MBA. Seeking a cool Entreprenual (or) General Management program experience and would start off with my preneur.


I am considering applying for universities in US.
Duke(Fuqua), McCombs, Tepper, Ross, University of California .

Request you to, suggest me which are the safe schools and stretch schools.


Best,
Abhiram

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi Abhiram,

Thanks for your post, and nice job on the GMAT.

Your start-up experience is a plus for sure, and interesting so I'd be sure to highlight that. It's also good that you have some volunteering experience, and that you've been promoted and have strong analytical skills.

However... ideally you could still use more to help distinguish you from the large pool of technical applicants. This applicant group tends to be great with the quant and analytical and technical portions of the application and of b-school, but the concern is whether they have strong leadership, management, communication, and team work skills... more of the people skills you could say.

You will have to work hard to stand out from this pool of applicants, from others with similar backgrounds! How? Dig deep and brainstorm on what makes YOU unique... b-school admissions decisions are made holistically... it's not just based on grades or facts or stats, but on a holistic picture of the applicant and what they'll contribute to the program, who they are as a person. That is primarily evidenced through your ESSAYS, fyi!! (And interview if you get to that point.) Elements you need to convey in your application for a chance at a top rated program include:
-what past experiences and skills will benefit you in the classroom, and later in your career
-what key traits and experiences make you UNIQUE; basically, 'why YOU??' vs other applicants
-why you want the MBA, with clear short term and long term post-MBA goals
-why NOW
-why that specific school is right for you

If you lack any of the above components, you risk that another well or similarly-qualified applicant who includes all of those, will wind up getting accepted over you!

In terms of the schools you have mentioned here, Ross would be the biggest reach. When you say U of CA, do you mean UCLA?

Tepper, McCombs, and Fuqua will still be somewhat of reach schools though maybe more in-reach than Ross. Duke toughest of those 3. For more of a safety option, consider Kelley perhaps, or Kenan-Flagler, Goizueta.

The GMAT is solid, but there are a lot of other factors to consider... if you are able to really show more about you that is unique and helps you stand out, then your chances improve.

Good luck to you!