Request for profile evaluation

[rajgopal.y]

First of all, thanks for your time. Request you to please help in resolving the admission dilemma
My Background:
1) Over five years of total IT experience as a Techno-Functional Consultant. Worked in Japan, Taiwan and China. (Total of around 2 Years of international exposure) .
2) All five years I stayed with the same company. My expertise is in ERP deployment. I have a diversified experience and knowledge of global business process across different modules like Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, Warehouse Management and Finance implementation.
3) Bachelors in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Stood 4th in class of 64. My percentage is 70 %. I have no idea of how to calculate GPA.
4) GMAT Score: 650 80% (49 / 88% 29 / 53%)
5) Currently leading a team from India for a global implementation project.
6) I have some good leadership experience in different countries which might be helpful for my essays.
7) Took part and actively organized social initiatives through clubs but these are very less.
8) Age: 27
My interest of specialization is in entrepreneurship and general management is what i am aiming for.

My queries:
1) Should I retake the test?
2) What schools I need to target with the current score?
3) How can I calculate my GPA? I have given my GPA as 3.7 while giving the exam.
4) I am targeting 2010 admissions. Please suggest any points for improvement in my profile.

I am thinking of applying to Duke University (Fuqua) ,Stanford University ,Northwestern University (Kellogg) .Please suggest some good schools i can target for.

[mbamission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

You have a number of strengths that will be appealing to the schools and which you should emphasize in your application - your global experience, your leadership experience, and a track record of growth with one company, which should mean you'll have some strong references. You also, however, face some challenges, specifically your GMAT score, lack of recent community activities and being part of an over-represented demographic. Although of course I don't know all of the details of your story or application, from what you're telling me, Stanford and Kellogg are real stretches for you; Fuqua is a mild reach but not such a stretch that I would discourage you from applying. I would definitely recommend re-taking the GMAT, aiming for at least a 700 and for pulling up your 29 Verbal. If you do not want or have the time to take the test again or are unable to raise your score, given the competitiveness of your demographic, you may want to consider targeting schools outside of the top 20 (e.g. Emory, UT-Austin, Babson). There are excellent schools in that range that may appreciate your global leadership experience. Finally, to strengthen your application, you could also consider getting involved in one or two community activities that relate to something you did before, so that you demonstrate a continued interest in a particular area.

When you have chosen the specific schools to apply to, you can contact them directly about how to calculate your GPA. They'll be able to guide you more specifically.

Best of luck,

Sincerely,
Jessica Shklar
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

[rajgopal.y]

Hello Jessica ,

You really lifted by spirits.
Thanks for the reply. I will re-take the test.
One question,
I short listed Babson for it entrepreneurship excellence. But i am more worried about the international student's ratio and placements available. Can you shed some information on the same?

Thanks and Regards,
Raj

[mbamission]

Hello Raj,

I'm glad you found the advice helpful. Babson has a very good reputation among schools in its tier, particularly as you note regarding entrepreneurship. It also has a significant international population and therefore a solid international reputation as well. For specific information on placements, however, I think you'll find better information by contacting the school directly. I think it is a reasonable school for you to target.

Best of luck,

Sincerely,
Jessica Shklar
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