MBA Crystal Ball

I decided to take up MBA MAP after having done alot of research myself. I thought I had my story figured out and felt that a little validation couldn't hurt. What I got instead is Sameer turning my story on its head. And the funny thing is, I feel better about it now. I do not know any enlightened international MBA who has already trodden this path, and the information Sameer dug out for me is invaluable.

*fingers crossed*

All,

Whether you plan for MBA or not, MAP is an excellent way to gauge where you are and what is the next step in your career. I am more than happy to refer anyone to this process for 3 main reasons.

1. Straightforward approach - There is no cutting corners or making you feel comfortable here. Sameer asks excellent questions to understand where you are on the corporate ladder or the rat race (perspective!!). Next questions are on your post MBA career, and you need to do a lot of homework on this one and be sure of the nitty-gritties. Or you will be sweating your guts out at this point.

2. Honest Feedback - Sameer gives an accurate assessment of how your profile looks currently and how aligned it is to your future goals. Better, is your goals realistic? Are we selecting the future career just because it sounds great? (for example, Product manager). And of course, he is not running a magic ball here, he makes you work for getting the answers. For MBA aspirants, you will be getting a lowdown on all high profile B schools with your chances at this point. It does not mean that you will get into the school, but it is just to give you a reality check, temper your expectations.

3. Bang for your buck - I feel this is an excellent excercise for most lower-middle level professionals, irrespective of MBA plans. One of a kind service, Sameer is tapping into a very niche market in a way that would ensure excellent repeat business. A process more than worth every penny you pay for!

Keep it going Sameer!

Cheers,
Srini

Hello,
I've recently been through the MAP process with Sameer Kamath and I really found the whole process quite enlightening. As I answered the questionnaire before the call and Sameer's questions during the call, I realized the disconnects in my story. Sameer really helped me see my candidacy from an Admission Committee member's point of view, which I felt will be absolutely crucial when I apply.

Furthermore, during the call, there were some surprise twists that Sameer threw,(which I will not mention here ) in order to really catch me off guard and obtain the most honest answers. I feel that Sameer really helped me understand my own candidacy better. He did this through several methods, some of which, will involve work from your end, and some from his end. By the end of the whole process, I was confident about the kind of story that I wanted to tell and also my entire application strategy.

The report that you receive from Sameer, can be quite different from what you thought you would see. There were some areas where I would have liked to have more detailed information rather than the indicators that Sameer provides, but overall, the report helps to paint a picture of your profile and mentions your indicative chances at an extensive selection of B-schools. However, I feel that the ratings for the schools provided are only indicative and should never be taken at face value. They should always be evaluated in the context of your entire application, not to mention the improvement of your candidacy due to the MAP.

The most important thing about the MAP, however, is in how well YOU utilize it. Sameer is ready to answer all of your questions and listen to all of your stories. I had several questions for him before, during and after the program, and each question was answered promptly. Sameer really went above and beyond the call of duty to answer all my questions about every aspect of MBA Applications patiently. The follow up call was the most beneficial for me, as it helped me understand my weaknesses, do my due diligence, clarified all my doubts and got me ready to tackle the actual applications.

Thank you, Sameer. I now feel much more confident to approach the application process head on.

MAP Review:

I went through the (grueling) MAP process just a day back. At the end of the process, I'm in a much better position to evaluate my chances of joining a b school and the approach needed for the same.

Some observations about the MAP:
1) Practical: Two extensive sessions with Sameer where he looks at your profile through various angles, makes you realize how much scrutiny goes into every word in your applications and gives you a reality check.

2) Extensive: The report that you get during the process will really help you take informed decisions about which schools to go after, and which schools will help you realize your dreams.

3) Eye opening: The process makes you aware exactly where you CURRENTLY stand. Knowing what you're competing against is probably the biggest asset while going through the expensive college application process. Consequently, you become immediately aware of what you need to do to finish this marathon with flying colors.

Thanks a lot Sameer!! Will definitely get back in touch with you soon

Career MAP

The way MG helped me out of my dilemmas was amazing, as I have always been somewhat confused with my career. I took the Career MAP Service from MCB and the feedback, the response I received was incredible. MG talked to me like my buddy. After talking to him, I feel confident about myself and know exactly what I want out of my career.
He pushes you to do a lot of brainstorming, chalks out career plans with you. In fact sometimes he is more concerned than you are about your career. You guys are truly incredible and I am sure I am coming back to you guys to help me execute my future plans.
Thanks a lot

Anubhav

Hi

I completed my MBA MAP before a couple of days. It was a great experience as it taught me -“Know the rules, play the game.”
MAP reminded my 500 MW simulator training that I underwent in 2010. For better understanding of those who do not belong to power sector, the above training is tantamount to virtual cockpit simulation for pilots. To put it simple, I would say “Train yourself before taking the real challenge.”
MAP imitates the actual admin process – Essays, Interview, etc.,- more closely which benefits us a lot to get a macro view of the selection procedure.
Draft few common essay questions such as WHY MBA, etc., prepare for some common interview questions and then embark into MAP. We would gain more insight than what we actually expected.
Mr.Kamat's navigational assistance in our profile is the cynosure of MBA MAP.

