MBA Crystal Ball

Posted: **May 9th, 2016, 9:46 am**

Thank you reverting.
To confirm,you mean to say that I don't stand a chance in any of b schools with a gmat 610?I don't plan to write GRE since I have already invested a lot of time in gmat preparation.I was thinking if I should apply to schools like SP Jain and Kelley,Indiana.I don't stand a chance in even these schools?

Posted: **May 11th, 2016, 6:16 pm**

Gmataspirer1234 wrote:To confirm,you mean to say that I don't stand a chance in any of b schools with a gmat 610? I don't plan to write GRE since I have already invested a lot of time in gmat preparation.I was thinking if I should apply to schools like SP Jain and Kelley,Indiana.I don't stand a chance in even these schools?

If you've made up your mind to not go down the test prep route again, then the best option is to move ahead and apply to a few programs that you like.

The perceptions of others (including consultants like us) will be biased based on historic data of other candidates who've got into good programs.

Don't let any of that shake your confidence. Do your research about bschools and put in a few strong applications to see where you land.

Posted: **May 12th, 2016, 10:53 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: Gokuldharan10

BBA from Mumbai University. Finance and Econometrics as electives
8 years varied experience in service industry. Currently working as Operations Manager in leading premium luxury denim brand
GMAT 640 (Q50 V28)
One year MBA

With a very average gmat score of 640, will my varied work experience help me scrape through or will the colleges look for 8 yrs in the same industry

For the top one year MBA colleges in India, getting a variety of profiles isn't a big challenge, since there are so many people applying.

This unfortunately puts the GMAT in a weird situation. A high score doesn't guarantee an admit, but a low score becomes an easy target.

Is there absolutely no way you can get the score higher?

Posted: **May 12th, 2016, 11:01 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: SAYANTAN0812

MS IE NCSU, Raleigh USA
5.5 years as Corporate Planning and BD experience and 1 year of Business Consulting Experience
640(Q 48/ V 29) 9 April 2012 and 630(Q46 / V 31) 7 May 2016

I know I have a low GMAT and a good profile for SCM MBA. I did get through last round of interview for ISB but did not make it through last year Jan 2015. The response I got was low GMAT.

I was a bit surprised as knowing that I have a low GMAT my profile should have compensated and that's why I was in last round.

So my question is, should my story be to improve and grow as a professional I need an MBA in SCM or that I would like to be an entrepreneur and need an MBA?

You do have an interesting profile. I'm not surprised that ISB invited you for an interview. They have accepted candidates with GMAT scores lower than yours.

They were probably looking for other strong reasons to give you an admit.

Since they've given you direct feedback on the score, it wouldn't be very helpful to go back in without a higher score. I don't think the workaround you've asked about - to simply tweak your story a little bit - is a strong enough reason for them to accept you.

International programs not on your radar?

Posted: **May 12th, 2016, 11:08 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: Ankit267

5.5 years experience , currently working as a SPECIALIST in Insurance company
600 (Q47V25) Test Date:24th Apr 2016

I am still not able to decide which specialization to choose. As I am an introvert , I don't think I am interested in Sales & marketing roles . I am confused between Consulting or Operations ,as I don't want to work in IT anymore. What specialization should I pursue?

Most post-MBA jobs will involve managing people, money, resources - and interacting with a range of partners (employees, vendors, department heads). So you'll have to find a way to come out of your shel and manage the professional expectations.

Alternatively, continuing to grow in technical roles is an option. And for that you will probably not need an MBA.

This article would be of interest to you: Can introverts succeed in business schools?

Posted: **May 16th, 2016, 8:45 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: hyk987

B.Tech in Electrical Engineering & MBA
5.5 years. Currently Deputy Manager (Marketing, Business Development)

As I am more focused towards Oil & Gas sector, I wish to get into B schools which can help me in finding a decent place in the Oil & Gas industry though I do not have any idea which schools I should prefer at the moment. Moreover, I have done an MBA already, how does a second MBA will pan out, especially the application part? What should me my target GMAT score if I am not entirely focused on Top Ivey league colleges but more on Schools which can help me in getting a head start in an Oil Major. I am already 29, so I have self imposed restriction on going for only 1 year MBA program.?

The second MBA aspect reduces the nunber of bschools you can apply to. So rather than cutting down the list further by focussing only on OiL & Gas focussed programs (and the industry isn't doing too well either), it may be better for you to look at eligibility (rather than specialisation) and apply. Here's a list to get you started on the research:
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2013 ... ba-in-usa/

There are others in Europe too, like INSEAD.

Even if you aren't targetting the top tier colleges, there's no harm in aiming high for the GMAT score. It'll help Adcoms overlook some other not-so-favourable aspects.

