Request for profile evaluation

[rkot028]

I would appreciate an assessment of my profile and my choice of business schools.

I completed my bachelors in Electrical Engineering from one of the top 5 schools in India (IIT) and my masters from UC Irvine. My undergraduate GPA is on the lower side (3.1) while my GPA in grad school is decent (3.87). I took the GMAT a couple of weeks back and scored 710 (Q:50, V:37, AWA:4.5).

I've been working as a chip designer in the Silicon Valley for the past 4 years. My company went public public a couple of years ago and since then I've had the opportunity to work on some challenging products. I've lead the design, testing and production ramp for a product that is now bringing in around $40 million annually for my division. I've got good reviews from my supervisors and recently received a great bonus out of turn for my performance.

Given my technology background and strong analytical skills I would like to focus on Product Development and Management Consulting after completing my MBA. I plan to take the GMAT again in a month since I believe I can improve on the verbal section and get my score up to 740 or above. I would like to make up for my low undergrad GPA and also help my case for a career in management consulting.

On the extra-curricular activity front, I have been involved in a new initiative with my alumni network to connect alumni across various generations. Our local networking event was very successful and the program is being ramped to a global scale. I'm currently a co-captain for a tennis team, composed of 15 players, in a local league. I'm responsible for the team roster, play strategy and practice organization. I have also recently helped raise money for charity by completing a cycling tour.

My reach schools are UChicago and Wharton. One of my potential recommenders has an exec MBA from Wharton and I hope to get a good recommendation from him. My target schools are Berkeley-Haas, UCLA and Sloan.

Could you comment on my choice of schools? How can I distinguish myself from the "Indian, male, engineer" crowd?

Thanks
RK

[mbamission]

Hi RK,

Thanks for writing in. I think you have a potentially strong profile for these schools, especially if you get a 740 with a higher Verbal score. Although you are in male Indian engineer category, you have startup and leadership experience, and your goals seem well-defined. While it's always good to show extracurricular work outside of college, the fact that you have extracurricular leadership with both this and the tennis team is a positive.

To distinguish yourself from that group, focus your essays on your unique work and leadership experiences. It sounds like you will have a lot to talk about along those lines. Overall I agree with your assessment of "reach" and "competitive," assuming you get around that 740 you mentioned.

Good luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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