Regards...

MAP Feedback

I started quite late with my application process and needed an accelerator. While researching schools, I stumbled upon Sameer's blog - tons of street smart advice. He seemed to make more sense than the rest; so I signed up for the MAP.

The initial essays sent me on an introspective journey for a week. When I was ready for my first call, I expected it to be a critique on the essays and a general discussion on schools to apply to. Far from that! Sameer spent first half of the call understanding my thought process and the second half analyzing it; focusing on the 'whys' rather than the 'hows'.

I come with 3 handicaps - low GMAT score, multiple job shifts & age. Sameer helped me shape my application strategy so that I am able to work around my constraints. While I could not think of the central theme of my application, he understood where I came from and nudged me till I came up with a great theme for my application.

I would recommend the MAP to anyone who wants to kickstart their apps and is willing to work hard - Sameer just wont spoon-feed you!

I was a complete nervous wreck and my application efforts were all over the place when I approached Sameer for the MBA MAP process. Sameer and his team put me at ease from the very first interaction, through their unique blend of collegiate yet professional style, which made me feel confident rather than scared about my ability to develop my own ideas, which was in direct contrast to my experiences with most other places.

As I progressed further I was amazed at their speed, honesty and clarity of thought about what was possible and what was not which resulted in highly effective suggestions to improve my approach to the application process. It is an accepted fact that the application process, more than anything, is about introspection.

The MBA MAP Questionnaire, in my opinion, is best possible tool available for a deep, meaningful, 360 degree introspection. This questionnaire, specially the essays, are the best way to prepare for any essay that any business school may require.

Following, the questionnaire comes the first call with Sameer which actually gave me a very good picture of how an admissions officer a visa officer and most importantly a prospective employer will look at my profile.

The questions made me think about myself and my goals and improved not only the way I was approaching the application process but also the way I was approaching my future career goals, and that is priceless.

Thereafter, I received the MBA MAP Report which was an eye-opener. Not only did it give me very exhaustive list of schools but it also effectively categorized such schools based on my profile which instantaneously transformed my school selection from a wild goose chase to a focused and thought out process which I believe is the difference between success and failure.

Further, the report also gave me relevant information about the cost of schools in various categories and about the compensation I may draw which was of immense assistance while selecting schools.

Finally the wrap up call with Sameer was a perfect conclusion to the process where he seamlessly tied up all the loose ends and there I was, with a perfectly aligned story and a very well thought out selection of schools and most importantly the confidence that the MBA MAP has improved my odds of success beyond my wildest expectations and that an admit in one of my dream schools is within reach.

I contacted MCB for the Career MAP and MG worked with me on this over a course of 3-4 months.

Initially, our chemistry was a little off, but MG made all efforts to understand my situation better. As we communicated and conversed more, he was able to understand me better and began adding clear value.

He was pointed and objective with all my concerns. He didn't beat around the bush and made clear what he felt will help me advance my career in the direction I wanted. Often, we disagreed with each other on what we felt was best for me. MG didn't enforce his opinion without understanding why I felt differently. This was important to me as I felt heard and like he was making suggestions based on facts and my specific constraints and interests as opposed to his "feelings".

He is also very responsive through email - till date, I feel comfortable pinging him asking for his thoughts on my career decisions. He also addressed my fears patiently no matter how silly they were.


I recommend going through this process if you are at a cross-roads and need to make a difficult decision.

I can see myself coming back to MCB for MBA MAP and Career MAP again

Hi everyone..

I scored 710 on gmat and with 3yrs of work exp at BPCL, I never thought I would be able to get admission. Things changed with MCB in picture. I was very happy and speechless while reading mail from ISB offering admission to Class of 2015.

Most of the credit for this achievement goes to MG and Sameer @ MCB. I subscribed to their MBA MAP service first and 5 school essay editing service later.

Both were truly professional and determined in helping me. I was able to built a good story for my applications and interviews.

MG for very helpful in turning the essays from bland to interesting with his magic wand. He was very frank in his feedback and always pushed me to take the extra pain till the essays were perfect.

I am very thankful to MCB team in making my dreams come true.

Warms Regards

Prudhvi