Also, 29 is not too old. You'll find stories of 30+ applicants getting into good bschools. Here are a few:
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2015 ... mat-score/
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2015 ... n-fellows/

Posted: **May 16th, 2016, 10:22 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: Hiren_Physio

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
1.5 yrs as a Sr. Customer Service Associate after HSC ... 4 yrs as a Physio post Graduation
TOEFL 100 (Actual) ... GMAT 650+ (Estimated)

1) Would my profile be too weird for a MBA program? (Coz dont know any 1 who has taken this route frm Physio to MBA)
2) Would wish to pursue MBA Healthcare (Little inclined towards Sports Management). So does my profile fit any of these two specializations?
3) Schools i am targeting
Univ of Alberta
McGill Univ
MacMaster Univ
HEC Montreal
Telfer School

Not weird, but definitely unusual. Which means the challenges in presenting your profile and aspirations will be very different from what most Indian applicants.

I understand why you are targetting Canadian schools. So no disconnect there.

However several questions that come up in my mind in terms of how you plan to position yourself. If you don't want to respond to them, at least use them in your own brainstorming and strategy planning.

Your role so far in sports management has been more on the technical side in the sporting events, right? Or were you involved in the managerial aspects as well? What percentage of your time do you spend on these tasks?

How does that place you in a strong position when it comes to broader sports management roles where what you've done so far would be a very small fraction of the overall scope of work?

Will keep it short for now, and continue if you have the inclination to take the discussion further.

Posted: **May 18th, 2016, 3:04 pm**

I am sharing my profile for you to advise what options I have :

Educational :
I am a graduate Mechanical Engineer from Thapar Institute of Engineering & technology . I passed out in 2003 (CGPA 6.2 on 10 point scale).
I had been a topper throughout my schooling.

Professional:
Over last 13 years I have gained knowledge & experience in manufacturing and supply chain areas in Steel, automobile and Mining & construction equipment industries. I have worked on several projects varying form Costing, cost cutting, value analysis & Value engineering, Project management, SAP implementation, Product development and Technology transfer ,vendor development etc. during these years.
I have traveled to Europe many times and have worked in global teams extensively.

Currently I am working in a Finland based MNC, in the field of mining & construction equipment manufacturing in India as Product Development Manager.

To hone my management skills and to take my career to next level , I am looking to invest one year studying MBA from a school of global repute.
I want to take product management/operations management/General management roles after MBA.

Quitting job and studying at this stage of age & carrier will be a very big step for me (a 35 year old male) as I am married and have a 1 year old kid. Also, I do not have big savings so a lot depends on my securing big scholarship. My savings can only support my living,with wife and kid, abroad for one year.

I & My family have Australian Permanent resident Visa so Australian schools will work better for me but at the same time I am not sure about the outcome of MBA in Australia.

Could you please advise what will be the good GMAT score and which schools I should target.

I understand you will be receiving lot many queries everyday but your taking time out to guide me will matter a lot to person who really does not want let his dream go unfulfilled . I have read some blogs and have seen how you helped people realize their goals and I am writing to you expecting the same.

Regards,
M R

Posted: **May 23rd, 2016, 12:20 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: KTG-2017

B.Tech in EC from JNTU Hyd, MS From BITS Pilani
1 years, Currently Chief Engineer, IT
GRE 310 (Q165 V145)

1) I did not do people management and only handled technical scope of the project. Will this be a drawback? If so, how should I cope up for this?

2) Apart from the office work, no other side projects. Will this be a downside on my profile? If so, what can I do to improve the profile?

Not having people management after 10 years can be a downer, since Adcoms will have applications from many others who have led teams.

One way to address that is by talking about what you've done outside work.

Since that is also not a possibility, and the GRE / TOEFL scores are also low, it may be a tough ride for you specially for the good, competitive programs.

With the limited time left, the only practical improvement tip would be to retake the tests (try GMAT if GRE isn't working for you) and put in your best shot.

Posted: **May 23rd, 2016, 3:18 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: TheTimeTraveller

Integrated M. Tech from IIT (BHU)
2 years 10 months, currently Senior Application Engineer
GMAT 700 (Q49 V36)

I don't have a stellar GMAT score but planning to go with a impressive application(with your help) to compensate. Is it worth to take this shot? Is my profile good enough to give a try to the top 10?

Admission Consulting teams (including us) can only influence the impact on components like essays/recommendations. Like the GPA, the GMAT score is a completely independent and important beast to tackle, where we have no control.

So, I'd suggest not getting carried away by anyone who says their assistance will help you nullify other weak aspects of the application.

Decide for yourself if you'd have the inclination and time for a re-take. Bring consultants into the picture only after that.

If you can't get the score higher, then look at a different league of schools. There are many good options outside the top 10 that can get you the opportunities you want.

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